We were lucky to catch up with Ben Vose recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ben , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I spent much of my life just going with the flow, afraid to take risks. That life has given me a wonderful life. However, if I could go back in time and see how a life full of risks pursuing scary dreams would end up, I would jump in my time machine and give it a try. Unfortunately I do not have a time machine. Instead I decided a few years ago I did not want to grow to be an old man wishing I spent more time making stuff. From that time on I have not let more than week go by without working on some sort of sculpting project. That led me to today in my recent project, an art gallery and event space. As a person of faith I believe that community and bringing people from different beliefs and backgrounds together is important. Bridging the gap between art and community was that happy medium that led me to taking that risk of opening Galerie Artax.

Ben , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

The life of an artist is interesting. Artists often work alone and love the creating process. Putting your work into the world and monetizing it is something many artists do not enjoy doing. I want to create a place where the public can be exposed to great artists and the artist can make some money from their hard work. Galerie Artax is also a place for beginners and advanced artists to learn new skills and be in a place where they can try new things without feeling judged.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I spent my adult life as a teacher and coaching sports at the high school level. In that time I learned how much I love teaching and living life with people. Coaching and teaching is what my life was all about. Deciding to step away from a stable job and the only thing you have spent doing was not easy. However, I learned so much about leading, patience, encouraging others, and so much more. In those last couple years of teaching I noticed my thoughts always wandered toward creating art and a space for artists and community building. I decided that I was in a financial place where I could take the leap and try something new, pursuing a new dream. I am still in the early stages, so doubts often knock on mind’s door. I just have to always remember to take it one day at a time and lean into the community I have surrounded myself with.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In my limited knowledge about history, I have noticed that every thriving society has a robust artistic culture. Much of that has been supported by their respective governments. As nice as that is to have a boat load of money from the government supporting artists, I think starting at the local community level has a greater impact. I think of Walt Disney and Jim Henson. They started with just a few people believing in them as they began to develop their art. If you know a young person (or old person), encourage them. Point them to a place where they can learn and grow. There are so many resources online. Local businesses have a wonderful opportunity to display and promote artists, supporting them financially.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.galerieartax.com
• Instagram: @galerieartax @bennyvose

Image Credits

Ben Vose