art gallery circuit
curated tours of unmissable work
2 Kinds of Tours -
Chelsea Gallery Tour-book on this page
Expertly curated exploration of 6–9 contemporary galleries in Chelsea.
Experience a guided two-hour walking tour through the city's most vibrant art district. Featuring carefully selected galleries and a diverse range of contemporary artworks by both emerging and established artists.
Tour Overview:
Chelsea Gallery Tour-book on this page
Expertly curated exploration of 6–9 contemporary galleries in Chelsea.
Experience a guided two-hour walking tour through the city's most vibrant art district. Featuring carefully selected galleries and a diverse range of contemporary artworks by both emerging and established artists.
Tour Overview:
- Duration: 2 hours
- Group Size: Limited to 12 guests for a more personalized experience
- Age Range: 16 to 75
- Price: $120 per person
- Lowest Price Guarantee
- Tour Operates Rain or Shine
- Cancellation Policy: Full refund for cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations made within 24 hours of the scheduled tour are non-refundable.
II. Private Gallery Tour
Tailored Fine Art Experience for Individuals, Couples, or Small Groups
Book by reaching out to Jody via phone, text or email
jody (at) artgallerycircuit.com or (646) 825-1365
Private Tour Overview:
For those seeking a more personal experience in a small group of friends, family or colleagues. The Private Gallery Tour features 6 to 9 thoughtfully selected galleries and is designed to accommodate collectors, corporate groups, or visitors looking for a refined, immersive experience.
Tailored Fine Art Experience for Individuals, Couples, or Small Groups
Book by reaching out to Jody via phone, text or email
jody (at) artgallerycircuit.com or (646) 825-1365
Private Tour Overview:
For those seeking a more personal experience in a small group of friends, family or colleagues. The Private Gallery Tour features 6 to 9 thoughtfully selected galleries and is designed to accommodate collectors, corporate groups, or visitors looking for a refined, immersive experience.
- Duration: 2 hours (longer durations available upon request)
- Group Size: Between 1 and 20 people
- Age Range: From 16 to 75
- Booking and Pricing: Pricing varies based on group size. Please reach out and I'll give you a quote.
- Tour Operates Rain or Shine
- Flexible Scheduling
- Cancellation Policy: Full refund 72 hours in advance. Within 72 hours they're non-refundable.
about YOUR GUIDE
I’m Jody Lee Drafta, an artist, educator, and gallery tour guide with over two decades of experience creating, writing about, and sharing contemporary art. In my studio, I make large-scale works on paper; through Art Gallery Circuit, I lead curated gallery walks through Chelsea, and I also guide visitors at major art fairs like Frieze New York, Frieze Los Angeles, and The Armory Show.
My tours offer a behind-the-scenes perspective, shaped by my own creative practice. I visit dozens of exhibitions each month to craft tours that are thoughtful, engaging, and approachable—no jargon, just real insight into how the work is made and why it matters. Whether you're curious, inspired, or just looking for a new way to experience art, I’d love to share it with you.
My tours offer a behind-the-scenes perspective, shaped by my own creative practice. I visit dozens of exhibitions each month to craft tours that are thoughtful, engaging, and approachable—no jargon, just real insight into how the work is made and why it matters. Whether you're curious, inspired, or just looking for a new way to experience art, I’d love to share it with you.
about your tour
Art Gallery Circuit offers a two-hour journey through Chelsea’s most compelling exhibitions — a curated mix of emerging voices and established names, all shown in architecturally striking spaces.
Each month, I visit dozens of galleries and select 6 to 9 shows that offer something distinct — whether it’s material, concept, or sheer visual power. The tours blend insight and conversation with space to reflect. Public or private, they’re meant to open the door to contemporary art through genuine engagement.
Each month, I visit dozens of galleries and select 6 to 9 shows that offer something distinct — whether it’s material, concept, or sheer visual power. The tours blend insight and conversation with space to reflect. Public or private, they’re meant to open the door to contemporary art through genuine engagement.
guests love art gallery circuit tours
'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!"
GAYLE A.
'Lovely afternoon!'
"Lovely afternoon touring galleries in Chelsea w Jody! She did an amazing job curating our path for the day and was open to discussion/response as we moved through galleries. A pleasure!"
'Jody delivered a great experience!'
"Jody was a fantastic tour guide! She led a private Chelsea art gallery tour for my team and delivered a great experience. She chose superb galleries featuring some of the most culturally relevant exhibitions. She spoke with such appreciation and love for the art that I would recommend her tour to everyone -- from the novice art fan to the expert, and everyone in between."
DENEESHA L.
'Terrific resource!'
"This tour offered a great opportunity to get exposed to varied artwork in intimate gallery settings. Jody curated the experience and gave us context for understanding the art. She was a terrific resource for a unique event. I highly recommend!!"
BARBARA G.
'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.
'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.
'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.
'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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MATT O.
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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."
CARMEN D.
'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