MISSION

An illustration of a group of people looking at a performance art installation.

The Tallichet Freedman Foundation is a non-profit organization housed in a decommissioned synagogue that serves as a studio and creative space.

TTFF supports visual artists in Queens, NY through direct financial assistance, documentation, and community-based programming. Our hyper-local micro grants are awarded through an open application process, alongside studio visits, artist interviews, and gatherings that provide visibility and opportunities for connection.

Recognizing the financial barriers that many artists face, especially those working outside traditional art world structures, we work to strengthen the local arts community and encourage artists to keep making art.

Funding comes from the generosity of Leon and betty Tallichet and from outside donations.

FOUNDERS

An illustration of the founder, Jude Tallichet.

Jude Tallichet founded TTFF in 2023 to honor the creative spirits of her late partner, Matt Freedman, and her parents, Leon and Betty Tallichet.

Jude Tallichet Website

Jude Tallichet Instagram

An illustration of the late Matthew Freedman.

Matt Freedman (1957-2020) was a prodigious artist whose work encompassed painting, sculpture, sound, performance and video. Matt’s enthusiasm for the local art scene was contagious! He participated in performances, published reviews and essays, curated exhibitions, and created a spectacular body of work! It is because of Matt’s grass roots, DIY spirit that we developed a micro grant model.

Ramanov Grave: Matt Freedman

Endless Broken Time

Relatively Indolent but Relentless: A Cancer Treatment Journal

Bomb Magazine: Matt Freedman and Tim Spelios’s Endless Broken Time

Hyperallergic: With a Medieval Flair, Spring Break Art Show Celebrates the Eccentric

An illustration of the late Leon Tallichet, who provided the initial funding for TTFF.
An illustration of Betty Tallichet, who provided the initial funding for TTFF.

Leon Tallichet (1925-2018), was a dedicated musician, jazz lover, and astute businessman, who encouraged his family to pursue their passions and never take life too seriously.

Betty Tallichet (1926-2025) brought the same vitality to her family that she did to the tennis court and her cherished tractor. Even into her later years, she cared for her land single-handedly and remained joyfully active, surrounded by those she loved.

Board of

Directors

  • An illustration of the founder, Jude Tallichet. The portrait of an older woman wearing glasses.

    Jude Tallichet

    Founder / Director

  • An illustration of a portrait of a woman with medium long hair, smiling.

    Sabrina Lessard

    Secretary / Director

  • An illustration portrait of a man wearing glasses with wavy hair and face stubble.

    Howie Seligman

    Treasurer

  • An illustration portrait of a man with wavy hair smiling.

    Paul Hoffman

    Director

  • An illustration portrait of a man with a huge beard and round glasses.

    Gabriel Velazquez Zazueta

    Director

THE GOGUE

Matt and Jude moved into a decommissioned synagogue, warmly called, “The Gogue” located in Ridgewood, Queens in 2003. It currently houses the archive of Matt Freedman, the studio of Jude Tallichet, and the studio of Project Replica and TUYO NYC. The Gogue has hosted collaborative projects, film shoots and performances. The ethos of this organization comes from the spirit of all the art made in this building over the last thirty years!

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All portraits on this page are by Henry David Rosenberg