Inside Art on Paper NYC, the Brooklyn gallerist is championing Black and Brown artists while redefining what artist representation can look like.

Art fairs often spotlight artists, but behind many successful careers are galleries working tirelessly to create opportunities, build visibility, and develop sustainable careers. At Art on Paper NYC, Tanya Weddemire stood out not only for the strength of the artists featured in her booth but also for the passion and purpose behind her gallery’s mission.

As founder and CEO of Tanya Weddemire Gallery, located in Industry City, Brooklyn, Weddemire has spent the last three years building a platform dedicated to amplifying Black and Brown artists while creating meaningful opportunities for emerging and mid-career talent.

Walking through Booth F03, it quickly became clear that this wasn’t simply a presentation of artwork. It was a carefully curated conversation about identity, community, history, and representation.

A Gallery Built With Purpose

Since opening her gallery, Weddemire has remained focused on creating visibility for artists whose voices and stories deserve greater recognition within the contemporary art world.

That commitment extends beyond exhibitions and art fairs. It influences every aspect of how the gallery operates, from artist selection to career development and long-term representation.

For Weddemire, representation is not simply about exhibiting artwork. It’s about building relationships, supporting artists through different stages of their careers, and ensuring their work reaches broader audiences.

As the gallery approaches its third anniversary, that mission continues to shape its growth.

Three Distinct Voices at Art on Paper

For her third consecutive appearance at Art on Paper, Weddemire presented work by three represented artists whose practices explore very different themes while maintaining a shared commitment to powerful storytelling.

Toronto-based artist Moses Salih, originally from Cameroon, presented work from his series Bond. His paintings exist in a space between abstraction and figuration, using expressive brushwork and layered compositions to explore identity, connection, and memory. The energy of his mark-making immediately draws viewers into the work, creating a visual language that feels both intimate and universal.

Alongside Salih’s paintings were works by Lou Murphy, whose series Red Line addresses the lasting impact of redlining and educational inequality. Combining paper, textiles, paint, and collage, Murphy’s work examines how zip codes continue to influence access to resources and opportunity. The recurring red line throughout the series serves as both a visual element and a powerful symbol of systemic barriers that remain present today.

Completing the presentation was O’Neal Scott, whose technical mastery immediately commands attention. Weddemire describes him as a contemporary old master, and the comparison feels appropriate. His oil paintings on paper demonstrate remarkable precision and craftsmanship while maintaining a contemporary perspective that keeps the work firmly rooted in the present.

Together, the three artists created a booth that balanced beauty, social commentary, and technical excellence.

The Art of Choosing Artists

Building a gallery roster requires more than identifying talented artists.

For Weddemire, character matters just as much as artistic ability.

When considering new representation, she takes time to understand not only the quality of the work but also the artist behind it. Relationships develop slowly, often over extended periods, before formal representation begins.

The process is intentional.

Artists become ambassadors for the gallery’s mission, and the gallery becomes an advocate for their careers.

That level of trust requires alignment in values, vision, and professionalism.

It’s an approach that has allowed Weddemire to build a roster of artists whose practices complement one another while maintaining distinct individual voices.

Artist Development as a Business Model

One of the most interesting aspects of our conversation was Weddemire’s emphasis on artist development.

Many galleries focus primarily on sales and exhibition opportunities. Weddemire sees education and mentorship as equally important.

Her background in art and design informs a hands-on approach that includes helping artists think about presentation, framing, professionalism, and how their work is introduced to audiences.

In an increasingly competitive art market, those details matter.

The ability to present artwork effectively can be just as important as the artwork itself.

For emerging artists, having that level of guidance can significantly accelerate professional growth.

Lessons in Entrepreneurship

As someone who built a gallery from the ground up, Weddemire also offered valuable advice for entrepreneurs and creative professionals.

Success, she explained, rarely follows a straight line.

There will be challenges, disappointments, and moments when things don’t go as planned. The key is understanding that every setback contains a lesson that can be applied to the next opportunity.

One phrase from our conversation stood out:

“Crisis creates opportunity.”

It’s a perspective that reflects both resilience and optimism, qualities that are essential in the art world and in business.

Rather than focusing solely on immediate results, Weddemire emphasizes long-term growth, relationship building, and continuous learning.

Looking Ahead

The remainder of the year promises to be a busy one for Tanya Weddemire Gallery.

Following Art on Paper NYC, the gallery will participate in the Atlanta Art Fair, followed by the inaugural Affordable Art Fair Boston. Weddemire has already seen artists achieve significant career growth through previous Affordable Art Fair presentations, including Moses Salih, whose visibility increased substantially after being introduced to collectors through the fair.

The year will conclude with appearances during Miami Art Week, where Weddemire plans to showcase works by Moses Salih and O’Neal Scott at Scope Miami Beach.

It’s an ambitious schedule, but one that reflects the momentum the gallery has built over the past three years.

Creating Space for the Future

At a time when conversations about equity and representation remain central to the arts, Tanya Weddemire is doing more than participating in the discussion.

She is actively creating opportunities.

Through thoughtful curation, artist mentorship, and a commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices, she is helping shape a more inclusive contemporary art landscape.

The success of her artists is evidence of that work.

The energy surrounding her booth at Art on Paper NYC is proof that collectors, curators, and audiences are paying attention.

And if the gallery’s trajectory is any indication, this is only the beginning.

About Tarik Talk Podcast

Tarik Talk Podcast takes listeners inside artist studios, museums, galleries, art fairs, and creative communities around the world. Hosted by artist and podcast host Tarik Mendes, the show features conversations with artists, curators, gallery owners, collectors, and cultural leaders shaping today’s creative landscape.