Carla Bisong on Running Houston's Longest-Running Black Woman-Owned Gallery

Carla Bisong, who runs the Bisong Art Gallery located in Houston's Historic Warehouse District, reflects on her transition from a career in corporate finance to becoming a gallerist. Established in 2013 without prior experience in the art scene, her gallery has become the longest-standing commercial gallery in Houston led by a Black woman. While still employed at Goldman Sachs, Bisong began her venture to assist artist friends. The gallery showcases emerging and midcareer artists, particularly those of color, with a focus on equity, cultural preservation, and accessibility. Additionally, she is the President of the Houston Art Gallery Association (HAGA) and co-directs The D.R.E.A.M. Affect Foundation with artist Lauren Luna, which offers scholarships to minority art students. A portion of the proceeds from the ongoing group exhibition 'Jubilee: A Celebration of Freedom' (running until July 17, 2026) benefits the foundation. Having endured Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic, she received a proclamation from Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis designating March 22, 2021, as 'Carla Bisong Day.' Bisong highlights the significance of contracts, collaborations between artists and gallerists, and the accessibility of art. The gallery welcomes visitors free of charge from Thursday to Saturday.