Starting My Art Gallery: A Personal Journey in Nairobi’s Creative Landscape
By Wanjiru Njeri
The sun was just beginning to peek through the clouds over Nairobi when the idea first struck me. Sitting on my balcony, sipping on my usual cup of chai, I felt a wave of inspiration wash over me. The streets below were alive with the hum of matatus and the distant chatter of hawkers, and I realized that this city, with all its chaos and charm, needed a space to celebrate its artistic spirit. That’s how the dream of starting my own art gallery was born.
The Spark of an Idea
Growing up in the heart of Nairobi, art was always a part of my life. I remember watching my uncle, a painter, transform blank canvases into breathtaking landscapes that danced with color. I would sit for hours, mesmerized by his strokes, his passion spilling onto the canvas. In many ways, his artistry shaped my own understanding of what it meant to express oneself. But as I grew older, I noticed a gap—a lack of spaces that genuinely showcased our local talent. The galleries that existed felt far removed from my reality, often focusing on international artists while the voices of our homegrown creators remained unheard.
So, why not create a space for us? I asked myself. A gallery where the stories of our people could be told through art. Where upcoming artists could find not just a platform, but a community.
The Journey Begins
With my heart racing and excitement bubbling, I set out on a journey filled with ups and downs. I started by gathering a group of like-minded friends—artists, designers, and even a few poets. Together, we brainstormed what our gallery could look like. We wanted it to be more than just walls filled with paintings; we envisioned a living, breathing space that would host exhibitions, workshops, and discussions. A place where art lovers could come and connect, not just with the art, but with each other.
The next step was finding a location. Those of you who know Nairobi can appreciate that real estate here can be a bit of a maze. After weeks of searching, I found a quaint space in Westlands. It wasn’t perfect—some walls needed a fresh coat of paint, and the floors weren’t in the best shape—but it had character. It felt like it was waiting for something magical to happen.
Building the Dream
As we started to set up our gallery, every day brought new challenges. From sourcing local materials to negotiating with suppliers, it felt like I was juggling a million things at once. I remember one day, we ran out of funds for paint. I was ready to throw in the towel, but then I heard a knock on the door. It was a local artist I had met at a market. He had come to drop off a donation—his own painting. “This is for the gallery,” he said with a smile. That moment reignited my spirit. It reminded me that this project wasn’t just mine; it belonged to all of us.
As the gallery began to take shape, I reached out to artists across the city. I wanted their stories and perspectives to be part of our identity. Each artist brought their unique flavor, and it was incredible to witness the diversity of talent that Nairobi has to offer. From traditional beadwork to contemporary installations, our gallery started to reflect the rich tapestry of Kenyan culture.
The Grand Opening
Finally, the day of our grand opening arrived. I was a bundle of nerves, pacing back and forth, rehearsing my speech. Would people show up? Would they appreciate the art? As the evening approached, I took a moment to breathe deeply and remind myself why I started this journey. I wanted to create a space for connection, inspiration, and celebration.
As the doors opened, a wave of people flooded in. Friends, family, and even strangers who had heard about us began to fill the room. There was laughter, conversation, and a palpable sense of community. I watched as people connected over the art, sharing stories and experiences. It was everything I had hoped for and more.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Looking back, this journey of starting my art gallery taught me so much. Here are a few lessons I’ve carried with me:
Community is Everything: Building a gallery isn’t just about the art; it’s about the people. The support of my friends, the contributions of local artists, and the encouragement from visitors created a sense of belonging that made our gallery thrive.
Embrace Vulnerability: There were times I felt overwhelmed and doubted my vision. But every challenge was an opportunity for growth. It’s okay to be vulnerable; it allows others to connect with your journey.
Celebrate Small Wins: Every little step—whether it was hanging a new piece of art or hosting a successful workshop—was worth celebrating. These moments fueled my passion and kept me motivated.
Stay Open-Minded: The creative landscape in Nairobi is ever-evolving. Being adaptable and open to new ideas has helped us stay relevant and continue to attract diverse artists and audiences.
The Future of Our Gallery
As I sit in the gallery today, the walls adorned with breathtaking pieces from talented artists, I feel a sense of fulfillment. But this is just the beginning. I dream of expanding our reach, bringing in artists from all over Kenya and even beyond. I want to create mentorship programs for young creatives, providing them with the resources and support they need to thrive.
But most importantly, I hope to inspire others to pursue their passions, whatever they may be. If you have a dream, don’t be afraid to chase it. The road may be rocky, but it’s also filled with beauty, connection, and moments that make it all worthwhile.
So, what do you think? Have you ever thought about starting something of your own? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!