Karen’s quirky style celebrates art award at Salmagundi Club

The Salmagundi Club of New York is one of the oldest arts organizations in the country. It was founded in 1871 by artists and patrons to support each other. The clubhouse is located in a beautiful landmark brownstone at 47 Fifth Avenue. Originally built in 1853 for Irad Hawley, president of the Pennsylvania Coal Company, and his wife Sarah, it is the last remaining brownstone on lower Fifth Avenue and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

I have had the honour of exhibiting half a dozen photographs in the Salmagundi Club’s open photography exhibitions over the last few years. I have also pulled a number of Banksy-esque pranks there! I have illegally hung a work of art and then stolen it disguised as a burglar (with an appropriately dressed accomplice who shall remain nameless). My Salmagundi Cats break-in prank may have been the reason my membership application was rejected last year!

However, I think all is forgiven as they accepted two of my works in their 46th annual open exhibition. I was overjoyed to win an award for my photograph “Watertower Moon” which I took on the night of the first George Floyd protests in Greenwich Village in May 2020. It was a night of chaos in response to a tragic event. The streets of New York were burning, but there was peace on the rooftops.

With over 1,100 members, the non-profit Salmagundi Club hosts dozens of exciting exhibitions each year, as well as many weekly events and affordable classes open to the public. Come to the club to view the art, take a drawing class, or learn tango. Exhibition hours: Monday to Friday, 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The club has just had a small facelift at the main entrance, and more work is planned in the coming months. It takes a lot of love and affection to look great at 171 years old! Visitors are welcome to explore the first three floors of the building. The spacious salon, galleries, hallways, staircases and bar have been carefully preserved. When you walk in, you will feel as if you have travelled back to a calmer, more graceful time.

Style tips

This wintery dress in white wool crepe with a structured neckline and unique vinyl grass print wrap hem is from Andrea T New York’s first collection. I found Anthony Wang’s reflective “Ocho Toros” platform boots with a moon star motif at Buffalo Exchange, 114 West 26th Street.

Karen Rempel is a New York-based writer, model, and artist. Her column, Karen’s Quirky Style, highlights quirky clothing and places in Manhattan. For previous stories, visit https://karenqs.nyc.