Bridgeport Gallery Hosts Emerging Artists, Brings in 'Big Deal' Curator for October Show

The Stairwell Space at the American Fabric Arts building will feature a curated exhibition by renowned New York gallerists Karin Bravin and BravinLee in the fall.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:09pm

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An abstract close-up photograph of intricately woven fabric textures in rich, high-contrast colors, capturing the materiality and craftsmanship that defined Bridgeport's textile industry legacy.The historic American Fabric Arts building in Bridgeport, Connecticut, now home to a diverse community of artists and creative businesses, provides an inspiring backdrop for the experimental exhibitions at The Stairwell Space gallery.Bridgeport Today

The Stairwell Space, a gallery located in the historic American Fabric Arts building in Bridgeport, Connecticut, has been showcasing the work of emerging artists since its inaugural exhibition in 2024. For an upcoming show in October, the gallery has engaged renowned New York curators Karin Bravin and BravinLee to bring their expertise and network to the space, which is expected to be a must-see event for the region.

Why it matters

The Stairwell Space represents an innovative approach to supporting and elevating underrepresented and emerging artists, offering them an experimental platform free from the typical agendas of commercial galleries. By tapping into a prestigious curatorial team from New York, the gallery is bringing national attention to the vibrant arts scene in Bridgeport, highlighting the city's rich history in the textile industry and its ongoing transformation into a hub for creative businesses and artists.

The details

The Stairwell Space was created by local artist Linda Colletta, who saw the potential in the defunct, junk-filled stairwell of the historic American Fabric Arts building. Colletta proposed turning the space into a gallery to her landlord, who enthusiastically agreed and funded the renovations. Rather than a traditional 'Call for Artists,' Colletta issued a 'Call for Curators,' seeking to provide an experimental platform for under-represented and emerging artists without the burden of exhibition fees.

  • The Stairwell Space opened its inaugural exhibition in November 2024.
  • The upcoming show curated by Karin Bravin and BravinLee is scheduled to open in October 2026.

The players

Linda Colletta

A local artist who founded The Stairwell Space gallery in the historic American Fabric Arts building in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Karin Bravin

A renowned New York gallerist who, along with her firm BravinLee, has been engaged to curate an exhibition at The Stairwell Space in October 2026.

BravinLee

A powerhouse New York-based curatorial firm that frequently works with fiber art and has been engaged to curate an exhibition at The Stairwell Space in October 2026.

Johanna Aenderl

One of the curators for the upcoming 'Interwoven Perception' exhibition at The Stairwell Space, opening on April 18, 2026.

Dalit Gurevich

One of the curators for the upcoming 'Interwoven Perception' exhibition at The Stairwell Space, opening on April 18, 2026.

Sally Boon Matthews

One of the curators for the upcoming 'Interwoven Perception' exhibition at The Stairwell Space, opening on April 18, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Material is a means of communication. Listening to it, not dominating it makes us truly active. That is: to be active, be passive. The finer tuned we are to it, the closer we come to art.”

— Anni Albers, Artist

“Be weird. Experiment.”

— Linda Colletta, Founder, The Stairwell Space

What’s next

The upcoming 'Interwoven Perception' exhibition curated by Johanna Aenderl, Dalit Gurevich, and Sally Boon Matthews will open at The Stairwell Space on April 18, 2026 and run through May 29, 2026.

The takeaway

The Stairwell Space's innovative approach to supporting emerging and underrepresented artists, combined with its ability to attract renowned curatorial talent from New York, positions Bridgeport as an exciting destination for contemporary art that celebrates the city's rich textile heritage and its evolving creative community.