Support Gerald DeCock's right to stay in his Chelsea hotel studio
The Issue
Gerald DeCock, a beloved artist, has been bringing color and life to Room 1014 of the historic Hotel Chelsea for almost 32 years. His vibrant paintings not only brightened the walls of this iconic landmark but have also contributed immensely to the cultural tapestry of New York City.
This current eviction notice came cruelly came immediately after the hotel bought 21 of Gerald's paintings, which at the time felt like an act of compassion. In fact, Gerald has been singled out and harassed by the hotel for years, by the management not accepting his rent and then, serving eviction papers to scare him. The other permanent tenants all have been able to make their residences rent stabilized. Gerald is the only one being forcibly evicted and was not honored with a stabilized apartment. Gerald is the only current tenant being evicted and the only resident with the most paintings displayed in the hotel.
They are pushing Gerald out so they said they can remove everything he has poured into the space to create a truly unique work of art in order to convert it into yet another high end hotel room. This is what displacement and corporate greed looks like plain and simple. All while the hotel continues to market itself as a space that supports the artists and profits off the hotel's historic legacy.
The courts now have unfortunately ruled in favor of the hotel, mandating that Gerald leave by September 30th. This decision threatens to strip New York City of a vital part of its creative history and deprive Gerald of the space where he creates his renowned art.
To evict him now, after over three decades of his cultural contributions, undercuts the very essence of what has made Chelsea a historical beacon for artists around the world.
We urge the Hotel Chelsea and the courts to reconsider this decision and allow Gerald to continue his work here. The same walls that benefit from his art deserve to shelter the artist who created it. We propose that the hotel enter into negotiations to find a mutually beneficial resolution, preserving not only Gerald’s living space but also the artistic soul of Chelsea and New York City.
Support Gerald DeCock's right to remain in his studio, allowing him to continue contributing to the community and preserving a historical artistic legacy. Stand up for the principles of art and creativity that define New York City's spirit. Sign this petition to make your voice heard and help save a cherished piece of New York City's vibrant art history.
143
The Issue
Gerald DeCock, a beloved artist, has been bringing color and life to Room 1014 of the historic Hotel Chelsea for almost 32 years. His vibrant paintings not only brightened the walls of this iconic landmark but have also contributed immensely to the cultural tapestry of New York City.
This current eviction notice came cruelly came immediately after the hotel bought 21 of Gerald's paintings, which at the time felt like an act of compassion. In fact, Gerald has been singled out and harassed by the hotel for years, by the management not accepting his rent and then, serving eviction papers to scare him. The other permanent tenants all have been able to make their residences rent stabilized. Gerald is the only one being forcibly evicted and was not honored with a stabilized apartment. Gerald is the only current tenant being evicted and the only resident with the most paintings displayed in the hotel.
They are pushing Gerald out so they said they can remove everything he has poured into the space to create a truly unique work of art in order to convert it into yet another high end hotel room. This is what displacement and corporate greed looks like plain and simple. All while the hotel continues to market itself as a space that supports the artists and profits off the hotel's historic legacy.
The courts now have unfortunately ruled in favor of the hotel, mandating that Gerald leave by September 30th. This decision threatens to strip New York City of a vital part of its creative history and deprive Gerald of the space where he creates his renowned art.
To evict him now, after over three decades of his cultural contributions, undercuts the very essence of what has made Chelsea a historical beacon for artists around the world.
We urge the Hotel Chelsea and the courts to reconsider this decision and allow Gerald to continue his work here. The same walls that benefit from his art deserve to shelter the artist who created it. We propose that the hotel enter into negotiations to find a mutually beneficial resolution, preserving not only Gerald’s living space but also the artistic soul of Chelsea and New York City.
Support Gerald DeCock's right to remain in his studio, allowing him to continue contributing to the community and preserving a historical artistic legacy. Stand up for the principles of art and creativity that define New York City's spirit. Sign this petition to make your voice heard and help save a cherished piece of New York City's vibrant art history.
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on July 31, 2026