We were lucky to catch up with Denise Jones Adler recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Denise Jones, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most fulfilling aspect of founding Pictor Gallery, a collective, artist-run space in May 2021, has been fostering a community where artists support and inspire one another. The shared commitment to collaboration and mutual growth has allowed the gallery to flourish as a platform for diverse voices, creativity, and dialogue.

Denise Jones, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve been an artist all my life, and being part of an artist-run collective felt like a natural extension of that path. In 2021, a group of us founded Pictor Gallery in the heart of Chelsea with the shared belief that artists should have an active role in how their work is presented and experienced. As Director, I’m proud of how far we’ve come in a short time—building a vibrant, supportive community where artists collaborate, take creative risks, and exhibit work that is both personal and thought-provoking.

What I want potential visitors and artists to know is that Pictor is a place of dialogue and discovery—a gallery run by artists for artists, where every exhibition reflects a collective spirit and a genuine love of art. Having been involved with other collectives in the past, I knew how important it was that collaboration and open dialogue truly define this one. That commitment remains at the heart of everything we do.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

A society that doesn’t value the artists in its midst is in deep trouble. Engaging with art — whether you love it or it challenges you — is a vital learning experience that deepens our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. As Director of Pictor Gallery, I see my role as bringing the work of our member artists to the forefront and creating a space where their voices can be seen and heard. I also want people to recognize that there’s a difference between appreciation and commerce. You can buy art simply because it moves you — because it brings beauty, thought, or emotion into your life. Too often, the art world is framed as a marketplace, but real support for artists comes from genuine appreciation, not just investment.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I had realized sooner what an incredible resource my fellow artists are. The power of uniting and collaborating with other creatives can’t be overstated — you learn so much from working collectively. The exchange of ideas, the mutual support, and even the challenges all contribute to growth. Founding and directing Pictor Gallery has reinforced for me that community is one of the greatest resources an artist can have. Together, we push each other forward in ways none of us could achieve alone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pictorgallery.com/about
• Instagram: @pictorgallernyc
• Facebook: Pictor Gallery
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@artspeakcollective8656?si=LLoYnDP7GZm7ciPE
• Other: Pictor Gallery on Artsy.net

Image Credits

Image credits: Denise Jones Adler