The art world is notorious for its gatekeeping. This makes Hannah Studnick's story all the more remarkable. At 31, with zero art world experience, she opened Ruby/Dakota Gallery in New York's Alphabet City because a psychic told her she would.The space (originally found on Craigslist) transformed into something profound. In this candid conversation, Hannah reveals how Ruby/Dakota honours her late twin sister Emma, turning personal grief into a platform for artistic healing. Hannah's journey from the reality television industry to dental assistant to gallery owner unfolds like a screenplay, complete with chance encounters, spiritual guidance, and a driving belief that supporting living artists creates something meaningful in a fractured world. With disarming honesty, she discusses navigating the commercial gallery landscape during "the worst period in history for art sales," and creating daring exhibitions. What makes Hannah's perspective so refreshing is her commitment to democratising art collecting. Her advice to aspiring gallerists pulls no punches: "Don't do it unless you need to do it," she warns, describing the "manic-dead cycle" of exhibition preparations followed by quiet gallery hours.In just one year, Ruby Dakota has been visited by art critic Jerry Saltz, featured in New York Magazine and The Wall Street Journal, and participated in Future Fair. Beyond these achievements, Hannah's greatest accomplishment is creating a space where emerging artists can process trauma through their practice, collectors can discover meaningful work, and the traditional barriers of the art world begin to crumble. Today also happens to be Ruby/Dakota's one year birthday! I'm excited to share Studnick's story and see where the gallery goes from here. Listen today to learn how an art world outsider is challenging conventions and proving that genuine passion, coupled with business savvy and an authentic voice, can create space for new perspectives in contemporary art. Connect with the Artalogue: Madison Beale, HostBe a guest on The Artalogue Podcast
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