TRICK OR TREAT: Haunted Artistry @ MF GALLERY

Artist: Frank Russo

Halloween is the time of year when its perfectly acceptable to be naughtier than nice while wearing something gaudy and frolicking for candy treats (the latter is my favorite). And in NYC there's plenty of shenanigans to get into in with haunted houses galore, historical haunts throughout the city & endless A-list/B-list/no list parties.

Last night, I checked out the 10th Annual Halloween Art Show at the Martina Frank (MF) Gallery in the Gowanus. The gallery created by couple and fellow artists, Martina Russo and Frank Russo, established a keen following in their original East Village location and are now residing in their new home in Brooklyn.
Thanks to a recent mention in Time Out New York, the Halloween installation was my first opportunity to visit the gallery. And I must admit it was simultaneously a bit scary and thought provoking. The mini-haunted house entrance was beyond creative. And once inside the main room there were works by so many artists that adorned the walls. The creative mediums & processes used were just as extensive from acrylic pieces of a possessed pumpkin to a mannequin head caressed by teeth.   

Artist: Angie Mason

It was incredible to also have a chance to tour the gallery and chat with Martina and Frank about what motivates them to create such crafty installations and the other novelties that the gallery offers, such as live music from heavy metal bands, a collectors haven of unique creations for their themed art shows in their merchandise store.

Artist: Johannah O'Donnell

What sets their gallery apart from the rest? To me, what makes MF Gallery great is that this couple are constant artists and outstanding curators, they welcome artists with distinctive edge to showcase their work and they do all of this from their home in Brooklyn.

Join me in checking out their next show in December "The 2012 MF Toys Show"!! See you there!

-Chante