The Dallas Art Fair invites a local Black-owned gallery

Valerie Gillespie, owner of Pencil on Paper Gallery, speaks in front of two paintings by artist Jessica Vollrath at the Dallas Arts Fair.

However, it’s hard to ignore the powerful platform the Dallas Art Fair provides for artists and gallerists. Gillespie’s experience reflects a larger issue. About 50% of Black business owners applying for a loan, line of credit or merchant cash advance are denied compared to 18% of white business owners, according to theAcquiring a loan isn’t the only financial challenge Gillespie faces. In order to keep her business open she has to work a full-time job outside the gallery. Gillespie balances her role as gallery owner with being an arts teacher and director of fine arts at the Winston School.

There’s a lot going on, but then an afternoon lull hits and Gillespie gets a rare moment of calm. How is the fair so far?The marathon-like pace of the fair is a given. But there’s a lot more that Gillespie must navigate. For one, there’s the hefty booth fee that Gillespie needs to make back through art sales.

At the Dallas Art Fair, it’s evident that Pencil on Paper is a hub for a community of artists, patrons and collectors who might’ve been kept in the margins of the art world.While in conversation with a patron, Gillespie crouches down in her jumpsuit and black flats to point at details in the corner of artist Jessica Vollrath’s paintingVollrath has previously worked the coffee cart at the Dallas Art Fair.

From how to apply for the fair to where to place extra art, Gillespie is ready to pass on what she knows to other local Black gallerists when the time comes.I’m excited that I know now because hopefully the next Black gallery that comes in after me, I have all of this information stored and ready to hand over. So it’ll be easier for them.”Gillespie wants to see the landscape of local Black-owned galleries – and artists – thrive. That starts with growing the number that exist in North Texas.

Entertainment Entertainment Latest News, Entertainment Entertainment Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

New art exhibit opens at Dallas Contemporary in time for Dallas Art FairThemes of immigration, gentrification, education, and socio-economics are presented from a Latinx, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color perspective.
Source: NBCDFW - 🏆 288. / 63 Read more »

Expand the Mind: 4 Offbeat Gallery Spaces Not To Miss During Dallas Art Fair WeekThe Dallas Art Fair has dozens of worthy events, but if you like offbeat art, here's a user-friendly guide to four exhibitions you'll love.
Source: dallas_observer - 🏆 453. / 53 Read more »

From sharks to art cars, rootlab is the design company behind many local art projectsWhen you look at big scale art pieces, have you ever thought, ‘how are these things made?” We found the answer!
Source: KPRC2 - 🏆 80. / 68 Read more »