In 25 Words or Less
That’s it. Leaders and influencers, who are usually given the floor for as long as they like, are limited here to condensed responses (no more than 25 words) that get straight to the point.
Do what you love, and LOVE what you do — through it all!! Hang in there — Don’t give up on your dream!
THE BASICS
Name: Thelma Harris
Age: Depends on the audience • Status: Married • Kids: Yes
Place of Birth: Monroe, LA • Place Raised: Monroe, LA
Professional Background: Pre – med graduate — Medical Profession , 5 years; Corporate America – Research, Product Development, Marketing; Interior Designer; Gallery Owner/Art Dealer since 1990.
What achievement or position are you most known for? A gallerist with a keen instinct for new talent, aesthetic importance and the appreciative value of quality work.
Editor’s Note: Thelma is the owner of one of only 6 African American owned art galleries in the San Francisco / Oakland area. In business for 26 years, her namesake gallery is the oldest of its kind in Northern California.
WORK
Field: Visual Arts
Yrs of Experience: 30
Title: Owner/Director
Company/Organization: Thelma Harris Art Gallery – Oakland, CA
What it does and what I do: Source, curate and install artwork for private and corporate clients. Additionally, we educate and assist clients in building compelling collections; provide framing design and evaluate collections for insurance purposes.
PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Significant Challenge: Bridging the gap between the traditional art collectors and the next generation collectors.
Significant Mistake/Regret: Should have bought real estate to house the gallery when we first started 26 years ago!
Significant Accomplishment: We are still thriving 26 years in the art industry for what started out ‘as a 6 week trial’!!
Biggest Strength(s): Staying with the ‘core business’ — through it ALL!
Career Advice: Do what you love, and LOVE what you do — through it all!! Hang in there — Don’t give up on your dream!
PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE
Significant Accomplishment: To help launch the careers of artists who might have never received visibility/recognition.
Life Advice: LIVE OUT LOUD!! Do something you LOVE — (even if it is a just a hobby)!! LIVE in GRATITUDE!!
Some causes/organizations I support: The visual arts.
LIFESTYLE
Hours of “personal” downtime/week: 0
Favorite activity(s) in my personal downtime: Reading my Interior Design mags.
Some of my favorite local hangouts: 1515 Restaurant”, Costco.
Some of my favorite TV shows: Melissa Harris Perry; Rachel Maddow; TCM.
Favorite Vacation Spot(s): Paris, Tuscany, Spain, Southern California.
Place(s) I would like to visit: Capetown, Dubai.
Favorite Pastime/Hobby(s): Collecting and discussing art; Cultivating plants; Reading ID mags; hanging out with my spouse.
Favorite Book(s): Anything Art and Interior Design.
Some of my most-admired people (excluding parents): Michelle Obama.
