We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gareth Edwards. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gareth below.
Alright, Gareth thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
After dedicating 32 years to serving the New York City government, I made the decision to retire early from my demanding role overseeing computer application development projects. Throughout my career, I always nurtured my passion for art in my spare moments, and retirement seemed like the perfect opportunity to fully immerse myself in creating and refining my own artwork.
Upon relocating to Orlando in 2018, I quickly discovered the abundance of artistic talent within this vibrant community. However, I also observed a significant lack of platforms available for artists to showcase their work. Many talented individuals were struggling to find avenues to exhibit their creations.
Motivated by this observation and driven by my own love for art, I embarked on a quest to establish a space where artists could shine. That’s when I stumbled upon an opportunity to realize my vision: the birth of “A Perfect Union Art Gallery” – a haven dedicated to celebrating the rich tapestry of American diversity.
At our gallery, we are committed to showcasing artists from diverse backgrounds, each invited to share their unique cultural perspectives through their artwork. By embracing and celebrating this cultural exchange, we foster greater understanding and unity within our community.
The inspiration behind our emphasis on multiculturalism stems from my own enriching experiences attending an international boarding high school. Witnessing the beauty of different cultures coming together under one roof left an indelible mark on me, instilling a deep appreciation for the power of diversity.
Through “A Perfect Union Art Gallery,” I aspire to create a space where artists and art enthusiasts alike can come together to celebrate our differences, learn from one another, and ultimately, forge bonds of unity through the universal language of art.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Gareth Edwards. I am originally from the island of Antigua. I came to the US with my mother and siblings when I was five years old. I am an art gallery owner and curator. My gallery is called A Perfect Union Art Gallery, Celebrating American Diversity. I’ve always loved art as a kid, but when I got into my older years and started working in a stressful government job, creating art was a great stress reliever. After taking an early retirement, my goal was to come to Orlando and focus on my own art. Then I had the opportunity to open up an art gallery and I took advantage of it, fulfilling a lifelong dream. I am very proud of the fact that my gallery is a platform for local artists from diverse backgrounds to share their culture through art. My gallery features all types of original art and mediums, including paintings, sculpture, and photography. My gallery has been open for approximately 2 1/2 years. As an artist myself, I appreciate the lack of venues to showcase artwork and wanted to provide that to local artists. My own art is very unique. I paint on glass and metal. I also create hand-painted jewelry. I create my jewelry in family sets to promote family unity. My jewelry is created in various shapes and sizes to represent four generations. I’m very proud of the fact that families come to my gallery to find matching jewelry for family members. For the first time, I will be showcasing my own art in my gallery in April 2024.
Approximately a year and a half ago, I was selected as the visual art curator for FusionFest. FusionFest (FusionFest.org) is a beautiful multicultural organization that hosts events in areas of visual arts, fashion, culinary arts, performing arts and much more throughout the year and culminates in a huge festival over Thanksgiving weekend that draws over 20,000 attendees. I’m very proud to be the visual arts curator for an organization’s whose mission aligns so closely with my own.
Have you ever had to pivot?
In 2017, I experienced the devastating loss of my younger sister to cancer—a profound moment that forced me to reevaluate my life and aspirations. After dedicating 32 years to a managerial role, overseeing computer application development projects for the New York City government, I realized it was time for a significant change.
In 2018, I made the courageous decision to transition away from government work and delve wholeheartedly into my passion for art. Embracing this newfound chapter, I dedicated myself to honing my artistic skills and advancing my career.
By 2021, I embarked on an ambitious journey to establish my own gallery—an endeavor that filled me with immense pride and purpose. Today, as the owner and curator of A Perfect Union Art Gallery, I am privileged to create a space where artists from diverse backgrounds can showcase their talents and celebrate cultural diversity.
Additionally, my role as the visual arts curator for FusionFest allows me to further my commitment to promoting multicultural unity through artistic expression. It is an honor to contribute to such a meaningful cause and to be able to channel my passion for art towards fostering connections and understanding within our community.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
The wide array of diverse and specialized videos on YouTube has had a profound influence on my capacity to manage and grow my business. The wealth of knowledge accessible through these video resources is truly remarkable. I’ve gleaned invaluable insights from fellow creators, empowering me to innovate and cultivate expertise across various disciplines.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aperfectunion.org
- Instagram: @A_Perfect_Union_Art
- Facebook: A Perfect Union Art Gallery
- Other: Google: A Perfect Union Art Gallery