Art gallery to open at Empire Outlets, featuring works from local artists

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — An art gallery is set to launch this weekend at Empire Outlets in St. George.

The space, which had been a storefront for U.S. Polo, will host “Kin•etiꓘ” beginning Saturday. The exhibit consists of multi-medium works from local artists throughout the five boroughs and the tristate area.

“It is more important than ever to support the local artists that make New York City the incredible cultural destination that it is,” said Joseph Ferrara, principal at BFC Partners. “Empire Outlets is proud to provide a space for artists to showcase their tremendous work and thrilled to add to Staten Island’s rising art scene.”

Kiara Williams, aka Keys La’Ché, a Staten Island resident and recent Fashion Institute of Technology graduate, curated the gallery. In the months leading up to the debut, a call was issued for artists in the New York City area. Those with an overall message of diversity in their work were chosen, Williams said.

“All of the submissions we received had so much passion behind their work, and we wanted to make sure artists from all across New York City were included,” Williams said.

The exhibit includes the works of Staten Island artists Lori Love and Kalysta Steiner.

“Love’s work really helped bring zen to the gallery,” Williams said. “Both of the Staten Island artists in this collection really stepped up, and provided original work for this showcase. They bring different styles to the gallery, which make for an overall amazing experience.”

Empire Outlets will host the gallery — the first of its kind at the shopping center — for at least 60 days, according to BFC Partners. Guests are welcome to visit the space, which is located near Nordstrom Rack at 55 Richmond Terr., from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. People also can follow the exhibit on Instagram: @kinetik.island.

Keep scrolling for a glimpse of the collection so far.