Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Carla Bisong. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Carla, appreciate you joining us today. Some of the most interesting parts of our journey emerge from areas where we believe something that most people in our industry do not – do you have something like that?
Unfortunately, the general public often underestimates the importance of visual arts, relegating them to mere aesthetic pleasures rather than recognizing their profound impact on culture, cognition, and societal development.
Through paintings, sculptures, and other visual forms, artists encapsulate the essence of their cultures, providing a visual archive that transcends time. From ancient cave paintings to contemporary art, visual arts foster a collective memory that connects past, present, and future generations.
Studies have shown exposure to art stimulates critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. When individuals engage with visual stimuli, whether through observing paintings or participating in art creation, they activate areas of the brain associated with imagination and innovation. By underestimating the cognitive benefits of visual arts, the general public overlooks a powerful tool for fostering intellectual growth and adaptability.
Artists have long been the voices of societal critique, using visual mediums to address pressing issues and challenge prevailing norms. Visual arts provide a platform for social commentary, allowing artists to communicate complex ideas, question authority, and advocate for change.
Artistic communities and creative industries drive economic growth, attracting tourism, fostering innovation, and revitalizing urban spaces. Public art installations, galleries, and cultural events not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of a city but also create vibrant hubs that attract talent and investment.
Carla, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My parents and two siblings moved from Detroit Michigan to Katy Texas when I was a baby in the 80s. I always felt like I didn’t fit in because there weren’t too many kids who looked like me and my family was extremely religious.
I had a good childhood but didn’t know anything about the art community. I purchased my first original work of art from an artist at the International Festival in downtown Houston when I was 17. This work of art wasn’t expensive but it was more valuable to me than anything else I owned. I would daydream of owning an art gallery being surrounded by beautiful works of art and becoming friends with the artists who created them.
My dream always stayed in the back of my mind while I started a career in the Investment Banking Industry. I worked for Merrill Lynch Commodities for seven years followed by Goldman Sachs for six years.
These environments were amazing opportunities to learn professionalism, organization, critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. The fast-paced, high-stakes environment demanded precision, analytical acumen, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Driven by an unrelenting desire to bring art to the forefront of my life, I made the bold decision to leave the security of my position at Goldman Sachs. The transition from a structured corporate environment to the fluid and often unpredictable art world was not without its challenges. My unwavering determination fueled me as I navigated uncharted waters, learning the intricacies of art curation, networking with artists, and understanding the dynamics of the gallery business.
In 2012, I transformed a loft in the Historic Warehouse District of downtown Houston, into a contemporary art gallery.
The gallery became a haven for emerging artists seeking a platform for their voices to be heard and work to be seen.
I had no idea at the time, how rewarding my life would be by becoming an Art Dealer.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
People always ask what are my greatest challenges in business.
I love people and I love business. Mother Nature has NOT been my friend. In August 2017, we flooded in Hurricane Harvey. The entire city of Houston suffered from the flood and even though the gallery repairs only took 30 days, our clients and friends were suffering. How could I promote purchasing art when so many lost their homes and businesses?
March of 2020, a global pandemic happened and we had no experience on what to do next.
In both situations, the only plan was to keep asking ourselves, what can we do today to keep moving forward? We made calls to check on our artists and collectors to see if there was anything they needed and to the best of our ability provide information, assistance, or just a listening ear.
Eventually, the world started opening back up again, and we made it through.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
I knew when I started Bisong Art Gallery in 2012, I had no prior experience working in a museum or a gallery. I had previous experience in retail, sales, marketing, finance, and team building, but not specifically in the arts. I was wise enough to understand I had a large learning curve and taking out a loan or getting investors who expected a fast return would not be in my best interests.
I kept my corporate job for years and slowly grew the gallery. My day job at Goldman Sachs was also downtown, so the gallery first operated by appointment only, and I saw collectors and artists during my lunch break, after work, and on the weekends.
I was blessed with a generous salary and this maintained the gallery expenses until I was able to become profitable 3 years later. My husband Gideon was also a major support system to me. He assisted in many renovation efforts at the gallery and was a support system for never letting me give up after two major natural disasters.
Contact Info:
- Website: BisongGallery.com
- Instagram: @BisongArt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BisongArtGallery/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-bisong-5594a354
- Youtube: @BisongArtGallery
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bisong-art-gallery-houston
Image Credits
NTV – America Bisong Art Gallery