Elevating Voices & Opening Doors for Artists: A Conversation with Tanya Weddemire

New Visionary Podcast

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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