Johnny Thornton, an artist working in Brooklyn, NY, owner of Established Gallery, and Director of Arts Gowanus discusses his artistic journey, how art became a therapeutic outlet during his illness, and his evolving creative approach. He shares insights on community engagement through Arts Gowanus, emphasizing affordability and collaboration in building a thriving artist community in Brooklyn.

Here’s what we discuss:

1. Art as a therapeutic outlet and a catalyst for community building.
2. The importance of affordability and advocacy in the arts.
3. Navigating the commercial art world while fostering collaboration.
4. Future initiatives to support artists and create accessible spaces.

About Johnny -

Johnny Thornton is an artist, curator and art director that lives and works in Brooklyn, NY. Born in Connecticut, he spent his childhood in Johannesburg, South Africa, before moving to Tucson, Arizona, where he studied Fine Arts at the University of Arizona. He received his Masters of Fine Arts from Parsons the New School for Design in New York City. Thornton has had work exhibited throughout the United States and is part of several collections. Currently, Thornton works out of his art studio in Gowanus and serves as the Executive Director of Arts Gowanus. Johnny was the Head Curator/Gallery Director at Established Gallery for 2 years before becoming the co-owner in 2022.Thornton is also the Executive Director of Arts Gowanus, a non-profit organization working to support, promote, and advocate for local artists and a sustainable arts community in Brooklyn.

Website :https://johnnythornton.com/
IG: @johnnythornton / @establishedgallery_ / @artsgowanus

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Caitlin Kelly-McKenna, founder and director of Kelly-McKenna Gallery, shares her journey of opening a contemporary art gallery in Spring Lake, New Jersey. She discusses the empowering experience of running her own space, the importance of trusting her vision, and the challenges of programming outside of New York City. This conversation explores the role of education in fostering art appreciation, the rewards of showcasing unconventional art, and valuable advice for emerging artists navigating the art world.

Here’s what we discuss:

1. Caitlin’s path to gallery ownership and how the pandemic shaped her decision to open her own space.
2. The importance of community engagement and education in making contemporary art more accessible.
3. Key challenges and rewards of showcasing unconventional art outside of major art hubs.
4. Practical advice for emerging artists, including self-advocacy, networking, and the role of residencies.

About Caitlin-

Caitlin Kelly-McKenna is the founder and director of Kelly-Mckenna Gallery. Kelly-McKenna Gallery, established in Fall 2022, serves as both a fine art gallery and a consulting firm. They showcase emerging and established artists through year-round exhibitions and offer tailored services such as collection building, management, and comprehensive appraisal and valuation services. Located in the serene beach town of Spring Lake, New Jersey, just outside New York City, the gallery provides a calm and inviting environment away from the city's bustle. This setting allows visitors to experience and discuss art with a clear and open mind. Spring Lake was chosen for its slower pace of life, which has shaped their approach to programming: They present fewer exhibitions each year, but they run for longer durations. This approach allows more focus on broad, universal themes that resonate deeply and address pressing contemporary issues. The exhibitions explore topics like artificial intelligence, environmental challenges, and the enduring tension between science and religion—ideas that invite reflection and spark meaningful conversations.

Website: kellymckennagallery.com
IG: @kellymckennagallery

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Etta Harshaw, founder of Harsh Collective, shares her inspiring journey and the themes central to her work in the art world. Her gallery is dedicated to supporting emerging artists, fostering community, and curating interactive and joyful art experiences. This conversation explores Etta's entrepreneurial lessons, the importance of relationships in the art world, and her commitment to underrepresented artists and mediums.

Here’s what we discuss:

1. Etta’s artistic family background and how it inspired her career in curation and community building.
2. Her passion for starting a gallery and empowering emerging artists through mentorship and collaboration.
3. Creating meaningful exhibitions that prioritize underrepresented voices.
4. Insights into studio visits, feedback, and building meaningful relationships between artists and curators.

About Etta -

Growing up in a family of artists, Etta Harshaw cultivated an appreciation and keen eye for fine art from a young age. Her grandparents were both artists in New York City, advocating for the support of Soho Artist In Residence laws in the 1970s. Following the sale of her grandparents' New York City property, Harshaw was bequeathed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—to utilize these funds to continue her grandparents' vision of supporting emerging artists in the city.

