We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tanya Kaiser. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tanya below.
Tanya, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
I moved to Cleveland in November 2019 without any family or professional connections. I was excited to be in a new city, looking forward to exploring the place I would call home. A few short months later, the world shut down due to the global pandemic.
I was sequestered in my home; my career in nonprofit event planning had ceased, and I had to cancel the conference I was planning the day before its scheduled date.
However, I decided I couldn’t simply stay still. Dreams of owning my own art gallery resurfaced during this time. I was still very new to Cleveland and didn’t have a professional network. I started scouring the internet for people in the arts whom I could introduce myself to, utilizing what I had—Zoom.
To my surprise and joy, I connected with wonderful people in the arts. With each connection made, I asked who else I should meet. This continued for some time, and my days were filled with Zoom meetings.
As things slowly began opening up, I started the in-person search for a building. I was in Cleveland less than a year before I found what would become Kaiser Gallery. I worked behind the scenes, navigating a world of uncertainty as everyone was figuring out how to work remotely for the first time. The process of securing the necessary paperwork to open was tedious.
While I waited, I painted the walls of the gallery. As a single mom, I brought my young child with me to what would be Kaiser Gallery, so she could sit in her virtual classroom as I worked on preparing the space. It was a labor of love, rejuvenating us and providing something positive to focus on.
Kaiser Gallery’s first exhibit, SWITCH, took place in December 2020. The gallery had the honor of being mentioned in the New Art Examiner with our debut exhibit. However, COVID-19 was still a very real concern, so I waited. There was no timeline, and the uncertainty was scary. I had signed a lease and poured my blood, sweat, and tears into this, and all I could do was wait.
The waiting paid off. I was able to open Kaiser Gallery to the public in June 2021, complete with a fully stocked cocktail bar. A contemporary art gallery with a cocktail bar was novel, fun, and a great risk. I look forward to taking new risks in the future.
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?
For those who are new to my story, my career is a tapestry woven with threads of passion for education, community, and the arts. My journey led me to the Assistant Director position at Summer on the Cuyahoga and the ownership of Kaiser Gallery. As a visual artist and curator, my distinct perspectives and experiences influence both my professional and artistic pursuits.
I take pride in the multifaceted nature of my work, which spans from fostering educational initiatives to curating vibrant art experiences at Kaiser Gallery. My aim is to create spaces that inspire and resonate with diverse audiences. At Kaiser Gallery, we’ve fashioned a contemporary haven that not only showcases art but also invites everyone to engage, sip cocktails, and become part of a vibrant community. I invite you to explore the intersection of my roles and the unique offerings we bring to the worlds of nonprofits and art.
Kaiser Gallery is more than just a gallery; it’s a vibrant hub where art converges with the community. Our philosophy centers on making art accessible to everyone, fostering inclusivity, and creating an environment where creative souls can rejuvenate. Whether you’re immersing yourself in our exhibitions, sipping cocktails at our lounge, or participating in our events, we’re here to make your experience memorable.
Passionate about art and dedicated to our artists, we’ve crafted Kaiser Gallery as a space that transcends traditional gallery norms. We invite you to join us, explore the dynamic fusion of contemporary art and cocktails, and become part of our community. Together, let’s celebrate the transformative power of art in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. We can’t wait to share our love of the arts with you.
As a visual artist specializing in ceramic sculpture, my artworks delve into decidedly female themes, challenging preconceived notions of beauty and addressing the cultural silencing of women’s suffering. Through my art, I aspire to spark conversations about women’s roles, health, and bodily autonomy.
For those unfamiliar with my work, my journey as a visual artist revolves around exploring and confronting societal perceptions of femininity. My specialization in ceramic sculpture allows me to delve into female-centric themes, challenging preconceived notions of beauty, and addressing the silence surrounding women’s suffering. Having earned my MFA in Studio Art from Stony Brook University and being recognized as the Goldberger Fellow for excellence in art, I’ve had the privilege of exhibiting my work internationally in both 2D and 3D forms. I’m proud of the recognition received and the impact my art has had on initiating crucial discussions.
How did you build your audience on social media?
The best advice I can give about building a social media audience is consistency. Consistency extends beyond posting daily; it goes into your brand, your message, and the communities you represent. Building my audience on social media was a journey rooted in staying true to these core elements. I ensured that each post resonated with my brand identity, conveyed a clear message, and engaged with the diverse communities that matter to me. Over time, this consistent approach not only helped me grow my audience but also fostered a genuine connection with followers. So, my advice for those starting to build their social media presence is to be consistent in every aspect – from content creation to community engagement – and let authenticity be your guiding light.
I shared the story of Kaiser Gallery. I teased images of our remodel while we worked tirelessly to open it. Kaiser Gallery’s call for artists also conveyed the kinds of messages we sought to represent. Then the programming began to roll out. One program, in particular, is very close to my heart.
Every month, Kaiser Gallery hosts Spoken Word: Poetry Open Mic Nights. It’s an opportunity for spoken word artists to share their works and to extend our arts programming beyond the gallery walls. Over the past four years, we have grown an amazing community through our social media reach
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I am fueled by my passion for art and community. Kaiser Gallery serves as the compass guiding my creative journey, rooted in the fundamental belief that art should be accessible to everyone. My commitment lies in crafting an inclusive environment, where individuals from diverse backgrounds can feel a sense of welcome and inspiration. Whether you are exploring our latest exhibition, savoring a drink in our cocktail lounge, or engaging in one of our many events, my aim is to transform Kaiser Gallery into a haven where you can rejuvenate your creative spirit.
The narrative of Kaiser Gallery unfolds across various mediums, including the sharing of compelling images from our current exhibitions and providing insightful information about our artists through engaging events such as artist talks or demonstrations. As our programming evolves and expands, a particularly cherished initiative is our commitment to diverse programming. We strive to offer an array of experiences for everyone, transcending the conventional art community boundaries, with the ultimate goal of broadening the reach of the arts to a wider audience.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kaisergallery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaisergallery
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaiserartgallery
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyakaiser/
Image Credits
Kaiser Gallery owns all rights