Meet Our New Bedford Gallery Director: Mark Gleicher

Since starting as Gallery Director in 2021, Mark has made significant contributions to the re-activation our gallery in New Bedford. As an artist, teacher, and self-proclaimed extrovert, Mark thrives in all aspects of this role. From curating art shows that exemplify the community-driven mission of Groundwork, to building connections with other artists, and finding opportunities to learn and share his expertise. Mark has curated several successful gallery events over the last few years, including the 2022 group exhibition, “This I Love”

“This I Love” succeeds because Gleicher has a keen eye and an expansive appetite for the visual arts, mixing and matching styles that when united in the space become something akin to a spirited party. 

Don Wilkinson, Herald News

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Mark since taking on the role of General Manager at Groundwork. It’s been fun, informative, and inspiring for my own creative projects. I look forward to our continued collaboration and seeing his creative vision come to fruition over the next few years.

In this blog, Mark tells us how he came to be Groundwork’s Gallery Director and shares his vision and goals for the gallery. Read on to hear from Mark in his own words.

What brought you here? How did you come to be Groundwork’s Gallery Director?

I began curating art exhibits at my family’s art gallery when I was 15 years old.  I used to help my dad install new work and move pieces around the retail exhibition space. He and I also completed customized, site-specific projects in residences and commercial buildings.  My first gig outside of the family business was in 1997 as the guest curator for the Gallery X Associate Members Show in New Bedford. I worked with some of the old masters like Johnny Neiman and Chuck Hauck on that one. I’ve been staging and promoting art and culture events ever since. 

I became the Gallery Director at Groundwork Gallery a couple of years ago when the previous curator moved on after the pandemic shutdown.  I brought the space back to active status with a solo run of my paintings and drawings titled “Character”

What is your vision for the art gallery?

I see Groundwork as an entity.  The gallery space is philosophically and literally an extension of the established mission set forth by Sarah through founding of the coworking space 10 years ago. My goal is to maintain this platform for connecting people, art and culture on the SouthCoast and beyond. 

One divergence from the coworking model is that even though we are community focused we are not membership-based.  This is one important factor that differentiates us not only from the parent company but also many civic and group run creative spaces. We seek out and accept submissions from artists without charging any fees. We do not take a commission on any sales that result directly from one of our programs. I plan to safeguard and push ahead this mode of operation so that we continue to output opportunities for the best local, national, and international artists.

What are your long-term goals for the art gallery?

Long-term goals for the gallery are improvements to the physical plant including upgrading lighting, hanging systems and signage.  As well, we strive to champion artists that we work with through increased exposure and directly through financial support. We have a growing collection of art that I plan to continue expanding through acquisitions of works by exhibiting artists. 

Programmatically we continue to strive to host a perfect mix of projects. We are definitely seeking to expand our performing arts initiatives.  I’m interested in getting better and better. I see the Groundwork Gallery as a dynamic locus hosting fun, focused, ground-breaking workshops, performances, exhibitions, and events for many years to come.  

Tell us about a memorable art show or experience you’ve had as Gallery Director

My favorite thing at Groundwork is whatever is coming next. It’s the curse of a curator.  You maybe dread the amount of work ahead but there is something within you that drives you to keep moving forward.  I have a love of art and people coupled with a strong desire to find what’s fresh in the world.  I enjoy every part of the process, even the dread.  

What are some of the biggest challenges that come with running an art gallery?

Time and money! Running a gallery properly often takes plenty of both and generally speaking those are things you never really have enough of in this game.

If you could curate any gallery exhibition, what would it be?

If I were able to curate a show of any artists of my choosing for one month, I would hang giant paintings by George Condo iInstall a Christo and Jeanne-Claude sculpture, and produce a Spike Lee film series and workshop. I’d have Phish play at the opening reception while Vortice Dance Company stages an interpretive performance. 

If you want to host a solo or group exhibition in the Groundwork Gallery, fill out an application here

For questions and inquires, contact the gallery team at gallery@groundwork.space.