Smack Mellon

Smack Mellon was founded in 1995 by Andrea Reynosa and Kevin Vertrees in their loft at 135 Plymouth Street. David Baskin, James Hong, and Tommy Bordonaro provided a wealth of creative and technical support that was instrumental in the early development of the organization. From 1996–2004, Smack Mellon evolved to present exhibitions in dynamic spaces throughout the DUMBO neighborhood, thanks to generous space donations from the Walentas Family and Two Trees Management. Smack Mellon found homes in both a former rubber factory at 81 Washington Street and a former spice factory at 56 Water Street. In October 2005, Smack Mellon moved into its current home at 92 Plymouth Street, across from Brooklyn Bridge Park. Built by Robert Gair and designed by William Higginson, the 1880s structure is a converted boiler house that originally produced steam, providing heat and power to other facilities in the neighborhood. Smack Mellon worked with Sage & Coombe Architects to transform the building and create a unique cultural space that provides free admission to museum-scale contemporary art exhibitions, studio workspaces, and educational and public programs.