Check Out Karimah Mcfarlane’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karimah Mcfarlane.

Hi Karimah, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
“Someone who used her talent to do her work to the best of her ability. And to help repair tears in her society, to make things a little better by using whatever ability she has. To do something outside of myself.” -Ruth Bader Ginsburg

I am a Georgia peach! I grew up on the Eastside of Atlanta and graduated from South West Dekalb High School in Decatur. #pantherpride!! I’ve been blessed to be embraced and supported by individuals who push me to strive for continuous growth.

Howard University cultivated my love for service and global community activism. The Ladies of Alpha Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, solidified that this would be a lifelong commitment and that I would always have a sisterhood. Professionally, I’ve been an HR Executive and Global people strategist for nearly 20 years, most recently serving as the Head of Market Human Resources for the Southeast, and served on the regional site Leadership teams at Google. In this role, I had the opportunity to bring tech jobs southeast and help Google invest and expand its footprint in the Southeast. I found this work highly personal and rewarding.

While this work was inspiring, I still desired to have more impact in my personal life. We can all identify with how hard COVID and the pandemic were on everyone, especially our most vulnerable populations. However, I don’t think we shed much light on how hard it was on Human Resources practitioners. Human Resources practitioners were expected to build the plane while flying it! At times, the expectations felt suffocating. Many HR leaders experienced trauma from the stories of loss….. loss of life, jobs, hope, civil and political unrest, remote culture expectations, hybrid culture expectations, and more. It was A LOT!

There was an undertone of uncertainty and pain whispering in my ear. I wanted to create spaces that amplified JOY vs. mitigating pain. What is the most significant expression of JOY? In my opinion, It’s ART. ART in all its forms. Therefore, it felt serendipitous when the opportunity to own Buckhead Art & Company became available.

I feel incredibly humbled, grateful, and honored to represent 30 incredible artists who inspire the world to dream big and love hard.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We have been incredibly fortunate. My first exhibit was Artist to Artist: Helping Ukraine. This exhibition features 30+ works by contemporary Ukrainian artists and creatives who continue to fight back by choosing life and beauty and showing us wonderous images of the world that could be without the one disfigured by the war. We gave 85% of the proceeds back to the artist and HelpingUkraine.org.

I’ve had the Gallery Less than 90 days! So there are many growing pains and humbling moments—everything from establishing our footprint and brand to imposter syndrome. Who do I think I am? I opened an art Gallery in the heart of Buckhead without being an artist or attending traditional schools. Well, who am I? Someone who believes in the power of the collective and understands the impact the expression and ART has on the inner soul. 

Ultimately, standing steadfast in creating JOY and community will lead us to success. We are putting good vibes in the universe and know it will be contagious.

Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
So what’s next for Buckhead Art & Company? More expression of JOY and Love. 

Buckhead Art & Company is an art gallery event space unlike any other. The white walls, fine art, and painted concrete floors make a perfect atmosphere. You can find us at 288 Buckhead Ave at Buckhead Village, formerly the Shops of Buckhead.

Our gallery specializes in contemporary fine art by established, talented artists across the Globe. The 4,000-square-foot gallery exhibits paintings in an open setting with high ceilings and pristine white walls. Demand for the work of its artists has established the gallery as a destination for fine art. Most of our Buckhead Art & Company artists accept commissions through the gallery, creating a tailored client experience.

We are excited to share that we have been Nominated for Best in Georgia 2023 and are a Best in Georgia Winner 2022.

Buckhead Art & Company brand is devoted to cultivating outward expressions of JOY. You can expect more activations where we partner with philanthropic organizations that create space and community for underrepresented, disenfranchised, marginalized, or historically vulnerable populations. Our mission is to create a community that amplifies our artists’ inner joy and beauty through the arts.

What does that look like?
Evolution. The only box we fit is the one that describes Global citizenship. You can expect to see us amplify and embrace all forms of ART, particularly amplifying voices of marginalized and vulnerable populations. We will provide immersive experiences that help you find your inner joy. So come to 288 Buckhead Ave and catch a VIBE.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
My favorite part of the city is its history and culture. ATL is one of the most resilient cities. Atlanta has played a significant role in the advancement of Music; the film is not on civil rights, music, film, and more. It’s an honor and privilege to be a part of the future innovators of Atlanta.

My least favorite part is the traffic! Where are you all going at 2 a.m. on Tuesday? Is it the same place you are going to 11 am on Wednesday? Rush hour is 24/7 in Atlanta, so pack and prepare yourself anytime you go outside.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.buckheadartcompany.com
• Instagram: @buckheadartcompany
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buckead-art-company
• Other: @buckheadartco.events

Image Credits
JaxonPhotography Girliephotography