Our Mission
Bowery Art Collective (BAC) is a nonprofit artist incubator dedicated to advancing the careers of emerging artists, curators, and educators while using the transformative power of art to build stronger communities.
Through exhibitions, educational programs, and collaborative projects, we create opportunities for artists and audiences from diverse backgrounds to engage in meaningful dialogue, challenge perspectives, and foster understanding. We believe art can bridge divides, inspire empathy, and strengthen the relationships that create more inclusive and compassionate communities.
Building Communities Through the Transformative Power of Art
Bowery Art Collective is a 501(c)(3) public charity where emerging creatives gain the experience, mentorship, and professional opportunities needed to launch sustainable artistic careers. Bowery focuses on high school and college students and emerging artists to help them exhibit and sell their work, learn the business of art, develop curatorial and leadership skills, and connect with artists, educators, and cultural organizations.
At the same time, every BAC exhibition is designed to serve the broader community. By bringing together artists and audiences around shared themes, we create spaces for cultural exchange, thoughtful conversation, and collaboration. Our programs demonstrate how art can educate, heal, and unite people across cultures, generations, and lived experiences.
In a nutshell, Bowery Art Collective doesn't simply talk about supporting artists—we do it. We listen, mentor, collaborate, and invest in every artist who walks through our doors. We are not interested in creating the easiest exhibition; we are committed to creating meaningful ones. We seek artists with a distinct voice, a compelling message, and a desire to make the world a little better, one exhibition at a time.
At Bowery, we don't just hang paintings—we create conversations. We invite viewers to engage with the work, ask questions, and connect with the ideas behind it. Art that sparks dialogue doesn't end on opening night or remain confined to the gallery walls. It continues to resonate, inspiring reflection, understanding, and lasting human connection.
Our Board
Arianna Astuni
Arianna Astuni is Co-founder of the Emerging Curator Mission and Executive Director of the Bowery Art Collective. She serves on the Highland Park Arts Commission, leads the Highland Park Poetry Festival, hosts Poets Wednesday at the Barron Arts Center, and works as a teaching artist, teaching prose and poetry at local libraries and organizations such as Raíces Cultural Center. She is also the Co- President of Integrated Educational Services, where she has taught English for over 20 years.
Executive Director
Khalid Khashoggi
A Princeton University graduate, Khalid Khashoggi is a curator, educator, and entrepreneur with more than 40 years of experience in business, education, and the arts. He co-founded Integrated Educational Services, a New Jersey college preparatory academy that has helped over 15,000 students prepare for the SAT and gain admission to top colleges since 2003. As Creator and Director of Bowery Art Collective, Khalid champions emerging artists through innovative exhibitions, providing a platform for new voices while helping launch the careers of contemporary artists.
President/TrusteeRenee Cassidy
Renée Cassidy (b. 1999) is a Malaysian-American interdisciplinary artist and olfactory artist based in New York City exploring the ties between memory, ecology, and emotion through the medium of scent. She splits her time between working as a junior perfumer at the award-winning niche fragrance house Parfums Quartana and overseeing projects as the creative director of Bowery Art Collective.
Creative Director
Allison Wong
Board Member
Allison is a NJ based artist who uses both traditional and digital mediums. She works as a live event artist where she draws portraits and fashion sketches at parties. She loves painting animals, especially horses, and traveling with her sketchbook by her side to capture different sights around the world.
Colleen McCabe
Colleen has worked as a School Counselor for 15 years and currently serves students in a Pre-K and Kindergarten school. As the Anti-Bullying Specialist and Homeless Liaison, she connect children and families with resources while coordinating Thanksgiving meals and holiday toy donations. She enjoys weightlifting, music, and travel.
Board Member“Discovering the Bowery Art Collective was a defining moment in my artistic journey and taught me how to practice creative expression authentically through my artwork. The community has provided me with the courage and inspiration to explore my connection with producing artwork while encouraging my imagination. I have been involved with the collective for several years now and have had many opportunities to meet other student artists, learn from professional artists and connect with art enthusiasts who are passionate about supporting young creatives. Reflecting on my experiences, the collective has pushed me out of my comfort zone and I am grateful for the Bowery Art Collective’s dedication to helping young artists in their artistic ambitions.”
-Michelle Shum
Stony Brook University Senior
Testamonials
“The Bowery Art Collective has helped me venture further into the art world, connect with others in the art community, and better my personal skills. Holding art workshops have taught me how to lead whilst improving my art skills and holding events have broadened my sense of management. Before the Bowery, I didn’t have much motivation but immersing myself in a supportive environment has helped me reconnect with art and I hope to continue it forever.”
