At Smack Mellon, we believe that a thriving arts community is crucial to the health of New York City. For thirty years, we have consistently made space for artists to experiment, offering them opportunities to present their first solo exhibitions in NYC, exchange with artist mentors, and develop sustainable studio practices–free from the pressures of the commercial art market.
This year, as we face unprecedented funding cuts and a significant budget shortfall, we urgently need our community’s support to sustain our programs, providing rare opportunities for artists to experiment and grow.
Formed by and for artists in 1995, support for the creative process is at the core of our work. The founding artists envisioned an organization that would provide resources for women artists, who had historically been excluded from institutional opportunities and commercial spaces. Over the years, we expanded our priorities, developing an ethos of inclusion that remains central to our being today.
Our programs support the whole of an artist’s career, starting with mentorship for teens, space and critical resources for emerging artists, and exhibition opportunities for under-recognized mid-career artists. We are proud to facilitate important visibility for artists at critical points in their careers–taking risks where other institutions can’t.
In 2025 alone, we have supported 75+ artists in presenting their first solo exhibitions in NYC, exchanging with artist mentors, and developing sustainable studio practices. 75% identified as BIPOC, 80% as women, trans, or non-binary, and 50% LGBTQIA—those who need our support now, more than ever. We’ve reached 20,000+ audience members, meaningfully engaging our community in artists’ practices through exhibitions, public programming, and open studios.
Our end-of-year fundraising goal is ambitious: $150,000 is needed to sustain the programs that make Smack Mellon a unique home for artists. Every dollar helps us close this funding gap before December 31. Make a donation today.
Hear from our alumni
In celebration of Smack Mellon’s 30 years in support of artists, we asked alumni of our programs to share the impact Smack Mellon has made on their creative practices over the last three decades.
Cecile Chong, artist and current Board Co-Chair, has played a critical role at Smack Mellon for a decade, having served as an Art Ready mentor in 2015-16 and presented her solo exhibition _other Nature in 2020.
“Smack Mellon gave me the space and support to see my practice as both grounded and expansive. It’s a place that truly nurtures artists’ voices and experimentation. As Smack Mellon celebrates 30 years of supporting artists and championing creative vision, I invite you to join me in honoring this incredible community by donating to sustain its next chapter.”
—Cecile Chong
Beginning as a teen in our education program, Madjeen Isaac grew her practice in our Artist Studio residency, served as a mentor to public school teens in Art Ready, and presented her solo show Come As You Are, This Is Our Battle Too in 2024.
“For over a decade, Smack Mellon nurtured me through my artistic journey. As a teen in 2012, participating in their former Summer Art Intensive Program left me feeling whole and became the foundation for my path. Fast forward to 2023-24, returning as a Studio Artist and presenting my solo exhibition was a full-circle moment! It reminded me that my commitment to pursuing the arts was first rooted here and was deeply affirmed.
I’m endlessly grateful to have grown with Smack Mellon!”
—Madjeen Isaac
Jennifer Dalton grew her practice in our Artist Studio residency (2005-06), presented her solo exhibition, Jennifer Dalton is a Scientist – Not! (photo below) in 2008, and served on our Board.
“For about a year I created postcard surveys for Smack Mellon visitors to weigh in on political and artistic topics, and presented some of the results in the exhibition. The title was taken from an anonymous response on one of the surveys and I’m sure it was not intended as a compliment, but I’ve treasured it since as an artistic mantra.
From my time as a resident artist, to the year of surveys, to this exhibition, to serving on its board, Smack Mellon has been a formative element in my artistic development and I am forever grateful!”
—Jennifer Dalton
Earlier this year, Pallavi Surana curated Remains to be seen, which brought together nine artists whose practices probe the afterlives of waste in relation to memory, ecology, consumerism, and identity.
“To say that the experience of working at Smack Mellon as an emerging curator trying to work independently in New York was life changing would be an understatement. I felt welcomed into a network of artists and thinkers that the institution has thoughtfully inculcated over many years.
But the installation period (pictured above) was my favourite. The ability to see an idea come to life, working with wonderful people (Rachel, Maryam, Frances, Javier, John, and Kathleen) is something that one can’t take for granted! I felt heard, seen, and did all of that with a sense of pure joy! It was truly an unforgettable experience.”
—Pallavi Surana