We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Rosa Glickman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah Rosa, what matters most to you?
For me, what matters most is empathy. Empathy is crucial in every aspect of life. If we can approach interactions, confrontations, and even business with a foundation of empathy we can create a more supportive and connected society. I believe that one of the main driving factors behind so many of the issues that we see throughout our communities is a lack of empathy. Life is so fast-paced and we are molded to hyperfocus on our own lives, which makes it is so easy to forget that we – humans – are a family. We need to allow space and time to put ourselves in the shoes of others. Instead of comparing, competing, and climbing over each other, we can all grow and succeed by helping one another build. There is room for all of us to exist happily and peacefully, we just need to make the effort to see others through a kind eye.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My name is Sarah Rosa Glickman and I am a 29-year-old artist living and working in the Raleigh-Durham, NC, area. My work varies from brightly colored abstract pieces to minimalistic black-and-white line drawings. The foundation of all of my work is celebrating the beauty in both the simplicity and complexity of being human. My line work reflects the simplicity through single-line designs of human figures and features. The goal here is to encourage people to take a step back and see the beauty of their form and essence, no matter what that looks like. My colorful pieces are wildly abstract depictions of human facial features and bodies mixed with vibrant color and shape combinations. They reflect the emotions of being human in a way that celebrates the chaos of life. I want my work to make people feel seen, represented, and appreciated. To embrace their nature, bodies, and individuality – and to love it all.

This year is a very special and exciting one for Art by SRG. In August of 2023 I was one of two local small business owners selected to be a part of Downtown Raleigh Alliance’s grant-based program, The Pop-Up Shops at Martin Street. Sponsored by Lenovo and partnered with LM Restaurants and Start Up at Wake Tech, this program offers local women and minority small business owners the opportunity to operate their own retail storefront in the heart of Downtown Raleigh. Myself and Derrick Grant, owner and artist behind the brand Needle & Thread Co., moved in to 17 E Martin St on October 2, 2023, and will be here sharing the 1200sqft space through September 2024. Having 600sqft of my own space to create in and sell from is something magical. We are here five days a week and the connections, conversations, and community that we experience on a daily basis is incredible. If it weren’t for this program, I would be years away from being able to have this type of experience. We are going to maximize this space as much as possible during 2024, so be sure to follow my socials or sign-up for my newsletter to get updates and information about events, festivals, collections, collaborations, and more!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Of course we would start the itinerary with a visit to 17 E Martin Street! Our storefront is more than just a retail experience and is a safe space for all. We have interactive art, lounge areas, music at all times, and an overall environment that is sure to spark your creativity. You can grab coffee from Amite Macaroons right behind our shop and stroll down Wilmington, Martin, and Hargett Streets to check out some of the other local businesses like Unorthodox Vintage, Munjo Munjo, The Selfcare Marketplace, and The Green Monkey. I have Celiac Disease, so if you are looking for some good gluten-free eats, stop by Carroll’s Kitchen, Raleigh Times, Oakwood Pizza Box, Centro, and the Flying Saucer Draught Emporium. I’m always looking for art when I visit somewhere, so other than our shop you can also stop by Artspace, The Gathering Gallery, and CAM Raleigh (Contemporary Art Museum). Always be sure to check the Downtown Raleigh Alliance events calendar to see what fun and exciting festivals and events are happening during your visit too!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to shoutout the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, Lenovo, Start Up at Wake Tech, and LM Restaurants. The work that they have done to create the grant program, Pop-Up Shops at Martin Street, has allowed me an opportunity I otherwise could have never dreamed of. Being able to run my own brick & mortar retail storefront in the heart of Downtown Raleigh, NC, is a truly lifechanging experience. We are only on our 4th month and will be here for a full year. If you or someone you know runs a women and/or minority owned small business and lives in this area, they should absolutely look into this program and connect with DRA.

Website: www.artbysrg.com

Instagram: @artbysrg

Facebook: @artbysrg

Other: @artbysrg on Pinterest, Threads, and TikTok!

Image Credits
Liz Pope

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