Meet Gallerists Paula + David Kucera of 68 Prince Street Gallery in Kingston NY

Nestled in the heart of Kingston’s vibrant arts district, 68 Prince Street Gallery has quickly become a beacon for contemporary art and the creative community in the Hudson Valley. At the center of this dynamic space are Paula and David Kucera, a couple whose journey is as textured as the works they champion. Paula, an artist and sheep farmer originally from Red Hook, and David, a sculptor, painter and Philadelphia native with a background in architectural restoration, first met in the creative ferment of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Their shared passion for art, nature, community, and slow, intentional living eventually led them North.

68 Prince Street Gallery brings fresh, dynamic energy to Kingston’s cultural landscape with their exciting collection of sophisticated and vibrant modern art. The Kuceras’ story is also deeply tied to their life at White Barn Farm in Gardiner, where Paula has long-tended to her flock of sheep, weaves wool into works of art and once offered classes in fiber arts. That bucolic haven not only fuels Paula’s creativity but also reflects the couple’s deep connection to the natural rhythms of the Hudson Valley. She still has a character-laden roadside Yarn Shack there, which operates on an honor system and features an ever-changing assortment of her hand-dyed yarns, artwork, mugs, T-shirts, buttons, and tools. Stay tuned for an upcoming exclusive interview with David as part of our In the Studio series.

In their new hub in Kingston, David, Paula and curator, Alan Goolman have crafted more than just a gallery with beautifully curated large and small works. They’ve created a space that celebrates local talent and nurtures collaboration and inspiration. In our exclusive interview, David and Paula share the inspiration behind 68 Prince Street Gallery and the joys of living an artful, community-driven life.

Let the conversation begin!

INSIDE+OUT: Where are you originally from, how did you wind up in the Hudson Valley, and how did the two of you meet?

David Kucera: I am originally from outside of Philadelphia. I moved to NYC in 1986 and settled on the Lower East Side, on Ludlow Street. In 1989, I started an architectural restoration business on Kent Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where I met Paula at the bar.

Paula Kucera: I’m originally from the Hudson Valley, Red Hook. I left right after high school to participate in an exchange program in Belgium. After that, I came back to New York to go to art school, then moved to Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where I pursued my art and creative life for sixteen years. David and I met in the middle of that time at a local bar, The Right Bank. It’s no longer there.

Congratulations on the recent launch of 68 Price Street Gallery. What inspired you to become a gallery owner, and how did you meet Alan Goolman, the gallery’s curator?

Paula Kucera: We had a great space, and we loved the idea of giving artists an opportunity to show their work. We knew it would be a really good thing for Kingston and the local arts scene.

David Kucera: I visited Lockwood Gallery and met Alan Goolman there, who was kind enough to look at my artwork on my Instagram page.

You are both artists. What does it mean for you to have a gallery that showcases the work of other artists?

David Kucera: I just really enjoy being involved with other artists and giving them a place to show their work.

Paula Kucera: I love it. There is so much to learn from spending real time with someone else’s work. I really enjoy the community that comes together around art. Everyone has been very supportive of each other.

Your inaugural exhibition featured the artist, Francine Tint. Could you tell us about that and some of the recent events surrounding this exhibition?

David Kucera: Our first show, “Symbolic of the Whole,” featured Francine Tint, an abstract colorist with a 5-decades-long career. After the NYT article about her, it really felt like she was having her moment. We were so happy to shine a light on an older female artist who has been truly dedicated to their practice. We had two special Q&As with Francine – one with art critic, David Ebony, and one with Douglas Sheer, the founder of Artists Talk on Art. We also had an incredibly well-attended opening!

What impact does your business have on your community?

Paula Kucera: Positive for sure. We provide yet another reason for people to visit Kingston, and hopefully enjoy all the great restaurants shops, and other galleries that are popping up.

Can you tell us about upcoming exhibitions you have planned for this year? What are you showing during Upstate Art Weekend?

Paula Kucera: Our next exhibit features painter Jeanette Fintz, and sculptor Monica Zarzeczna, both Hudson Valley artists. They work with geometric abstraction and complement each other beautifully. This exhibit coincides with Upstate Art Weekend.

What makes living in the Hudson Valley special for you?

David Kucera: Hiking, proximity to the mountains, space to breathe.

Paula Kucera: Definitely the mountains, hiking, my sheep farm, small-town life, the friends I’ve made.

What local businesses do you rely on to be successful?

Paula Kucera: Susanna Ronner Graphic Design. Susanna has been tremendous to work with. She has designed our website and all the other graphics needed for this endeavor on a tight budget and timeline. Also, Timely Signs in Kingston has been really helpful in developing our signage. Treeo Design was also right there when we needed a logo to get the whole thing started. And INSIDE+OUT and Chronogram, of course, to help spread the word.  I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Monkey Joe’s for their fabulous coffee. (right around the corner from the gallery)

What is missing in the area that you wish we had?

David Kucera: I already feel privileged to live here. I don’t think I need anything else.

Paula Kucera: Truly, I never feel at a loss for anything.

Who or what inspires you personally?

David Kucera: My dogs.

Paula Kucera: My sheep and my gardens, Patti Smith.

Tell us something about yourself that people would be surprised to know.

David Kucera: I’m an avid adventure motorcyclist.

Paula Kucera: I own a sheep farm and have delivered many gooey lambs.

What do you do for fun?

David Kucera: Hike and ride motorcycles.

Paula Kucera: Making, painting, and garden.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Paula Kucera: Solve world hunger and fly.

What is your current state of mind?

David Kucera: Tense and optimistic.

Paula Kucera: Energized and a bit scattered.

Follow/Connect with 68 Prince Street Gallery via Website | Facebook | Instagram
Follow @littlebitcreates | visit their website

Photos courtesy of @Prince Street Gallery and @littlebitcreates