Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Mroz.
Jennifer, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Peace of Art Gallery came to life after a tragedy in my family. From a cough that needed a Dr.’s visit, we found out that my dad had been living with Stage 4 Kidney Cancer. Within 2 1/2 months to 3, he was gone, but what remained what his advice for me, his only daughter. He said to me, “You’re too creative to be clocking in and clocking out of these jobs, you need to CREATE your own job.” At this point, owning an ART Gallery had been a dream of mine as a child. As an adult now, I was checking demographics, building a business model and telling fear to “move over”. Within 2 weeks of my dad passing, I had found a space, negotiated and signed a lease, and pursued my dream now pairing my love for art for those who needed help. Taking into account that both of my parents have/had incurable diseases I’ve learned to become my own support system, and used my upbringing to use art as a platform to help others and spread an awareness for the things that really matter. I’ve used my positive mindset to set myself aside as something totally different. Using my voice to tackle hard topics lets others feel not alone, and in return, emotion can go a long way when it comes to art. Telling our stories silently is important to me, we’re all human, and we all want to be validated in our talents.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been amazing. Of course, the first month there were struggles, but nothing I couldn’t get past with my engaging personality and telling my personal story to connect with artists and others. Patrons not knowing the name of my business, not recognizing it as something new was a battle. Six months later though, I have regulars, repeat clients and new people saying they are so glad I’m here. Plenty of people said to me I was crazy for opening up in a mall, but my rebuttal has been always, what better way to test my market?
Please tell us about Peace of Art Gallery.
Peace of Art Gallery runs our represented artists on a consignment contract. I locate and interview artists, which to me is the fun part. I love seeing who the artist really is, hearing about their inspirations and struggles.
Mentoring has found its way into my heart as well, seeing budding artists explore their talents delights me.
We throw events often, our first one partnering with Give A Box, a non-profit based out of Chicago that helps the Homeless with boxes of necessities. We had our represented artists paint live in an auction style where patrons could come into the Gallery and bid, but they would have to stay to see if they were outbid. Those proceeds we shared and ended up helping 74 homeless individuals get a box of necessities. Just last week we did a larger showcase with 24 artists across North America involved in painting old skateboards for another non-profit we found locally called Warp Corps. We called the showcase “IMPACT; inspire” – in hopes of a domino effect of people helping each other, locally, and in any way they could. The founder there is a retired Marine veteran, and ran a skatepark for 7 years, he noticed the opioid epidemic and many of his skaters lost their lives or committed suicide. He now fights that by “prevention through engagement”. He teaches leadership and encourages kids to get involved in music or art to get excited about life again. These are topics close to my heart which is why I pursued these shows. My heart has a lot more to say, this is just my beginning.
I’m most proud of what I’ve accomplished so far in six months. I’ve had 5 showcases each with different artists, I’ve expanded my network. I’ve helped the homeless, I’ve helped with suicide prevention, and I’ve raised money for Cancer Research. I don’t know another business that has the drive that I do, the heart that I do or the customer service that I can offer.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I have 2 favorites memories. The first one is setting up a tiny card table beside my dad’s larger desk in my childhood home office in North Carolina. I found myself an old telephone and put it on the desk, cords dangling, never making it into the socket. My dad worked as an International Business Consultant and at one time I remember him saying he oversaw 25 countries at once. He was trilingual, he was direct, and boy was he smart. My memories are so fond of him, answering the phone to talk to whatever country to help them understand their business, and I beside him, I was tiny as I could be answering my little phone the same way speaking jibberish to match his current language. I’d jot down important notes the same way he did. I just remember looking back, thinking that was so cool. I definitely learned my business ethic from him, and am enriched by his “do whatever it takes” and “never give up” attitude.
My second favorite memory is the drawing contests I would do for my parents. After dinner, I’d clean up the table as quickly as possible to put out sheets of paper, markers, and crayons. I’d pretend to be a big art guru and judge them on their drawings, awarding one parent a hand-drawn medal for participation. The theme I remember was always the same. I’d ask them to draw us as a family, rainbows or baby bunnies. I always loved their interest, even if they were tired.
Pricing:
- Items for photography prints start at $15 but depend on the artist and could be purchased up to $60
- Artwork here does not exceed $500.00, we want art to be affordable and not just a luxury.
Contact Info:
- Address: 152 Stratford Square
Bloomingdale, IL 60108 - Website: www.peaceofartgallery.com
- Phone: 919-671- 5568
- Email: itsapeaceofartgallery@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Artwork by Kristin Ingram, Diane Fliehler and Ginger Peach Tree, Jennifer Mroz, and Jeff Mroz, Jennifer Mroz photographed by Moe Martinez
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