Charting a Path to Artistic Entrepreneurship

Toilynn O’Neal Turner

Charting a Path to Artistic Entrepreneurship

by Siobhan Davenport, Contributing Features Editor

Toilynn O’Neal Turner doesn’t remember a time art and activism weren’t a part of her life. Turner grew up with a well-respected and well-known artist and activist father, Robert O’Neal. As a child, Turner remembers attending meetings at Cincinnati City Hall, protesting at five and six years old, and enjoying her father’s art exhibits. “My father was a child of the sixties. He was a part of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). He also had the first art gallery in Cincinnati’s Over-The-Rhine district, called New American Art Gallery, which evolved into an opendoor community art center. He taught art to anyone who walked through the door, including homeless people, and then would have meetings with civil rights leaders in the same community space.”

Turner’s mother was a scientist. However, her parents inspired her to pursue her creative and analytical side to work with government officials, artists, and community leaders to affect change. Turner spent time with Cheryl Magazine to discuss her passion and accomplishments.

You are a successful artist, artistic entrepreneur, cultural activist, and the founder/director

of New American Art Gallery II and Robert

O’Neal Multicultural Art Center. What award or accomplishment are you most proud of and why?

I am honored to have my work as an artistic entrepreneur recognized and celebrated. I am most proud, however, of the 2019 MAC Award for Diversity and Leadership in the Arts from the Multicultural Awareness Council (MAC) of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. This award recognizes local artists, administrators, and visionaries who forge paths of inclusion of underrepresented communities in the arts.

Many of Cheryl Magazine readers are entrepreneurs or would like to become an entrepreneur. Eight years ago, you founded and are now the Director of New American Art Gallery II and founding Director of the Robert O’Neal Multicultural Art

Center. As a founder, what was your vision for creating the art gallery and center? What advice would your share with our readers?

Both the art gallery and art center are inspired by my parents. Art has always been able to impact society, speak truth, and foster clarity. Black art, in particular, has for centuries been instrumental in sharing the injustice and prosperity of the Black community. Through a creative lens, we can push appreciation, which, in turn, can encourage dialogue and action. This is what has influenced and inspired me to open the gallery and the center. I believe it is important to preserve history, promote culture, and uplift voice by using the arts as a tool. I advise Cheryl Magazine readers to stay passionate about what they want to do and make it happen. Do not procrastinate on living your best life.

With all the wisdom you have acquired, what message has now evolved that you want to share with others?

Never validate yourself by comparing yourself to others. Comparing yourself to others is a distraction tool to justify not moving forward because of fear or insecurities. Your success and accomplishments are yours, and everyone’s path is different. You have to walk in confidence, be persistent, and even make mistakes to be a true leader.

To better serve the community, Toilynn O’Neal Turner is spearheading fundraising efforts to build a new Robert O’Neal Multicultural Art Center. To donate, please use the following methods:

Mail to: Toilynn O’Neal Robert O’Neal Multicultural Art Center P.O. Box 82 Cincinnati, Ohio 45201

Paypal: romaccincy@gamil.com Venmo: @romac1201 Cash app: $oneal2424