Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Ferguson.
Karla, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I spent most of my life living in South Florida, and from a cultural standpoint Miami is rich in diversity however I found it lacking when it came to cultural spaces for those many diverse people to get together and celebrate their rich and varied identities. After completing my education and traveling to various countries I could even more clearly that it was culture and identity that I would seek out wherever I was, it was spaces where I could be myself and feel a part of a community that I appreciated. Yeelen was the result of this search, as Miami didn’t have a cultural space that I could identify with, I figured I would do my best to create one. Yeelen started at the end of 2006 with an aim to give a voice to the unheard, and underserved segments of our society. At Yeelen we tell stories from the African Diaspora, we highlight the beauty of identity and offer a space in which ideas can be shared and important conversations had.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
This is South Florida, we are beaten up by nature so no road is ever smooth. I struggled with the opinions of others which ranged from no one would ever be interested in Art that represents the African Diaspora, to where would you even find enough work to hang on the walls and once such work was found I had to deal with, well no one will ever go there. Yeelen survived and thrived, and there will always be struggles but I’m a pretty efficient problem solver!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Yeelen Gallery – what should we know?
Yeelen is known for Art that speaks to a socially conscious mindset, we challenge the viewer with ideas and imagery that reflects much of their identities. Topics range from self-love to civil rights and environment. We also seek out the community and create experiential events that draw on various art forms including music, dance, literature and food. I am most proud of the ability to create a welcoming atmosphere for all that attend our events, and I believe that it is the loving vibe that sets us apart from the rest. We unapologetically embrace all of humanity by exposing them to the treasures of Africa and its many diaspora people.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There have been many supporters and advocates along the way, primarily family and they deserve much of the credit.
Contact Info:
- Address: 294 NW 54th Street, Miami Fl 33127
- Website: www.yeelenart.com
- Phone: 954.235.4758
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Jeffery Salter
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
