Meet Grace Kim

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Grace Kim. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Grace below.

Grace, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

As I reflect on my journey, I’ve come to understand that, in many ways, we are all alone—even when surrounded by family and friends. Our decisions, thoughts, and actions are deeply personal and ultimately our own, particularly as we grow older and our children become independent. Life teaches us that, at the core, we are individuals, navigating our paths with the strength of our convictions.

When I emigrated to the U.S. at 16 with my parents, I found myself in a new world, completely alone, leaving behind friendships and family connections. But that loneliness was masked by the busyness of adapting to a new environment, making friends, and catching up with schoolwork. Later, college life was enriching, and I never felt alone during those years, nor during the time I was raising my children.

I think we can all relate if you are a female and mother figure that it’s when the children grew up and left the nest that the reality of being alone truly set in. It’s a survival instinct, I suppose, to adapt to being with yourself. Even in human relationships, no one can fully understand what’s in your mind or the depth of your feelings. This solitude shapes our decisions in life—decisions that are crucial because they are ours alone, informed by our unique experiences and perspectives.

As a curator, this sense of individuality is even more pronounced. My creativity, my vision, are deeply personal and not always fully understood by others. Running a gallery, especially one that isn’t a blue-chip gallery, is incredibly challenging. Many think it’s easy, but only those in the industry understand the complexity and demands involved. I wear many hats—owner, director, curator, social media manager, press release writer, website updater, installer, deinstaller, and more. From studio visits to opening night preparations, I do it all.

But here’s the thing: I love what I do. The passion I have for curating and running a gallery keeps me going, even without guarantees of financial success. Will I regret it? Absolutely not. Because, in the end, it’s about doing what you love, even if you’re the only one in the room who understands why you’re doing it.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

As a curator and the founder of Toy Bin Art, an alternative gallery space, my work is both challenging and immensely rewarding. Running this space single-handedly involves countless tasks, from organizing exhibitions to promoting artists. It’s a demanding and sometimes lonely job, but the sense of accomplishment and confidence I’ve gained from it is something I hold dear and would never compromise.

One of the most exciting aspects of my role is visiting artists’ studios and engaging in deep conversations about their life stories and how these experiences influence their work. It’s truly inspiring to witness their passion and dedication—many have sacrificed other opportunities to pursue their art, and that commitment is not something to be taken lightly. My job is to ensure that their voices and visions are seen and heard by a wider audience.

At Toy Bin Art, I not only curate exhibitions but also help market the artists I work with, ensuring that their work reaches the world. For emerging artists, this exposure is crucial, and I take pride in providing them with the platform they need to thrive. Whether through physical exhibitions at Toy Bin Art or showcasing their work on well-established online platforms like Artsy.net, my goal is to support and elevate their careers.

If you are represented by Toy Bin Art, I provide you with a regular exhibition space and go the extra mile to help you gain recognition in mainstream galleries and museums. Having a curator on their side opens doors that might otherwise remain closed, giving artists a better chance of breaking into the broader art world.

For more information about Toy Bin Art please visit toybinart.com or email me at [email protected]
instagram @curatorgraceykim

You can also find my artists pieces available for purchase on Artsy.net. Just type Toy Bin Art on their search bar.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey as a curator: my intuitive sense for art, a perfectionist mindset, and an open mind.

My Senses: I have a natural ability to see and feel art deeply, beyond the surface level. This isn’t something you can study; it’s more of an innate talent. Although I studied art at UCI, I believe this ability was something I was born with. It’s an instinct that allows me to connect with art in a way that others might not.

Perfectionist: While being a perfectionist may not always be beneficial in everyday tasks, it’s a crucial quality in curating exhibitions. Attention to detail is everything when creating a show that resonates. Every element counts, and my goal is to create those “wow” moments for viewers, ensuring that the experience is as impactful as possible.

Open Mind: The art world is vast, with countless styles and perspectives. As a curator, I must maintain an open mind to appreciate and evaluate all forms of art. While my primary focus is contemporary art, I have a deep appreciation for various genres, from Renaissance to Pop art. Impressionist, expressionist, romantic, and even Christian art. This openness allows me to see the unique value in each piece and artist.

If we’re talking about skills, running a gallery requires a diverse set of them. I manage everything from curation to administration, marketing, and beyond. One of the most important skills is resilience. Life inevitably throws challenges your way, but I don’t give up. If I make a mistake, I don’t stay down—I get back up, learn from it, and keep moving forward toward my goals and dreams. That’s what keeps me going.

For those early in their journey, I would advise nurturing these qualities. Trust your instincts, aim for excellence in your work, stay open to new perspectives, and cultivate resilience to overcome obstacles. These will serve you well in any creative pursuit. Good luck!

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I am always on the lookout for a permanent space to exhibit art. If you own a building or have a space that you’d like to enhance in value, opening an art gallery can elevate your property to the next level. I’m seeking a space where I can run the gallery and bring my vision to life, so if you have such a space available, I’d love to hear from you.

Additionally, If you’re a gallery owner looking to collaborate with Toy Bin Art, I’m always open to suggestions for extraordinary exhibitions.

If you’re interested in collaborating, please reach out to me. Let’s create something exceptional together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://toybinart.com
• Instagram: @curatorgraceykim @toybinart
• Other: https://www.artsy.net/partner/toy-bin-art/workson artsy.net