While some great artists are taught, some, like award-winning interdisciplinary artist, curator, author, and gallerist Dana Todd Pope, were simply born knowing what to do with art supplies in front of them. Since pre-school, Pope has shown a knack for creative expression and the ability to command attention with her artistic endeavors, eventually leading to her work with several corporate partners, including Walgreens, The Design Museum of Chicago, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Metropolitan Family Services, and the University of Illinois, to name a few.
A native of Chicago’s south side, Pope’s work has been awarded a number of arts and business grant awards from entities such as Amazon, DePaul University, IFundWomen, Odyssey Media, Black Girl Ventures, and the City of Chicago. Through her multitude of awards and grants, Pope has been able to bring several visions to life including her kid’s room home decor line, Fearlessly Hue®, authoring the children’s picture books “Know Money, Grow, Money” and “It’s the Way You Treat Him“, and co-founding and serving as CEO of the Women’s Live Artist Studio at Navy Pier, a gallery featuring the work of Chicago-based women artists and makers.
Her most recent work is the curation of Giving Her Her Flowers: A Fine Art Portrait Exhibition, a multi-city portraiture exhibition highlighting Black women in the arts, which opened late last year in Martha’s Vineyard and has traveled through almost a dozen cities, including sweet home Chicago.
N’DIGO recently caught up with multi-talented virtuoso to learn more about her background, her journey as an artist, and the surprising age at which she knew what her calling would be.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Dana Todd Pope?
Dana Todd Pope: I am a child of God, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend… I’m also a visual artist, curator, and entrepreneur who uses art to tell stories of resilience, identity, and possibility. At the heart of everything I do is a commitment to helping people see themselves more fully, more clearly, and more confidently through art.
How would you describe your work to those being introduced to it for the first time?
My work often centers on children and women, but at its core, it’s about capturing the joy, strength, and quiet power in everyday experiences. Beyond creating art, I build platforms and experiences that make it accessible and meaningful. Through my brand, Fearlessly Hue, I bring color, confidence, and storytelling into everyday spaces. And in my curatorial work, including my upcoming work Because Being Black in a White Space is a Real Thing…, I create space for artists to be seen, valued, and remembered.
What are three words family and friends would use to describe you?
Encouraging. Resourceful. Tenacious.
Do you remember the first art that made you stop and take notice?
Yes, because it was my own. I was 3 years old in preschool, and we had just completed a drawing assignment. The teacher looked at mine and said, “Dana, this is really good.” She then called over to the other preschool teachers and showed my drawing to them. They all responded with praise and encouragement as well. In that moment, I thought to myself, “I’m really good at this…” I also felt I was born to be an artist.
How did your journey into becoming an artist begin?
In 2006 and 2007, I participated in a 6-week business plan competition called ARISE, facilitated by First Lady (now Emerita) Jemell Meeks of the Salem Baptist Church of Chicago. The program, now 21 years old, guides you through creating a business plan, provides mentorship, and helps you launch your business at a vendor fair. This program was life-altering for me. Writing that plan forced me to overcome all of the fears I had stepping out as an artist. Nothing conquers fear better than knowledge. As my mom, Geneva Todd, always says, “take away the excuses.” Writing that plan forced me to find my place in the Chicago art market. I had to discover pricing, and I had to ask questions. ARISE changed my life. I won first place in 2007, and it really gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams.
Please tell us about your work as the ongoing artist-in-residence for the She Owns It She Biz Conference?
I am so honored to represent the arts in the SOISB Conference. It is my pleasure to shine a light on creative entrepreneurship. Oftentimes, people don’t consider the business side of an artistic practice. Many artists are entrepreneurs making art, jewelry, crafts, food products, music… Although they may be full-time, have a day job, or teach, they are also running a business. The fact that Christi recognized the impact of creative entrepreneurs while planning this conference is a testament to her vision.
What can you share about your exhibition, Giving Her Her Flowers?
I am the curator of the touring exhibition Giving Her Her Flowers, a portrait series that honors the lives, legacies, and contributions of women in the arts. The exhibition brings together Chicago-based and local women artists in each city to create work rooted in recognition, reverence, and visibility, ensuring that these women are not only remembered but deeply seen. As it travels, the exhibition creates space to preserve history, foster connection, and center storytelling and collective appreciation. I am currently looking for the next city to host the exhibition so I encourage people to reach out to me.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I was a Ford model in my 20s.
Best advice you’ve been given as an artist?
This is a hard question. I have received a lot of wonderful advice from mentors like Candace Hunter, Andre Guichard, Kevin Williams (WAK), Ted Ellis, and Gerald Griffin. They know when they see me, I want the secret sauce! But, I would have to say the best advice came from Gerald, he said if a client gives you push back on your price because they can’t afford it, ‘Well, maybe it’s not for you.” Meaning, don’t let someone else’s financial parameters dictate your worth. That was life-changing for me.
Best advice you can give to aspiring artists?
Your gift is not for you. Your talent is not for you. God gave you that gift to make the world more beautiful and to inspire someone. When you hold it, not only are you blocking your blessing, but you’re probably holding up someone else’s. Release it.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
Proverbs 18:16– A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.
What’s next for Dana Todd Pope?
Whew… Whatever God has for me. I am ready to build and serve. I am currently working on my interactive exhibition Because Being Black in a White Space is a Real Thing… It will open in Q1 of 2027.
For more information on Dana Todd Pope, please visit www.danatoddpope.com and connect with her on social media at @DanaToddPope.
For more information on the upcoming 5th Annual She Owns It She Biz conference, please visit www.sheownsitshebiz.com
