Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kristen Herrington. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Kristen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One deeply underappreciated facet of entrepreneurship is the kind of crazy stuff we have to deal with as business owners. Sometimes it’s crazy positive sometimes it’s crazy negative, but crazy experiences unite entrepreneurs regardless of industry. Can you share a crazy story with our readers?
When I put the call out on social media that I was looking to rent a space that could act as an art gallery, I never imagined what the universe had in store. I envisioned a little sea shanty, maybe the back corner of an existing business or a converted shipping container so commonly found in the maritimes of eastern Canada that would become my summer “gallery.” I was soon contacted by a friend who explained that the church hall he lived next to was virtually abandoned and may suffice for what I had in mind. It wasn’t exactly where I imagined showcasing my paintings, but as a budding entrepreneur, was open to the notion of, “you gotta start somewhere.”
The moment I set foot inside the space, I felt a sense of nostalgia rush over me. It looked (and smelled!) like virtually every small town church hall I had ever occupied. It was enormous, affordable, and was nestled right on the ocean. The hall oozed with potential; I drafted and signed a lease immediately.
My mind was swimming with how I could outfit the space. There would be room for events, workshops and gatherings. Far more than a traditional art gallery. I started planning opening day and what I would call my new bricks & mortar business. As these glitzy ideas swirled around in my mind, I would soon be presented with the most unexpected turn of events.
Only three days after signing the lease for my new business, wildfires came raging through my otherwise tranquil home community. Plans of a gallery grand opening were replaced by thoughts of loss, fear and worry. My husband and I were being evacuated, along with thousands of other people as the fires swallowed up homes and hearts with ferocious intent. We had less than an hour to pack up our home, our art and our memories before the police came knocking at our door telling us we had to leave.
To where? Was the question on everyone’s minds. Where would we go? How long would we be there? Would there be a house to go home to after all of this?
With a car full of strewn together clothes and chaos, we joined the caravan of vehicles exiting the subdivision, destined for an unknown alternative. Almost intuitively, we found ourselves at the “virtually abandoned” church hall, only three days under my name.
The hall was filled with nothing but cobwebs and dusty bibles. There was however, a fully equipped kitchen, a restroom and plenty of room to unload the collection of items we had packed in haste. There was no furniture, internet connection or signs of life (aside from those infamous church mice!) but we knew that somehow this church would truly become our savior. It was a roof over our head. More than what so many had in this moment.
Days rolled into each other and my art gallery became ground zero for our survival. We experienced an overwhelming amount of support from friends and neighboring communities as they delivered food and previsions as we weren’t allowed anywhere near our house. We felt loved by a place that we had only just found. Or maybe it found us? People came together to rally around those impacted by the wildfires. They came together with and for us over the nine days we lived at the gallery. They even helped deliver materials to ensure that I could honor my opening day as planned. They came together to show that creativity can be expressed in all sorts of human ways.
“Togetherland Art Gallery” opened on June 9, 2023 as planned. The space has grown to be a tribute to the very togetherness that we experienced in the early days of our acquaintance. It is now a booming arts and events venue that started out as our refuge. I could never have imagined this first impression, but it ended up being the most beautiful way to know a space. We are better together!
Kristen, 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?
Kristen Herrington: Award-Winning Painter, Podcaster and Author
With an intuitive approach to abstract art, Kristen captivates audiences with her playful perspective on life’s simple pleasures. Born and raised in rural Nova Scotia, Kristen’s artistry is deeply rooted in her appreciation for the beauty of the everyday and her insatiable curiosity about the world beyond her doorstep. Kristen studied Political Philosophy and worked at various levels of government for nearly a decade before transitioning into full-time entrepreneurship. This hybrid of experiences allows Kristen to offer a unique perspective on the arts.
At Togetherland Art Gallery, Kristen has curated a space where art, community, and creativity converge. Named after her belief in the power of togetherness, the gallery serves as a vibrant hub for workshops, concerts, open mics, yoga classes, and more. Through her eclectic events and warm hospitality, Kristen fosters a sense of belonging that extends far beyond the gallery walls.
In addition to her visual artistry, Kristen is a prominent voice in the Nova Scotia podcasting scene. As the co-host of the popular podcast “Mike and Kristen,” she shares her humorous anecdotes, insightful observations, and heartfelt conversations with audiences near and far. Alongside her husband Mike Ryan, Kristen brings laughter and levity to topics ranging from the creative process, living an alternative life and highlighting her home province.
Kristen’s creative talents extend beyond the canvas and the airwaves. Together with Mike, she authored a hilarious travel and relationship book that delights readers with its wit and charm. Their shared adventures and misadventures serve as a testament to the joy of embracing life’s unpredictable journey.
As one of the founding members of Curiosity Club, Kristen collaborates with fellow artists and entrepreneurs to curate transformative, immersive creative experiences. Through their collective efforts, they inspire others to unlock their creativity, follow their passions, and embrace the magic of collaboration.
