Oakland icon's art gallery showcases social, cultural diversity in Bay Area: Here's a look

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Joyce Gordon founded the Joyce Gordon Gallery to create a fine art space dedicated to showcasing artists of color, particularly Black artists.

As a traveling hair platform artist, she visited galleries across the country but rarely saw fine art spaces dedicated to Black artists.

Determined to change that, she left her decades-long career as a hairstylist and salon owner to open her own gallery.

In 2003, without any prior experience in the art world, she launched the Joyce Gordon Gallery with the goal of reaching a broader audience and providing a space for both local and international Black artists.

The Joyce Gordon Gallery aims to honor individual creative expression while making art accessible to a broad audience.

Over the years, the gallery has hosted numerous events bringing diverse communities together.

"People who had just published a book or had a new book coming out wanted to do a reading... There have been CD release parties, paint parties -I've even had two weddings here," she shared.

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The people of Oakland hold a special place in Joyce's heart, especially its young people.

She works with neighboring schools to provide students with a safe space to create and showcase their work.

Each year, she hosts the Oakland Youth Art Explosion, offering artists a place to shine. Joyce is deeply committed to ensuring that young people have greater access to art than she did-she didn't visit a museum or gallery until after high school.

Reflecting on her impact, she shares, "I will be 80 next year, and people-especially young people-seem to really like me. That's quite an honor."

Joyce Gordon is regarded as a pillar of Oakland, recognized for her expertise in Black art and her pioneering contributions.

She takes pride in the impact she has made on the community, sharing, "I enjoy what I have brought to the community and how they show me love and appreciation. That's joy."

For more information, visit Joyce Gordon Gallery.

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