art gallery circuit
curated tours of unmissable work
Art Gallery Circuit Private Tours
Step into New York's contemporary art world through a private, artist-led experience.
To reserve your tour, contact Jody Lee Drafta-artist, writer and founder of Art Gallery Circuit by phone, text, or email: jody(at)artgallerycircuit.com (646) 825-1365
A Tailored Fine Art Experience
Designed for discerning travelers, collectors, and art-curious guests, each tour offers a thoughtfully curated walk through 6 to 9 leading galleries. Perfect for individuals, couples, friends, families, or corporate groups, each tour offers an engaging look at today's art world.
-Duration: Around 2 hours (longer options available upon request)
-Group Size: Between 1 and 12 people
-Price: $120 each for 1-6 people. Discounted rates for larger groups.
-Age Range: 16 to 75
-Tour Operates Rain or Shine
-Scheduling: Flexible-reach out to reserve your preferred time.
jody (at) artgallerycircuit.com or (646) 825-1365
-Cancellation Policy: Full refund 72 hours in advance; non-refundable within 72 hours.
Step into New York's contemporary art world through a private, artist-led experience.
To reserve your tour, contact Jody Lee Drafta-artist, writer and founder of Art Gallery Circuit by phone, text, or email: jody(at)artgallerycircuit.com (646) 825-1365
A Tailored Fine Art Experience
Designed for discerning travelers, collectors, and art-curious guests, each tour offers a thoughtfully curated walk through 6 to 9 leading galleries. Perfect for individuals, couples, friends, families, or corporate groups, each tour offers an engaging look at today's art world.
-Duration: Around 2 hours (longer options available upon request)
-Group Size: Between 1 and 12 people
-Price: $120 each for 1-6 people. Discounted rates for larger groups.
-Age Range: 16 to 75
-Tour Operates Rain or Shine
-Scheduling: Flexible-reach out to reserve your preferred time.
jody (at) artgallerycircuit.com or (646) 825-1365
-Cancellation Policy: Full refund 72 hours in advance; non-refundable within 72 hours.
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.
I visit dozens of exhibitions each month to craft tours that are thoughtful, engaging, and approachable—no jargon, just insight into how the work is made and why it matters. Whether you're curious or would like to broaden your experience of art, I’d love to deepen your sense of new art in New York now.
I visit dozens of exhibitions each month to craft tours that are thoughtful, engaging, and approachable—no jargon, just insight into how the work is made and why it matters. Whether you're curious or would like to broaden your experience of art, I’d love to deepen your sense of new art in New York now.
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, intention, or visual power. The tours blend insight and conversation with space to reflect. They are 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, intention, or visual power. The tours blend insight and conversation with space to reflect. They are meant to open the door to contemporary art through genuine engagement.
guests love art gallery circuit tours
'Hidden gem'
"I took this tour to better understand the NYC art scene and it delivered! Jody not only took me to galleries, but she explained how they work as well. Jody researched the artists ahead of time and brought quotes and artist statements to help make meaning of what we saw. This tour is a hidden gem and I highly recommend it for any art-lover who wants to go beyond museums and experience new artist voices. I can't wait to come back and take another tour."
MEG N.
'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!"
BARBARA G.
'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!!"
'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