A Look Inside CKFA

Yesterday I walked over to CKFA (121 Roebling Street at N 5th Street), aka Capla Kesting Fine Art, to meet with gallery owner David Kesting. He was working on his motorcycle outside and promptly offered me a beer from a nearby growler of Kelso. David started the gallery in 2003 with the help of his friend, Lincoln Capla, who has since passed away from lung cancer. The space itself has a charming, Williamsburg vibe: a converted garage, its walls serve as a canvas for the presenting artists' installations.

David decided to open the gallery after being disillusioned working in a high-priced, high-pressure Soho gallery. A trip to Miami's Art Basel only furthered his resolve to open his own space. He turned down a well-compensated job as a game tester for the new GTA IV--surely the dream position for young males everywhere--to toil away at his dream, which became a reality in October of 2003. The art skews towards the neighborhood's younger demographic, not unlike Cinders Gallery a few blocks away, a gallery that David greatly admires.

Currently CKFA is showcasing the work of two local Brooklyn artists, Chris Georgalas and James Turek, plus Chicago artist Lisa Kuppinger. Check out the show on Sat-Sun from 12pm-7pm until June 1st.

Comments

[damon]

Dear The Drigs,

Dave Kesting is most certainly a remarkable gallerist but I would like to inform you that you neglected to mention his partner John Leo who stepped in as co-director for Capla Kesting Fine Art after Lincoln's untimely death and has been as formative to the gallery's progress as Mr. Kesting in the past 2 years.

[David Kesting]

Thanks a ton Keith for the shout outs! The show at the gallery is amazing and I am so happy that you came over to see it. Chris Georgalas, James Turek and Lisa Kuppinger are hot artists who deserve the attention. Keep up the great work and I look forward to seeing you again sometime soon! AND YES JOHN LEO IS RAD TOO! AND SO IS KELSO OF BROOKLYN!

[Gilbert Oh]

Hello,

My name is Gilbert Oh. I live in New York City. Below is my web-site, where you will find a collection of my 2008 paintings. Looking forward to hear from you.

http://gilbertoh1.blogspot.com/

Thank You

Gilbert