Highlighting the traditional role of the loft in the history and romanticism of the New York art scene, Like the Spice art gallery has teamed up with aptsandlofts.com in Wiliamsburg to solicit work drawn from Brooklyn's up-and-coming contemporary art scene. 44B asks local artists to pursue "unexpected interpretations of sofas, cabinets, toothbrushes, houseplants and all the varied accoutrements of modern living." In other words, artists are encouraged to use the rooms, the architectural/industrial details, and the fabric of the kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and living spaces to weave into their personal statements and pieces.

The show, not surprisingly, takes place in the apartments that are for rent right now. "Like an open-house in Wonderland, this exhibition will welcome art enthusiasts and apartment hunters alike to wander a space furnished from the fevered imagination of New York's art community." It opens on June 4, 2009, at 44 Berry Street, at the corner of Berry and North 11th Streets, with a reception from 6 - 8pm.

Shana Bowes, Director of Marketing for aptsandlofts.com, notes that, "This is one of those events that makes sense to us on many levels, where we can support and promote the local art scene, showcase this interesting and historic old seltzer factory that was just converted to residential use, and host an event for the community all at once." For those who want an example of the practical application of art to life - this is the show for you.

The panel of curators who chose the pieces included Marisa Sage, owner of Like the Spice Gallery and President of the Williamsburg Gallery Association; Tariq Kassum, a self-described art enthusiast; and Shana Bowes. Marisa Sage, whose gallery has been in Williamsburg for almost 3 years says, "It's an unexpected collaboration, a real-estate office and a gallery - two businesses that seem so disparate - using the contemporary loft as an untraditional venue for the continued showcasing of arts in Williamsburg."

The artists who will be showing include Hugh Laughlin + Francesco Galetto, Christine Sciulli, Cara Despain, Michelle Scourtos, Sarah Bednarek, Eric Parnes, Nora Herting, Eric Wolfe, Rebecca Weber, Adam Collision, Catherine Starr, Amber Cowan, John Zaso, Thomas Bell, Donna Brady, Graham Slick, Thomas Keely, Rachel Beach, Nicole Stager, Dean Goelz, and Henry Kielmanowicz.

aptsandlofts.com is a six-year old marketing and sales firm based in Williamsburg. It handles residential and investment sales in Williamsburg and East Williamsburg, Long Island City, Greenpoint, Ridgewood, Prospect Heights, Park Slope, Fort Greene, Bedford Stuyvesant, Bushwick and DUMBO.