Life and Work with Cece Cole

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cece Cole. 

Hi Cece, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
My trajectory as a gallery artist has included careers in college and high school education, as well as in the film industry. These experiences offered valuable perspective and included collaborative opportunities that have hugely informed my current projects.

Through opportunities, address changes, and travels, I have made invaluable friendships with fellow artists and arts professionals. In my current role as the curator at The Gallery at Mountain Shadows in Paradise Valley, I have a platform to create connections by highlighting local as well as national artists. We rotate exhibitions every two months. I am motivated by the uniqueness of the space to showcase accomplished artwork and driven to create an atmosphere of inclusion.

I also curate an online shop called Good Company Contemporary where I feature original artwork and design pieces for sale by in-demand, emerging and established artists.

I am originally from Louisiana and have lived in Phoenix and Scottsdale, AZ for the past four years. I maintain an active studio practice. Currently, I am working on a series of paper constructions called Rooftop gardens are a good idea, 2021 that function as maquettes for future sculpture projects. Most recently my drawings were included in a group show at Ada Gallery in Richmond, VA.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Juggling studio time, job, commitments, and responsibilities is just life. As artists, most of us are used to holding day jobs while operating an active studio. The struggles can be motivating.

When I started at The Gallery, I began to develop new, cross-marketing strategies that help to connect the dots between my studio, curatorial and online businesses. This allows me to work smarter not harder, as I manage three separate social media accounts; my personal/studio, curatorial, and online shop. It works for me to have a sort of filing system.

I guess I am talking most about the journey I am on now. Personally, I am most energized by what is next. I recognize that my experiences provide a solid foundation for growth.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am currently developing an upcoming community based project that addresses the climate crisis through the lens of the artist. An Earth Day exhibition will include land interventions and performance with an unconventional discussion format moderated by Arizona State University Museum, Curator Emeritus, Heather Lineberry. Featured artists are Erika Lynne Hanson, Adriene Jenik, Kara Brooks, Joan Baron, Gloria Martinez-Granados, and Matt Magee.

Our collective goal is to encourage discussion, to consider possible solutions, and to recognize that we as individuals can effect change.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
All the family and friends that have and still do support me in my endeavors.

Contact Info:

• Email: cececole@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.cccole.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cccolestudio/, https://www.instagram.com/cccolelab/, and https://www.instagram.com/goodcompanyaz/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodcompanyaz/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/CeceCole13
• Other: https://goodcompanyaz.com/ https://www.colelab.art/

Image Credits
Grant Vetter Gallery
Fausto Fernandez