Cutting her teeth in the gallery and design space, Harshaw began discussing the goal of reimagining the contemporary gallery, Harshaw actualized this dream by taking business courses in her senior year of college. She developed a business plan using her concept for projects in her classes. After graduating, Harshaw founded Harsh Collective to support artists' voices in New York and provide a cultural hub and platform for contemporary artists to share their unique vision with art admirers and collectors of all levels. To scale Harshaw’s vision, her first step was to bring on colleague and friend Juliette Eberle to support the gallery’s continuous growth and manage operations.

With Harshaw’s formal background in fine art and graphic design and her experience in the art industry, the Harshaw built a creative and inclusive community at Harsh Collective. Harshaw continues curating and designing bespoke exhibitions for emerging and historically underrepresented artists.

Website: harshcollective.com
IG: @ettaharshaw / @harshcollectivenyc

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Tanya Weddemire, founder and CEO of the Tanya Weddemire Gallery, discusses her inspiring journey and the themes central to her work in the art world. Her gallery focuses on representing diverse perspectives while fostering community, creativity, and authenticity. This conversation offers insights into Tanya's entrepreneurial mindset and the gallery's evolution as a space for accessible and meaningful art experiences.

Here’s what we discuss:

1. Tanya’s journey from Jamaica to becoming a prominent figure in the art world and her commitment to better representation for underrepresented artists.
2. The challenges and rewards of building relationships, fostering community, and balancing authenticity with entrepreneurship.
3. The gallery’s mission to empower emerging artists and create accessible, inclusive art spaces while embracing small steps for significant progress.
4. Reflections on documenting successes and failures, finding clarity through sacred moments, and the importance of passion and teamwork in navigating the art market.

About Tanya -

Tanya Weddemire is the Founder and CEO of the renowned Tanya Weddemire Gallery. Originally from Montego Bay, Jamaica, she moved to Brooklyn at the age of eleven, where her passion for art flourished. At eighteen, she began her professional journey as the youngest Account Executive for couture designer Mary McFadden.

Weddemire earned a B.S.A. in Design Communications with a minor in Art and Corporate Branding from Philadelphia University. Her artistic perspective and analytical skills, combined with her degree, propelled her into a successful career as a Luxury Retail Executive. She demonstrated exceptional leadership at notable brands such as Pottery Barn, Natuzzi Italia, and Ethan Allen, where she redefined industry standards.

In November 2022, she launched the Tanya Weddemire Gallery with a mission to celebrate the transformative power of art and community and highlight the vitality of art in diverse communities. Since then, the gallery has been featured in prominent publications, including Forbesblk, Vanity Fair, ARTNEWS, Art in America, Brooklyn Rail, Industry City Publication, Amsterdam News, Black Art Magazine, PR News Wire, Brooklyn Reader, Hyperallergic, Bluecalf, Voice of America and Park Magazine.

Tanya Weddemire has demonstrated unwavering dedication, leading several impactful activations and exhibitions at art fairs such as the Affordable Art Fair, Art on Paper NYC, LA Art Show, Hamptons Fine Art Fair, and Scope Art Show Miami Beach. These events have transformed the gallery into a dynamic showcase of community, culture, and legacy, inspiring creativity in everyone who engages with it.

Upcoming events at Tanya Weddemire Gallery:

2/1/25 : I GOT A STORY TO TELL | BHM Activation Opening Reception | 1PM - 6PM

3/1/25 : I GOT A STORY TO TELL | Artist Talk

I GOT A STORY TO TELL is an impactful Black History Month Activation, running from February 1st to March 8, 2025. Presenting the works of four dynamic female artists: BLU MURPHY, BRITTNEY S. PRICE, KAYLYN WEBSTER, and LEX MARIE. This showcase marks the curatorial debut of Tatianna Mack, Art Liaison at the Tanya Weddemire Gallery setting the stage for an exciting and meaningful year ahead.

