First opening in May of 2011, One Art Space was born out of a genuine passion for art and artists. Under the leadership of co-owner and curator MaryAnn Giella McCulloh, alongside co-owner Mei Fung, the gallery continues to evolve while remaining rooted in the vision established by its late founder and McCulloh’s brother, Dan Giella.
Giella, who previously worked for major graphic arts companies, including Saatchi & Saatchi and Steiner Sports, envisioned a gallery that would give both established and up-and-coming artists a platform to shine. After his passing, McCulloh has continued carrying out that vision, noting “At One Art Space, our mission is to create a place where the giants of art history and the visionary of art’s future come together in one art space.”
Over the years, the gallery has arranged diverse programing, showcasing everyone from emerging contemporary artists to museum-caliber names, such as the late Purvis Young. Earlier this year, the gallery celebrated the artist during Black History Month with a month-long exhibition honoring his legacy and impact on contemporary art.
The gallery has also become known for its commitment to supporting women in the arts. For the past nine years, One Art Space has hosted its International Women’s Show during Women’s History Month, followed by its annual “She Is” exhibition. According to McCulloh, the response from artists and community members has been overwhelming. “I think we’re shining the spotlight exactly where it has to be,” she says. “It’s so hard for women to get their art shown. And that’s why I think I’m getting all these letters and compliments from the women that are in the show.”
Beyond its exhibitions, what truly sets One Art Space apart is the sense of community that fills the gallery. Rather than functioning as an exclusive art-world destination, McCulloh describes the space as somewhere visitors can feel comfortable, connected, and inspired. “I’m honored to say that for that moment in time, that night that everyone’s together in that opening reception or closing, we all become one in One Art Space,” McCulloh says. “Everybody just lets down their guard; we talk to one another, we admire the art, we talk to the artists. The night starts to feel like everyone just came into my own living room.”
The gallery’s roots in the arts run deep within the Giella family. McCulloh’s father, Joe Giella, is a legendary comic book artist known for his work as a Batman comic illustrator and inker. Giella’s artistic legacy continues to influence the gallery today, particularly in its support of emerging talent.
Inspired by her father’s work with helping developing artists, when deciding on what artists to feature in the gallery, McCulloh says she looks for those with originality, passion, and a unique creative spark. “They have something out-of-the-box where they’re not imitating someone else,” she says. “They have some sort of a spark in them that’s original.”
For McCulloh, helping artists gain visibility remains one of the most rewarding parts of running the gallery. Whether through solo exhibitions or group showcases, she hopes One Art Space continues serving as a launching pad for new voices and a gathering place for the broader creative community. “We wanna be that community go-to where, when people walk by the sidewalk, they stroll in,” she says. “To the community, we’re the gallery that’s been there, we’re a staple for them—and I love that.”
One Art Space is located at 23 Warren Street, New York.
Audrey Glass
