133: Creating Space for Local Artists with Sonya Sparks of Sparks Gallery

Following our Artist Spotlight with artist Stefanie Bales, I’m talking to Sonya Sparks, the owner and Chief Curator of Sparks Gallery, where Stefanie is currently showing her work. I love going to events at Sonya’s gallery, so it was great to sit down with her and hear the full story behind the creation of it and her vision for it. Sonya tells us how the gallery came to be, how they restored the beautiful historic space they are in, and how she works with and selects artists. Over the course of eight years, she has worked with over 400 local artists!

Sonya also shares more about the unique consulting services she offers to artists and collectors, and she outlines for us the various ways she works with interior designers. We even get into a deeper discussion about how art can be a self-care tool.

We cover a lot in this episode, and I can’t wait for you to listen–and check out the gallery for yourself! The Design Coven will be doing an artist & gallery tour with Stefanie Bales at Sparks Gallery on Friday, October 27. Learn more about Design Coven membership at designcoven.com/join.

About Sonya

Sonya Sparks is a local arts advocate, curator, small business owner, and mother of 2. Sparks received her B.A. in 2005 in International Business with minors in German and Visual Arts from the University of San Diego. Sonya founded Sparks Gallery in 2013 to encourage the patronage of local artists, support local art groups and institutions, and educate the public about Southern California artists. Sonya has curated exhibitions for multiple organizations, including, but not limited to: the Oceanside Museum of Art Artist Alliance, Allied Craftsmen of San Diego, Cannon Art Gallery (Carlsbad, CA), and the Escondido Arts Partnership.

Featured in this episode

Featured deck: Radiant Crystal Cards

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Are you an interior designer or are you interested in Holistic Interior Design? Check out my membership program, the Design Coven! This program is a real-world industry mentorship for Holistic Interior Designers that has everything you won't find in traditional design school curriculum. You'll learn from practicing interior designers working on real life projects, and get access to cutting edge vendors, suppliers, furniture makers, textile designers, and design resources that I've curated over my 17 years of design experience. As a member, you'll have the opportunity to build valuable relationships of your own. Learn more.

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