We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hollie Davis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hollie below.
Hollie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
I founded a residency program in 2022. The Connect Residency is an international program for artists. We meet for four-five weeks virtually. The first hour I teach skills artists need to know, Examples include proposal writing, speaking about your work, and finding calls for art. The second hour industry professionals speak. Previous industry professionals include the largest collector of art in West Africa, journalists, creative consultants, professors, full time artists, and curators. Then I partner with galleries and everyone who participates has a show. I also have a team of fellows who work with me to run the program. Because of this project I’ve worked at the Art Institute of Chicago. I also have worked as a gallery coordinator and been painting my own projects as well.
Hollie, 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?
I was born and raised in Beverly on Chicago’s southside. My parents strongly encouraged art and education throughout my life. In Chicago there is a non profit called After School Matters which matches teenager to summer and part time jobs to explore their interest, I worked for a gallery as an artist and at The Art Institute. My boss from high school recommended me for my current position at the Art Institute. Now because of the encouragement and support system I received I have a stable career in the arts and that is so rare especially for a woman of color. My mission as a curator is to facilitate places of gathering for all people of all backgrounds, Art brings people together and we need that more than ever. I’m working on a project where The Connect Residency will collaborate with Nike Art Gallery in Lagos. i also am working to expand the residency with international art shows. Hopefully in 2025 or 2026 we will collaborate with a space in the UK. I also intend to create an exhibition catalog that includes interviews from previous guest speakers, original art, poetry, and essays. This book will support my creative endeavors helping artists with their careers.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
It is not enough to love making and creating. We have to survive. We need health insurance, safe living situations and transportation. It is predatory to not support artists financially when advertising “opportunities” to them when you have the funds. If you can’t support an artist financially exchange services or products. There are so many ways to support. You can recommend their work to different art spaces, introducing them to grants, sharing on social media or buying less expensive products from them.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Unfortunately I have very severe crohn’s disease. It’s a very painful disease. However I walk in the footsteps of people before me with soooooo much resilience. Everytime I create a piece I am thinking of people who achieved despite adversity. That is a consistent goal of my creative journey; to continue. To not let my hardships prevent me from doing what I love. I also think as this administration erases black history it is even more important to me to represent the beauty and diversity across the black diaspora.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://holliedavisart.com
- Instagram: @holliedavisart
