Vivienne Yang is the founder of VillageOneArt, a contemporary art gallery in New York City. A former news anchor at Phoenix TV with a deep passion for storytelling, she is dedicated to curating exhibitions that foster meaningful connections between artists and audiences. She is currently studying at NYU to further expand her understanding of art and cultural dialogue. VillageOneArt is built on the belief that art transcends boundaries, sparking dialogue and creating lasting impact.
Thank you for joining us today, Vivienne. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m Vivienne Yang, the founder of VillageOneArt in New York. My journey started in journalism, where I spent over a decade as a news anchor at Phoenix TV. I absolutely loved my job—it gave me the chance to dive into different layers of humanity, tell meaningful stories, and navigate unpredictable situations every day.
Over time, I felt the need to explore storytelling in a more visual and emotional way, which led me to the art world. In 2018, I co-founded VillageOneArt, and since then, it has become a space where artists, collectors, and audiences can engage in meaningful dialogue. Art, to me, is another form of storytelling—one that transcends language and connects us on a deeper level.
What is your vision for VillageOneArt, and what kind of stories or artistic perspectives do you aim to highlight through the exhibitions you curate?
At VillageOneArt, my vision is to create a space that goes beyond just showing art—it’s about bringing people together and sparking conversations that matter. The name itself reflects our mission: Village represents community and connection, while One represents individuality and artistic expression.
I’m drawn to artists who explore themes of identity, alienation, and cultural intersections—ideas that feel urgent in today’s world. We work with both emerging and established artists, each with their own way of navigating these topics through their work. Whether it’s personal narratives, social commentary, or experimental forms, I want every exhibition to feel like a dialogue—something that makes people stop, think, and feel.
The current exhibition, When The Moon Turns Green, is being held at VillageOneArt. Could you walk us through the concept behind it and how it reflects the gallery’s mission and values?
When The Moon Turns Green is about embracing the unexpected. It invites viewers to reconsider their perceptions and explore new ways of seeing. The title itself suggests a shift in perspective—what happens when something familiar takes on an unfamiliar hue?
This exhibition aligns perfectly with VillageOneArt’s mission. We aim to present works that challenge conventions, bridge cultures, and inspire curiosity. The artists in this show each bring a unique voice to that conversation, creating a space where imagination, memory, and reality intertwine. It’s a reminder that art has the power to shift how we see the world, and that, to me, is what makes it so compelling.
Can you share any challenges you’ve faced while curating exhibitions and how you overcame them?
Curating exhibitions is always a mix of creative vision and problem-solving. Our upcoming group show, In the Mood for Love, is an annual tradition at VillageOneArt that honors women artists. Working with multiple artists from different locations at the same time is a logistical challenge, but despite the complexity, it’s incredibly rewarding.
We’ve also faced moments where we were scrambling to get an exhibition ready just 30 minutes before the opening—it’s a stressful experience, but every time we push through, we come out stronger. The key is to stay adaptable, trust the process, and embrace problem-solving as part of the journey.
The idea of “community” seems central to many art spaces. What does “community” mean to you, and how does it shape the way you work, both within the gallery and beyond?
For me, community is at the heart of everything we do at VillageOneArt. The name itself holds meaning—“Village” represents the sense of belonging and connection, while “One” stands for individuality and self-expression. I believe a strong community is built on both—where people feel supported but also have the space to define their ownvoice.
In the gallery, I strive to create an environment where artists, collectors, and visitors can engage in real conversations. It’s not just about the exhibitions; it’s about the relationships that form through them. Beyond the gallery, I see community as something fluid—connections that extend through collaborations, discussions, and shared experiences. The best moments come when people feel seen and understood, and that’s what I aim to cultivate in my work.
Do you have any advice that you would offer to others?
Trust your journey, and don’t be afraid to take risks. Things won’t always go as planned, but sometimes, the unexpected turns lead to the best discoveries.
Persistence is key—keep moving forward, even when progress feels slow. And most importantly, stay curious. Ask questions, listen deeply, and surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you. Growth happens when you stay open to new ideas and experiences.
text & photo courtesy of Vivienne Yang
- Website: https://villageoneart.com
- Instagram: @villageoneart
