Paradice Palase

Sep 6, 2020 / Photo: Courtesy of Paradice Palase

Founded in 2017 by Kat Ryals and Lauren Hirshfield, Paradice Palase promotes and democratizes the art world for creators and patrons.

After meeting at the Governor’s Island Art Fair in 2016, the two connected over contemporary art and their desire to make it more accessible to creators and collectors. They then started their venue/venture in the basement level of Ryals’ apartment before opening their own Bushwick space in 2019, which includes and exhibition gallery as well as rental studio space. Together, they help foster and promote artists’ work by hosting shows, creating online content and running an ecommerce arm. 

Though the pandemic has stifled their in-person programming, Hirshfield and Ryals have adapted to the circumstances, offering digital Zoom tours of exhibitions, scheduling staggered, social-distancing-friendly shows and continuing to sell apparel and prints online via their retail site Made in Paradice. The online store has also expanded to include stylish face coverings.

As for future ventures, the two are continuing to maintain their empowering art platform however they can and are also gearing up for a new show in October. More about Paradice Palase can be found here.