Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Jean Vanderelli.
Hi Alicia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was raised in Panama City Florida. After graduating high school, I moved around a lot, searching for where I fit. I lived in South Florida, Atlanta, and Pennsylvania, and eventually settled in Columbus, OH. In early 2000s, my grandfather passed away. After his passing, I made a decision to go back to Columbus College of Art and Design and get my BFA, graduating Magna Cum Laude at 33 years old, while attending CCAD, I was introduced to Milo Arts. Milo is a live/workspace for artists. Intrigued, I moved into Milo and had my first experience with community living through the arts. And then I decided to get married to one of the sweetest men ever and try to have a family. (Because that is what women in their early 30s do before they get dubbed the cat lady) So in 2009, I moved out of Milo, and into the suburbs.
In 2012 I moved my studio space into 400 West Rich. At the time, there was only a handful of artists working out of 400. We formed a tight bond and spent many hours brainstorming projects and critiquing each other’s work.
In 2013, after being married for 4 years, I had a meltdown and left. Searching for a place to live, I moved into 218 McDowell St. in May of 2014.
While living in the 3000 sq ft space, I decided to create an alternative gallery and had my first exhibition in November of 2014. Seven and a half years later, I am still here. We are a gallery and event space that has survived a global pandemic with the support of the Columbus community. I would not be here today without the love, trust, and support of Columbus. It is an honor to be here and to have all these beautiful experiences.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Living is a struggle for sure! Maintaining a gallery space is a lot of work. I am the janitor, the accountant, the curator, the events coordinator, marketing… but I love it and will continue as long as I am able.
The most challenging time emotionally and financially during the pandemic and the protests of 2020.
Prepandemic I worked seven days a week, sleeping 4-6 hours a night. And when it all stopped, I was forced to be still and I didn’t know how to do that anymore.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am an artist who has spent a majority of my life helping others with emotional and physical disabilities. I am authentically myself and work toward providing a space for others to find safety and comfort in their own unique expression. I am patient and adapt easily to the eccentricities of the creative voice/vision.
What matters most to you? Why?
I believe we have a right to clean water, safe housing, healthcare, and healthy food. Through The Vanderelli Room, I am able to provide people with a platform to share their voice, to be heard. I think that helping people realize that they matter and are important and can make a difference.
Contact Info:
- Email: thevanderelliroom@gmail.com
- Website: www.thevanderelliroom.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevanderelliroom/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevanderelliroom
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzxC479Wvbi393SgKptSryA
