Laura Phipps, who previously served as an associate curator at the Whitney Museum of American Art, has been named the new director of the Gochman Family Collection (GFC). This announcement coincides with the New York City-based institution’s plans to launch a permanent exhibition site in the Hudson River Valley this fall, dedicated to showcasing its esteemed collection of contemporary Indigenous art.
The GFC, co-founded in 2021 by philanthropist Becky Gochman and former gallerist Zach Feuer, functions as a private lending collection. It focuses on promoting living Indigenous artists, such as Cara Romero, Marilou Schultz, Ishi Glinsky, and Raven Halfmoon, by acquiring their works and providing fee-free exhibition loans. The collection includes around 750 pieces, with 260 having been featured in over 100 shows globally. Public tours are available at the Gochman family’s Upper East Side home, where about 60% of the collection is on display at any time.
In a conversation with Hyperallergic, Phipps expressed enthusiasm about the new space in Katonah, Westchester County, describing it as a “new opportunity to show the collection in a more public-facing way.” She highlighted the potential to exhibit larger works and create novel connections among artists, contrasting with the current domestic setting of the collection.
Becky Gochman secured several buildings near Katonah’s Metro-North train station to ensure easy access to the collection. The site will eventually offer 10,000 square feet of exhibition space once completed. Phipps, who was part of the Whitney’s transition from the Breuer Building to Gansevoort Street, is eager to tackle the challenges of curating in a developing space. She emphasized the importance of flexibility in meeting the local community’s needs.
Phipps also highlighted the GFC’s commitment to supporting artists while being adaptable, aligning with the governance structure and mission of the Forge Project, co-founded by Gochman and Feuer and led by Candice Hopkins. The goal is to share the art as widely as possible. Rachel Martin, GFC Creative Director and Curator, praised Phipps for her understanding of contemporary Native art’s significance in American art history, reflecting a collaborative, artist-first approach.
