A chance conversation during a ceramics wheel throwing class brought two students together and sparked a cross-college partnership that transformed a space at Comstock Art Facility into an art gallery, 044 Comstock.

The partnership began when Stella Kogan ’28, a studio arts major at the College of Visual and Performing Arts, struck up a conversation with her table mate during class. Learning that Evangeline Berg ’26 was majoring in art history at the College of Arts and Sciences and minoring in museum studies, Kogan saw the perfect collaborator.

“I need some help, and I think I just found it,” Kogan remembers thinking.

Driven by her desire to explore the business side of art and support fellow student artists, Kogan had been working to establish a student-run gallery at Comstock Art Facility.

“Last semester, which was freshman year, I found myself wanting to give students an opportunity to show their work and gain experience of what it takes to work with a gallery and work with artists,” Kogan says.

Seeking input from the art community, she spoke with individuals who expressed enthusiasm for the gallery concept and eventually presented her idea to Robert Wysocki, associate professor and director of the School of Art, who provided the gallery space.

But Kogan understood the significant effort required to bring the vision to life, and she knew she needed help. Berg possessed the ideal background to support the gallery.

“It brings a great combination,” says Kogan. “I’m more on the hands-on side of things because of my major, and Evangeline’s history with art history and museum studies brings in a different perspective.”

Both gallery co-directors bring valuable experience to the table. This summer, Kogan interned at The Hole, a contemporary art gallery in New York City, where she learned about the operational side of running a gallery. Berg draws on knowledge from her museum studies coursework to inform their decisions.

For the gallery’s inaugural exhibition, the pair selected Annabella Berry, a studio arts student at the School of Art. Kogan had discovered the painter’s work prior to launching the gallery.

Running the gallery has proven deeply fulfilling for the co-directors.

“Working with artists one-on-one,” Kogan says, “you really get to learn about an artist’s process and their work on a more intimate level. Creating a space, manipulating it and turning it into a space where artwork can breathe and live is a rewarding and exciting experience.”

Looking ahead, Berg and Kogan envision 044 Comstock as an accessible space that welcomes everyone, not just those already involved in the art community. They hope to display diverse art mediums, including performance art and films, pushing the boundaries of what the space can offer while maintaining its welcoming atmosphere.

“We want students to feel welcome,” Berg says. “Everyone has their right to an opinion and can come here and see how they feel.”

The gallery will be closed for winter break as Berg and Kogan plan spring exhibitions. Follow the gallery on Instagram for information on upcoming exhibitions.

Story by Mikayla Heiss