AP Studio Files/#ApartmentPARTY
April 3, 2023/ Photo: Courtesy of Tucker Mitchell
Miller Pyke’s interest in holding space for others has led to a series of barrier-breaking outlets that allow people to experience the city’s many creative minds.
Pyke has fostered this uplifting artistic atmosphere through two outlets. The first is #ApartmentPARTY, a monthly salon-style event that brings together community members while showcasing the work of several chosen artists. The second is AP Studio Files, a monthly podcast series in which Pyke interviews artists around the city about their work.
With a background in music, art, film, and performance, Pyke has always held creative interests and enjoyed connecting with other artists in the city. However, she struggled to find any spaces that encouraged the synergy she craved in her community. So she employed her own innate hosting skills to create the kind of outlet she sought.
“I had always thrown house parties and loved to host, so when an opportunity arose to host two artists on their return to Brooklyn tour, I jumped at the chance,” she explained. “It was a simple evening at the end of summer with about 20 guests seated on the ground. It felt like a massive success, my heart was so full and thus #ApartmentPARTY was born.”
Pyke began to take submissions from artists to showcase their work during her events. But when the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered group gatherings, she had to find another way to connect with creatives that wouldn’t put people at risk. So she began AP Studio Files as minimal-contact means of uplifting artists and staying inspired during a truly tough time.
Today, #ApartmentPARTY’s programming is back in full swing, operating in tandem with the podcast. Held in Pyke’s apartment in Bushwick, the salon welcomes guests to mingle and connect while showcasing both physical and performance art pieces. The concept may sound simple, but the product is quietly profound — allowing for earnest appreciation of art in an abating setting.
“I think that, while the world is scary, and while we are more disconnected from each other than ever, people are thirsty for this smaller, more intimate connection with art and one another,” Pyke said about the value of gatherings like hers. “There is definitely an audience for anything in New York so I hope that people will continue to grow these small communities that really know and value each other.”
The podcast, now in its third season, showcases Pyke’s knack for empowering others to speak about their passions. Aided by technical producer Art Kopischke and researcher H Conley, she conducts the interviews on a couch in her apartment’s living room, with photographer Tucker Mitchell on hand to capture meaningful moments. Instead of focusing solely on her guests’ clout and accomplishments, she addresses their individual paths/points of view, and how those help to inform their artistic choices.
Her process for selecting who to feature at events and on the podcast involves a combination of organic connections and online submissions. For the first season of the podcast, she interviewed a total of five creatives whom she considers dear friends (including the podcast’s own Kopischke.) Since then, she has conducted over 15 interviews with NYC artists of many different genres. Past guests have included fashion designer Hud Oberly, rapper/producer MA’AT, and photographer D.G. Noble. Her most recent recording featured Katherine Maxwell, a choreographer and artistic director of the nonprofit dance collective HiveWild.
“Most of the artists are just people whose work has inspired me, people who have an incredible vibe and who push their own limits,” Pyke said.
Both #ApartmentPARTY and AP Studio Files will continue their monthly programming. More information can be found on the AP Studio Files and Pyke’s Instagram. AP Studio Files’ Patreon can be found here.
