A Day in the Life - Kendra Walker
Just like our ‘collecting stories’ series, a day in the life aims to de-mystify the art world, highlighting real-life stories of a typical day.
We are honoured to introduce this series with Kendra Walker.
Kendra Walker is an art advisor and art writer that prioritizes and critically analyzes the work of emerging and established Black artists. As an arts writer she includes race theory and sociopolitical research in her work. She has contributed to editorial publications such as Artnet News, The Art Newspaper, Artsy, Galerie Mag, Cultured Mag, Contemporary&, and Sugarcane Mag.
Kendra Walker focuses on making the art world more accessible for people of color and placing black art in institutions and in the collections of black collectors. Kendra received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and fine art from Georgia State University in addition to studying art and architecture in numerous European cities. Kendra is now based in Atlanta, Georgia.
Kendra Walker is the Founder of Atlanta Art Week and the Black Art Experience. She has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, Essence, Artnet News, and others.
Image: Kendra Walker standing in front of Patrick Eugene, photogragh by Piera Moore
Walker Art Advisory’s mission is to provide exceptional art advisory services to collectors and institutions looking to build and manage their art collections, offering expert guidance and assistance in all aspects of art acquisition, from identification and research to negotiations and execution.
WAA is dedicated to staying at the forefront of the art market, with a deep understanding of the current landscape and a keen eye for identifying the most compelling works. They are committed to building long-term relationships with clients, helping them to grow and evolve their collections in a way that aligns with their goals and values.
They believe that the art world has the power to enrich lives and bring joy, and it is their mission to facilitate this experience through a personalized and attentive approach.
What’s on your mind when you wake up?
When I wake up I am typically thinking about what I have to-do for the day, my daily affirmations, what in-person meetings I have for the day, and what outfit I will wear if I need to leave the house.
What does your typical day start like?
My typical day starts with coffee. Some personal time to myself before getting the day started and then taking my dog out for his morning walk.
Image: Atlanta Art Week 2022 Billboard. Image courtesy of Orange Barrel Media
Tell us what your to-do list looks like today.
Call with artist
Send curatorial plan to collector
Debrief with assistant
Meeting with fundraising company working with Atlanta Art Week
Interview with journalist
Virtual meeting with a collector
Interview with journalist
Meeting with Atlanta Art Week Advisory Board.
How do you juggle varied projects at once and multitask?
I am able to multitask with the help of my assistant, and conscious time blocking/ time management.
What’s for lunch? Do you take time to take stock of the day so far?
For lunch I like to keep it light so I can stay productive throughout the day. I will typically have a salad or small sandwich and then end my meal with a cup of tea or coffee.
Image: Atlanta Art Week collection tour 2022. Photograph by Raphael Miller.
Tell us about some of your favourite aspects of your job?
My favourite aspects of the job include creating experiences for people, cultivating community, and supporting the overall art economy with my services.
Connecting people and exposing them in a manner where they feel comfortable to participate in the art industry in something I enjoy.
How does your afternoon shape up?
My afternoon typically shapes up with virtual or in person meetings/ viewings. Or just finishing up paperwork/ emails etc.
As a business owner, how do you switch off from work at the end of the day?
I know it’s tricky because working in this space is such a social industry its hard to define personal and professional boundaries. All and all I try to end my days at
5 pm EST and conclude my working hours with some exercise. If I am working with a client in a different time zone, I am flexible with my availability.
What would you be if you were not an art advisor?
If I wasn’t an advisor, I am not sure what I would be doing professionally. I kind of fell into this through trial and error. I enjoy creating and cultivating community so something probably entrepreneurial in the art or media industry.
Image: The Black Art Experience artist talk and mimosas with Allana Clarke, Chanelle Lacy, and Kendra Walker at Kavi Gupta Gallery. Photograph Kyle Flubacker
What project(s) are you looking forward to? Can you tell us more about Atlanta Art Week and The Black Art Experience?
I am looking forward to this year’s edition of the Black Art Experience and Atlanta Art Week (October 2nd- 8th 2023). Atlanta Art Week is a city-wide initiative dedicated to highlighting and promoting Contemporary and Modern art in Atlanta. This is the first art week the city has ever had and we are going into the second edition this year.
The Black Art Experience is an initiative aimed to educate and cultivate broader awareness around Black artists, Black art professionals and the importance of stewardship around Black art. With the main goal of engaging guests and members of any given community through access to the city’s most well-known art entities, artist, and accompanying educational programming. BAE’s mission is to democratize the art world by creating community and accessibility for people of color.
What is the best piece of advice that you have been given?
I wouldn’t say advice, but I would say intentionally strengthening my faith has been one of the most beneficial things I have done in my adult life. When things get rough and uncertain which a lot of times, they do with entrepreneurship, there has to be a bigger thing or entity that keeps you grounded and understanding that everything will work out. When things get rough you must have a bigger reason as to why you are doing what you are doing, or you will end up quitting. The bigger picture aspect of your work is what will push you to go further when odds and circumstances are stacked against you.
Image: The Black Art Experience artist talk and mimosas with Allana Clarke, Chanelle Lacy, and Kendra Walker at Kavi Gupta Gallery. Photograph Kyle Flubacker.