[aticc] Gallery/Boutique Moves to Brooklyn

For the last 18 months [aticc] Boutique/Gallery has added flavor to New London by providing an outlet for its blossoming art community to show and express itself.  Owners Denny Rivera and Kristin Gallagher found success by supporting artists who created work that was fresh, funky and eccentric.

If you want to run a successful gallery "Do everything that people tell you not to do," says Gallagher.  "Don't let anyone hold you back…individuality is very important."

After every seasonal fashion show [aticc] was the one stop shop to pick up the latest unique trends in locally fabricated New London style. It also served as a central hub for local crafters to sell their handmade products from bracelets made of old vinyl records to notepads and cards with unique block or screen printing.

As well as being a popular boutique [aticc] has hosted numerous art gallery shows featuring many of New London's artists including Elaine Chung's "True Love" installation and Sgott Mackenzie's "Clowns Make Babies Cry."  "The openings at [aticc] always had a fun and welcoming atmosphere…it was like we were all family," says New London artist Allen Glidden.

After testing the waters of New London Rivera and Gallagher have decided to move on to bigger things by relocating the gallery/boutique to New York City.  "New London is a great place to get started because there is so much local support, but to really prosper we need a bigger city," says Gallagher. 

Evidence of [attic]'s influence can be seen everywhere in New London on locals sporting their jewelry and clothing including paraphernalia from local bands.  "I love seeing people wearing our products…it lets you know that they appreciate it…but it's time for a new challenge," says Gallagher. "I've wanted to live in New York since I was a little girl."

Before it was a store front, the space was used as a painting studio and gallery.  The new space will be able to support the best of both worlds as Rivera and Gallagher are "looking forward to moving into a bigger space…with room for an art studio as well."

In true New London style, they went out with a bang, throwing a huge closing party at the Oasis pub on Bank Street.  There was a great turnout and lots of support all the way to the end as patrons came out in droves to see their favorite boutique off to the Big Apple.  The event featured live painting by Denny Rivera, Raffles of [aticc] merchandise and music by the Stepkids (newly signed to Stones Throw Records) and New London's own DJ Sir Round Sound.

New London artists hoping to show in the attic should not fear that the opportunity has been lost.  The Attic fully intends to be a link between New London and New York City by featuring New London artists in monthly art shows.  "I'm sad that they are leaving the area, but it's great that they're moving on to bigger things…and I can't wait to have an opportunity to show my work in New York," says Mackenzie

Although they have not finalized a location Gallagher and Rivera are certain that Williamsburg Brooklyn is where they would like to land.  The goal is to have the new shop and gallery space up and running by February.  Look for future updates on New London artists showing in the Big City.