Sean Alday speaks to Annelie McGavin.

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This interview was conducted as a 6 month follow up in June of 2012.

56B: The last time Larry and I spoke was shortly after he opened this gallery. At the time, he said that he was looking for an intern, but you’re a fulltime employee. Is that correct?

AM: I’m in the gallery three days a week and there are at least two or three additional days a week when Larry and I go on studio visits together. We’re open from Thursday to Sunday. Otherwise I’m collaborating on press releases with the artists for upcoming shows and working on things that don’t have to be done in the office.

But yes, originally Larry was looking for an intern. It became clear that someone else was needed in an authority role to help with the implementation of ideas.

56B: When did you start working here?

AM: Oh, I started here… I suppose right after you spoke with Larry in December. I got the internship through Austin Thomas, whom I met through Ben Godward. We just had good chemistry which is how I started working here officially.

56B: Do you curate any shows?

AM: Yes, Larry and I work collaboratively to curate exhibitions. The group exhibitions require more attention to keep the work together on a thematic level. We’ve only had two of those thus far.

The solo show is relatively easier. It usually involves a studio visit, a conversation and a collaborative vision on what works will be shown.

But everyone is involved in a curatorial capacity. We encourage our interns to get involved so that they have the opportunity to learn to speak about art. Which is an important skill to have.

56B: What kind of art do you like personally?

AM: I tend to like work that’s more on the conceptual side. There is work in this show [Text] that I really enjoy, John’s [Avelluto] work is something I like. I don’t think that humour in art is really necessary but there’s a lightheartedness about his practice that is enduring.

56B: What did you expect to find when you came here?

AM: I didn’t have any preconceived notions of Bushwick. I did expect to find more emerging artists. But other than that, I didn’t know what to expect. I’d never been to Bushwick. I’ve lived in Williamsburg for over a year, and my social group was there and in Manhattan.

Ben [Godward] introduced me to a lot of people out here. I didn’t look at this as a professional arena and I wasn’t necessarily a part of the scene. I can sense it changing for me, which I’m grateful for. I think that this is a great community and I’m glad to be a part of it.