Magpie gallery finds a new home
Gallery owner Georgia Gersh moves downtown
WHEN GEORGIA GERSH closed her popular gallery Magpie Taos at the Overland Ranch complex earlier this year, right after being featured on one of this editor’s first Tempo covers, Taos’ art community mourned its loss. Magpie was long a magnet for both established and up-and-coming artists who clamored to show in Gersh’s lovingly curated space, filled with all manner of art and crafts made locally.
From the humble (a ceramic cup) to the precious, collectible art from famous painters, including her late father, the poet and painter Bill Gersh, Magpie was a veritable jewel box.
The opening receptions became legendary quickly, with such fervid attendance, oftentimes, one could not even get in the door. So when Tempo got word that Gersh had found a spot downtown, and was preparing to reopen, we immediately reached out to her.
You’ve been in relative isolation for months since closing up shop at the Overland Complex, but now you’re off the mountain, so to speak – can you tell us a little about what you’ve been up to this year?
I’ve been home for six months! And now I am quite literally off the mountain. I have really enjoyed this slow, quiet time in Lama. I am so blessed to have my 19-year-old son and his wonderful girlfriend living with me and my mom right next door. We are a good quarenteam. I painted my bathroom, worked in the yard all spring into the summer, looked at the stars, cooked and cleaned more than usual, did a lot of collage and papier-mâché. I took some hikes and drives and started doing regular yoga. I have felt extremely grateful to be where we are during this unusually uncertain time and have tried to practice not stressing and rushing (my mode), in hopes that I can carry some serenity into my work life and relationships.
A little bird tells me Magpie has found a new nest?
Magpie will reopen Oct. 1 at 218 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, unit B. It is the former Act 1 Gallery, successfully run by Anita Ellison for 14 years in this location.
Can you tell us a little about it, and when you’ll be opening?
I was going to wait to reopen, but when I looked at this space, I knew it was meant to be. It is the perfect place for me to reinvent Magpie going into my seventh year. I am easing back into it so I will have limited hours to start. I will not be hosting shows and receptions until our world is unmasked.
Magpie gallery quietly opens Oct. 1 at 218 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, unit B. Contact (781) 248-0166.