3rd & B'zaar @3rdandbzaar, the East Village’s source for eclectic thrift fashion, preternatural artwork and smart bibelots, is run by a pair of artists who love to collaborate with like-minded creatives.

So, it should be no surprise that the latest enterprise from 3rd & B'zaar co-founders Maegan Hayward @redsvintagethreads and Delphine Le Goff @displaybydelphine involves hosting guest artists to display their work in the store, or to create a window display featuring their art, or both. 3rd & B'zaar is at 191 East 3rd St, between A and B.

Each artist residency would last one or two months, and the store’s founders say the program is aimed at adding new art to their space while at the same time expanding their existing connections with the artist community in their neighborhood, the city and beyond.

The inaugural art installation is by NYC-based artist Sean Slaney @sean_slaney. An open call for the next in store artist is underway, contact them at 3andbzaar@gmail.com.

Le Goff, a designer of windows and other displays by profession, noted the importance of window décor to businesses. “In retail, the window is the 1st thing that people see when they look at a business from the street/sidewalk. When the customer connects with what’s happening in the window, it only takes a few seconds to catch their attention and to bring them in,” she told B Scene Zine.

“As a visual merchandiser and window dresser myself, it's a form of art that I appreciate and unfortunately I feel that window displays are underrated,” she added. Le Goff said she met Slaney when the two worked together doing windows and upscale midtown department store Bergdorf Goodman.

Hayward got to know Slaney when he participated in her Art Through Vintage auction which took place during the pandemic lockdown in conjunction with the other store she owns in the neighborhood, East Village Vintage Collective.  

“Sean is a great artist, and it was no brainer. We had to have him as our first guest artist just in time for our grand re-opening. He’s also a great builder, by the way. He built our new fitting rooms and racks inside the store,” Hayward said.

Sean’s art will be on display until the end of May 2023. 

Le Goff and Hayward said they believe the program is a great way for artists to express themselves in a three-dimensional space rather than an art gallery wall. And the new artist residents will have their art displayed alongside that of other artists that display  their work at the store.

“At 3rd & B’zaar we believe in building community as a fundamental goal,” Le Goff said. “This is just another way to bring people together and bring a new crowd to view the artists’ limitless creativity,” Hayward added.