2/20/25 : BUY ART WITH YOUR HEART | Panel Discussion | Camp David | 6PM - 9PM

BUY ART WITH YOUR HEART, brings four collectors together during BLACK HISTORY MONTH to share their experiences of purchasing art and the profound impact it has on their lives. This event emphasizes the importance of supporting Black and Brown artists and Black Owned Galleries. This conversation will not just showcase ART as an object but as a meaningful reflection of the artist’s narrative, the cultural moment, the issues shaping our generation and highlighting how art acquisition becomes an act of cultural preservation and empowerment.

Website: tanyaweddemiregallery.org
IG: @tanyaweddemiregallery / @tanyaweddemire_

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In this episode, Victoria reflects on the new year and the importance of setting intentions and goals. She emphasizes the need for self-reflection, balancing long-term visions with daily actions, and creating with intention. Victoria discusses the significance of mindset, curiosity, and living with intention while budgeting time and energy. She encourages listeners to focus on what they can control and to embrace growth by slowing down and going deeper into their passions and pursuits.

To learn more about working with Victoria, visit visionaryartcollective.com/mentorship

About Victoria -

Victoria J. Fry is a New York City-based painter, educator, curator, and founder of Visionary Art Collective, New Visionary Magazine, and Warnes Contemporary Gallery. Fry has supported hundreds of artists globally, providing resources and opportunities to help them further their art careers. As part of her mission to increase visibility for emerging artists, Fry partners with renowned curators and gallerists to facilitate both in-person and virtual exhibitions, and to publish quarterly issues of New Visionary Magazine, a contemporary art publication showcasing artists globally. Fry has been a guest speaker for the Women’s Caucus for Art in Washington, D.C., Superfine Art Fair in NYC, Photo Trouvée Magazine, The Art Queens Society, and the Huron River Art Collective. She has curated exhibitions for organizations such as Create! Magazine, Arts to Hearts Project, and The Artful Collective, and has served as a juror for the Women’s United Art Prize. She also hosts the New Visionary Podcast.Fry holds a BFA from the School of Visual Arts (2012) and an MAT from the Maine College of Art (2014).

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In this episode, Victoria reflects on the profound lessons she’s learned in 2024 and shares strategies for embracing personal growth, nurturing creativity, and maintaining balance. She opens up about rediscovering her independence after a major life transition, building healthier habits, and carving out space for rest and self-reflection. Victoria also dives into the power of daily creative practices, like her transformative 30-day drawing challenge, and how these habits have reignited her connection to her art.

Key topics include:

• The importance of setting boundaries to protect time and energy.
• Why taking breaks offline can spark creativity and help reset focus.
• How to reconnect with childlike freedom in your creative process.
• Insights into balancing personal healing with building a thriving business.

To learn more about working with Victoria, visit visionaryartcollective.com/mentorship

About Victoria -

Victoria J. Fry is a New York City-based painter, educator, curator, and founder of Visionary Art Collective, New Visionary Magazine, and Warnes Contemporary Gallery. Fry has supported hundreds of artists globally, providing resources and opportunities to help them further their art careers. As part of her mission to increase visibility for emerging artists, Fry partners with renowned curators and gallerists to facilitate both in-person and virtual exhibitions, and to publish quarterly issues of New Visionary Magazine, a contemporary art publication showcasing artists globally. Fry has been a guest speaker for the Women’s Caucus for Art in Washington, D.C., Superfine Art Fair in NYC, Photo Trouvée Magazine, The Art Queens Society, and the Huron River Art Collective. She has curated exhibitions for organizations such as Create! Magazine, Arts to Hearts Project, and The Artful Collective, and has served as a juror for the Women’s United Art Prize. She also hosts the New Visionary Podcast.Fry holds a BFA from the School of Visual Arts (2012) and an MAT from the Maine College of Art (2014).

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Artists Jalena Hay, Laura Cleary Williams, and Brittney Ciccone discuss their creative methodologies and the themes of their exhibition Eternal Cycles at Warren's Contemporary. This powerful exhibition features the work of Laura, Jalena, and Brittney, three contemporary artists exploring themes of impermanence, change, and the cyclical nature of life. Through abstraction, layering, and dynamic mark-making, they examine how we leave lasting traces in a constantly shifting world.

