Pleased to Present is an arts and cultural nonprofit that is currently working towards securing a permanent location along Central Avenue, aka Route 66, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is a 15,000 square foot building that was built in 1939 and is known as the Maisel Building. It was the Indian Trading Post for 65 years, but it has been vacant for many years. Our goal is to bring art, retail, and unique programming to downtown Albuquerque.

 

Pleased to Present is an unabashedly ambitious undertaking. We are in Phase 1, which is the most expensive phase. Our goal is to raise $400,000 to secure our space, acquire inventory, hire necessary staff, and present our first exhibitions. Phase 2 includes additional programming, such as more exhibitions, artist residencies, and special events. Phase 3 will allow us to focus on operating expenses and broader outreach. 

 

We took our name, Pleased to Present, from the phrase often said when introducing something new or something special, as in, "We are so pleased to present this extraordinary exhibition."  In those three words--pleased to present--there is excitement, generosity, pride, encouragement, and support. In short, it means, "Hey, here's this amazing thing that we love, and we want to share it with you."

 

We know that if we build it, people will come from near and far to see our shows. Albuquerque is a city of roughly 800,000 people. Simply put, there are too few galleries and arts spaces, and the downtown area needs revitalization. Most of the existing arts spaces show only New Mexico art and artists, which is important, but there is a big, diverse, and exciting world out there. Pleased to Present is intent on bringing more of that world to Albuquerque. For years, people have traveled to Santa Fe or elsewhere for art, but we are determined to compete successfully in this field

 

Our curatorial team is creative, exceptionally skilled, and excited to share the things we love with you. We draw on decades of art, retail, architectural, and business expertise and combine our expertise into one unique place that is part museum/gallery, part home furnishing and decor store, and sometimes, part lush greenhouse. We are interested in incorporating more senses into the art experience. Our exhibitions will showcase the best of contemporary art, while also highlighting historically important works never seen within this city. We believe it is vital to look outward and to learn from other artists and cultures, whether it's a show of contemporary portraiture that features Amy Sherald and Elizabeth Peyton, or a show of Iranian film and photography that includes Shirin Neshat. 

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Thank you for supporting Pleased to Present.

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Sincerely,

Clara Williams

Executive Director

Pleased to Present

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Pleased to Present, Inc. is a 501c3 organization. Donations are tax-deductible.