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Key Influencers • Arts, Community and Business Leaders • Bay Area Personalities • Industry Experts.
What makes them tick? Find out . . .
In 25 Words or Less
Posted: March 26, 2016
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THE BASICS
Editor’s Note: In existence for over 13 years, Joyce’s gallery is one of the longest-running high-end art galleries in Oakland, while playing host to a number of community events throughout the year. It is also one of the original members of Oakland’s thriving Art Murmur gallery walks.
| Name: Joyce Gordon |
| Age: 60+ • Status: Single • Kids: Yes |
| Place of Birth: Zachary, LA • Raised: Berkeley, CA |
| Professional Background: Joyce Gordon was a salon owner, stylist,and educator platform artist for major hair products and manufacturing company. She also published a styling book. |
| What achievement or position are you most known for? Opening and sustaining a fine art gallery in downtown Oakland for over ten years. Also providing a platform for non-profits and other organizations. |
| Contact/Follow: Email |
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25 WORDS OR LESS: WORK
| Job(s) held that is most unlike what I currently do now: Hairstylist |
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| Field: Arts |
| Yrs of Experience: 13 |
| Title: Owner/Director |
| Company: Joyce Gordon Gallery • Oakland, CA |
| What it does and what I do: Organize and curate art exhibits, schedule other art related events at the gallery and other venues. |
| Current Big Project: Developing a Foundation of the arts 501c that will host art workshops at the gallery as well as partnering with other organizations. |
| Staffing/Resource Needs: Volunteers are always needed for hosting events and and assisting with workshops and office work. |
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25 WORDS OR LESS: PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVE
| Significant Challenge: Biggest challenge is saying no and not being able financially to support as many artist as I would like. |
| Significant Mistake/Regret: Opening the gallery without a business plan. |
Significant Accomplishment: Maintaining the gallery for over ten years and still passionate about the business of art.
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| Biggest Strength(s): My unwavering faith is my biggest strength. |
| Biggest Weakness(es): Taking on other people’s issues is my business weakness…believing I can fix everything. |
| Career Advice: Have a written plan, follow it, and keep your faith. Surround yourself with positive people. Stay away from negative people or environment. |
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25 WORDS OR LESS: PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE
| Significant Challenge: Finance is my biggest challenge. |
Significant Accomplishment: Raising two children who are physically healthy and successful.
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| Life Advice: Keep the faith, keep moving. |
| Trait(s) most admired in others: Dedication, patience, assertiveness. |
| Among several global issues of deep concern, one(s) that stands out to me: Education of people of color, homelessness and lack of employment. |
| Some causes/organizations I support: Most non-profits that work with inner-city youths. |
| Some of my most-admired people (excluding parents): Michelle Obama, President Obama, all Black Educators, daughter Ronda Johnson. |
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25 WORDS OR LESS: LIFESTYLE
| Hours of “personal” downtime/week: 8 |
Favorite activity(s) in my personal downtime: Walking, Reading.
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| Some of my favorite local hangouts: Museums, Book Stores, Jazz events. |
| Some of my favorite TV shows: Do not own a TV, do not watch TV. |
| What news outlets or media sources do you most rely on?: KPFA, KQED |
| Favorite Vacation Spot(s): Cuba, West Africa |
| Place(s) I would like to visit: South Africa, Brazil |
| Favorite Pastime/Hobby(s): Reading, Golf |
| Favorite Book(s): All books by Black people, about Black people. |
| Something about me that may surprise you: I still cut hair. |
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• Joyce Gordon a key thread in Oakland’s art scene
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