We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nikki Bartel & Christina Wagner. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nikki Bartel and Christina Wagner below.

Alright, Nikki Bartel & Christina Wagner thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project is about to launch beginning Saturday, April 12, 2025
Radiance – A Journey toward healing and empowerment for renewal.
In an increasingly turbulent world—politically, socially, and spiritually—women need spaces where they can come together, heal, and rise. Women’s circles offer this sanctuary: a sacred space where vulnerability is embraced with compassion, healing is nurtured, and transformation begins.
As Two Women with One Vision this was a core mission that we are bringing to the NE Ohio women’s creative community.

For generations, women’s circles have served as essential refuges, providing a safe and supportive environment for sharing stories, fostering deep connections, and cultivating strength in sisterhood. During times of personal or collective struggle, these gatherings stand as a vital source of emotional support and spiritual nourishment.

Our mission is to provide women with a platform that not only nurtures personal growth but also empowers political engagement. Through our circles, we aim to cultivate an informed, compassionate, and vocal sisterhood that can impact social and political change. By creating spaces for meaningful dialogue and collective action, we seek to inspire women to become active participants in shaping the policies and movements that affect their lives, communities, and the world at large.

Through these gatherings, we aspire to foster an environment where political advocacy and empowerment are seamlessly integrated with the shared experiences of healing and mutual support. Our goal is to build a collective that can advocate for the needs of women, advance social justice, and contribute to building a more equitable and compassionate society.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Nine years ago, we met at a local non-profit community gallery located at 645 Main Street in Barberton. This was at the beginning of Barberton’s rejuvenation of their downtown Arts and Entertainment District in 2015. We partnered with the NDS (Neighborhood Development Services) support program to work on creative community projects that eventually led to our personal collaborations. Despite the ups and downs of life, including global events, career changes, cross-country moves, and children growing into young adulthood, our shared artistic expression has kept us connected. Fast forward to the present, we are proud to still be Two Women with One Vision.

Remaining committed to our community and our creative roots in Barberton, we found ourselves with an irresistible opportunity and a chance to make a start towards building our vision. We want to embrace all forms of art exploration and are deeply invested in promoting the shared mission of cultivating a creative village within our community.

We aim to create an environment that supports and celebrates all artists by providing a safe and welcoming platform for them to express themselves and showcase their talents. We are inspired by the hard work and dedication of the stewardship of the main street revival between the City of Barberton and NDS. We are thrilled to join forces with the downtown arts and culture organizations. Our just-off main for-profit art gallery is ready to become part of this community, and we are eager to watch this project grow. By building on the solid foundations laid by the original non-profit Art Center On Tusc and other main-street entertainment businesses, we hope to attract more engagement with our local and regional art lovers and patrons alike.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When the opportunity presented itself and the space became available, we knew this was a venture we had been planning for. We simply needed that opening to take action. As the space became a reality, our initial excitement led us to focus on the day-to-day execution, addressing each event as it came. This approach, while effective in the short term, resulted in a more reactionary style of planning and production.

Now, after a successful first year, we are navigating an unpredictable economy, which has highlighted the need to pivot. In order to ensure sustainability and growth, it is essential that we transition towards a long-term strategy that emphasizes goal setting, meticulous planning, and ongoing production. This shift allows us to better anticipate challenges, seize opportunities, and create a more resilient framework for the future.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Part of The Gallery on 4th’s mission is to showcase and uplift local and regional artists who are just beginning their journey into the professional art world.

A powerful example of the support the public can offer was demonstrated at Bill Govans’ first solo show. As a burgeoning artist, Bill’s debut was met with both emotional and financial support from the community. The turnout was a testament to the importance of public engagement in sustaining the arts. When people show up and purchase a new artist’s work, it not only helps the artist thrive but also strengthens the entire creative community. This type of community support is essential to keeping the arts vibrant and alive here in Northeast Ohio.

From our perspective, the most significant way the public can support the arts is by actively engaging. Get curious, explore something new, and consider looking to other parts of your city for inspiration. Art has a unique ability to connect communities and people, fostering dialogue, understanding, and creativity.

Ways You Can Support:

Become a member: Join our community and support the ongoing work of emerging artists.

Subscribe to the newsletter: Stay connected and informed about upcoming events, exhibitions, and opportunities
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Accept the invite: Attend events, engage with artists, and share in the celebration of creativity.

Spread the word: Help raise awareness by sharing your experiences and promoting local talent.

Meet new people: Engage with fellow art enthusiasts, network with creators, and foster a supportive community.

SHOW UP: Your presence matters. By showing up, you not only support the artist but contribute to the growth of the entire local art ecosystem.

Together, we can ensure that art continues to thrive in our community and beyond.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thisgalleryon4th.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisgalleryon4th
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557454432015