The Oracle Club is a collaboration between novelist Julian Tepper and painter Jenna Gribbon, who hope to draw like-minded writers and artists. The recently opened members-only salon in Long Island City is a meeting (and working) place for writers, artists and intellectuals. The three-room space includes a library, a living room and an art studio, all decorated in an eclectic style, which Gribbon describes as “Salvador Dali’s house meets Whistler’s Peacock Room meets Coco Chanel’s house meets Cocteau’s Chapel.” Jenna intends to continually evolve the decor, “there’s a real difference in the feel of a place that is conceived entirely on paper and one that is allowed to organically evolve.”
There is a sun-filled loft space for painters and a book-lined room reserved for writers. Something about the writer’s space, certainly the quiet, and we mean real quiet — no phones ring, no music plays, no water cooler whispers can be overheard — feels as ancient as many of the surrounding tomes. The club has a resident librarian, currently on artists leave in Finland, who took great care and effort to procure a beautiful and eclectic mix of books, and was even passionate enough to help design and build the book cases. Both the atmosphere and aesthetic inspire productivity and creativity.
The third space serves as a gathering place where readings and classes are held; here a laid-back salon vibe presides, and members can read the paper, a book or chat over a beer. For monthly fees ranging from $50 to $175, members get a key; access to the space from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week; and a standing invitation to any readings or events held at the club.
Tonight, they are presenting an intimate evening of classical music with Harriet Stubbs. It is a opportunity to hear her perform before she makes her Carnegie Hall debut next year. The salon’s set up, with the piano in close proximity to the audience, makes for a unique experience. The events section on their site welcomes “lectures, readings, performances, night raga slumber parties,” clearly anything is possible.
Third spaces continue to emerge and adds a welcome addition to established social club concepts like Norwood and the Soho House. A fresh take on salons and social clubs of a bygone era and an invaluable addition to the neighborhood.
The Oracle Club, 10-41 47th Avenue, Long Island City
