Wall relief/installation by Paul Baumann. — Photo by Deborah Hilert

Last weekend’s BETA Spaces was so packed with art openings and events that it was almost impossible to see them all. Undaunted by the task at hand, I did my best to visit as many venues as I could and, after some deep contemplation, I’ve chosen a few artists and spaces worthy of your attention.

Friday night, Deborah, Ellen, and I headed to ISCP for their biannual Open Studios. We entered on the Grand Street side and were impressed with the high level of work on display. The studios themselves were absolutely gorgeous and there were so many talented artists in residence that I found it a bit overwhelming.

One of my favorite studios belonged to Paul Baumann. His wall relief/installations were amazing. I want them. In his blog, Baumann discusses these “collections,” specifically in reference to one called “Yellow Things.” I asked Paul for his impressions on the weekend overall.

“The weekend was tremendously enjoyable,” Baumann said. “The community here in the building is getting stronger all the time. I didn’t get to see everyone’s studio, but the ones I did visit struck me with their level of energy and enthusiasm.”

After seeing as many studios as we could, we made it to the Metropolitan entrance to check out the absolutely packed (to the point of claustrophobia) NEVERandagain opening curated by Elissa Levy. There we grabbed Kevin and made our way to Fortress to Solitude on Boerum for their Portrait Show curated by Guillermo Creus.

We were pleasantly surprised by the full house (in an empty apartment) for a pretty out-of-the-way spot. It’s always good to see Andrew Hurst and his work — I loved his collage piece. Fellow English Kills artist Don Pablo Pedro was represented with one of his beautiful paintings that was “simultaneously riveting and repulsing.”

Saturday night, I was too arted-out to make it to the giant opening at 1717 Troutman, but Carla and I did manage to venture into Ridgewood with Jessica and Paige to see Blue Wolf Gallery’s latest group show. The space was built out by its residents, including artist and musician Max Dunlop.  I’ve visited the space for several art shows and music performances and each time it gets more impressive. One stand out was Gisel Florez‘s photograph “Exquisite Taste,” and Dunlop’s newest cityscape paintings were utterly stunning.

Sunday morning I stopped in to see Brooke Moyse’s paintings at Norte Maar. Director Jason Andrew, ever the most gracious host, sent me on my way to Famous Accountants with snacks and spoke to me about his experience with BETA Spaces and yet another great show in his living room gallery.

“I continue to be amazed by the level of sincerity for quality and workmanship in the arts in Bushwick,” he said. “The paintings of Brooke Moyse, who both lives and works in our neighborhood, are a perfect example of this. With her dedication and work ethic, she demonstrates the level of sophistication that I see currently in Bushwick.”

This Sunday afternoon, catch the closing reception of NEVERandagain (scroll down). I will be sure to keep you posted on future shows at Fortress to Solitude, Norte Maar, and Blue Wolf Gallery/Studios.