The Best Little Art Incubator in Brooklyn: Talking with the Artists of the Wythe Hotel

By Laura Itzkowitz

Everyone who’s familiar with the Wythe Hotel knows it as the hotel by and for Brooklyn; when it opened in May 2012, with 72 rooms in a former cooperage on the Williamsburg waterfront, it was the neighborhood’s first boutique hotel. Many would describe it as a hipster hangout, but such an easy categorization flattens it and obscures the thoughtful planning behind such an ambitious undertaking. One of the ways in which it’s more than just a hotel is in its desire and ability to foster the careers of Brooklyn artists—both visual and musical—in order to make it possible for the borough to remain the artistic hub that we want it to be. Here, we talk to many of the artists involved with the Wythe in one capacity or another.

Kimia Ferdowsi Kline, Painter and Art Curator of the Wythe Hotel
As art curator of the Wythe Hotel, Kimia Ferdowsi Kline curates the works in the permanent collection, arranges rotating exhibits, maintains the hotel’s social media accounts, and organizes openings and other events. A talented painter in her own right, she is represented by Turn Gallery on the Lower East Side and Marrow Gallery in San Francisco…

Austin Furtak-Cole, Painter-Doorman at the Wythe Hotel
Originally from Vermont, Austin Furtak-Cole grew up in a family of artists and workered at the Vermont Studio Center before moving to Brooklyn. His work recently appeared in an online group show at Curating Contemporary and one of his paintings hangs at Stonybrook University on Long Island, where he did an MFA in visual art…

Emily Klass, Contributor to the Wythe Hotel’s Permanent Collection
After working at Marlow & Sons for a few years, Emily Klass was on Reynard’s opening staff and became the first artist to be a part of the Wythe Hotel’s permanent collection. She has exhibited her sculptures and paintings in Joshua Tree, the Venice Biennale, and is currently exhibiting her paintings at Donna in Williamsburg…

Beau Stanton, Contributor to the Wythe Hotel’s Permanent Collection
You might have seen Beau Stanton’s large scale murals on Troutman Street in Bushwick or on the Bowery. Originally from Southern California, Stanton moved to Brooklyn in 2008 in order to pursue a career in the arts. He has quickly become known for his mesmerizing paintings and murals, which draw inspiration from classical painting, historic ornamentation, and religious iconography…

Erin Webb, Singer and Concierge at the Wythe Hotel
If you met Erin at the Wythe Hotel, where she helps guests with everything from choosing a spot for lunch in the neighborhood to planning proposals, you might never know about her hidden talent. Listen to her sing and her silky voice can take you back to the Jazz Age…

Deva Mahal, Musician and Events Coordinator at the Wythe Hotel
Music fans might be familiar with Deva Mahal, who performs her soulful songs in popular Williamsburg spots like the Knitting Factory, St. Mazie Bar & Supper Club, Union Pool, and Rough Trade. The Hawaii native lived on the West Coast and New Zealand before moving to Brooklyn in 2007 to pursue a career in music…

Brad Kahlhamer, Contributor to the Wythe Hotel’s Permanent Collection
Originally from Arizona, Brad Kahlhamer is known for his vibrant, frenetic paintings incorporating influences like his native American roots and ‘80s punk culture, as well as sculptures and installations. His work has been shown at museums and galleries across the U.S. and beyond, and his Supercatcher installation will be featured at the new SF MoMA when it reopens this spring. He lives in Manhattan and maintains a studio in Bushwick…