Meet Andrea McCafferty + Kat O’Neill

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrea McCafferty + Kat O’Neill and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrea McCafferty + Kat O’Neill, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
As Matisse said, “creativity takes courage.” And that is as true in life and business as it is in art. We both have worked for preeminent companies in the past but there is nothing like building your own brand. Only about 5% of all businesses worldwide are involved in the creation or distribution of arts. Being as we are artists with creative and financial acumen as well as art enthusiasts, we wanted to add to that percentage with a blank canvas. Of course, risk is inherent in the entrepreneurial journey and the arts can be a challenging arena to navigate but thanks to a strong partnership, a malleable mission statement and our silent partner Don Julio, the rewards have been well worth the risk.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
We have been described in the press as a refreshing oasis of authentic art with must see art shows and have consistently been voted the best gallery in the Hamptons and the reason for that is of course us. Ha. Obviously, we are a factor, but it is mostly our eclectic portfolio of emerging and established domestic and international artists who bring a myriad of mediums to life that deserve the
credit. Pop. Figurative. Abstract. Photography. Sculpture. And let us not forget Legos. Our distinction lies in our diversity. Russell Young, Nelson De La Nuez, Jane Waterous, Markus Klinko, Greg Lotus, Lina Condes and Seek One are just a few of the illustrious artists that we represent. We exhibit year-round with themed shows that are as unique as they are dynamic. We also do fairs and
have extensive on-line platforms including Artsty, Artnet, Artcloud and 1 st Dibs as well as a design arm to procure and curate art for homes and businesses. And when not working for the gallery, we work pro bono as mothers to kids and dogs.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The White Room Gallery in Bridgehampton. (ha) Elaia Estiatorio – Greek Restaurant in Bridgehampton.
Sag Harbor Cinema
Jackson Pollack house in the Springs, East Hampton
K Pasa and Tutto Il Giorno restaurants in Sag Harbor
Talkhouse in Amagansett
Bay Street Theater and Sag Harbor Center for the Arts in Sag Harbor
Guild hall in East Hampton
Gurney’s Resort & Spa in Montauk
All the beaches and bays.
Ferry to Shelter Island and then another ferry to Greenport on the North Fork and then back.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Michelle Neufeld Montak who founded Gimme Shelter Animal Rescue. She has truly made the world a more loving place. https://gimmeshelteranimalrescue.org

Website: Art4thewhiteroomgallery@gmail.com

Instagram: @whiteroomgallerybh

Facebook: thewhiteroomcontemporarygallery

Image Credits
Photos of gallery owners. Artwork behind us is artist Punk Me Tender and the emoji sculptures are by Ukrainian sculptor Lina Condes.