Artist Elizabeth Sutton is a true pioneer. While many new artists struggle to fully support themselves through art, Sutton’s unique approach and aesthetic really made him shine. While her heart has always been in painting, she has also made a name for herself through licensing everything from kitchen and bathroom tiles in collaboration with TileBar, to rugs with Rugs America, to office chairs with The Raynor Group. So it’s no surprise that she recently opened a pop-up gallery, studio and retail experience for solo artists in West Chelsea. Sutton believes she is the first female artist to do this.
Located at 550 West 29th Street, between Tenth and Eleventh Avenues, it is a few blocks south of Hudson Yards and just north of the famous Gagosian Gallery. Measuring approximately 5,200 square feet, it is as expansive as it is chic.
A hybrid workspace
Although walking into an art gallery can seem very intimidating, Sutton’s space was created to feel the exact opposite of that. “My goal is to stand out from the other boring and traditional galleries in the Chelsea area, because I am the artist and not just a gallerist,” explains the artist.
Although she designed the raw space to be happy and joyful, it is also intentionally accessible. “You can touch, feel and buy my various collections including fashion accessories, table tops, tiles, rugs, prints, wallpaper and artwork among others while looking at me action. You get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative and business elements of my work.
While Sutton’s original works don’t come cheap (his original paintings start at around $5,000), his other offerings are more approachably priced. The space also allows him to exhibit one-of-a-kind works like a Blatt pool table, the first time the artist has presented this work to the public.
Artist in residence
Sutton is incredibly excited to not only use this space to work, but also to connect with her community. “You can expect me to be in the studio most Monday through Friday, painting live while working in real time with my team, whether it’s photoshoots, art, or even just general administrative aspects of the business. I also organize a lot of events and fundraisers,” she says.
The large square footage (especially for New York City) gives her the flexibility to do what she wants, with the space fully integrating all aspects of her business. “This is a fully functioning art studio that needs to function and function in line with my creative needs. It’s a priority, but it’s also what makes the space dynamic and interesting, beyond the average retail store or gallery experience,” says Sutton. “Imagine you saw Coco Chanel sewing a dress when you entered a Chanel boutique?
It’s also a full-circle moment for the entrepreneur. In 2020, Sutton completed the four luxury penthouses for the residential space above the gallery. “Retail space is the last square footage still available for purchase. However, this is unfortunately beyond my budget. But this is truly my happy place and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be here at this time. It marks a sense of accomplishment and success that is beyond my wildest imagination, coming from where I was just eight years ago when I started.
And after
Sutton recently launched its first tableware collection, which includes melamine tableware, faux linen napkins and vinyl placemats. While that’s not a bad thing, the item sold out faster than expected. However, she is trying to make these products available again soon.
The artist also recently launched another tile collection with TileBar called Meta Collection, which is currently on display at the gallery, with a new collection launching in 2024, as well as his first vanity collection.
2024 will surely be a major year for Sutton. Its tile collections are expected to be installed in major hotel projects including the new Fairmont Hotel in Long Beach, Essex House New York, CapitalOne Cafe, El Conquistador in Puerto Rico and Kissaki Miami.
On top of all this, the iconic Malliouhana Resort in Anguilla, which recently transferred management to Storey Hotel Group, will collaborate with Sutton to create unique artwork, products and artistic programming for hotel guests this coming spring in honor of their 40th anniversary .