UR-05: 30 Years of Fredericks & Freiser Gallery

When Jessica Fredericks and Andrew Freiser founded Fredericks & Freiser Gallery in 1996, the art world was a different place. New York was a different place! What surviving as a gallery meant back then has changed drastically in some respects, but the core principles remain: show what you believe it, and do it with honesty and care.

The parts that have changed, indeed, are art fairs, social media, a more savvy artist and more informed collector. But Jessica and Andrew, through a program of showing estate, middle career and young, emerging artists that create what they call "psychological figuration," have weathered multiple storms and the highs and lows of the art market to have one of the most consistent programs in New York. And that is important, as they know they often give an artist their long-sought-after "first New York solo show." That, to this day, will always be a milestone.

We sat down with Jessica and Andrew the week of the Independent Art Fair, one of two big art weeks in New York during the year, just after they opened a solo show with Maria Calandra a few nights before. This is the type of schedule we wanted to know about. What makes a gallery work? What makes them interested, three decades into their careers as dealers? What are the ups? The downs? What has changed? Is New York still the epicenter of Art?

In this conversation, we talk about the early years of the gallery and how to establish a program that lasts 30 years. From being one of the first galleries in Chelsea, to the blessing of John Wesley and being one of the first galleries to show Jenna Gribbon, they have many stories to tell over 3 decades. 

That is no small feat in the gallery world, and the advice and direction both Jessica and Andrew have taken and given over the years offers an insight for all galleries starting up today.