Birmingham Unveils 16th Cross Pearson Wearable Art Gallery Celebrating Local Black Artists

Birmingham Welcomes New Wearable Art Gallery: 16th Cross Pearson

In a vibrant addition to the Birmingham arts scene, local entrepreneur Tanya Pugh-Johnson has officially opened the doors to her new art gallery, the 16th Cross Pearson Wearable Art Gallery. This first-of-its-kind site in Alabama showcases the work of local Black artists and designers, firmly placing faith, creativity, and hard work at the heart of its mission.

Located at 2215 1st Ave N Suite 200, the gallery opened its doors in July 2024, revealing a dynamic array of handmade pieces including clothing, jewelry, and visual art. Visitors to the gallery can expect to see stunning acrylic paintings by local artists such as A.Nichel, as well as the bold jewelry creations of Aaliyah Taylor, all displayed in a space that embraces the spirit of wearable art.

A Vision Realized

Pugh-Johnson, 42, described the inspiration behind the gallery as a divine vision she received in October 2023. She envisioned herself on a platform, unnoticed but necessary, where she could uplift others—an idea that blossomed into the creation of the gallery.

“It’ll never really be about me,” she remarked. “God called me to be a vessel. To uplift and shine a light on others so that they can be seen.” She emphasized her passion for fashion as not just a creative outlet, but as an essential form of expression, stating, “The human body is a blank canvas. The masterpiece is on the inside.”

A Unique Collective

What makes 16th Cross Pearson stand out is its rotating selection of local talent. Artists including Nikki Manning Huntley, Bradford Caddell, Pansey Nelson, Samuel Kane, and Allyson Ragland have a contractual arrangement with the gallery to display their work, which lasts between 6 to 12 months. Pugh-Johnson connected with these creatives through a mix of social media and word of mouth, leading to what she describes as emotional meetings filled with hugs and prayers.

The Gallery’s Namesake

The name of the gallery, 16th Cross Pearson, pays homage to Pugh-Johnson’s roots. Her maternal grandmother lived on 16th Street in Fountain Heights, while her paternal grandmother resided on Pearson Street in West End. Reflecting on her childhood, Pugh-Johnson recalls the excitement of her grandmother returning home from work, which exemplified the nurturing and resilience that shaped her life.

“It was like an angel was walking toward me,” she said, describing the moments filled with joy and warmth as a latchkey kid. Her vision for the gallery is a direct reflection of the love and teachings imparted by those who came before her.

Overcoming Challenges

Pugh-Johnson has an entrepreneurial spirit that has driven her forward. Having left her job in banking in 2019 to start a marketing business, she eventually faced challenges that led her to doubt her direction. “I can tell you there was a moment when I thought God forgot about me,” she said. However, with encouragement from family and a clear vision, she found her purpose in establishing the gallery.

Despite facing obstacles, such as a challenging search for a suitable building, Pugh-Johnson credits her faith in God for the swift resolution and successful opening of the gallery.

Supporting Local Talent

The gallery plays a pivotal role in supporting up-and-coming artists. Pugh-Johnson collaborates with organizations, including The Flourish Alabama, a non-profit dedicated to young artists. These partnerships ensure that the space remains inclusive and offers a platform for emerging talent. “Everything showcased here is one of a kind. You won’t find these pieces anywhere else,” she noted, highlighting the uniqueness of the gallery’s offerings.

Final Thoughts

With its commitment to uplifting local talent and fostering creativity, the 16th Cross Pearson Wearable Art Gallery is positioned to become a vital part of Birmingham’s cultural fabric. The gallery not only provides an outlet for creative expression but actively seeks to eliminate gatekeeping within the art community.

For more information about the gallery or inquiries about showcasing artwork, interested parties can reach out via SEPSHops@gmail.com. The gallery is eager to grab the attention of the community and showcase the deep well of talent found in Birmingham’s artists.