Glayson Leroy shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Glayson , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
There’s no such thing as a “normal” day, which is what I love most about my work. One day I’m on-site with artists setting up a new mural, the next I’m on calls coordinating festival logistics or reviewing design mockups. I’m constantly switching between creative direction, production management, and community engagement. My days are part structure, part chaos. Art doesn’t sleep. Learning how to balance is key. Although I don’t work a typical 9-5, this is applicable to any industry.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Absolutley. I founded Galera Collective in 2016. Galera is a curatorial studio that connects artists, brands, and communities through public art. We work at the crossroads of culture, storytelling, and placemaking. We are street art centric, and our work spans across murals, installations, canvas and beyond. But it doesn’t stop there. We also facilitate full-scale art festivals like Wynwood Mural Fest, Miami, and Bermuda Walls, Bermuda.
What makes Galera unique is our approach. We don’t just produce street art, we create platforms that enable artists to thrive, and allow cities and brands to express their identity. Every project we take on is built on authenticity, collaboration, and real community impact.
Right now, we’re gearing up for Wynwood Mural Fest, Miami’s biggest mural event during Art Basel and Miami Art Week. Since 2019, we’ve curated over 1,000 murals, turning Wynwood into a living canvas that celebrates street culture and creativity. My co-founder Stephanie Kass, who’s been instrumental in shaping Wynwood’s walls with local and international artists, is leading the charge for 2025, and honestly, it’s going to be our best year yet.
At the end of the day, my mission is simple: to empower artists and use art as a force for connection and transformation. Keep an eye on our socials, there’s a lot more coming soon.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My father. He’s the person who first showed me what hustle really means. In the 1980s, he moved our family from Brazil to the U.S., stepping into the unknown with nothing but determination. He worked relentlessly to provide for us, making sure we had every opportunity to succeed. Watching him navigate challenges with courage, grit, and unwavering commitment taught me that hard work isn’t just about what you do, it’s about who you become. Everything I am today comes from the example he set.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Look, there’s no sunshine with out rain. Everyone suffers, I’m not unique in that. It’s all about taking control of your narrative. You go through a hardship, you learn, you pivot, you grow. Use your pits to your advantage. I saw it early on in my family’s story. My father moved us from Brazil in the ’80s, navigating a new country, a new language, and countless obstacles just to give us a shot at opportunity. Watching him hustle and sacrifice showed me that hardship builds resilience in a way that comfort never does.
Starting Galera Collective, I’ve faced my own version of that struggle, from convincing communities to trust street art, to helping artists find their place, to turning bold ideas into real festivals like Wynwood Mural Fest and Bermuda Walls. Those challenges taught me patience, resourcefulness, and how to turn limitations into creative opportunities. Success is amazing when it comes, but it’s the struggles and the moments that test you. That teach you who you really are and what you’re capable of.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
My brother and business partner, Hiero Veiga. He’s one of the nation’s top artists, but what makes him truly remarkable isn’t just his talent. Despite his success, he stays humble and grounded. He’s always there for anyone who needs him. His character shines in the way he cares for people, supports the community, and lifts others up. Sure, his superpower is what he does with a spray can. He can turn even the most basic wall into pure magic. But at the core, he’s a brother first, and that’s what inspires me every day.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
100%. I’ve loved the arts for as long as I can remember. I went back to college at 24 to get my degree in graphic design and that was a turning point. It opened the door to the work I’m doing today and it showed me the power of art. Sure, art can transform even the bleakest spaces, but it’s much more than that. It builds and strengthen communities, fosters relationships, inspires, teaches. Art is everywhere, it bridges a cultural gap. Being a part of this industry allows me to be a part of something much bigger. Something that fundamentally changes the world. It is mission backed.
Integrating work while doing something that makes a social impact is something everyone strives for, and I’m very lucky.
Combining creativity with strategy, and making art accessible is incredibly fulfilling. Honestly, I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else, this is exactly where I’m meant to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.galeracollective.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glaysonleroy/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glayson/
- Twitter: https://x.com/GlaysonLeroy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glayson.leroy/
Image Credits
Photo credits to Davide Sepa and Jalen Simmons. Profile pic by Camille Eisner