-Cindy Li
Metuchen High School Senior, Bowery’s 2023 Art Education Fellow
“The Bowery Art Collective provided my band and a whole community with the crossover between art forms - jazz and visual art. When I approached Khalid and Arianna about my jazz combo playing at an art show, they were quick to propose the idea of a jazz-themed art show. I was able to work with them on the art show, allowing me to learn and grow as a bandleader and musician. I was amazed at the art created for the event and how it enhanced my band's music. I, for one, learned how much two art forms complement and advance one another. It is clear to me that the Bowery Art Collective always has this goal of advancing the appreciation of art in mind. I look forward to seeing what other ideas the Bowery nurtures because I am blown away by the creativity and ingenuity of every one of their shows!”
-JJ Wyetzner
“I am grateful for the Bowery Art Collective’s unwavering dedication to nurturing young artists. Their commitment to supporting emerging artist through various initiatives such as art sales, exhibitions, and curatorial programs is truly commendable.
Having had the opportunity to curate a show within their space was a transformative experience for me. It allowed me to bring together incredible artists, creating a captivating exhibition that resonated deeply with our audience. This opportunity has been invaluable to my growth as a curator and artist, and I am truly thankful for the platform the Bowery Art Collective provided me at this pivotal point in my career.”
-Sandra Kyeraa
Mason Gross School of The Arts MFA, First Emerging Curator fellow 2024
“I first discovered Bowery Art Collective in December of 2022, and after hearing about their mission, I instantly knew this is something I wanted to be a part of. As a current member of Bowery’s team since January 2023, I can say that Bowery has continued to amaze me in what it does for young student artists. It’s a blessing to be able to directly see how Bowery positively impacts the growth of young students, and encourages their dreams like no other gallery would. It’s apparent to all that Bowery truly cares about its students and their goals, and has a deep appreciation for the arts/ art community.
I have personally benefited from Bowery as I have been able to learn the ins and outs of the business side in the art world, as I aspire to one day own my own gallery. Additionally, being part of the Emerging Curator Fellowship Program has given me an amazing opportunity to continue my practice in curating, installation, art handling, artist connections, and more! I’ve made great connections through Bowery, and I’ll be forever grateful to them for providing me with their space and resources to continue to grow as an eager, emerging artist!”
-Catie Lee
Mason Gross School of The Arts BFA Senior, Bowery Art Collective gallery assistant, 2024 Emerging Curator Fellow
"Working at the Bowery Art Collective has been an interesting and nourishing experience. I have learned many diverse perspectives! Teaching people art has taught me so many new things. I started in June of 2023 and currently still work there. Each class has been a different environment filled with students eager to learn. The Bowery Art Collective has become a safe group of inspired artists bringing their own styles into one. I have loved every moment of working there and am grateful for such a wonderful opportunity."
-Marisol Torres
Metuchen High School Senior, Bowery’s 2023 Art Education Fellow
“My almost 13 year-old daughter Valentina showed interest in art as soon as I handed her some kid- friendly paint and the big toddler sized crayons at around 15 months old. I never imagined though at that age, how invested she would become in the craft! When she hit the fourth grade, I enrolled her in art classes and each time, the art teacher would place her with students who were high school aged. As someone who has a background in the performing arts, I know how important it is to have support as an artist, but I really don’t know a lot about the visual arts. My goal as her parent has always been to support her and try to find opportunities for her, so when I heard about the Bowery Art Collective, I was so happy to realize it was a place that embraced and championed young students.
I never imagined that at age 12, my daughter would sell her first painting to a client of the Bowery… or that she would have this opportunity at all! The Collective did an art contest for students, giving her the chance to not only display her work, but to sell it outside of an eager family member looking to fluff her ego. Since then, she’s entered and placed in contests supported by the Bowery, and gone on to try selling her art work beyond her backyard. If you are a lover of the arts, I don’t need to tell you how expensive it can be to support a young artist. The fact is many young athletes get tons of opportunities thrown at them, but young artists? Not so much. And the classes, lessons and supplies are not cheap. A place like the Bowery is sorely needed for young artists looking to grow their talent, following and career. It’s the answer many of us parents of young artists have been looking for, and as a single parent paying for her art classes, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate having this support for my child!”
-Laura Lifshitz
Sponsors
