Meet the Judges

The art world can be intimidating, but not in Tappan Collective’s digital and IRL galleries which welcome you in with ideas and inspiration for starting—or growing—your art collection. Don't miss their visually engaging Art Style Quiz, or their curated collections and conversations with favorite figures like Queer Eye star and interior designer Bobby Berk, comedian Phoebe Robinson, and fashion and lifestyle designer Jenni Kayne. Another tool Chelsea turns to for inspiration, and curates for her fans? Coffee table books! In 2024, Chelsea joined us as a Booktique Awards judge for the second year in a row, saying of the 2024 Book of the Year candidates: “The selection was vibrant and truly captivating, with each book standing out in its beauty, thoughtfulness, and creativity. Every work felt carefully considered, making it an exciting yet challenging task to choose among so many deserving titles. It’s been inspiring to see the depth and diversity in this year’s lineup!" Here, Chelsea shares what she loves most about Booktique’s favorite printed artform.

Did being a judge spark new creative connections or inspire new ideas you’d like to explore in your life or work? Inspiration is everywhere, and it's been so lovely to live with these books. I enjoy curating coffee table books for our audience at Tappan, so this judging experience was delightful and enriching for me.

Of all the books you judged, which one really spoke to you and why? Captivate! really spoke to me. It took me back to a time where sex and beauty were still relatively fun and wholesome. An honest and unique beauty with all its flaws really does it for me. 

What’s your favorite thing about coffee table books, and/or your favorite type of coffee table book? I find that every time I open a coffee table book I love, I am able to discover something new. Even if I'm not uncovering something unfamiliar, I often perceive things from a fresh perspective and draw inspiration from elements that previously went unnoticed. It’s beautiful the way my current stage in life and personal needs shape what I notice and what resonates with me at any given time.

What’s a topic you’ve been wanting to learn more about lately? Recently, I have developed a keen interest in landscaping. I find great joy in spending time outdoors and seek solace in my yard. As a result, I have a strong desire to deepen my knowledge about the various plants and flowers that surround me, with the goal of transforming my yard into a stunning garden.

If you had to choose...

Words or pictures? Pictures. Matte or glossy? Matte. Serif or sans? Sans. Brights or greige? Greige. Marble or terrazzo? Marble. Music or silence? Music. Sweet or savory? Savory. Coffee or cocktails? Depends on the time of day. Movie theater or museum? Museum. Tulips or Bird of Paradise? Tulips. Grand Canyon or Central Park? Central Park. Order or chaos? Chaos.