We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tiffany Ackerman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tiffany below.

Hi Tiffany, thanks for joining us today. 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.

The pandemic provided an opportunity for many of us to reevaluate our lives, our journeys, and contemplate where we want to go next. It was during this time, in July 2020, that I turned 40, a momentous milestone that ushered me into the next phase of my life in a rather unconventional year.

By that point in my artistic career, I had already exhibited in local galleries and curated shows at Flame Run, featuring incredible glass artwork by artists from around the world. I had also been fortunate to showcase our gallery’s collection at prestigious events such as SOFA Chicago and the Red Dot Art Fair during Art Basel. Despite these achievements, the question of what lay ahead persisted, quietly nagging at me.

Simultaneously, my boss at Flame Run, Brook F. White, Jr., embarked on a monumental two-year project. It involved creating a memorial sculpture of steel and glass, towering 25 feet tall and spanning 20 feet across. This awe-inspiring tribute was destined for Centre College’s campus in Danville, KY, serving as a homage to his dear friend and mentor, Stephen Rolfe Powell, who had been a revered glass professor at the college until his passing in 2019. Being involved in this project sparked deep contemplation about the concept of legacy and the profound impact of strong relationships and exceptional educators.

This monumental undertaking became the catalyst for my mind to wander and explore new possibilities. Safe Place had long captured my heart, as it had become a place where I found friends, family, and even met our daughter over 10 years ago. Together, we formed a loving and supportive community. It dawned on me that my involvement in the transformation of the Safe Place campus could be an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy, not just for myself but also for the dedicated staff tirelessly waging a war against hate and hopelessness. Their commitment to making the world a better place and ensuring no child ever feels completely alone was awe-inspiring.

In the fall of 2022, I mustered the courage to approach the Safe Place executive director with a proposition. I expressed my desire to embark on a transformational journey to turn the campus from a typical institutional space, adorned with flat greys and taupes, into something entirely different. My vision was to create an atmosphere that offered not only help and safety but also a unique ambiance, providing a safe haven in a different kind of environment.

This endeavor symbolized a new chapter in my life, where my artistic talents and passion merged with a profound sense of purpose. The opportunity to contribute to Safe Place’s mission and leave a lasting mark on the campus became an integral part of my personal legacy, as well as a testament to the enduring spirit of the staff and their unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable youth.

The journey ahead holds both excitement and challenges, but I am driven by the conviction that, through art and transformation, we can create a space that nurtures hope, healing, and belonging.

Tiffany, 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?

I am an artist, educator, curator, and community artist hailing from Gainesville, Florida. Currently residing in Louisville, Kentucky, I find myself at 43 years old still captivated by the creative process. From my earliest memories, I have always had a relentless desire to keep my hands busy, to bring more vibrancy, joy, and humor into the world through my art.

My creative journey knows no bounds as I explore a multitude of mediums, eagerly experimenting with paint, glass, clay, fibers, and photography. Each material offers a unique avenue for me to channel my imagination and manifest my artistic visions. I am a true maker at heart, forever seeking to recreate that sense of childhood wonder, where everything appears magical and brimming with possibilities.

During my college years, a group of fellow art students and I found ourselves disenchanted with the lack of recognition within our department. Determined to reclaim our artistic voice, we resurrected the Student Art League. With a team of six other passionate students, we orchestrated renegade art shows, transforming unconventional spaces like businesses and warehouses into magnificent, one-night student art spectacles. These transformative experiences allowed us to reclaim our rightful place in the art scene and provided a platform for fellow students to showcase their incredible talents.

As an artist, educator, curator, and community artist, my life is dedicated to bringing forth creative expression, fostering artistic communities, and creating lasting connections through the power of art. I continue to strive towards illuminating the world with my creations, making it a brighter, happier, and more enchanting place for all.

In 2011, my life took a transformative turn when I crossed paths with Nick Brown, a dedicated youth worker at the YMCA Safe Place, which caters to homeless and at-risk youth. Every Tuesday night since, I have been teaching art classes, unaware of the impact it would have on my own life.

Through these classes, I witnessed the immense power of art as a tool for self-reflection and personal growth. It became a catalyst for introspection, enabling me to explore my own emotions, vulnerabilities, and aspirations. The youth I interacted with opened my eyes to their unique stories, struggles, and resilience, and I became deeply invested in supporting them through the transformative power of artistic expression.

