SPOTLIGHT
Fairchild Fries, Founder of ABRI MARS (#4 on UAW Map)
Can you tell us a little bit about what you do? And how long you’ve been in your current position. In September 2024, I opened ABRI MARS, a contemporary art gallery based in the Lower East Side with a focus on showcasing emerging artists from international backgrounds. I've been close to the art world my entire life, and as a career-long visual designer, I’ve admired, been influenced by, and have collaborated with artists for years. My desire to engage directly with the art world was formalized after completeing a comprehensive courseload in 2024.
Use three words to describe yourself: curious, resourceful, and appreciative
What brought you to the Hudson Valley/Catskill Mountains? Growing up between Vermont and Belgium, I found a comforting connection to the international community and natural beauty across the Hudson Valley.
What do you love about your job? The ability to contribute to something that I believe is essential, even in a small way.
What exciting things do you have planned for UAW? I’m incredibly excited about organizing a collective presentation of NYC-based galleries titled “Loading....” at The Caboose in Hudson. In collaboration with my friend and gallerist Broc of Post Times Gallery, we’ll be bringing together other NYC-based galleries such as Dutton Gallery and Franklin Parrasch Gallery, among others, under one roof in the stunning space across from the Hudson Amtrak Station. Together, we’ll present a diverse range of curated works showcasing new voices in contemporary art in Hudson Valley for the first time.
Best place near you to get:
Hudson Valley:
Breakfast? Village Coffee
Lunch? Kitty’s
Dinner? Stissing House
NYC:
Breakfast? Smør
Lunch? Son Del North
Dinner? Rolo’s
What’s your favorite local store? A.Therien in Cairo. Stephen’s sourcing, curation and vision is inspiring, and worth a trip to say hi to Hamish 🐾
What’s your favorite art/creative space to visit? I think Dia: Beacon is one of the most inspiring institutions in the world. There hasn’t been a time I’ve visited and wasn’t left unchanged or infused with inspiration.
What is one tip for people experiencing UAW for the first time? This will be a new experience for me as a participating gallery, although I would suggest to focus on the unique spaces, experiences, and installations that would not typically be there year round.
What is a fun fact about you that might surprise people? English is my second language.
Now for the speed round! Pick one or the other:
Valley or mountains? Valley
Car or train? Train
Walk or hike? Walk
Sun or snow? Tough one… as a Vermonter I love my snowy maple syrup season, but also love some sun… I’m a fan of the seasons… sun, snow, rain, crisp mornings, humid evenings, I’m here for it all.
Indoors or outdoors? Outdoors
Diner or restaurant? Restaurant
Market or shop? Farmer's market!
Clear or clouds? Clear crisp blue
Sunglasses or hat? Hat
Abstract or realist? Abstract
Contemporary or modern? Oof that’s hard… modern icons like Magritte began my art obsession as a child and are the foundation of contemporary, so I’d have to go with modern.
Sculpture or painting? Ooof… wow… so hard… Constantin Meunier was a sculptor who also shaped my admiration for the art world from an early age, and is still a fixture for me to this day. If I had to choose, I would say sculpture. What can be achieved on a 2-dimensional plane is endlessly moving, but I feel we’re still exploring the edges of what’s possible on a 3-dimensional plane, which is incredibly exciting.
IRL or digital? IRL
Look or listen? Look deeply, and that curiosity will lead to a desire to listen.
See or feel? Feel, then you’ll know how to see.