Because, Friendship, a heartwarming storytelling event, brought people together to celebrate the beauty of connection. Held within the vibrant exhibit A Touch of Red, A Touch of Life, the evening showcased the gallery’s mission to make art a living, breathing part of our daily lives.
Amongst artworks by local artists of diverse origins, attendees shared personal stories that highlighted the many dimensions of friendship—loyalty, vulnerability, laughter, and everything in between.
The stories flowed like an intimate conversation among friends, with themes that resonated deeply. One speaker shared a touching tale of fathers supporting each other, while another painted a moving picture of brotherhood through moments of masculine vulnerability. But it wasn’t all serious—there were plenty of laughs, too, reminding us that friendship is as much about moments of doubt and questioning as it is about joy and support.
Master of Ceremonies Comrade Cav brought his signature energy to the event, guiding the crowd with warmth and humor. Known for his electrifying “Brooklyn In The House” gatherings, Cav made sure the evening was engaging from start to finish. His storytelling charisma encouraged everyone to open up, creating a space where even first-time speakers felt at ease sharing their experiences.
At Gallery Particulier, the art is as dynamic as the stories told. A Touch of Red, A Touch of Life is an evolving exhibit, where pieces are available to be hosted by NYC residents for five months. This unique approach to art sharing means the gallery isn’t just a place to admire art—it’s a bridge between creativity and community.
Many of the evening’s stories seemed to echo this philosophy: art and friendship alike are meant to be shared and lived. It also reinforced that we need to protect each other whether members of the undocumented or LGBTQ+ communities, and we need to support the imperiled arts.
For anyone who couldn’t attend but has a story to share, there’s still an opportunity to join the conversation. Gallery Particulier invites storytellers to email contact@galleryparticulier.org to be part of future events.
Founded in 2021, Gallery Particulier is redefining what a community art space can be. By lending art to homes and hosting events like Because, Friendship, the gallery reminds us that art isn’t just something to look at—it’s something to live with. As Gallery Director Justin Freeman puts it, “Art has the power to unite and inspire, especially in times when connection feels harder to come by. Events like these remind us that we’re all in this together.”
