2009-J5315
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Kentler International Drawing Space
upon the occasion of its 100 Works on Paper Benefit on May 13, 2010
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality and
character of life in the State of New York are reflective of the
concerned and dedicated efforts of organizations and individuals whose
endeavors support and enrich the arts in their communities; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Kentler International Drawing Space (K.I.D.S.) upon the occasion of its
100 Works on Paper Benefit to be held at the Kentler Gallery on Thurs-
day, May 13, 2010; and
WHEREAS, Kentler International Drawing Space's eighth annual benefit,
100 Works on Paper, celebrates 20 years of exhibitions and public
programs; over 100 artists have generously donated 154 original artworks
representative of the diversity and innovation in drawings and works on
paper today to help support Kentler's vital programs including exhibi-
tions and events, the Kentler Flatfiles and K.I.D.S. Art Education
Program; and
WHEREAS, Kentler International Drawing Space, located in Red Hook,
Brooklyn, is dedicated to bringing important and timely contemporary
drawings and works on paper to the public by local, national and inter-
national artists; and
WHEREAS, The Kentler gallery, founded as a non-profit space by artists
Florence Neal and Scott Pfaffman, opened its doors in April of 1990 and
quickly became the focus of a burgeoning artist's community in this
historic, inspiring area of New York City; and
WHEREAS, Located in a storefront in a building built by the Kentler
family as a men's haberdashery in 1877, the gallery faces Van Brunt
Street, a busy commercial avenue, which helps make it especially acces-
sible to the public as its glass doors face a bus stop, attracting
notice and visitors who might otherwise have little opportunity to meet
artists or to see new works of art; and
WHEREAS, The Kentler Flatfiles, consisting of drawings and works on
paper by over 130 artists, have been an essential element of the gallery
since its founding; they have become an important resource and are
available for viewing by artists, collectors, curators and the general
public by appointment; and
WHEREAS, K.I.D.S. Art Education Program, begun in 2004, brings local
public school classes from PS 27, PS 15 and PS 146 to Kentler Interna-
tional Drawing Space for a 90-minute art appreciation and hands-on art
making experience; two art educators lead the class visits which help
develop the students' ability to express themselves through art and
encourage critical and independent thinking about visual culture; an
in-school post-gallery visit per class also serves to bridge the gallery
experience with the classroom; and
WHEREAS, Kentler International Drawing Space, partnering with Good
Shepherd Services, Red Hook Initiative and Red Hook Community Justice
Center, also offers After School Programs and, in addition, it makes
Drawing Together, Saturday art workshops for families available; and
WHEREAS, Kentler International Drawing Space has given New York expo-
sure to more than 1,000 artists from around the country and around the
world; it presents shows of contemporary drawings and works on paper by
emerging and under-recognized local, national and international artists
and works energetically and creatively to integrate its shows into the
cultural fabric of the community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Kentler International Drawing Space (K.I.D.S.) upon the occasion
of its 100 Works on Paper Benefit on May 13, 2010, noting with pride its
significant accomplishments, enduring commitment and enrichment of the
lives of others; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Kentler International Drawing Space, 353 Van Brunt Street,
Brooklyn, New York 11231.