SARAIAH HOOVER THE VALUE IN HAVING AUTONOMY: Professional Development Workshops and Conference: Mariane Ibrahim & Nicola Vassell

Hearing from two accomplished Black women working in the gallery space was truly eye-opening. While I've always found the art world inherently compelling, I've developed reservations about whether pursuing it professionally would be too risky as a career path. Attending both the luncheon and lecture series was transformative because it revealed a tangible, alternative pathway to success that genuinely excited me. Witnessing their passion for their roles as gallerists brought my own vision and thoughts on how I could integrate myself into focus in a way that felt affirming and powerful.

I was particularly struck by the solidarity these Black gallerists cultivate amongst themselves both with each other and within the broader black community. Their involvement in organizations like the Black Trustee Alliance for the Arts demonstrated how they're actively building networks of support and advocacy. Fighting to make sure that black artists are represented in spaces that matter. This sense of shared purpose and collective empowerment made my heart happy. 

The experience cleared something I hadn't fully articulated before: my desire to work for myself. I found myself reevaluating how much I value autonomy in my career, specifically the ability to choose which artists to represent, to construct narratives through my own lens, and to shape the story being told. In our current political landscape, having something that is at least partially my own feels increasingly essential, even if it doesn't become my primary career. The idea of reconnecting with overlooked stories and finally giving them the platform they need to be showcased at their full potential is incredibly meaningful to me.

That said, this event also prompted me to search holistically within myself and honestly assess what I value most. I had to confront the reality of the extreme lack of work-life balance these women described, as well as how art is constantly impacted and sometimes determined by politics. These are trade-offs I'll need to consider as I figure out my unique plan.

- Saraiah Hoover