Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriela Avila.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Gabriela. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I would say that my story began probably the same as other people’s stories begin for them, wanting to do something that would benefit the community; in my case, it was a community of artists and collectors. I studied Art Administration at the University of Monterrey in Mexico and Museology at Reinwardt Academie in Amsterdam, having grown up to become a fervent admirer and collector of art. I believe I happened upon my road through serendipity, somehow meeting the right people who would help me to realize my dream of creating a setting where artists and art lovers can come together not only to sell and purchase art, but also to experience its energy and effect. It is my firm belief that art must be brought to the public where it can fulfill its purpose.
Casa Valencia Galeria was my first great leap forward. Prior to that, my experience mainly consisted of small, yet independent, steps such as artist promotion in local art walks; from which I learned a great deal but those experiences did not take me very far. I started at Casa Valencia Galeria as Co-Owner and, together with Aida Valencia, managed to organize more than 50 art exhibitions and successfully achieved the goal of giving Mexican artists, especially those from Baja California, the opportunity to promote their works in San Diego. Casa Valencia Galeria was part of the Liberty Station Arts District for seven years. Today, that project is still alive; having evolved into something much larger: Latin American Art Festival (LAAF).
LAAF is the point of connection for artists, collectors, and galleries as well as a dream that quickly outgrew our own gallery. The event was conceived from the idea of wanting to create a setting for artists and folk artists who have Latin American roots to exhibit and bring their creations to the forefront. Despite facing countless challenges, including those who doubted in our abilities, we did it. LAAF was born in Liberty Station, its first event held in 2014 and later transitioned to Bread and Salt in Barrio Logan in 2018. As a result, LAAF grew into an art fair, having now been situated in Bread & Salt, a focal point for contemporary art in Southern California. Over the course of its four years, LAAF has proudly presented more than 300 artists and artisans from various countries throughout Latin American as well as having more than 6,000 visitors and art enthusiasts in attendance.
This year marks the beginning of a new project that seeks to bring art closer to the observer, MG Art, a magazine and digital catalog. This project I am bringing forward better enables artists to reach out to collectors from around the world to promote their personal projects thanks to social networks and other digital communication.
Has it been a smooth road?
I can honestly say that the road has been fairly pleasant, of course, it has not been without its ups and downs. The lessons learned have proven to be extremely valuable and that alone makes all the work worth it. It is not easy to convince others to support artistic programs. Art is beautiful but it is not a product that people acquire every day. Art must be understood in order to connect with it and appreciate the work required to bring an idea into reality. The promotion of art is difficult and it demands passion, dedication, and sacrifice.
An obstacle often encountered is that of convincing artists that the proposal you are presenting will benefit them, that storing art in their workshops defeats its purpose, and that the showing of their work is important for their future success as artists. Personally, I am very driven with a sharp focus on detail, which has helped me to fulfill many of my goals. Women, in general, can be persistent and stubborn in my opinion. Whenever we have an idea, we do not stop until we see it through. What I would say to women who, like me, are working towards realizing an entrepreneurial dream is that; if you truly want to achieve a goal, stopping or giving up is not an option. You must identify and take advantage of all and every path you find along the way. Some will be long and complicated, others fast and simple. The important thing is to stay focused on the goal. Do not let anything or anyone stop you.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I pride myself on being a very responsible person and on my focus with regard to detail. However, at the same time, I have an innate artistic and creative side that I believe is very present in me. I think that is what helps me to understand the two basic parts required in my work. I have the ability to connect both aspects: the part of the artistic and creative element as well as the business side, which includes working with the organizations that support us in our projects. This has been a key to any success in my work.
Casa Valencia Galeria, LAAF and MG Art seek to achieve the same goal: to connect artists and collectors and to create a unique and ideal setting for the promotion and exchange of art and culture. But most importantly, the goal is for the artists to sell and for collectors to acquire pieces that will properly enhance their collections.
I am not alone in this journey, I have a wonderful team supporting me and working together to support all of our projects. This team is almost entirely comprised of woman entrepreneurs, all with the same ideals in common.
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
I do believe that women face different obstacles. We find ourselves having to continuously validate our abilities and professionalism, our level of training and experience often disregarded. What I can say is that I do see more women heading successful projects in the art world. Women occupy more positions such as museum directors, art critics, and art producers with highly innovative proposals. I have had the pleasure of working with women I admire such as: Marisa Caichiolo (Curator, Building Bridges Art Exchange), Alessandra Moctezuma (Director, La Mesa College Art Gallery), Linda Caballero (Director, New Americans Museum) and artists Aida Valencia, Mely Barragan and Alejandra Phelts to mention a few.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.latinamericanartfairsd.com, www.valenciagallery.com
- Email: latinamericanartfairsd@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latinamericanartfair/
Image Credit:
Manuel Cruces Camberos, Hugo Benson
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