Spring Gift Guide
We asked five members of our team to select gift ideas for the upcoming gifting season of graduations, engagement parties, weddings, and moving gifts.
Whitney, Gallery Director
Ultramarine Sampler 16 by Kayla Plosz Antiel or Still Life with Surfer Amphora and Head Vase by Stacey Beach
A framed print is a great gift...
Astraeus Clarke Constellation Set
A set of 21 hand-drawn metal stars, The Constellation Set is a grown-up nod to the glow-in-the-dark ceiling stars of childhood, reimagined in metal and inspired by the vast, open skies of the founders’ native Utah. Originally designed to adorn the mirrored ceiling of the Astraeus Clarke showroom, the stars in the set vary in shape, number of points, and proportion, preserving the spontaneity of the original hand sketches. Designed to be affixed to ceilings, walls, or furniture, the stars can act as subtle adornments or structural detail, in the showroom, they even serve as decorative fasteners. Celestial and sculptural, The Constellation Set brings a quiet sense of wonder to any space.
Sophie Lou Jacobsen Le Grand Verre Set
I first saw these glasses during a team outing to Quarters, the bar-in-a-shop from lighting and home brand In Common With, and I haven't stopped thinking about them since. They're simple, elegant, and with just enough personality to look as good in an Alphabet City walk-up as a Tribeca townhouse.
Melding Together by Paulina Ho
I would give this piece as a wedding gift. It doubles as a candle holder, and showcases two figures side-by-side, so it's a bit romantic. Paulina created the work by hand using Oaxacan clay, so I know it'll be unique. "Some of those highlighted were the daily morning and evening bells, religious symbols, the warm steady sunlight, various animals, and the palpable expression of love."
Love Notes (Research Proposal) by Ruben Castillo
Working with personal and public archives, Ruben constructs images through traditional and digitally manipulated methods, exploring how pictures transform and mediate narratives around queer subjectivity. This would also make a great wedding gift.
observe by Lourenço Providência
In this series, Lourenço uses ink on damp paper to introduce unexpected improvisations into his otherwise controlled line. This would make a great graduate school graduation gift.
Maddy, Graphic Designer
Everyone my age is probably due for a wallet upgrade, so a wallet or card holder is always a great gift. Anything vintage Coach is a timeless choice, IMO, and you can find really good deals at estate sales, online auctions, or eBay. For something new, the Coco card holder from Sadaura is handmade in Bali from genuine cowhide.
Vintage sunglasses — Hunt for vintage frames on eBay, then bring them to an optical shop like Optical 88 or Mott St. Optical in our neighborhood for new lenses. It's easier than it sounds and the result is a completely personal, one-of-a-kind gift. If you're in New York, try Fabulous Fanny's in the East Village for some fun options.
I would gift Untitled 1 by Inka Bell. I actually own an edition of this piece myself. It's been with me in two different apartments, solo for two years and now in my shared home with my boyfriend. It's compact yet bold and works well no matter the space. Inka Bell is also a Graphic Designer, so I was drawn to the graphic nature of her work and her unexpected use of color.
A handmade quilt is one of the most personal, heirloom-quality gifts you can give, especially for a wedding or someone moving into a new home. If you're buying rather than making, look for vintage patchwork quilts on Etsy or at estate sales. For summer, a lightweight linen or cotton coverlet is a really practical and beautiful gift, like this one from Brooklinen, this one from West Elm, or this one from Ikea.
Alexis, Art Advisor
I love collecting artwork as memories, so for my friend who recently traveled to Mexico, I would gift Mexico City, MX by Sinziana Velicescu as their housewarming gift. It's a close-up photograph of a building in Mexico City but looks painterly and abstract in person. I'd also gift it with a note about Uprise Art's free art advisory, in case the couple wants to build their collection and aren't sure where to start.
A Brooklyn Museum Membership or membership to their local museum is a great way to treat and gather with friends in a new city.
This Japanese toaster that adds a splash of steam to transform any pastries, perfect for New York bagels and pizza.
Christian, Senior Gallery Associate
The Table is Set by Jackson Joyce
I would gift this piece to a stylish party host friend. I imagine this artwork above a modular dining table, and finding that visual pairing to be tongue-in-cheek and aesthetically interesting. The impressionist style and moody color is also a great vivid pop in any space.
Sailor Shikoiri Marker from Yoseka Stationery in Greenpoint
Perfect gift for the person that started every school semester with new supplies and loved to color coordinate their notes. I still do the same thing as an adult to organize personal notes, financial documents, or create a colorful drawing while I'm writing postcards to friends.
In the Kusina: My Seasonal Filipino Cooking by Woldy Reyes
I'm working through this cookbook and have a had a lot of fun revisiting the culinary palette I grew up with while swapping in different ingredients and dishes (great vegetarian and vegan options too). The blueberry bibingka has been a potluck fan-favorite (you have to make the coconut yogurt cream as a garnish), and I make the Creamy Whipped Tofu as a staple dip for parties.
5-Piece Ultimate Tool Set by GIR
These cooking utensils are durable, easy to clean, and come in a variety of colors to match any kitchen aesthetic. Really gives me peace of mind that I can just place these in the dishwasher after preparing a meal.
Ashley, Art Advisor
Whirl Vase by Dana Bechert
You can't go wrong with a custom flower arrangement as a gift. Make it extra special by presenting it in a one of a kind, hand carved vase that they'll keep forever.
If you're in NY or LA, a Silver Clay Jewelry workshop at (NY) or (LA)
What's better than learning a skill and crafting matching custom rings with your best friend?
Serious Humor by Michael Northrup
For the photography lover in your life. A gorgeous tabletop book with inspiring shots created over 20 years of his artistic practice. Northrup’s signature style blends graphic clarity, poetic wit, and a sharp eye for the uncanny and quietly profound.
A gift basket from the Locavore Variety Store
As a "locavore" myself who strives to shop only local or secondhand, this store is AMAZING for gifting. All products are made within 100 miles of NYC, from cute gifts to cleaning supplies. If there's something on your list you can't find in store, check out their for a detailed map of local suppliers.
For baked goods, our favorite at Uprise Art is in Chinatown. Fresh, beautiful, delicious, and affordable! Also right around the corner from Uprise Art ;)
