Curator and arts patron Nicole Smith, was recently honored by the Chicago Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Inc. All manner of adjectives and superlatives were used to describe the celebrated and statuesque beauty.
Nicole Smith, owner of Nicole Gallery, located in the trendy River North community, is among the first women of color to open an art gallery in Chicago. She never allowed naysayers to put a damper on her dreams or set limitations for her. “I took a step that I felt compelled to take,” says Smith.
Smith purchased her first painting in her native homeland of Haiti, where she studied and worked at The Art Center. Early exposure to art works helped develop her aesthetic leanings and she eventually did what some said couldn’t be done. “They called me crazy,” says Smith. “If you are not crazy you will not do anything in this world. If you’re so comfortable being like everyone else you won’t do anything. You have to get passed other people’s opinions and limitations.”
Smith opened the 723 N. Halsted Street Gallery in 1986, and moved to 734 N. Wells 18 months later. In that time she has been one of the few African American gallery owners who have successfully operated an art gallery in a field where women and minority owners are rare. Smith says much of her strength and success are due to divine inspiration. –tbinns
For more information, contact Nicole Gallery, 230 W. Huron St., (312) 787-7716.
