Meet Tessa Fuqua | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tessa Fuqua and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tessa, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Some might say that being an artist has no practical benefit or isn’t really a job or business. I have found that being an artist actually brings a lot of benefit to the community and to the world. As a visual artist, I find joy in creating and expression, and find others enjoy seeing those creations and expressions. I believe Art can communicate information, shape our everyday lives, make a social statement and be enjoyed for aesthetic beauty.

In the recent few years, I have seen the positive social impact of doing my art as I have been doing more community art such as murals and storyteller projects. I love doing these types of projects because they create common ground, bringing people from diverse backgrounds together through events, public art, and collaborative projects. When I work on these projects, whether they be street art festivals or public art murals, people like to be engaged and they feel a connection to the art. That is actually the part I love best- the interaction with people. In this world where there is so much division, I think that people can find safety, inclusion, and connection through Art.

These art events and projects also help economic growth. I do a lot of art festivals, mostly creating large street chalk murals, and although I am just one of the artists contributing to an event I am contributing to the larger picture. That picture is that these events attract tourists who spend money at local businesses and also create opportunities for artists and vendors to sell their work.

The networks and connections I have made in my art business over the years through smaller venues like galleries, art shows, and commissions, are just as impactful as the large projects. All these little things form the lasting foundation for community. The social impact and connection becomes deeper and fuller as those in the community come together time and again.

I don’t necessarily see being an artist as a business per se. I see it as a vocation or a calling. It’s who I am: I create. Although the making of my art isn’t business, the selling of my art and getting hired for my art skills is. And the business side is very important! I am thankful to be able to do what I love and make a living. Hopefully, I can keep using art to do some good in my community and in the world.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What do I do? I am an artist! I create art. My business is selling my art. I sell original pieces and also sell products and prints with my images and designs on them. I also paint murals, both private commissions and public art.

When I first began showing my art, mostly I showed at galleries, First Friday events, and small businesses like coffee shops. I started printing some of my work on cards and shirts for some festivals and shows as well. Over time I built networks and community and referrals. Building my business has been an interesting journey, always learning along the way!

Two important lessons I have learned are:
1. Be intentional and take time to plan
2. You don’t have to continue doing the same thing, think outside the box

As an artist, I would love to just create and not think about the “making a living” part, but I have actually grown to like both parts and find that the business side takes creativity, too. As i mentioned, I have sold my art at galleries, events, and shows. I have also used various online platforms and social media.

Recently, I have begun collaborating in an online art shop with my daughter, putting our images on wearables, home accessories, and wall art. She is also an artist. Our collections are mostly colorful and whimsical. They all have personal backstories.

The one main theme behind my brand and story is: Be myself.
I can’t create something that doesn’t resonate with me or I am not inspired to do. I find that success comes when I am real and genuine, showing my strength and vulnerability, wins and mistakes, and keeping a sense of humor. It comes with hard work and being true to myself .

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1 Go for a hike near the city -Lair O’the Bear. Come back and eat at Chula’s on Broadway and have margaritas
Day 2 Visit the DAM and go to Pints Pub afterward
Day 3 Head over to Golden for more hiking! If it is summer, also tubing on Clear Creek. Visit a couple of breweries after.
Day 4 Nuggets game. And Nuggs ice cream afterwards
Day 5 Global Foodie excursion along Havana in Aurora
Day 6 St Mary’s Glacier and then Burgers in Empire
Day 7 Broncos game

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am dedicating my shoutout to my husband, Jon. Through all the years, he has been my quiet, steady, faithful ride-or-die. Decades of growing up and growing old together, we’re still dreaming and doing All The Things!

Website: https://www.tessafuquaartworks.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artmom66/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessa-fuqua-04771216

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tessa.fuqua/

Other: https://2tigersartshop.myshopify.com/

https://artmom66.beehiiv.com/