Isa Genzken's 28-foot "Rose II" on the Bowery

December is a time to get cozy with family and friends, and to give. With holiday season in the air, even workaholics need to take a break and enjoy what the city has to offer. We decided to share our wish list to help you start your holiday art hopping journey. Below are some of our quick picks, but you can see a full listing of shows and events here.

Cynthia Rowley for Gagosian Sewing Kits

The Gagosian Shop’s limited artist editions are definitely more affordable for younger collectors.

Peggy Preheim

Peggy Preheim “the end (final cut)
at Tanya Bonakdar Gallery
4 Nov 2010 – 18 Dec 2010

at Marion Spore

Marian Spore
Marian Spore is a 16,000 square foot art space in Industry City, Brooklyn that is formatted like an art collection. Periodically, new works are added to a steadily growing exhibition.
Space closes December 18, 2010
Open Saturdays 2 to 8 PM
55 33rd St. 4th Flr., Brooklyn, NY 11232

The Former Convent of Saint Cecilia

The Former Convent of St. Cecilia
Artists and curators began using the former Convent of of Saint Cecilia in Brooklyn a little over a year ago as an alternative exhibition space. The four-story, now delapadated building has housed dozens of exhibitions this year, and I frequented it a few times this fall to prepare for a show that I was curating there. Walking into the cold, quiet building on a dark October night was an eerie, yet invigorating experience. The building on its own, without or without art, has a mysterious tranquility and lots of character. In it’s earlier stages, the 97-year old building served the Catholic parish in the Greenpoint/Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, whereas most recently, it serves young curators who have zealously curating shows that showcase new media, elaborate, internationally-collaborative installations, sound programs, and “phantasmagorical performances” (as one press release describes).

Necklace by Stefania Pia

Stefania Pia’s pop art necklaces
Stefania Pia’s Basquiat-esque jewelry pieces is like a child at play. Her collection, which consists of found objects, is currently available at the Standard OHWOW store in Miami Beach and Castor & Pollux in the West Village here in New York.  Catch the artist this Thursday at the Castor & Pollux holiday party and bring home limited editions by Ms. Pia.

192 BOOKS on 192 Tenth Avenue
We love this bookstore. This is the rest stop for artists, curators, and gallerists to fuel up on their knowledge of art and theory. With a gentle and helpful staff, and being close to the Chelsea galleries, it’s a quiet spot to sit and reflect on all the art that you’ve just seen.

Isa Genzken’s Rose II at the New Museum (top image)
Part of the New Museum’s ongoing Façade Sculpture Program since the building’s completion in December 2007, German artist Isa Genzken presents her first public artwork in the United States. And while you’re at the New Museum, don’t leave without getting some Bird Bath cookies.

(Le) Poisson Rouge

The Soundtrack Series
w/ Dana Rossi
Friday, Dec. 17, 2010 / 7:00 PM

Dana Rossi hosts a monthly merging of stories and songs in this legendary music venue. Six artists–writers, comics, actors and musicians–tell the stories they associate with songs of their choosing. There’s the song, the story behind the song, and the story inspired by the song.

(Le) Poisson Rouge is a multimedia art cabaret founded by musicians on the site of the historic Village Gate. Dedicated to the fusion of popular and art cultures in music, film, theater, dance, and fine art, the venue’s mission is to revive the symbiotic relationship between art and revelry; to establish a creative asylum for both artists and audiences.