KENT, Conn.—James Boehmer and Gregory Fricke opened Peggy Mercury at 9 Maple St., Unit 2, in May 2024 with the idea of creating a hybrid retail/art space that reflects all the creative inspirations experienced throughout their careers in the New York fashion world.
There, Boehmer worked in make-up and beauty and Fricke in model management.
“Everything in this space has some personal connection to us,” said Boehmer. “It’s all a part of our story, the people we know, the art and experiences that have
influenced us and our community of creatives. We want to share our love of
photography, art, color, texture and a sense of humor through this space.”
Spontaneity is a byword for the entrepreneurs, with Boehmer explaining that they are open to the Zeitgeist. Indeed, spontaneity is built into the name of the gallery, with “mercury” representing an ever-changing, moment-to-moment, state of being (conversely “mercurial,” in the pre-Victorian era, could be used as a derogatory slang word for “queer”). Peggy, the other half of the gallery’s name, is a nod to Peggy Guggengeim, a vanguard of the arts and style.
Boehmer adds wryly, “ Peggy Mercury also sounds like she could be Freddie Mercury’s sister, or just a great drag name.”
The gallery is currently exhibiting “Range Life,” the works of Mexican-American artist Gregory Thrasher. Nicknamed “Thrash” by Boehmer and Fricke, he has been friends with the two entrepreneurs since they met 15 years ago in the city.
“We’ve loved seeing the evolution of his work, his sense of humor, his distinct narrative, his personality, and personal and pop cultural references [in his works],” said Boehmer. “The more you sit with his art, the more you have a sense of who he is, his background as a Mexican-American in Texas and his point of view.”
Thrasher, who lives and works in Brooklyn, N.Y., and Norfolk, marvels at the differences in landscape, weather, food and culture between Northwest Connecticut and his native El Paso. He muses playfully about how it feels like the land of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” and says he is still shocked to see moss growing on rocks.
He said that Fricke and Boehmer are “upping the creative, weirdo and freak quotient” in the region through Peggy Mercury and are thus fostering a thriving community for artists. His recent artist’s reception bustled with a feeling of a conviviality with an assemblage that included children and the artist’s dog, Lenny.
Since opening, Boehmer and Fricke have enjoyed being a part of the Kent community of galleries and meeting new people. They said future
shows might be feature anything from hyper-realistic watercolors, to NYC punk-era
photography to a permanent onsite installation.
“Range Life” runs through April 20. Business hours are Thursday through Sunday, 11a.m.- 6p.m.
