HOW IT ALL BEGAN

Take yourself back a decade; Brooklyn was teeming with artists, and everyone you knew was moving to the borough’s tree-lined streets; launching the next chapter of their domestic adventure. One afternoon, full of vim and enjoying something especially tasty at Iris Cafe on Columbia Place (now sadly long gone), the notion arose among three friends, Eliza Alsop, Whitney Carr and Macon Jessop, that connections should be made between the artists that were capturing their attention and their new neighbors. The vision: create a bridge through pop-up events, an easy and casual way for people to meet wildly talented local artists, engage with their work and chat with other Brooklynites. And, if the art on view speaks to pop-up goers, it would be for sale, and reasonably priced. Fun was paramount; we wanted to create a foil to the traditional, often stiff, gallery experience. In 2013, three partners founded 3walls; one worked in the arts, one in sports management and the third was a reading specialist.

In 2016, Bevin Cline joined 3walls after a long run in the Decorative Arts department at Christie's. And, in 2022, Eliza left 3walls for graduate school (we miss you, Eliza!). So, for a stretch of six years, 3walls had four partners, which was confusing to many— “why aren't you 4walls?” It was a fair question! 

In addition to helping 3walls’ clients find art they love, supporting and promoting Brooklyn artists is what the 3wallser with the sports management background (hi Whitney!) would call mission-critical. By creating pop-ups instead of a brick-and-mortar shop, 3walls can give back a larger percentage of the sales price to artists than in the typical gallery model.

First 3walls pop-ups graced our homes and then other people's homes. Larger and larger events at commercial spaces are now part of our act – local stores, the occasional office lobby, a restaurant, a gallery in Chelsea reached out and so that happened, BRIC Arts Media got in on the act, a connection at a gallery in Marin County, CA is now a staple (thank you Sarah Shepard!). Rented spaces are also on the roster these days; booths at numerous art fairs. Storefronts and a well-known art center (enter The Invisible Dog) are some of our favorite spots. Changing the spaces means all our events have a memorable location and unique look, feel and, dare I say, smell — OMG, thank you Amy at Seaport Flowers. (By the way, it’s really fun and rewarding to be part of a 3walls event. The hard work of the 3wallsers makes providing a venue in one's home or commercial space easy and it is a delight to see old friends and new light up in front of the moving, appealing and even provocative art on display in your magically momentarily transformed space.) 

Pop-ups naturally led to our private client business, which is now the largest part of what we do though the events that launched us remain dear to our heart. People remember our stand-out artists and reach out regularly for help with a gift of artwork for a friend or one or two pieces to fill specific spots or even their whole apartments, houses, or offices.  

3walls pop up at The Invisible Dog, 2022.

Ten years in, we are proud to say we create experiences that make looking at and buying art joyful as, together with our clients, we continue to support our artist community. Reach out if you would like to be on the mailing list for events or would like to talk to us about private sales. We’d love to work with you!

Bevin, Macon and Whitney