Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Carina Bañuelos-Harrison. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Carina , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
Being the only Latinx within certain spaces also allows for observation and participation. I have never been the loudest voice in the room but more of the one who contributes necessary and effective ideas which allows for time to think things through and plan. To be a mover and shaker does not always been to be loud and all eyes on you. I feel like to be equitable while thinking about community needs to be thought out well and takes time. That is one of the reasons why I decided to branch out and do the art and community work I do.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I was born and raised in Colorado. Where I am Founder, Art Curator, Art Consultant and Photographer for Art and Color. An advocate for artists and art organizations that are part of historically marginalized communities; helping artists exhibit their work in art spaces and other locations is a personal passion and commitment. I specifically bring. the lens of intersectionality and equity, because of my own experiences and involvement in the art world has observed that this component is/has been missing. Bringing my knowledge as an artist, art administrator and social justice fighter. Within my roles I’m also a wife, and mother of two children. Currently I am working on a collaborative project with local architects, a nonprofit organization that provides housing and community related services to Denver’s historically marginalized communities, and with a local artist/muralist to create a beautiful art collaboration. The project will be completed in Spring/Summer of 2024.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are; being willing to collaborate with others, doing things in/with/for community along with being willing to continue to learn.
When you collaborate with others doing similar work it is not a competition. There have been so many projects that I have worked on with other artists. You get to know more about your partners and who brings special talents to the table. We are more impactful together than alone.
As an artist and art consultant it is important to listen to the needs of the community. We can’t just guess what the community needs. We have to be in the middle of the conversation and open our ears to listen. We are not always the expert and that is something people need to be humble about. That is an opportunity to bring in those that do have the experience.
We need to evolve as people in our field. Part of that is continuing to learn about the trends and what is happening at that moment. Remember to always keep learning.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Change has been my biggest area of growth. With that comes being resilient and remembering that family always comes first. My children and partner will always be there to support me. We need to remember that family is priority when you become so focused on taking care of the community. Oh and taking care of yourself has always been a priority next to family.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/art_andcolor/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carina-ba%C3%B1uelos-harrison/
Image Credits
First Photo Upper Left: Credit, Carina Bañuelos-Harrison. Carina with Artist Discussion Panel for Amplify @Arvada Center. March 2022. Second Photo Upper Right: Credit, Carina Bañuelos-Harrison. Installation image of Salud y Justicia work @Museo de las Americas. August 2022. Third Photo Lower Left: Credit, Carina Bañuelos-Harrison. Carina with Artist Javier Flores one of the artist from the Art Exhibition Curated by Carina titles Somos @Museo de las Americas August 2021. Fourth Photo Lower Right: Credit, Carina Bañuelos-Harrison. Artist Dinner Discussion for Amplify Art Exhibit. March 2022.