Inspired by the profound connections forged through art, I embarked on a new endeavor called #SafePlaceWalls. This ambitious project aimed to create a campus-wide art takeover, infusing every corner of the Safe Place with vibrant and meaningful artwork with a goal of providing a visually stimulating environment that uplifted the spirits of the youth and staff.

This #SafePlaceWalls initiative has become a labor of love, as artists from various backgrounds, both professional and inexperienced, joined forces to contribute their unique artistic voices. Together, we are painting murals, creating installations, and crafting a campus that is as unique as the clients who pass through and the incredible staff of humans who support them. This project began officially 9 months ago, and we have already completed multiple projects, including more than 20 individual murals on campus and the installation of my most complicated artwork thus far. The “Mumplequarium,” once an old 50-gallon fish tank, has been transformed into a moving LED foam and plastic zero maintenance therapy tank, filled with Mumples and butterflies and snails living in an entire imaginary world. So far, the impact of this art transformation on the youth and the positive ripple effect it’s having across campus to the entire Safe Place community has filled me with immense joy and fulfillment, and other artists and community members are eager to join the project.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Embarking on the #SafePlaceWalls art takeover, particularly when I initiated the Mumplequarium, brought forth a wave of self-doubt that is inherent to the creative process. Although I had never painted a mural before, I recognized that utilizing paint would be the most efficient and affordable way to transform the campus. While I had previous experience painting walls, it was never with such magnitude.

One crucial aspect I had to consider was the diverse audience, encompassing every human being. Understanding that individual aesthetics vary greatly, I had to acknowledge that my artistic choices may not always resonate with everyone. It became imperative to grasp the purpose of the campus and contemplate how color, pattern, and imagery could impact or unintentionally trigger certain individuals. Additionally, I strategically pondered which walls and spaces to tackle first, aiming to make significant positive impact. Considering the practical constraints of my available resources, including my own physical and mental stamina, became paramount. I had to ensure I wouldn’t exhaust myself during the projected two-year timeline of the endeavor.

Balancing multiple commitments while undertaking the project has presented a formidable challenge. Despite the demanding schedule, I remain determined to complete the takeover while continuing my role as the gallery director at Flame Run Glass Studio. Simultaneously, I have committed myself to organizing the Tuesday night art sessions at the Safe Place Shelter House, acting as a guest curator for another local gallery, producing my own artwork, and cherishing precious moments with my family and loved ones. It requires a delicate juggling act, but the unwavering passion I have for the project and the meaningful interactions I experience on campus keep me motivated and driven.

Indeed, the journey ahead demands great effort and careful time management, but the profound impact the #SafePlaceWalls project has on the community and the fulfillment it brings to my artistic soul make it all worthwhile.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Creating for a diverse audience, especially children who are known for their strong opinions, can be daunting and stressful. The desire to deliver something exceptional for the kids, staff, and visitors drives me to constantly question every artistic decision I make. The countless hours spent sketching, researching, and seeking input from fellow artists to find the perfect design, color scheme, and wall placement are not immediately evident when you look at the campus.

Throughout the nine months of planning, painting, and creating, I had a realization about the necessity of self-doubt in the creative process. It became clear that self-doubt, contrary to my previous beliefs, is not inherently negative. In fact, it plays a vital role in the act of creation. Making decisions inherently involves uncertainty, and each decision leaves a trace of doubt. Embracing this doubt became an essential part of my creative journey.

After these nine months, I had an epiphany that a balance of confidence and doubt is crucial in making anything worthwhile. Self-doubt serves as a valuable tool for introspection, allowing me to check myself, reconsider my artistic direction, and engage in conscious decision-making throughout my creative process. It has become a means to ensure that my artistic choices align with my intentions and resonate with the diverse audience I aim to reach.

By accepting and leveraging self-doubt as a positive force, I have gained a deeper understanding of my own artistic process and myself as an artist. It has taught me to be more conscious and intentional in my decision-making, pushing me to explore new ideas, challenge my own assumptions, and ultimately create art that connects with people on a profound level.

While self-doubt can be overwhelming at times, I have come to appreciate its role in my creative journey. It serves as a guide, helping me navigate the complexities of artistic expression and ensuring that every stroke of paint and every artistic decision I make carries meaning and purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shop.tartackerart.com/
• Instagram: tart_ackerart
• Facebook: Tiffany Ackerman Westmoreland
• Linkedin: Tiffany Ackerman

Image Credits
Tiffany Ackerman