In the first episode of 2026, Victoria reflects on easing back into work after the holidays and the role of routine, patience, and self-trust in rebuilding creative momentum. She shares openly about returning to the studio after time away and how honoring both rest and structure supports a sustainable art practice.

Victoria discusses her January drawing challenge and the powerful impact daily, low-pressure drawing has on reconnecting with flow, releasing perfectionism, and sharpening technical skills. She emphasizes the value of prioritizing studio practice before career goals, encouraging artists to reflect on what they want to make, revisit, pause, or explore this year. This episode invites artists to begin the year by grounding themselves in practice, curiosity, and alignment, trusting that clarity and momentum grow from consistent, intentional presence.

To learn more about Victoria's 1:1 Mentorship Program, visit:
visionaryartcollective.com/mentorship

To learn more about The Visionary Community, visit:
visionaryartcollective.com/visionary-community-enroll

Victoria J. Fry is a New York City–based painter, educator, curator, and founder of Visionary Art Collective, New Visionary Magazine, and Warnes Contemporary. She has supported hundreds of artists through exhibitions, publications, and mentorship.

Instagram: @visionaryartcollective + @newvisionarymag
Newsletter: visionaryartcollective.com/newsletter

Victoria closes out 2025 with a reflective solo episode focused on honoring growth, releasing what no longer serves, and intentionally preparing for the year ahead. She reflects on the evolution of the podcast, personal challenges she’s navigated over the past few years, and the importance of staying connected to purpose during difficult seasons.

Drawing from symbolism in the Year of the Snake and the Year of the Horse, Victoria explores themes of shedding, intuition, alignment over approval, and the momentum that comes from embodied self-trust. This episode invites artists to pause, acknowledge their resilience, and step into 2026 with clarity, courage, and intention.

To learn more about Victoria's 1:1 Mentorship Program, visit:
visionaryartcollective.com/mentorship

To learn more about The Visionary Community, visit:
visionaryartcollective.com/visionary-community-enroll

Victoria J. Fry is a New York City–based painter, educator, curator, and founder of Visionary Art Collective, New Visionary Magazine, and Warnes Contemporary. She has supported hundreds of artists through exhibitions, publications, and mentorship.

Instagram: @visionaryartcollective + @newvisionarymag
Newsletter: visionaryartcollective.com/newsletter

Michelle Brandt joins Victoria to share her journey from art educator to gallery director and founder of Pecha Projects, a project space dedicated to counter narratives in contemporary art. Michelle reflects on staying “obedient to her gifts,” navigating a life-threatening illness, and learning to prioritize presence over perfection in both her work and life. She and Victoria discuss alignment, rejection as redirection, and the power of championing artists whose stories and practices feel deeply meaningful and alive.

Key Topics –

• Michelle's journey with Brandt Gallery, Pecha Projects as spaces for social narrative and underrepresented voices.
• Reframing rejection as redirection, asking for what you want, and approaching galleries with intention and professionalism.
• Letting go of “perfect balance,” embracing trade-offs, and using meditation, mornings, and self-care to stay grounded and present.

About Michelle –

Michelle Brandt is the owner and director of Brandt Gallery in Columbus, Ohio, and the founder of Pecha Projects, a project space and initiative centered on counter narratives and contemporary art. With a background in art education and years of experience working in galleries, Michelle has built a practice around championing artists, connecting people, and sharing stories that make us think differently. Through her gallery, project space, and mentoring, she supports artists in cultivating meaningful, sustainable careers.

Website: brandt-gallery.com

IG: @brandtgallery

Visit our website: visionaryartcollective.com

Follow us on Instagram: @visionaryartcollective + @newvisionarymag

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