Gallerista’s Joshua Herrington
CIW’s Local Look invites local entrepreneurs, social pioneers and artists to share their projects and insights. Today, we talked to Joshua Herrington, Founder & Director of Gallerista, a digital platform that connects patrons to Chicago’s independent artists. By supporting artists who may not have traditional representation, Gallerista hopes to inform and engage art patrons in a continued dialogue about the wide range of art Chicago has to offer.
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| Joshua Herrington. |
Why did you choose Chicago?
I began participating in the arts by volunteering with Chicago Artists Coalition, to whom I owe my background in grant writing and programming, and whose mission is so closely tied to professional development for artists. I was constantly on the front lines speaking with artists making the most with the resources they have. These aren’t just “creatives” running around saying “lets make the world better by spreading art!” These are engaged, active researchers in their mediums, just like researchers in any other industry. Chicago prides itself on its innovation, experimentation and entrepreneurial endeavors—from the kitchens of Alinea to 1871 to EXPO Chicago. It’s time we understand what we’re looking at as an industry and how we can support it as a valued asset. Artists are finding ways to support their practice in Chicago, and it’s up to us as patrons to support them in the best ways we can.
If you could go back in time before you started this project and share one piece of advice with yourself, what would you tell yourself?
There’s no need to rush anything. It’s easy as an entrepreneur to want this, that and the other thing as soon as possible because you may think it will help the concept grow quicker. One of the best things I’ve learned is that patience isn’t sitting still and being silent (which frustrates many “doers”). It’s about using slower times to prepare. You can’t take on new opportunities if you haven’t been preparing yourself for them.
What are your next steps?
Gallerista is enjoying a really great period of growth right now. Not only do we have talented artists populating the site, but in return, local collectors, arts-conscious businesses and even traditional galleries are coming out of the woodwork to support the concept as a whole. All of us are stakeholders in the arts community because it’s part of our larger civic community. These artists are your neighbors, friends, colleagues and, sometimes, family members. We believe that by strategically partnering with like-minded patrons, we can make the most impact. Patrons can participate in a variety of ways. It’s just a matter of finding the best ways for you to support—whether its attending openings, collaborating with organizations like Gallerista, financially patronizing or simply finding what kind of work speaks to you—and a great place to start for all of these things is at our website!
We want to be in the know! Name one person, place or thing that you think is one of Chicago’s best-kept secrets—a secret until now, of course.
You must already know Land and Sea Dept, but if not, welcome to the know! This special events production company is what I would consider to be one of the best examples of arts-conscious, partnership-based businesses in Chicago. They orchestrate some of the most thoughtful events and small-batch projects, partnering with like-minded groups such as Longman & Eagle, The Logan Theatre, Drag City, The Garfield Park Conservatory, the MCA and more. A must know!
You must already know Land and Sea Dept, but if not, welcome to the know! This special events production company is what I would consider to be one of the best examples of arts-conscious, partnership-based businesses in Chicago. They orchestrate some of the most thoughtful events and small-batch projects, partnering with like-minded groups such as Longman & Eagle, The Logan Theatre, Drag City, The Garfield Park Conservatory, the MCA and more. A must know!
Q&As are edited for clarity and length.
