T E D D D A V I S
artist/gallerist/curator/arts advocate
Art has the power to captivate, inspire, and bring people together. It reflects our diverse world, showcasing the beauty and intricacies that surround us. Tedd Davis, a native of Philadelphia, has celebrated this diversity through his art and his time promoting other artists.
Tedd’s artistic journey has always focused on mixed media assemblage art—a combination of various materials and found objects to create unique and thought-provoking pieces. His artwork explores the whimsical, the mundane, the erotic, the spiritual, and the hilarities of life. Each piece represents our innate need to explore, dream, and find beauty in the world around us.
In addition to creating his own art, Tedd also operated Tedds ART Works, an Art Gallery in Wilton Manors, Florida. The gallery became a hub for both established and emerging artists, showcasing over 200 artists and over 50 curated art exhibitions. Tedd’s passion for art extended beyond his gallery walls, and he continues to promote the importance of art in the local community. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the closure of the physical gallery space, Tedd remains dedicated to promoting the importance of art and supporting talented artists in the local community. In 2020, he launched his art blog “Off The Wall” Artist Spotlight. This initiative has already showcased the artwork of 99 South Florida artists over the past 3 years. Each featured artist is able to sell their work without a gallery commission fee, capturing 100% of the artwork’s asking price. He also launched his “Side Show Road Trippin on Art,” a summer series to highlight new artists from various travels outside of Florida.
Tedd’s contributions to the art community are well-known and widely respected. His passion for art is closely intertwined with his commitment to the power of art to make a positive impact in the community. He has served on the boards of Wilton Art and Arts United Fla. He has organized numerous benefit events at his gallery, supporting a range of organizations including Arts United Florida, Pet Project for Pets, The PULSE Nightclub Painted Panel Project, American Veterans for Equal Rights, Sunshine Cathedral, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and many more. His efforts have helped raise funds and awareness for various causes while highlighting the significant role art plays in creating social change.
Tedd is an award-winning artist. His work is represented in homes from Buffalo to Key West, New York City to Los Angeles, and Miami to Palm Springs.
Joseph Cornell serves as Tedd’s greatest influence; like Cornell, Tedd’s artistry delves into the depths of imagination and invites viewers to perceive the world through a different lens. He has exhibited in Philadelphia, New York City, Washington, DC, Dallas,
Tedd curates exhibitions at Island City Stage Theater and Pride Corner Art & Frame on Wilton Drive, where his own artworks are currently on display.
By continuing to curate exhibitions and shine a spotlight on local artists, Tedd ensures that the spirit of art and creativity remains alive and thriving in the community.
More Tedd Talk:
What does your art future hold for you?
I look forward to new art collaborations,
curations, and creating art. I am very happy about a new art project, I will be launching in March 2024.
I am also very excited about some upcoming exhibitions, especially “The Art of Drag” curated with Artist Scott Jeffries, and Pride Corner Art and Frame, opening in November, and an exhibition at Island City Cultural Center’s Art Gallery 21 in January 2024.
How do you keep motivated?
I wake up grateful, ready to find the ingredients to create my next artwork. I love to walk my dog Cooper and get energized by being in nature.
Name a famous artist who inspires you and one not yet famous artist you would like the readers to know.
I am inspired by artist Louise Nevelson an American sculptor known for her monumental, monochromatic, wooden wall pieces. I cannot just name one, so I will include artist Joseph Cornell, an American visual artist, a pioneer and most celebrated exponent of assemblage art.
I also need to acknowledge the work and creativity of my dear friend and artist Fabrizio Cruz who has been a major force in my art life, he can be found on Instagram @fabrizioxart.
I would also like everyone to know about
Enrique Cirino @cirinoart. He is an exceptional mixed-media collage artist. He creates unique collage pieces with a Pop Art urban feel, energetic and flamboyant. He is beginning to gain traction as a highly respected and regarded collectible artist. Most recently he was commissioned to create the first Florida Pride Poster for Wilton Art. He is also opening his own Art Gallery on North Dixie Highway with fellow artist Sherman Yee @shermanyee (next store to where my Gallery TeddsARTWorks was located.) The gallery is called FIERCE ART at 2424 Wilton Drive.
While on the subject of new art galleries, I would like to acknowledge the opening of Rosen Fine Art, by artist and friend Jacki Rosen. Her gallery is located next to Fierce Gallery. I’m thrilled about the wonderful revitalization of this area on North Dixie Highway where it all began for me.
Is there a current or upcoming show or exhibit you want to let people know about?
Currently, I am one of the resident artists at Pride Corner Art & Frame Gallery in Wilton Manors, so stop in to see my latest work and works by some of the area’s finest artists.
I also had artwork in ArtsUnited Florida’s exhibition last month, “The Provocative Show”, at HotSpots Gallery. In addition, I was accepted into the Broward Art Guild’s “Human Image Exhibition”. I also just won 3rd place in the 12th Annual Juried Exhibition at Art Gallery 21 which runs through October 14th.
In addition to my artwork, I also promote and provide opportunities for emerging and established artists with curated exhibitions throughout the city.
Look out for the exhibition of works from “Queertopia” featuring the artwork of Enrique Cirino, Michael Craft, Jose Silva, and Sherman Yee that I am presenting at Island City Stage Theater, During the run of their fall production of Love, Valor, and Compassion opening October 13th.
November brings a collaborative curated exhibition titled “The Art of Drag” with artist Scott Jeffries at Pride Corner Art & Frame.
Opening Reception: Saturday, 6-9 pm, November 11, 2023.
Kicking off the New Year 2024 takes us to Art Gallery 21 at Island City Cultural Center for “Figuratively Speaking OUT LOUD”, an all-media exhibition with artists emphasizing their take on the human form, from the most traditional interpretations to the most abstract. Opening January 20th.
What inspires you to be an artist and what inspiration can you pass on to others?
The energy of creating art. I find ideas and inspiration for my works in objects that the universe brings my way. I especially love being on the hunt, discovering discarded items, and then recycling and incorporating them into my art.
Inspiration for others is to keep creating: if you don’t like it, start over, do what you love, make a mess, and get dirty. Never forget where you came from.
How are you giving back to your community?
I am an arts/artist advocate. It’s about presenting artwork and supporting emerging and established artists through my blogs “Off the Wall”, “Side-Show” Road Trippin on Art, and curated exhibitions. I do not take a commission—the artist gets 100% of the sale.
Most recently I co-produced Arts United’s Annual Fundraiser “ Fashion Reaction” at Hunters Nightclub with gallerist and photographer Dennis Dean. I also donate my artwork to local nonprofit auctions and fundraising events.
Let’s end with a fun fact about you.
I have played the part of cross-dressing Lord Earbury, in the 2011 feature film “The Adventures of Buckskin Jack and the Legend of the Fully Grooved Axe”. I think it only made it through the festival circuit, or my part may have been destroyed.
