As part of our Q&A series, Morningsider brings you exclusive interviews with neighborhood “Insiders.” This week, we interview Lawrence Rodriguez, founder of Harlem’s Casa Frela Gallery.
A veteran of both the fashion and arts industries, Rodriguez has directed the development and manufacturing of high fashion lines for such designers as Ralph Lauren and Liz Lange. Additionally, he has served as curator and advisor for such nonprofit art and social groups as: the Annual Mount Sinai Hospital Employee Art Exhibit, The National ARTS Program Foundation, The Feminist Art Project, International, Harlem Open Artist Studio Tour and Alexander’s Angels.
Rodriguez used his creative and diverse background to create Casa Frela Gallery, a place in which art embraces different cultures and ethnicities. Casa Frela has been host to well over 80 exhibitions and cultural events and Rodriquez is continuously driven to create and produce programs that connect the people living in Harlem and the New York Metropolitan area with the wider art world.
Q&A with Lawrence Rodriguez:
1. Tell us about Casa Frela Gallery.
Casa Frela was founded five years ago with a rather simple mission: raise awareness of and educate the Harlem community about all art forms; curate LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer) art exhibitions that focus on LGBTQ issues, lifestyle and family; provide artists with opportunities for them to be featured in local, national and international news media and provide a meeting place for LGBTQ organizations.
It soon became obvious that the Harlem community needed more from this new gallery and Casa Frela responded by adding services including: providing a comfortable, safe place to experience art, music, photography, film, history and literature; celebrate gay culture by displaying the very best from the LGBTQ community, and providing the vital connection to the wider art world; championing the cause of Story Corps, historic black film, Harlem’s restored gardens and founder of the Harlem’s Annual LGBTQ Pride Community Event; and introducing the community to cutting edge contemporary and performance art.
Customers and the community have embraced the gallery for its never-ending stream of new ideas. They appreciate the gallery’s availability for community meetings and for Lawrence’s sponsorship of neighborhood events.
2. What do you think of the increasing number of gay entrepreneurs and venues in Harlem?
The changes in the Harlem community extend in many directions. As an LGBTQ business owner, I have become a part of the fabric of our vibrant business community as so many other LGBTQ businesses and gay friendly businesses. There are about 40 plus businesses and locations that are gay owned and/or gay friendly currently in Harlem.
3. What has been your favorite exhibition at Casa Frela? 
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4. What events/exhibitions can we look forward to this fall?
The Casa Frela Gallery will host its Annual Fall Art Festival as a part of 9th Annual Open House New York (OHNY) Weekend with 3 major exhibitions in the gallery. The festival opens Oct 14th, 2011. Admission is FREE for all events during the festival.
Casa Frela Gallery will also act as Information Center for the Harlem Open Artist Studio Tour (HOAST). The tour will be held on Saturday, October 15th, 2011 and Sunday, October 16th, 2011, from 9am to 7pm both days. This weekend festival is an enchanting gift celebration, drawing in thousands of visitors from all of our boroughs and beyond who happily complete their fall shopping early. The gallery takes great pleasure in inviting the public to enjoy an early fall shopping experience at a leisurely pace while finding quality merchandise and unique one-of-a-kind gifts.
5. What is your favorite part about being a business owner?
I have been fortunate to own and work in my art gallery. I now believe that my “horizon has horizons,” because I have been given the chance to think differently, foster and support new ideals and be educated through others. This is my favorite part.
6. Anything else you would like to add?
I believe in the Harlem Community.
Casa Frela Gallery
47 West 119th Street, between 5th and Lenox Avenues
