We had a wonderful time interviewing Kate Oh about her Gallery ….

Find our Interview Transcript below!

(interview by Mega)

1.     What types of artwork do you exhibit? 

The Kate Oh Gallery exhibits artists who work in a range of media including works on paper and paintings to sculpture, performance, and installations. The mission of the gallery is to advocate for the work of both well-known as well as emerging artists through exhibitions and introduce them to collectors and the general public. 

2.     What do you love most about the Madison Avenue Gallery Walk?

I love how the Madison Avenue Gallery Walk provides an opportunity for individuals who may have felt intimidated by galleries or entering art spaces to come in and experience art. Oftentimes, people feel nervous to enter especially if they are not familiar with art, but on this day, I feel that the gallery doors are specifically open for these folks to come in and view the art. I strongly believe that art should be accessible to everyone, so I am an enthusiastic advocate, supporter, and participant of the gallery walk. 

3.     How long have you been operating this gallery?

The gallery has been operating since 2017, so we are currently in our 6th year. 

4.     What type of art do you allow in your gallery?

I look to establish a broad range of partnerships that will create opportunities for artists to expand their practice. So, I have in place an exhibition program that is both diverse and inclusive, showcasing the works of artists around the world

5.     Is the gallery open by appointment only?

No, the gallery is open Tuesday-Sunday from 11am – 6pm and is open to anyone who wants to view the artwork. To view more of the artwork the gallery has, appointments can be arranged.

6.     How do you give back to the community?

I have an emerging artist nonprofit organization that operates out of the gallery through a Minhwa One Day Class that takes place on Sundays and Mondays from 11am – 1pm. Students from the community who take this course have the opportunity to exhibit their work alongside my students from Rutgers University twice a year at the end of the spring and fall semesters. This is part of my desire to also expose my community in NYC to Korean culture. 

7.     What makes you passionate about it and having a gallery here in the Upper East Side?

I think providing a platform for up-and-coming artists and sharing my culture with those around me drives my passion to grow my gallery’s reach in the Upper East Side. I am also personally an artist, so having the perspective of both the artist and the gallery owner makes me want to provide the best experience for the artists who come through my gallery. 

8.     Many galleries were closed during the Covid outbreak… but you were open the whole time… given protocols… how did you survive as a gallery during the COVID outbreak in the last 3 years?

Luckily, with social media and online advertising, I learned how to utilize these online tools to better promote my artwork as well as other artist’s. 

9.     How do you differentiate yourself from other galleries on the Upper East Side who typically promote famous artists? 

I am primarily interested in promoting artists who are emerging and beginning to make waves in the art world. I do promote these artists and believe that these emerging artists that come and exhibit at my gallery will continue to grow successful and become renowned talents.