DANNY GHITIS FOR THE WALL STREET JOURNAL 

Amy Li Projects, 166 Mott St., is open Wednesday through Sundays from 12 p.m.-6 p.m. The artwork of Matt Enger is currently on display. 

For 32 years, the He Zhen Snap Button Co. in Chinatown, its storefront cluttered with rivets and snaps, was one of many businesses that catered to the New York garment industry.

Then one day last year, owner He Zhen Li's daughter-28-year-old curator Amy Li-came home from art school and convinced her father to make room in his shop for a makeshift gallery.

In September 2013, Ms. Li got her father's permission to use the space to display her first curated art show, titled "Without Consent" in a riff on displaying art in an unusual place without seeking permission from traditional galleries.

"There are so many assumptions attached to the word 'gallery.' This is just a space where I work as a curator and art dealer," Ms. Li said. She started the gallery to give herself work when she couldn't find a position at a museum or art organization.

"I didn't know anyone who could introduce me to a job opening," she added. "That's why I continue to do this."

The ad hoc space is made up of three short walls, and Ms. Li often uses the shop window to display other artists' work. The gallery and button shop operate under the same hours.

During this difficult time it is important to remind ourselves to be grateful of our democratic process and its principles.  People have an absolute right to their personal beliefs, to voice what they think and assemble to protest peacefully.  The police are sworn to uphold and protect these rights as much as we are to enforce our laws.  

As fellow New Yorkers who care deeply about our city, it's vital that we work to maintain open lines of communication and promote understanding.  We are in this together.  

I have great confidence that we can address difficult issues and overcome the challenges we face.