Meet Yorka Ralwins | Artist and Gallery Owner

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

Hi Yorka, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
For the Gallery (2016- current): My thoughts were to share my own experiences and serve as a starting platform mostly to Latin American artists by introducing their work in key platforms that will help their art career.

For the Boutique (2020 – current):
This was a business decision after COVID-19 to generate income and keep presenting art in a useful, wearable and decorative form.

For the upcoming Restaurant “The Spot” (NEW coming soon beginning of 2022):
I miss Latin flavor food! I live in the southwest of Georgia in a small town with limited choices. To eat good, I have to drive 50 miles away. I don’t want to drive that far for good food, so I decided to open a Latin Fusion restaurant and make myself and those in the community, happy.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
As a Gallery owner, I come across artists of all levels from beginners to established. I love working with starting artists as they are more eager to grow by listening and following guidance. I mostly work with Latin American artists and the most difficult part is to teach them the American way of art. The best part is when I come across an artist who is full of creativity and talent and needs guidance in the art world.

I remember years back when an artist showed up at my booth during an art fair with his artwork all tattered. All the other artists felt sorry for him because the quality was not there at all. I was able to improve his presentation by mounting it in the best possible way. To everyone’s surprise, his artwork was the only one sold at that show and for an amount unimaginable.

The word “easy” is unknown in this business. You must stay focused, honest and open minded. I work to provide one door of opportunity to artists. I tell my artists that they must embrace patience and humility and that art is like any other career, they need to invest in it. I love seeing artists grow and sell their art. I love to see their creativity go beyond their dreams. That is what I’m all about.

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?
This is a great question. I live deep in the countryside with very little to do, but lot of inspiration and open canvas. But when my friends do come, we go out to nearby cities for fun. I like to take them to fine diner first and them the fun part: karaoke bars, shooting range and happy hours. Sometimes we get really wild and go to strip club or to a drag queen show.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents, Edwardo and Dinorah Ralwins. They made sure I got a good education and were always supportive of my decisions and eccentricity. They always have my back and believe in me even when the odds are against me. I have the best parents. I’m so bless to have them by my side.

Website: https://www.ralwinsartgallery.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ralwinsartgallery/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ralwinsartgallery

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD9TxU2dHo8okHHlBVar3-w