Meet Trailblazer Lauren Harris

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Harris.

Lauren, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I knew from a young age that ART would be an important part of my life. Since middle school, I’ve shown a robust interest in fine art and design. Through high school and college, I studied various forms of art as well as art history. After graduating from Howard University with a degree in Graphic Design (Art History Minor), I moved to New York to work at an art gallery in Chelsea, then I managed the office of an international art dealer who would remind you of Miranda Presley from “Devil Wears Prada.” It was a great deep-dive into the business side of art and artist management.

After almost two years, this southern girl was over the hustle and bustle of the big city and moved back to DC for a position with an economic development-based non-profit whose mission was to make space for art. I enjoyed being an advocate for arts within the DC community, creating new avenues for creatives to prosper. After a year, life hit and I moved back to Atlanta, my home, in 2010.

While I love my city, in 2010, compared to New York and DC, Atlanta was not yet a thriving cultural hub, and there were few jobs within the art world. After all, I’d been away from Atlanta for seven years, and needed to build my professional arts network here. I did end up with a good job, just not one that was arts-related. So, I become a member of the High Museum, and after work, attended various art-related conferences and events to network. Over the course of five years, I built bridges with many established and new creatives and I still make it a point to stay in the know about the art world here in Atlanta and beyond.

To recharge and focus my art profession goals, I enrolled in SCAD’s eLearning graduate program and in 2017, earned a Master of Arts degree in Creative Business Leadership. The summer before I graduated, I interned for four months with MOCA GA and immersed myself into the local arts community. Through connections made in person and on social media, I was also able to write my first feature article for BetterShared, a media company designed to create connections for all creatives. “Droit de suite, Royalties for Artists” was published and reposted by Swizz Beatz, producer, art collector, and arts advocate. I knew I was on the right track…

Continuing my research on Atlanta’s art world, I submitted an application to intern with ZuCot Gallery, but my application was missed. BUT… a month after graduating, I got a call from Onaje Henderson, ZuCot Gallery Partner, and he asked if I had finished SCAD and was interested in the recently-listed Gallery Manager position. UH DUH!
So, I was interviewed and hired within two weeks and hit the ground running. The business model of ZuCot is unique in that it’s not only a commercial gallery but seeks to educate the community on why it’s important to collect art from African American artists and to be a “Custodian of Culture.”

In my first year with ZuCot, I have curated and produced several exhibitions, worked with local businesses on various art-related events, and was appointed to the Public Arts Advisory Council for Fort McPherson LRA. I’m so excited about and humbled by the opportunity to help grow the arts here; I have plans to do so much more, and I’m looking forward to giving the Atlanta arts scene my all.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Over the course of 10 years, like most adults, I have dealt with setbacks in all forms. From working at jobs just to have a job, to working for organizations that lost funding, to wrestling with starting my own business, to life challenges in general, struggle came… and went. Thank God, doors close, and another door opens. Trust your passion and stay true to it. Have an idea? Take it to your truest supporter. I’m lucky to have a bestie who always clams my creative brain down and helps me decipher through all my ideas. In the workplace, just as in any other businesses or industry, think through your ideas before you share them and then wait for the best opportunity to do so. The arts community in Atlanta is growing but still relatively small; the degrees of separation are close. Not everyone wants to help you, but there are plenty of experienced people here who are committed to reach back and help others. Trust your instincts. Build a tribe of like-minded creatives who want to enhance your energy, not take it. For those that seek to work in the art world, Atlanta can be a decent start but consider other cities as well. You’ll learn so much more by expanding your experience outside of your comfort zone. I may have bounced around from different jobs and cities, but I learned something everywhere I worked. And that’s priceless…

We’d love to hear more about ZuCot Gallery.
I work in the Arts. No, I’m not an artist, but I can create. As the Gallery Manager + Curator for ZuCot, it’s my job to research artists and subjects to create noteworthy exhibitions, manage an inviting and professional space, cultivating relationships with local businesses and individuals, and of course making art collectors out of everyone who comes through the door.

ZuCot has been going strong for 10 years, but in my first year, I knew that one of my goals was to make sure everyone knows about us. I increased activity on social media and streamlined the brand identity in order to increase patronage and sales. I’m proud of and thankful for the positive response we’ve received and I’m confident that we have set a standard for the art we offer, the artists we exhibit and the knowledge of the arts we share.

There is space for everyone in Atlanta, but ZuCot is where mid-career, living African American artists are able to showcase their work, prosper and grow. Art collectors know that we are a reputable source and the art you purchase will be an important part of a collection. No mediocracy here. Keep an eye on us for more evocative things to come!

Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
Growing up, my parents exposed me to EVERYTHING and always encouraged me to try new experiences. Although my parents worked in corporate settings, both were creative, with my mom being writer/dancer and my dad in public relations and brand management. I remember going to festivals and events where they would purchase art and I always enjoyed seeing what they liked and watching them enjoy hanging pieces at home. There was never one style or medium that they preferred and their house is filled with art from all over. In school, they noticed my interest in art and embraced it.

The other big factors in my success were my teachers from middle school through college. Each of my art teachers expected the best, taught the best and helped me to see that I had potential to do great things in the art world as long as I continued to learn. So early exposure, encouragement, and education were key.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.zucotgallery.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ljacksonharris/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZuCotGallery/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ZuCotGallery

Image Credit:
emef Griffin, Melissa Alexander

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