Ree Willaford
Ree Willaford, an accomplished entrepreneur, has been the proud owner of Galleri Urbane since 2000. With a strong background in corporate retail design and merchandising in San Diego and Los Angeles, California, Ree transitioned into the art world seamlessly. Having purchased art for corporate collections, designed store fixtures, set store standards, and crafted effective marketing strategies, she brings a wealth of expertise to her current role. Following her corporate stint, Ree freelanced as a merchandise consultant in Beverly Hills, California.
Ree's adventurous spirit led her to travel extensively, exploring Europe for 6 months before embarking on an epic 8000-mile journey on a Harley that culminated in Florida, where she met her husband Jason Willaford. Together, they ventured into the hospitality industry, opening an organic coffee shop/juice bar in Tampa, Florida's Ybor City. After successfully running the business for two years, they sold it and relocated to New Mexico.
In 2000, Ree and her husband established Galleri Urbane in New Mexico, marking the beginning of a remarkable artistic journey. The gallery's evolution saw them organizing pop-up exhibits in Marfa, Texas, in 2001, eventually leading to the purchase of a building in Marfa in 2003. By 2009, Galleri Urbane had expanded and moved its main gallery to Dallas, Texas, while maintaining an exhibit space in the lounge of the Thunderbird Hotel. Specializing in photography, painting, sculpture, mixed media, video, and site-specific projects, Galleri Urbane showcases works by emerging and mid-career artists, catering to both new and seasoned art collectors.
With a passion for fostering relationships with early and established collectors, building corporate collections, and facilitating art placements in museums across the United States and internationally, Ree Willaford's vision for Galleri Urbane is one of inclusivity and excellence. Her website, www.galleriurbane.com, serves as a platform to explore the gallery's offerings and stay updated on upcoming events.
Ree Willaford's expertise spans areas such as art, consulting, corporate and private collections, as well as design and merchandising for retail stores. Her commitment to showcasing talented artists and creating impactful art experiences has solidified her reputation as a respected figure in the art world.
