Lia Gangitano, the founder of seminal downtown space Participant Inc, is interviewed in the New York Times this week, as she discusses her drive to foster an arts community independent of the city’s commercial gallery scene.  “It’s very much a labor of love — and a vow of poverty,” she says. “I have a lot of teaching jobs.”  (more…)

Kembra Pfahler installation at Participant (2012). All photos by Ryann Donnelly for Art Observed

On view through October 14 at Participant Inc. gallery in New York City’s Lower East Side is a new solo show from multi-media artist and performer, Kembra Pfahler. The sculptural objects included in the show are inspired a new song by Pfahler’s rock band, The Voluptuous Horror of Karen Black.

Opening at Participant Inc., New York City (more…)