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

Hi sharon, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started bridges: art+ heart with a mission to change the paradigm of art collecting and make it more about art connection. Since Bridges is my last name, bridges: art + heart made sense because it’s a double entendre!

What should our readers know about your business?

As I mentioned earlier, my mission is to make the act of collecting art more commonplace. I think most people you’d ask want to own fine art. In my experience, money isn’t the barrier – rather, the feedback I hear is that the standard gallery setup is intimidating. People feel like they have to “understand art”. Instead, I’ve take the approach that “Explanation Kills Art” (I even have merch for sale). I encourage my artists to share the inspiration behind their pieces and settle in to the idea that when sharing your artwork, you can tell 1 story 100 times or have 100 versions  of how your art has impacted each person.

As an art agent, I create genuine excitement and hype around the creatives I represent. I don’t have formal art training and I don’t pretend to – I DO share my authentic joy and love for my artists which allows for those interested in art to connect and collect!

In that vein, I am thrilled to announce I will be opening an art space in Colorado this summer, called N0°R+H. The approach is warm walls, cool vinyl, and vibrant conversations. I am from Louisiana and y’all know we love to entertain in the South! I will curate a space that invites visitors in to relax and enjoy the beauty that surrounds them. – think of it as an art speakeasy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love my neighborhood, Lakewood. East Dallas is a unique part of the city and we’re all family there. I would start with a front yard happy hour so my guests could experience the nostalgia of my part of the city. I would take them to uptown and ride the trolley to Klyde Warren Park – I love our unique urban park. Then we would go to Bishop Arts and enjoy the energy of the area. Definitely stop at Reveler’s Hall and listen to their amazing NOLA inspired band which will connect my homes state to my current city. Sprinkled in there would be some of my favorite spots to eat and have a drink, including, Taco Joint in Lakewood, Oishii on Wycliff, One Nostalgia, and The Statler pool bar for a downtown view.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Geez, I would have to say all of the artists I represent. I have also gleaned a lot of insight and courage from participating in Suzy Batiz’s program called Alive OS.

Instagram: @sharonbridges.art_heart AND please include @truenorth_art

Image Credits
Lucy Thornton Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.