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

Violeta, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on this year was an immersive art exhibit I curated in New Haven, CT at the DISTRICT Co-Working space. Making HerStory as the DISTRICT’s first art exhibit, I invited five local women of color to exhibit their works during Women’s History Month to amplify the voices of black artists.

During this exhibit we collaborated with several community partners including the Yale Asian Network’s Social Justice committee, Yale African American Association, Southern Spirits, Madeline’s Café, M &T Bank Center for Women and Business, Beyond the Art and Ozki Event Designs to host this interactive experience.

We chose the anniversary of Breonna Taylor’s birthday for Part I of the exhibit and had Frii Branding along with the Dr. DJ Podcast to record live dialogue about what it means to create while black, what inspires our work, and what we strive to create for the future generations to come. This was the first exhibit I curated as The WareHouse and was not only a milestone for my business, but was incredibly humbling to be a part of.

Violeta, 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?

At The WareHouse, we aim to create immersive art experiences which are curated to design, evoke, and create safe spaces for artists of color. We celebrate all shades of black and brown collaborating to enhance, beautify, and inspire its community. We believe that success is the impact you have on others and the impression you leave behind when you’re no longer present. In everything we do, we strive to capture moments in time, remain purpose-driven, and stay rooted in the cultures that came before us.

Each experience is unique to its community, as we believe communities hold their own fabric that weave into the cultures of the world. Founded by an artist, The WareHouse focuses on intersectionality and collaboration between all modes of art and the exhibitions that present them.

We believe everything that goes into an activation is art, and we treat it as such – “Art has no limit, and that’s what makes it so powerful.” Incorporating community leaders, activists, and artists in every element, The WareHouse thrives on collaboration and sponsorships to cultivate experiences that capture our culture.

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

Purchase their art, support spaces that preserve their art, and show up to creative spaces with respect, an open heart, and a collaborative spirit. Creatives not only want to be seen and heard, they seek to inspire and invoke change for real impact. Preserving those spaces or creating them for artists to tell their stories is essential to our sense of belonging and connection.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Creativity is a journey, not a destination. I can’t tell you how many creatives I’ve met that have many modes of expression. We live in such a streamlined world of selling products and ideas and I think many non-creatives try and put us into this box or that. The reality is our products are not often linear. One year I may lean into visual art and next year I may be inspired to focus on jewelry making. Both things are equally art and they are both equally me. People that understand that concept will be your best supporters.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bewaredesigns.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewvrehouse
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealbewaredesigns
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@the-wvrehouse

Image Credits

Rodney Dabney, Lotta Studios, The WareHouse