We were lucky to catch up with Rhonda K. Brown recently and have shared our conversation below.

Rhonda K. , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

About seven years ago, I began a journey that would reshape how I understood my parents and their profound love for the arts. It started with the difficult news that my father had Alzheimer’s. Not long after, I realized that my mother was also slipping, though her condition seemed to follow a different path. At the time, I was divorced, living in Chicago, juggling a career, raising two kids, and navigating the constant demands of life. My weekends were spent driving back and forth to my childhood home in Cleveland, trying to manage their affairs and maintain the house. The physical and emotional toll was immense.

That house wasn’t just a structure—it was a foundation. I came home as an infant to its walls, played outside until the streetlights signaled it was time to come in, and discovered I was an artist at the tender age of five. My father was a painter, and while many fathers spent weekends on soccer fields or baseball diamonds, my dad and I were at art classes. He nurtured my creativity, giving me the tools to see the world differently. By the time I was a sophomore in high school, I knew art was my passion, surpassing even my love for tennis. That realization shaped my life and career, but it also deepened the bond between my father and me.

The profound moment that shifted everything came from one of my mother’s oft-repeated warnings: “Rhonda, if anything ever happens to us, make sure to come home immediately—and don’t let anyone in our house!” At the time, I dismissed it as one of her quirky sayings. But as her dementia progressed, I began to notice her restlessness. She couldn’t sit still, always moving items from one place to another. It was as if she were guarding something.

As I was determined to ease her agitation, I stopped to reflect on her words. I looked around the house and finally understood. My parents’ home wasn’t just where they lived; it was a sanctuary of their passions. Over three decades, they had collected and sold art, filling every corner with pieces that told a story about their shared journey. My mother’s restlessness was her way of protecting that legacy.

I embarked on a project to honor that legacy. It wasn’t just about safeguarding their art collection; it was about discovering the depth of my parents’ love for the arts and the life they had built around it. This project became a bridge between their world and mine, a way to preserve their story while deepening my own connection to the creative spirit they had instilled in me. I also discovered that my gift straddles both of their true passions in life. My mother, the business-savvy gallerist and dealer, and my father, an incredible painter. For years, I struggled with the irony of blending these skills. But through this project, I finally understood the exacting power of that duality within me. It’s a journey that continues to shape me, reminding me that art isn’t just something we create or collect—it’s a reflection of who we are and the lives we touch along the way.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a proud boomeranger, born and raised in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. After a 35+ year journey through college (earning a BFA in Painting, Drawing, and Art History) and graduate school (MA in Art History), I launched my career in arts education, advancement, and marketing/communications in Chicago in 1995. I lived there until 2023, building a life full of creativity and connection.

I’m also the mother of two incredible sons, Avery (26) and Isaac (19), who are thriving on the East Coast.

Summers are for traveling to chill beach towns like Oak Bluffs with friends—my absolute happy place. I’m passionate about art fairs and gallery openings, with a particular love for discovering new talent and diving deep into works of art. Through my robust art advisory practice, I educate emerging and seasoned collectors on accessing the best pieces for their private collections. Oh, I am a painter.

Sports are another passion of mine, especially anything my sons have played and, of course, all things Cleveland sports. I love long-table dinners with great conversation and casual farm-to-table meals, which are my absolute favorites. My style leans toward classic, vintage eclectic—in all things. And while I wouldn’t call myself a dog person, my labradoodle Obi has definitely stolen my heart.

I’m deeply committed to civic and social organizations that uplift my community, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., The Links Incorporated, and Girl Friends, Inc. These affiliations allow me to stay grounded while making an impact.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

What I find most rewarding about being an artist is the moment of stepping into authenticity—seeing myself and others embrace their truest creative selves. It’s a challenging process, balancing vulnerability and confidence, but sharing that journey through my work and celebrating the artistry of others brings immense joy. Whether it’s discussing the nuances of composition, sharing art historical references, or hyping up fellow creatives, those connections fuel my passion and affirm the value of artistic expression.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

A quote, perhaps said by many, that profoundly shaped my entrepreneurial philosophy is the realization that doing what you love truly doesn’t feel like work. Having spent time outside the arts, I’ve seen how passion transforms effort into purpose. It took time to align my career with what I was born to do, but now that I’m here, every challenge feels meaningful and fulfilling. That philosophy continues to guide my approach to management and creativity.

Contact Info:

• Website: www,rkbfineart,com
• Instagram: @rhondabrownfineart
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonda-k-brown-65918a18
• Other: I have the coolest full time job on earth, I am a public servant. I work in the Mayor’s Office at the City of Cleveland as Senior Strategist-Arts, Culture & Creative Economy

Image Credits

I HAVE THE RIGHTS