The three-year-old BSB Gallery in Trenton announced that it would close August 1, following the conclusion of its current “Free Enterprise” virtual exhibit.
“As hard as we tried, we were unable to sustain its operation,” said Tom Gilmour, executive director of Trenton Downtown Association (TDA), which operates the gallery, in a statement. The loss of revenue from special events caused by the coronavirus pandemic made it impossible to support the gallery’s free programming and exhibitions.
The gallery was able to host events including receptions, Q&As with artists, and art-sharing groups through Zoom and other social media platforms.
“The response to our Zoom and live streaming social media events has been incredible,” co-curator Christy O’Connor said in a statement. “We’ve been able to reach and connect with so many more people than we normally would have. These are times people need the arts the most. I am glad we could be there for them.”
“I am a believer that the arts are an important economic driver and that we will be back,” Gilmour said. “We are sincerely grateful to everyone who participated and supported the BSB Gallery, from its patrons to its dedicated staff and beneficiaries.
“Together we created a platform that promoted and recognized the extraordinary arts and artists in Trenton, a city whose affordable studio and living space, along with its community-focused entrepreneurial spirit, continues to attract more and more creative talent.”
“Free Enterprise,” which discusses capitalism, its effects, and the ever-growing controversy of the American Dream through the creative lens of regional and international and multidisciplinary artists, can be seen online at www.bsbgallery.com through the end of July.
BSB Gallery, 143 East State Street, Suite 4, Trenton 08608. Christy O’Connor and Aine Mickey, co-curators. www.bsbgallery.com.
