We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Diana Marie Haddad. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Diana Marie below.
Diana Marie, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.
I think generosity stems from a deep belief in equity and a desire to uplift others. At RemainReal, I’ve made it a mission to create an accessible space where Colorado artists—regardless of experience or background—feel empowered to share their work. By removing barriers like application fees and fostering a truly welcoming environment, I hope to provide opportunities for artists who might not otherwise have the chance to be seen. It’s about building a community where creativity thrives, and everyone feels like they belong.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
RemainReal Fine Art is an art gallery located in the heart of Denver’s vibrant Santa Fe Arts District. Owned and operated by myself, our space is dedicated to showcasing the creativity of Colorado artists through monthly rotating exhibitions. Each show is centered around a unique theme, ranging from solo features to dynamic group exhibitions, ensuring there’s always something fresh and exciting for our visitors to experience. Our monthly opening receptions are more than just art shows—they’re lively celebrations of community and creativity. We infuse these events with the energy of live music performed by local musicians, live painting demonstrations, refreshments, and an atmosphere that invites everyone to connect and enjoy.
Beyond exhibitions, we’re passionate about fostering creativity through art classes for adults. These sessions, taught by professional artists, offer a welcoming space to explore your artistic side—whether you’re a seasoned creator or just looking for a fun, creative activity with friends. At Remain Real, we believe in making art accessible and building a vibrant, inclusive community where everyone feels inspired to connect with creativity.
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?
Running a small business often requires navigating challenges like budget constraints, event planning, and building a customer base. Your ability to adapt and find creative solutions has helped you turn obstacles into opportunities, ensuring your gallery remains thriving. One of my greatest strengths is my commitment to building a community-centered space. I’ve always envisioned the gallery as a place where art is accessible and artists feel supported. That’s why I’ve eliminated application fees and created an inclusive environment that welcomes artists from all backgrounds. This approach has been integral in building trust and loyalty among local creatives. Another strength is my adaptability and problem-solving ability. Small business ownership comes with its share of challenges—whether it’s managing budgets, planning events, or navigating the unexpected. I’ve learned to approach these challenges with a creative mindset, turning potential roadblocks into opportunities to grow and evolve the gallery.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
In the last 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been building a strong, collaborative team and fostering a thriving community around the gallery. When I started RemainReal Fine Art, my focus was on creating an accessible space for Colorado artists, but I quickly realized that a strong, supportive team was essential to bring that vision to life. Learning to delegate, trust others with parts of the process, and celebrate their contributions has been transformative for me. Beyond the team, I’ve seen so much growth in the gallery’s community. We’ve built a space where artists and art lovers feel welcome and supported, whether they’re showing their work for the first time or visiting to connect with others who share their passion. Seeing how the gallery has become a hub for collaboration and creativity has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m excited to keep building on this momentum.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://remainrealfineart.com
- Instagram: @remainrealfineart
- Youtube: RemainReal Fine Art
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