New Ridgewood art gallery opens, calls upon local artists for exhibitions

The Center for Information Alternatives (CIA) gallery opened its doors in Ridgewood in late December and announced it will be accepting submissions from local artists to display their work in both solo and group exhibitions this summer. The deadline for artists to submit a portfolio for the chance to have a $2,000 funded solo show on the ground floor of the gallery is Saturday, Jan. 31, and the deadline for group exhibitions is Monday, Feb. 16.

The grand opening was on Sunday, Dec. 18, and featured the works of artist Julia Sinelnikova with “Seventh Helleaven,” displaying hand-cut resin sculptures and a new series of blacklight paintings.

“My immersive work, individual sculptures, paintings are ritualistically built out of many nature patterns, cuts and layers, which recurse into each other over years. These works come together in an installation format with the aim of soothing and beguiling audiences, inviting a visionary, sovereign trance,” Sinelnikova said.

Sinelnikova is also a member of the curatorial board, along with Sam Black, Akeem Duncan and Katie Cercone, all of whom have experience as artists themselves, with Sinelnikova even having been commissioned for several art installations by NYC Parks and the Department of Transportation. Representatives of the gallery made special note of the board’s experience as artists themselves, emphasizing its purpose as a “local artist and curator-run, independent space.”

On Sunday, Jan. 18, CIA will be featuring an exhibition by artist Jarid Blue with “Radiant Assembly,” a photographic and installation project using projected light to “transform bodies and spaces.” Currently, CIA gallery is open Thursdays and Sundays from 12-6 p.m. by appointment only, but will be expanding hours over the coming months after the holiday season passes.

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“It’s inspiring to see an artist-led space emerge in the neighborhood — one built with intention, curiosity and a deep understanding of what artists need to create boldly. I’ve collaborated with Julia in the past and have always admired her vision, so being part of the gallery’s early programming feels both natural and exciting,” Blue said on his upcoming exhibition. “I’m looking forward to contributing work that reflects the spirit of experimentation the space was created to champion.”

The physical address of the gallery is available upon request via email. All artists interested in displaying their work at CIA are guaranteed a portfolio review, and those accepted will begin working on installations starting April of this year, to be opened in the summer months.

Interested parties may view CIA gallery’s website to view the application or apply to become a member, with a limited number permitted, to be included in annual group exhibitions.