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. The challenges of starting a gallery and empowering emerging artists through mentorship and collaboration.
3. Curatorial practices that prioritize underrepresented artists, interactive experiences, and joyful exhibitions.
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 minority 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).

Visit our website: visionaryartcollective.com
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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).

Visit our website: visionaryartcollective.com
Follow us on Instagram: @visionaryartcollective + @newvisionarymag
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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

Visit our website: visionaryartcollective.com

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Elisabeth Johs, founder and director of JO-HS Gallery, shares her journey as a gallery owner, the importance of intuition in business decisions, and the challenges and rewards of managing a gallery while building a trusted community of artists and collaborators.

Here’s what we discuss:

1. Elisabeth emphasizes the importance of trusting her intuition when making business decisions, especially in navigating challenges with artists, clients, or partners. She’s found that ignoring her gut often leads to regret and emphasizes the need to stay true to personal values.

2. The value of meeting artists in person at events, openings, or museum gatherings. These face-to-face connections feel more meaningful and lasting than unsolicited DMs, as they create a deeper understanding of the artist and their work.

3. Taking initiative—attend events, meet curators and gallerists, and put yourself out there. While the art world can feel closed off, being proactive and enthusiastic can leave a lasting impression.

About Elisabeth -

Elisabeth Johs is a curator and art advisor originally from Denmark. Elisabeth has lived in London and New York and currently resides in Mexico City. In 2021 she founded JO-HS, an art residency and project space in Mexico City focusing on exhibiting emerging artists. In 2023 Elisabeth established a new location for JO-HS in New York City. Since 2018 Elisabeth has been curating independently. Her curatorial practice actively pursues responses to modern-day challenges such as social, human and material, combining creativity, communication, research and innovation conveyed in visual narrative.

Website: jo-hs.com
IG: @_jo_hs

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Marlee Katz Snow is a curator, art advisor, and the founder of Collect Bean, a digital platform designed to make art collecting more accessible. She previously ran Tchotchke Gallery in Brooklyn, which focused on supporting emerging artists and building community. In this episode, Marlee discusses her transition from running a physical gallery to launching Collect Bean, her curatorial process, and the importance of creating a welcoming, barrier-free environment for both artists and collectors.

Here’s what we discuss:

1. The inspiration behind Collect Bean: Marlee shares how her experience at Tchotchke Gallery led her to create Collect Bean, a digital platform that connects collectors with artists in a simple, accessible way, with no barriers to entry.

2. Community in the art world: Marlee emphasizes building meaningful relationships with both artists and collectors and creating opportunities for collaboration that extend beyond single exhibitions.

3. The balance between art, community, and business: Marlee reflects on the challenges of managing a growing digital platform while maintaining a personal connection with artists and collectors, and shares how she stays organized and focused amidst the demands of her work.

About Marlee -

Marlee Katz Snow is an artist liaison and gallerist with roots in Miami and Brooklyn. Her experience spans working closely with artists, curating exhibitions, and partnering with art advisors, giving her a well-rounded perspective on the art world.

In 2020, she founded the late great Tchotchke Gallery in Brooklyn, a space dedicated to emerging talent. The gallery quickly gained recognition, hosting a range of exhibitions that were featured in Harper's Bazaar, ArtNet, and Cultured Magazine, all while maintaining a focus on uplifting new voices in the art scene. With her current venture, Collect Bean, Marlee champions artists directly from their studios, creating an open and transparent space for art collectors. She is committed to supporting creatives and fostering authentic connections—always prioritizing the artist’s journey and growth. With a strong foundation in relationship building, business operations, curation, and sales, Marlee brings a thoughtful, artist-centric approach to all art-world endeavors.

Website: collectbean.com + marleekatz.com

IG: @collectbean + @marleekatz

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