Gary Green is a community advocate, collector, curator, and art dealer with a deep passion for expanding access to the arts.
He is the founder of SVNGRN, a 4,000-square-foot art space in the West Loop located at 310 North Peoria Street that serves as a hub for artists, collectors, and the community to experience, engage with, and support emerging artists from across the world. More than an art center, SVNGRN will be a sanctuary for artists that is dedicated to fostering creativity, preserving artistic legacies, and making art accessible to all. The art space’s recent opening exhibition, entitled “Conversations in Color“, in partnership with EXPO Chicago, highlights art from Green himself along with Ana Elisa Fernández, Fidelis Ayuwa Izekor, Alejandro De Narváez, and Judith Reissmann.
Since 2016, the Chicago native has curated exhibitions and produced programming in partnership with major international art fairs, including SCOPE Art Fair, The Armory Show, and the ever-growing Art Basel. Through his creative agency, Elevation Worldwide, Gary has produced large-scale events and activations that celebrate artists and engage new audiences. He also previously ran Good Details Gallery, which gained recognition for collaborative, community-rooted projects like A Good Day for Play with Nickelodeon and the “Tales of the Turtles” mural competition tied to the NASCAR Cup Series.
Another major highlight for Green includes the exhibition, A Chicago Story—a tribute to Chicago’s city skyline and creative legacy, held at and in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Willis Tower as a part of the building’s EQ’s Art of the Neighborhood initiative.
Gary is especially passionate about inspiring the next generation to follow their dreams. He regularly speaks to young people at schools and universities nationwide—including New York University and the Art Institute of Chicago—sharing his personal journey of how art transformed his life. By opening up about his path and the role creativity played in shaping it, Gary encourages students to embrace their passions, pursue careers in the arts, and believe in the power of their own stories.
“I understand the transformative power of art and how it saved my life, so I believe everyone should have access to it,” Green says. “The world of art can feel very elitist at times, so I wanted to create a space that would make everyone feel welcomed.”
N’DIGO recently sat down with the passionate artist and curator to learn more about his mission to connect and empower artists and reach out to the community at large.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Gary Green?
Gary Green: I’m an American hero, a way maker, and an advocate for the ones navigating turbulent terrains in hopes to elevate themselves. I’m inspiration and I use my design work to curate community.
What are three words you’d use to describe yourself?
Honor, Integrity, and Elevation.
Did you always know you wanted to be an artist?
No, even though I’ve always been an artist. I had to fight to be an artist. I grew up in survival mode, like too many others. Where I come from, being a professional artist was never an idea, conversation, or thought. It was merely an adolescent pastime.
Who are some of the artists that you took note of and who inspired/influenced you?
I draw my inspiration from the people closest to me. To be inspired by someone, you have to see parts of your story within them. Seeing how they navigate similar scenarios and create from similar points is where the inspiration comes from. I’m inspired the most by my father, my brothers, my lady, real individuals I navigate this world with.
How did you get your start? Please tell us a little about your journey in the world of art.
I had to sacrifice everything to continue to put myself near that creative energy. It fed my soul. When you find that special thing, you have to run towards it with everything you have.
I owned a studio in a popular artist loft building in the city years ago, where I met one of the biggest artists at the time from our city. We were neighbors. I lent my talents and resources to the team to help get deals done, bring structure, and overall value at no charge. I was only interested in building relationships. I created opportunities and grew them. Always considering my position as an owner, I opened a gallery and continued to grow. I took a lot of chances.
Please tell us about your recently opened SVNGRN art space.
It’s a beautiful platform to build that bridge into the art pace through programming, workshops, and exhibitions. I think it’s a great time for a new art institution that makes art more accessible offering new ways to reach the people through more personable engagement.
Can you tell us a little about the opening exhibit for the space, Conversations in Color?
Conversations in Color brings together artists from around the world who use color as a way to tell stories, share culture, and spark real conversations. The opening was incredible. We had a really diverse crowd and it felt like everyone was learning from each other and connecting through the art. It set the energy we want for SVNGRN, which is a space where community, and global perspectives all come together through access to art.
In addition to SVNGRN, what are some of the things you do with your creative agency, Elevation Worldwide?
We’ve done tons of exhibitions, programming for art fairs globally, and tons of partnerships like our recent collaboration with Willis Tower. We’ve even done a NASCAR trophy. However, I’d say creatively, my clothing brand “Nobodies A Nobody” has been my favorite. Beyond being my creative outlet for the design work I love to do, we focus on building community through the brand’s purpose and messaging. Plus, it just looks really dope, and the people love it! We’re everywhere, including some of your favorite shows like Power, and we’re growing fast.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m a gearhead. I love cars just as much as art. Cars are art, especially old-school American muscle cars. I’ve always collected them from Chevelles to Grand Nationals. I prefer the sound of my car over my radio any day.
Best advice you’ve been given as an artist?
To be a successful artist, you have to have good business skills. So go read “Who Not How.”
Best advice you can give to aspiring artists?
Whether you say you can or can’t do something, you’re correct. So never place limitations on yourself. The entire world is all “ make-believe “ anyway, so why aim for so little? You have the power to change your story every day, so pick one that serves who you want to be.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
“Your thoughts have consequences, so be very intentional about what you allow your mind to think and say.”
SVNGRN is located at 310 N. Peoria St. in the West Loop’s Fulton Market District.
For more information on Gary Green and the SVNGRN art space, please visit www.svngrn.org and connect with him on Instagram at @ggreen.art and @svngrnart