Kristen’s artistry has garnered attention from media outlets such as CBC, CTV, Global News, Chicken Soup for the Soul, SaltWire, Here and There Magazine, and Eastlink television. Her distinctive style, characterized by vibrant colors and whimsical motifs, has earned her a dedicated following of art enthusiasts and collectors alike. She is a 2024 recipient of the prestigious Canada Council “Explore and Create” grant and will be using funds to design a sensory-experience for the deaf community (to which she belongs) through Haptic chairs.
Kristen Herrington invites viewers to join her in celebrating the beauty of the ordinary and the magic of shared experiences.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
Raise your hand if you ever found yourself on the “creative sidelines.” If you’re anything like I was, the so-called artists of the world were only those with hit records or exhibits in MOMA. I loved visiting galleries, was drawn to all the creative weirdos and even dated (almost exclusively) the artsy type. I even sought permission from the ethics committee when I was doing my Masters in Political Philosophy to interview local creatives as part of my research. You might say, I was a wannabe!
Post graduation, I took the job that everyone told me I should want with the provincial government. I spent nearly a decade drafting policy and analyzing political decisions. I had a corner office, a full staff, a laptop, a cell phone, a pension and health benefits.
What I didn’t have was happiness.
My heart longed to call myself an artist. Rather than gazing upon others admiration, I wanted to be the recipient of such! I started picking away at creative work in the evenings and on weekends. I dabbled in painting, writing, music and even theater. I allowed myself to make mistakes and push beyond comfortable boundaries. Once I had a few paintings I was proud of, I even approached a local business to see if I might have a show there. Without hesitation, they agreed! I learned quickly that this creative lifestyle required more courage than anything else.
Over the next number of years, I kept up with this double life. Many late studio sessions and hiding my painty hands at boardroom meetings collided with the person everyone else knew me as in the professional world. Eventually, my secret was out. I was an artist.
I straddled this dual-identity for a long time before the scales seemed to tip in my favor. I was starting to achieve some key milestones – media profiles, solo art shows, notable collaborations. I started feeling like maybe I too could be worthy of this lifestyle and admiration that I had only witnessed from afar. And in 2022, I unlocked those golden handcuffs and became a full-time entrepreneur.
I often find these stories are missing the “icing in the Oreo.” Meaning, we tend to jump from having a dream about something to sudden success. What about the middle of it all? I suppose in many ways, I am still in the middle! Artists are eternally in the middle. There is no end, no ceiling, no retirement. But in the spirit of transparency and dare I say helpfulness, I will offer some key takeaways about making this transition.
Firstly, I saved up money before making this leap. I had three months of expenses in the bank and even bought myself a number of grocery gift cards so I knew at the very least, I could eat! I also ensured that I had some achievements and recognition under my belt before leaving the security of a full-time job. I built a social media presence, developed a newsletter and even launched a podcast all before stepping into the artist’s life. Finally, while I own an art gallery now, this was something that took years to achieve! I have been awarded grants, news interviews, public speaking profiles and even won a few creative recognitions. All of this takes time, commitment and grit. No sugar coating that! In the end, I believe we are all worthy of the dreams we desire. We will get back what we contribute and have to remind ourselves of where it all humbly started.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
The first time I read text from Theodore Adorno, a German Philosopher of the Frankfurt School, I understood the importance of finding one’s unique creative voice. The premise of Adrono’s critical thinking was how guilty we are of consuming the same kind of popularized art over and over. Whatever we’re told is famous or worthy is what we decide we want to attach ourselves too. It’s difficult to have a completely original take on both what we make as artists and what we buy or experience as consumers. So often we get trapped in this idea that we should make what our audience will “like” or “buy.” A popular palette dictates our work, rather than really tapping into who we are and what we have to say about the world.
Adorno’s Critical Theories challenges us to questions our own tastes and desires. Who cares what other people expect from us? You may be an enthusiastic landscape painter, using delicate oils and patient processes only to discover one day you’re totally into neon light sculpture. This transition may come as abrupt and unexpected to your audience, but what matters is that it is resonate with you! It can be difficult to allow this permission. To take risks, deviate from the norm or tempt the unexplored parts of ourselves. Though, anyone who has allowed themselves to do exactly that will realize that this is where the purest form of creativity is truly found.
Adorno introduced me to this way of thinking, but it has been through constant and committed life experience that I can confidently speak to this valuable way of looking at creativity. I have let myself be guided by my own curiosity, even if that differs from everyone else around me.
The challenge is when we all decide we want to be different. Because as philosophy would point out, as soon as we all desire difference, we are right back where we started with all wanting the same thing…
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kristenherringtonart.com/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristenherrington.art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristenherringtonart/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-herrington-2862939b/
- Other: Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/mike-and-kristen/id1613542302
Image Credits
Steph McNamara & Erin Bulger