At Uprise

Spring Gift Guide

Sculptures by Dan Covert and Dana Bechert alongside paintings by Brittany Ferns and Arlina Cai on the shelves at Uprise Art.

Our team is always looking for the perfect piece, whether we're curating an exhibition, helping a collector find art for their home, or searching for a gift. Five members of the Uprise Art team share their go-to gifts for weddings, graduations, baby showers, and housewarmings, from a few of our favorite emerging artists, independent makers, and small businesses.

Whitney, Gallery Director

Artwork by Kayla Plosz Antiel. Artwork by Paulina Ho. Metal stars. Artwork by Lourenco Providencia. Sophie Lou Jacobsen glassware.

  • Ultramarine Sampler 16 by Kayla Plosz Antiel is a great way to go off-registry and gift something unique to recent newlyweds. I gifted a work from this series to a close friend, and the thank-you text had more exclamation points than I could count. Kayla was inspired by stitching samplers, so each painting acts as a visual memory book. This piece in particular depicts a church, honeycomb, and doves which represent community, abundance, and love.

  • Astraeus Clarke's Constellation Set is a collection of 21 hand-drawn metal stars that remind me of the plastic, glow-in-the-dark ones I had growing up. They're a unique gift for expecting parents and are a nostalgic, elevated way to outfit a new nursery.

  • 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 have just enough personality to look as good in an Alphabet City walk-up as a Tribeca townhouse.

  • Melding Together by Paulina Ho is a one-of-a-kind candle holder and sculpture. The piece depicts two figures side by side, melting into each other. Paulina created it during a residency in Mexico, using Oaxacan clay to capture a palpable expression of love.

  • observe by Lourenço Providência. When gifting art, I prefer smaller works that still feel incredibly personal. This piece is a little smaller than a sheet of paper, and framed, it makes an elegant gift for a recent grad. It depicts a figure sitting pensively, their hair slowly dispersing as if their brain waves were on display.

Maddy, Lead Designer

Artwork by Inka Bell.

  • Everyone in their mid-20s like me 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 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.

  • 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 from Brooklinen, this from West Elm, or this from Ikea.

  • Vintage sunglasses. Hunt for vintage frames on eBay, then bring them to an optical shop like Optical 88 or Mott St. Optical 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.

  • Untitled 1 by Inka Bell. I own an edition of this piece myself, and 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 is also a Graphic Designer, so I was drawn to the graphic nature of her work and her unexpected use of color.

Alexis, Art Advisor

Artwork by Sinziana Velicescu.

  • A Brooklyn Museum Membership or membership to their local museum is a great way to treat and gather with friends in a new city.

  • Mexico City, MX by Sinziana Velicescu is a great housewarming gift for friends or couples who have recently traveled to Mexico. I love collecting artwork as memories. This photograph is a close-up of a building in Mexico City, but it looks painterly and abstract in person. I'd gift it with a note about Uprise Art's complimentary art advisory, in case the couple wants to start building their collection and isn't sure where to begin.

  • The Balmuda Toaster Pro. This Japanese toaster uses a splash of steam to transform any pastry, making it perfect for New York bagels and pizza.

Christian, Senior Gallery Associate

Artwork by Jackson Joyce.

  • In the Kusina: My Seasonal Filipino Cooking by Woldy Reyes. I'm working through this cookbook and have 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 the Creamy Whipped Tofu has become a staple dip for parties.

  • The Table is Set by Jackson Joyce is the perfect gift for a stylish friend who loves to host. I imagine the piece hanging above a modular dining table, where its classic composition creates some visual tension. The Impressionist style and moody palette also make it a great addition to any space.

  • Sailor Shikiori Marker from Yoseka Stationery in Greenpoint. This is the perfect gift for anyone who started every school semester with new supplies and loves to color-coordinate their notes. I still do the same thing as an adult to organize personal notes and financial documents, or to create a colorful drawing while writing postcards to friends.

  • 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. It gives me peace of mind that I can just place them in the dishwasher after preparing a meal.

Ashley, Art Advisor

Locavore Variety Store. Book by Michael Northrup. Artwork by Dana Bechert. Silver Rings.

  • A gift basket from the Locavore Variety Store. As a "locavore" myself who strives to shop local or secondhand only, this store is AMAZING for gifting. All of their wares, from cute gifts to cleaning supplies, are made within 100 miles of New York. If there's something on your list that you can't find in store, check out their Locavore Guide for a detailed map of local suppliers.

  • Whirl Vase by Dana Bechert. You can't go wrong with a custom flower arrangement as a gift. Make it even more special by presenting it in a one-of-a-kind, hand-carved vase that they'll keep forever.

  • If you're in New York or Los Angeles, a Silver Clay Jewelry workshop at Studio Calmplex (NY) or Claedo Studio (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. This is 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.

  • For baked goods, our team favorite is Tai Pan Bakery in Chinatown. Fresh, beautiful, delicious, and affordable! Also right around the corner from Uprise Art ;)

More from the Journal