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Christmastime is here and with it, all of the usual shopping, schlepping and building lobbies filled with Amazon packages just waiting for you to trip over. But if you’re looking for an unusual gift idea, or a distraction from Yuletide stress that doesn’t involve the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree or other tourist spot, may we suggest something, well, artsy. BravinLee programs, a gallery located in Chelsea, is hosting an exhibition of “ornaments” created by artists, some of them available to buy at fairly reasonable prices.
Titled “Ho Hum All Ye Faithful,” the exhibit is the third in a series the gallery has intermittently mounted over the years. The first was way back in 1991, followed by another in 2007. This edition closes out the 2010s with contributions by several dozen artists.
Photograph: Courtesy BravinLee programs
There are a couple of things to consider when approaching the show. First, the term “ornament” is used rather loosely, as the selection features drawings, paintings and sculptural objects, as well as signs of the season you can hang on your tree. Prices start as low as $40, with the upper range of what might be considered affordable reaching $600. (If you can spend north of that, then fine, great, it’s a wonderful life for you and a sucky one for the rest of us.)
Photograph: Courtesy BravinLee programs
As to what to look for, check out Aaron Zimmerman’s Art Handler’s Tree Topper, a five-pointed star made out of box-cutters, the eponymous profession’s signature tool. And if you’re looking for a woke opportunity to smooch with your bae at the office party, there’s Jac Lahav’s RBG Mistletoe, which totally rules with a drawing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. More WTF is Gabe Langholtz’s titty ornament, though it promises the breast Xmas ever.
Photograph: Courtesy BravinLee programs
“Ho Hum All Ye Faithful” has its opening tomorrow from 6pm to 8pm at 526 West 26th Street, room #211 and is on view Tuesday through Friday 11am to 5pm until January 25.