We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Stephanie Agudelo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Stephanie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

My first art related job in downtown St. Petersburg FL was being a gallery assistant at Libertine Contemporary ! I instantly fell in love with the idea of helping put together art shows, meet local artists, and I’m constantly surrounded in beautiful art. Long story short the gallery couldn’t continue in that particular location. I was distraught, but I wanted to still continue this flame of passion to make a art community.

A few months later I landed a job as a Art Consultant in a gallery in downtown St Pete. I remember being completely stressed out because I had to sell art that wasn’t local or emerging Artists. The pressure to sell art I wasn’t passionate about representating ..led me to get fired. They told me I didn’t have the skills for this career path. At that time I took it to heart and felt like I was a disappointment to the art community and myself.

It took alot of time and the right moment, ,but I landed a sweet opportunity with Coastal Creative! I been Curating in this space for a year and 5 months….. the growth of these art shows has been a beautiful moment to witness! I gave so many emerging artists the opportunity to showcase for the first time, I created a community, and I created a platform for artists to express themselves however they want to be!

Stephanie, 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?

Many of you know I’m a Curator, but I’m a lady of many passions and layers. 🧅

Background:

I was born in the states 🇺🇲, but my parents we’re born in Colombia🇨🇴. I learned Spanish first then English by myself. I fell in love with photography, because it allowed me to express myself when I had a hard time verbalizing my thoughts (it’s not easy learning two languages by yourself). 🥵

I decided to take photography seriously than seeing it as a hobby. I went to USF for my Bachelor’s degree in Art in Tampa and after all that I moved to St.Pete to make a name for myself. It’s been 5 years here in the Burg💃

After having a taste of accomplishments from my photography:

-Having the opportunity to display in Paris
-Received an award for emerging Artist
– Had a solo show in an amazing gallery
– Articles upon news articles featuring my art
– My art was featured and sold at Miami Art Basel

And the list can go on and on,

but something was missing and it was the act of giving opportunities to others. 💐

I’m a firm believer of providing a platform to Artists who were not granted that platform. I want to provide a space where it’s okay to be anything you would like to be. I want to build a community and provide numerous opportunities for Artists 💞

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Our mission 💫

– is to sell unique contemporary art financially accessible to everyone!!Whether you are an emerging artist yourself, art collector, maker, supporting the hustle, or simply just have a passion for the art itself.🎨 💞

– creating a digital and physical platform for emerging and striving artists! 🗣️

– enlarging on transferable skills that can be used in other aspects of their practice or even other jobs e.g. accuracy, timeliness, professionalism, writing about their own artwork, making proposals, installing art, etc.🔨

– orchestrating an experience you haven’t experienced before. I aim to make these events memorable for anyone who was involved and viewers.👀

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of this whole Curator journey is being able to provide a opportunity. Having the moment to witness an artist displaying for the first time in pure joy as they pose next to their art and hug friends/ family.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Populoum