Gallery Tours with Jody Lee Drafta
The Only Artist-Led Tours in NYC
Curated Itinerary - Studio Insight
THE TOURS
Chelsea Gallery Tour: Two-hour walking tour featuring 8 to 10 galleries - $100 per person
Tour unmissable shows with Jody Lee Drafta in Chelsea, New York's main gallery district. Jody's are the only artist-led gallery tours in NYC. Her tours give insight into both the work and what artists have said about it. Surrounding all of this are stunning gallery spaces. Book a Chelsea Gallery Tour where there are up to 8 guests who book independently or a Private Gallery Tour for a group of up to 6 friends, colleagues or family members.
Private Gallery Tour: Two-hour walking tour featuring 8-10 galleries - $400 for up to six people
Private tours are ideal for groups of friends, work colleagues or visiting family. No one can book outside of your group. Jody crafts the itineraries for private tours sensitive to the group's preference on media and depending on available shows.
THE GUIDE
Jody Lee Drafta is an artist and writer based in New York City. Jody's insightful style as a tour curator draws on a nuanced understanding of images, materials, and the drivers of creative expression. She arranges the careful and abundant research she does into an experience that brings to life the best of what artists do. Jody has received awards in recognition of her studio work, such as a residency at the McDowell Colony and the Dozier Travel Grant. Jody holds an MFA, a BFA in sculpture and drawing, and a BA in German Literature and Humanities from Reed College, Phi Beta Kappa. She is a licensed tour guide for the City of New York and speaks German and beginning Romanian.
The REVIEWS
'An experience in seeing'
"This tour was a great introduction to Chelsea galleries which had always intimidated us a bit. We saw eight galleries showing a wide range of painting and sculpture-some pieces witty, some disturbing (in a good, made you think way), some quite beautiful. We really liked that Jody gave us a brief introduction to each show but then stepped back and allowed us to look and react to the art. However, because she's a working artist herself her responses to our questions were insightful and informative. The tour was an experience in seeing and I think we have a new appreciation for contemporary art. It also gives us a taste for browsing the galleries on our own in future. The walk along the High Line afterwards was a terrific added bonus."
PATRICIA R. | MAY, 2024
'Highly recommended'
"I highly recommend this small group gallery tour with Jody Drafta. I went with 5 friends, all of whom knew a lot more about art than me. We visited about 6 or 7 galleries - all very different styles and mediums. The artists were all very contemporary and Jody provided just enough pertinent info on each artist to really appreciate their work and vision. Jody was also able to thoughtfully answer all questions about specific pieces. We avoided all the galleries that were geared towards commercial art too. I enjoyed it much more than visiting a crowded museum."
LUISE N. | APRIL, 2024
'Enjoyed Every Minute'
"I booked this tour with 5 friends and we all enjoyed every minute of the two hours we had with Jody Drafta. Jody carefully curated our stops and helped us understand the importance of the works chosen, and what the artist was trying to explore. I highly recommend her tours!"
ANN S. | APRIL, 2024
'Extremely knowledgable'
"I booked this tour for myself and my daughter. Not only was Jody extremely knowledgeable she was also very friendly. She made us feel welcome and our questions and inquiries were met with enthusiasm that really kept us engaged. I never felt intimidated and the knowledge we gained was greatly appreciated. We only wish we had more time! Will definitely will book Jody again for future visits."
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M. ONTIVEROS | SEPTEMBER, 2023
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'Truly unique and wonderful'
"I have not had a more enjoyable and educational experience in galleries apart from your tour that felt more like a casual afternoon with a knowledgeable local, who if given the time, would have also stopped at a great local tapas/wine bar and for us to discuss the art and get to know the others on the tour. It is truly a unique and wonderful recommendation to share with our [hotel] guests ."
C. DA SILVA | SEPTEMBER. 2023
'Not to be missed'
"What a wonderful overview of current gallery offerings in this area of NYC. Jody provided a great tour with a real feeling of being in the know about good galleries and interesting shows. She was clearly very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the area, the artists and the galleries. A not to be missed tour for anyone who appreciates contemporary art."
A. ZYZIK | JUNE 2023
'Terrific tour and a fantastic tour guide'
"I learned so much on this tour with Jody! Now, when I visit again, I'll be sure to build time in to visit art galleries in Chelsea. Jody's opened up a whole new world of art to me. Terrific tour and fantastic tour guide-thanks, Jody!"
G. ALLEN | JUNE 2023