NEW YORK, NY.- The Garment District Alliance announced the latest in its ongoing series of public art exhibits, showcasing seven paintings titled Stu.pe.fac.tion, created by Garment District-based artist Joanne Handler.

Located inside the Kaufman Arcade building on 139 W 35th Street, the free exhibit is accessible to the public through January 7. Stu.pe.fac.tion is part of the Garment District Space for Public Art program, which showcases artists in unusual locations throughout the year and over 16 years has produced more than 200 installations, exhibits and performances.

“We are proud to welcome Joanne and her innovative creations back as part of our series of public art exhibitions,” said Barbara A. Blair, president of the Garment District Alliance. “Joanne’s portrayal of the complex emotions many have felt throughout the pandemic is truly moving and relatable, and we encourage all to visit and admire these powerful works.”

Handler’s third solo exhibit at the Kaufman Arcade was inspired by the emotional turmoil and deep introspection surrounding the pandemic and election. As part of her “Soul Searching” series, these works continue Handler’s tradition of naming her paintings after songs, with some having the title or lyrics in the piece itself. She believes that to grow as an artist, as in life, one must be curious enough to constantly try new things and, on many occasions, be brave enough to contradict oneself.

Handler lives and works in New York City and Westhampton Beach. She has studied at The Art Students League continues to study with prolific artist and mentor James Little. Handler has had two solo exhibitions at The Kaufman Arcade, and her work has been included in several group exhibitions such as Maison 10’s “All Women” show in NYC, The White Room Gallery’s “Zen and the Art of Women” in Bridgehampton, SITE Brooklyn’s “Color: Primary to Tertiary”, Harlem School of the Arts “Shelter 2018”, and more. Handler has also been included in numerous exhibitions organized by The National Association of Women’s Artists, of which she is a member.

The Garment District is home to diverse business sectors from technology to hospitality and includes thousands of people working in the creative economy, including fine and performing artists, designers, architects, photographers and more than a hundred theaters, galleries, performance spaces and studios.