Appreciating art has always been intensely personal—what appeals to one person may not even begin to catch the eye of another. That’s a reality never far from mind for Oshi Rabin, executive director of the Mahlstedt Gallery (415 Huguenot St, New Rochelle 914-246-0526; www.jam415.com), a New Rochelle hotspot and one of its newest art galleries.
In fact, personal preference is a driving force behind the gallery’s Bespoke Collection—art that’s customized for personal spaces. For homeowners, interior designers, and seasoned art collectors, this in-house collection provides original contemporary custom works in a wide range of media and scales.
“We work with clients to meet their need and vision,” Rabin explains. “Our recommendations of specific works are based on our experience in the market, trends in colors, as well as the style of the home or business.”
A historical building frames the avant-garde works.
The process for acquiring the personalized pieces begins with a comprehensive art consultation either at the gallery or at a client’s home. And it all starts with an idea. “We encourage clients to come with an idea of what they like,” says Rabin, a bronze sculptor and passionate art collector. “We can then find the artist and the art they’ll love within the specs, the space, and the budget.”
But, this personal collaboration isn’t considered complete until the carefully curated artwork is successfully installed. “Curating art takes a long time,” Rabin notes. “We have a team of people involved to make a vision come to life.”
The Bespoke Collection is just one aspect of the diverse contemporary gallery that was launched in 2012 by Rabin and her husband Ephraim Rabin, CEO of Parchem Fine & Specialty Chemicals. Mahlstedt Gallery, occupying the landmark Mahlstedt Lumber and Coal Company building, continues to showcase emerging and established international artists through rotating cutting-edge exhibits.
