Today we’d like to introduce you to Beverly Tipton Hammond
Hi Beverly, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My husband A. Drew Hammond and I moved to Minnesota from Baltimore in 2016. We were both artists and enjoyed creating art together. Once in Minnesota, we began to create more original work and rented a gallery in the Northrup King Building in NE Minneapolis in 2020. The gallery has become our second home, where we create new works, teach art classes and host art talks for new and upcoming artists! I also teach ballet, modern and African Dance in sessions through out the year. My first exhibit was the Grace Exhibit, which was a tribute to the wearing of Church hats in the Black church. It was held at the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery in North Minneapolis.
Drew’s first exhibit was held at Unitarian Universalist Church of Minnetonka, in 2017. We have come a long way and are so grateful for the ability to share our art, and inspire others. What we love about art is that it speaks, heals and transforms.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The greatest obstacle and challenge was COVID-19. When it hit Minnesota in 2020, we had just opened our gallery space and were unable to share and sell our artwork as we had hoped. We did however, stay the course and moved into a new gallery space 3 years ago in the Northrup King Building, Suite #261.
We have ample space now to share our work and also offer other artists and businesses the opportunity to host their events at Tipton Hammond Arts!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Drew and I both have dual careers. He is a Para-Teacher at Olsen Middle School and I work for the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners. Drew’s passion for mentorship and teaching youth is what drives and inspires him the most. He has a background in Youth Services and counseling. His art creation is the other side of him which inspires and overwhelms those that see his work. His favorite medium is collage creation!
My passion is ministry, dance, singing and writing. I have written several books and created comic books! I am also an ordained minister and recording artist. These gifts come from both sides of my family! My Dad Tom Tipton had the first black-owned advertising agency in Minnesota, Vanguard Advertising. He also had a golden voice, as did my Mom Brenda Kellogg McFaddin.
Drew’s family is from South Carolina. He also has a passion for writing and has created several amazing movie scripts and books. He is also an excellent cook! What sets us apart from others is the blessing we have to work together has husband and wife artists, and build community and connections with everyone we encounter. That is the joy!
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Faith, Family and friends matter most to both of us! It is because no matter where you are in life, whether you are having a good day or a bad day, God is there! Family love you unconditionally and friends bring that same love and make good listeners and supporters. They also celebrate along you when good things happen!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tiptonhammondarts.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057144681975