Here’s what we discuss:

1. The cyclical nature of life as a recurring theme, reflected in the exhibition’s exploration of chaos, order, and impermanence.
2. How meditation and reflection have transformed each artist's perspective and approach to their work.
3. Navigating the unpredictable nature of creation, technology, and life, while finding beauty in imperfection.
4. Insights on balancing personal expression with viewer interaction, where art becomes a conversation.

About Jalena, Laura, and Brittney -

Jalena’s practice is all about taking control of the chaos. Her work layers Pen, Ink, Gouache, Pastel and Colored Pencil to create intricate compositions that don’t just ask for your attention—they demand it. These compositions evoke a tension between abstraction and emotion, where every mark becomes part of a larger exploration of themes such as impermanence, resilience, and interconnectedness. Jalena Hay was born and raised in Southern California before moving to New York City to study Drawing and Printmaking at Pratt Institute. Her passion for printmaking took her to Amsterdam, where she dove deep into lithography, pushing the boundaries of line, texture and form.

Brittney Ciccone, an abstract painter originally from Hudson Valley, NY, now resides and works in Boston, Massachusetts. She earned her bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Brittney is an active member of the Boston SoWa Artist Guild and participates in various solo and group shows, including notable exhibitions like Brooklyn TOAF. Her work captivates collectors internationally and is featured in private collections across multiple continents.

Laura Cleary Williams’s abstract spaces are an ode to an imperfect language. Through motion, she makes marks that translate thought - subconscious – a viscerally understood language. Williams works from her hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee. In 2009, she received her BFA from Tufts University and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Next, Williams received a full scholarship to complete her Master's in Printmaking in 2012 at SCAD-Atlanta. Williams worked at SCAD‘s Southeastern Center for Printmaking. There, she worked on an ambitious print collection with Kiki Smith and Valerie Hammond.

Website: jalenahay.com / brittneyciccone.com / lauracleary.com
IG: @jalena.hay / @brittneycicconeart / @lauraclearywilliams

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Greg Mike, a visual artist and founder of ABV Gallery, discusses his creative journey, the challenges of building a gallery in Atlanta, and preparing for his solo exhibition. He shares insights on finding joy in the creative process, balancing personal and professional life, and fostering community through collaboration.

Here’s what we discuss:

1. The rewarding yet challenging process of opening a new gallery space in Atlanta, emphasizing the role of art as a sanctuary during stressful times.

2. The evolution of Greg’s work from dark themes to brighter, more positive messages, reflecting personal and artistic growth.

3. The significance of collaboration and community engagement in shaping his career and supporting other artists.

4. The importance of embracing failure as part of the creative process and finding joy in the journey rather than the destination.

About Greg -
Born and raised in Connecticut, childhood trips to NYC exposed "Greg Mike" Mensching to the creative potential of reinventing public spaces through art and design. Always obsessed with the boundless energy and crisp line work of iconic American mid-century cartoons, by his early teens Greg began using the walls on the streets to fuse these two passions together. Further inspired by his deep involvement with skate culture and his intersections with the design world, he has become known for pieces that incorporate vivid explosions of incandescent color filtered through a Surrealist Pop Art perspective.

Currently based in Atlanta, Greg Mike is the founder and creative director of ABV AGENCY, a multi-platform creative studio specializing in graphic design, street art and public art, custom mural installations, art direction and more. Greg Mike is also the founder and curator of ABV GALLERY, a contemporary art gallery with a brand new location in East Atlanta Village. ABV Gallery exhibits over 500+ artists from around the world featuring both emerging and established artists with a focus on the New Contemporary movement.

Founded in 2010, ABV Gallery has become a cornerstone of Atlanta's thriving art community, showcasing works of art that challenge and inspire visitors. In 2015, Greg Mike founded OuterSpace Project, an event series that merges public art, live music, design, action sports and culture which has produced over 100+ murals throughout the city of Atlanta.

Website:gregmike.com
IG: @gregmike

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