We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kiana Parsons a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kiana, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
“Materialized Visions” was the first exhibition at our brand-new space, Evoke Gallery, co-founded by myself and my business partner, Fabian Sotelo. For years, we had been curating events throughout Chicago, but we decided to take a leap of faith—transitioning our skills as artists, creatives, and production specialists into something permanent. We envisioned creating what we felt was missing in Chicago’s cultural and creative scene.
As two Chicagoans in our 20s, with no outside funding or backing, we took on the challenge of building a gallery from scratch. We secured a stunning industrial warehouse space and transformed it into an art gallery—literally building it with our own hands. From constructing the walls to installing the doorway and kitchenette, every inch of Evoke Gallery was a labor of love and determination.
“Materialized Visions” was an exhibition dedicated to Black figurative artists—an especially underrepresented group in the art world. Curating this show for my community was one of the proudest moments of my life. On the day of the event, seeing the works of over eight talented artists celebrating the Black experience felt nothing short of monumental. The room was packed the entire evening and alight with thought provoking conversations. The accompanying panel discussion on the state of Black art made the night feel culturally and historically significant.
The impact of the exhibition didn’t end there. It was so well-received that it had a second iteration at another gallery just a few months later. I never imagined something like this would be possible, but the name of the show truly speaks to the entire journey: “Materialized Visions”. This exhibition, curated by Ayrika Hall in collaboration with Evoke Gallery, exemplified the power of turning dreams into reality.
Kiana, 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?
Kiana Parsons, born and raised in Chicago, has always been deeply connected to the city’s vibrant cultural fabric. Throughout her youth, she participated in various city-offered youth outreach programs, which played a significant role in nurturing her artistic talents and community engagement. Kiana’s passion for art led her to attend the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where she honed her skills in painting, film, and creative direction.
Navigating the intersections of her identity as a Black queer woman, Kiana’s life is both colorful and challenging. These experiences have shaped her perspective and fueled her dedication to financial liberation for minority groups. As an artist, she leverages her background in painting and film to create meaningful work that resonates with her community. Kiana is passionate about uplifting those around her, often using her platform to support and empower others.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Kiana has a deep love for music and is influenced by Chicago’s rich cultural history. This influence permeates her work, contributing to the unique and immersive experiences she creates at Evoke. Her commitment to fostering community and creativity is evident in all her endeavors, making her a vital force in Chicago’s art scene.
As the CEO and co-founder of Evoke, Kiana Parsons plays a pivotal role in steering the business towards success, ensuring it remains a beacon of creativity and community engagement. She provides strategic leadership, setting the overall vision and direction for Evoke, which aligns with its mission to support emerging and mid-career artists, especially those who are BIPOC and LGBTQIA identifying.
Kiana’s responsibilities encompass a broad spectrum of tasks. She oversees day-to-day operations, ensuring the smooth and efficient running of the gallery. Her hands-on approach is evident as she engages in every aspect of the business, from selecting artwork and working closely with the curator, to maintaining the gallery space and even participating in its upkeep. This labor of love highlights her dedication and commitment to making Evoke a welcoming and inspiring place.
In addition to operational duties, Kiana is deeply involved in curatorial oversight. Her keen eye for talent and deep understanding of the art world allows her to select and showcase compelling artworks, positioning Evoke as a cutting-edge gallery. Her strategic initiatives and business development efforts have been instrumental in navigating challenges, ensuring Evoke’s continued growth and success.
Community engagement is another cornerstone of Kiana’s role. She actively builds and nurtures relationships within the creative community, organizing events, workshops, and exhibitions that foster a vibrant, inclusive environment. Her leadership style emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and resilience, empowering her small but dedicated team of contractors and collaborators to contribute to Evoke’s success.
In essence, Kiana Parsons embodies the spirit and vision of Evoke, driving its mission forward through unwavering dedication, strategic foresight, and a hands-on approach that ensures both the gallery’s and the community’s thriving.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
A pivotal moment in our journey at Evoke Gallery was when we had to relocate to a new space. Our first location was something we had poured our hearts into—countless hours, resources, and love went into building what we thought would be our forever home. When unforeseen circumstances forced us to move, it felt like everything we had worked so tirelessly to create was slipping away. It was devastating, and for a moment, it seemed like the end of the dream.
But in hindsight, it was a blessing in disguise. The relocation process taught us resilience and advocacy. We built strong relationships with our alderman and city officials, learning how to stand up for our rights in the face of shady landlords and questionable business practices. That experience strengthened our resolve and our vision.
Ultimately, moving was the best decision we could have made. Our new location is a stunning storefront, right in the heart of a community filled with Black and Brown people. This space allows us to be more accessible, forward-facing, and deeply connected to those we serve. It’s not just a gallery—it’s a vibrant hub where we’ve been able to grow our business, define ourselves as a gallery and a team, and truly root ourselves in our community. What initially felt like a setback became the foundation for everything we’re building today.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My mission is to create a space that I could only dare to imagine. I’m from the South Side of Chicago, where dedicated art spaces in our communities are rare. As I grew and explored the city, expanding my understanding of Chicago’s art scene, I was disappointed to realize there wasn’t a gallery here that reflected the kind of space I dreamed of—a space that truly empowers artists, especially emerging and mid-career Black and Brown artists.
Many galleries cater to the top one percent and often have exploitative relationships with artists. I wanted to challenge that model by building a space that nurtures and insulates artists, helping them develop their careers in ways that are ethical, empowering, and sustainable. At Evoke Gallery, we aim to show that art is for everyone and that it can be a powerful, transformative force.
Evoke isn’t just an art gallery—it’s a production studio and a hub where art, community, and culture intersect. We’re committed to supporting the full creative cycle: from conception to creation, from displaying to selling. Our goal is to foster a space that feeds the cycle of creation and curation, proving that art can empower communities while supporting the artists who make it. Evoke is more than a gallery—it’s a vision for what art spaces can and should be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.evokechi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evoke_chi/
Image Credits
Brandon Vargas
Jae Vega