The art exhibit was a success before it officially began.
Orange Door Gallery has become the newest addition to Clarksdale’s culture of creativity. Its subtle location on Delta Avenue is surrounded by blues stores, restaurants, and the nearby iconic Ground Zero Blues Club.
For Liberty Lee, the founder and owner of the Orange Door Gallery, the evening’s exhibit was the latest step in a life-changing journey.
“This gallery is a dream come true,” she explained during the opening moments of the event.
Before the starting time, guests had made their way into the gallery to see both the art and the newest attraction in downtown Clarksdale.
The attendees admired the works hanging on the stylish brick interior walls of the larger exhibit room. In the next room, they enjoyed the refreshments, more works of art, and even a painting in-progress invitingly displayed on its easel.
The artist arrived soon thereafter. Stan Street, an internationally-known blues artist and performer, was immediately met by admirers as he stepped through the front door and into the elegant exhibit of his works.
Being celebrated is nothing new for Street, who would soon depart for Cartagena, Columbia for events there. This night, however, was special.
“This means a lot to me,” Street said as he admired the gallery and the layout of the event.
Then, Street spotted Lee and thanked her for the entire event.
For Lee, the path from a career banker in Arkansas to a leading citizen of Clarksdale, Mississippi was beyond improbable. The first steps were made during personal grief, and those small steps ultimately became leaps of trust, faith and ultimately the realization of long-held aspirations.
Like so many others, she had intended a one-time visit to Clarksdale but became enamored with the unique town and ultimately made it her home. One can hardly dine, stay, or enjoy music throughout its historic downtown area without patronizing the businesses of those whose only visit became a lifetime experience.
Orange Door Gallery founder and owner Liberty Lee agreed to an interview with The Clarksdale Press Register, sharing the story of her personal, professional and creative journeys.
Press Register: What was the occasion for your first visit to Clarksdale?
Liberty Lee: I first came to Clarksdale on March 25, 2019. It was the anniversary of my daddy passing away. My friend Lori Townsend had just moved down from Little Rock and was in the process of opening her new boutique, Willow.
Press Register: What about Clarksdale inspired your desire to return?
Liberty Lee: Everything about Clarksdale inspired me. Everything! Clarksdale is mystical and funky. It has a strong sense of community. The people are like none other. And it has the most spectacular sunsets I've ever seen. I initially planned on staying three nights on my first visit, but I ended up staying seven.
Press Register: Many Plan to visit Clarksdale once but return often or even move here. Did that happen quickly with you, or did the thought of moving here evolve over time?
Liberty Lee: I knew immediately that I wanted to move here. When I was driving out of town, heading back to Fayetteville, I knew I would be moving down here. Fortunately I work from home, as a Relationship Manager in the commercial division for a large international bank. When I got back to Fayetteville after that first trip, I started making calls and arrangements, and I moved to Clarksdale 3 months later on July 1st, my 44th birthday.
Press Register: Could you describe what sparked your aspiration to own an art gallery?
Liberty Lee: While working in commercial banking most of my career, I have represented a few artists over the years. I’ve always been an admirer of the arts, actually I LOVE ART, art to me is life. It's in everything we see, everything we do, everything we speak. Clarksdale has so many talented artists. It is one of the reasons I moved here… it pulsates creativity. My friend and talented artist Devin Liston is the creator of the Midnight at the Crossroads Mural on the side of Ground Zero, one of his several murals around town. He was looking for studio space and we began tossing different ideas around promoting artists not just from Clarksdale but from all over.
When my partner John Magnusson and his brothers bought the High Cotton Building, we jumped at the chance to secure the location at 247 Delta. And so began Orange Door Art Gallery.
Press Register: What is your personal history with visual arts?
Liberty Lee: As a child, if I could be one thing when I grow up, I would be an artist. Until then, I loved helping true artists with the business aspect of their careers, creating and developing their brand and showcasing their talent to the public.
Press Register: Who has served as a model for your career in the business world?
Liberty Lee: I have always surrounded myself with a “Board of directors”, meaning people… friends, family members, colleagues, whom I have looked to for spiritual and professional guidance. I look to them because of their ethics, their moral compasses, their competitive yet humble approaches to business, their authentic spirits, and their genuine sincerity for my professional development within my banking career. All of that is coupled with their support and encouragement to balance and pursue my love and dream of working in the arts. Each of these people inspire me daily and hold me accountable to my own path. Especially my Daddy. He always said: “Being deeply loved gives you strength, loving deeply gives you courage … live your life courageously.”
Press Register: What advice would you give to people who might have a career or path in place, but who also want to pursue a dream, as you have with the gallery?
Liberty Lee: Find your balance and trust your gut. In a world with so much going on, it's easy to take on more than we need and actually give back 100 percent. For me, I have always been quick to spread myself too thin. It has taken me a long time to learn to say no and not feel guilty! In my life, right now, my focus is my spirituality, my family, this gallery and my “real” job with the bank. I have to keep this balance in order to be 100% present with each of my priorities, this in turn allows me the peace of mind and courage to be fearless.
Press Register: What would you like the world to know about Clarksdale?
Liberty Lee: Clarksdale is fertile ground for any entrepreneur who seeks a simpler way of life. It is a magical town.
Press Register: Could you describe your life’s path, including geographically and professionally?
Liberty Lee: I have always been a free spirit. And I have always had faith. Of course my faith has been tested and I’ve tested my faith. But my belief God has a path for me, has never wavered. I just have to be open to where I’m being led. I graduated from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville and moved to Destin, Florida where I had my first offer in the financial world with Destin Bank. From there I took a position with Morgan Keegan in Memphis. I took a leap at outside sales and became a cardiovascular specialty representative with Abbott Laboratories. I exceeded. I stayed with Abbott until I was married. My marriage allowed me to explore ART.
After my marriage ended, I went home to Hot Springs. After a few years, it was time to get back to work. I was blessed to be in the right place at the right time and was offered the position with BBVA out of Spain, now PNC. I have been with them since 2013. I love my job.
I love my career. I have the ability to work from home and when my father died suddenly in 2018, I was awakened to a new journey. And that journey led me here to Clarksdale.
Press Register: How does artistic creativity inspire you, challenge you, or fulfill you?
Liberty Lee: It challenges and fulfills me in every way possible, spiritually, mentally, and physically. It's like God said here is your life and handed me a canvas…. Everything action or thought I have creates another stroke of color on my canvas, that is my life.
Press Register: How would you describe the style, the look of the Orange Door Art Gallery?
Liberty Lee: Like a blank canvas. With each new amazing artist it is my passion and opportunity to present their imagery that reflects the capacity for human greatness and to present a new work of art to share with the community.
Press Register: What type of impact do you hope to make in Clarksdale with the Orange Door Art Gallery?
Liberty Lee: To be a conduit for artists and this community to connect. I believe that culture is how people connect. It is how we celebrate and define this journey on the map of human history.
Clarksdale is a cultural capital and I am humbled to be a small part of it.
Press Register: What has surprised you the most in the journey from conceiving the idea of the gallery to holding exhibits?
Liberty Lee: The connections. The connections I make with the people and artists of this community and how each connection leads to another connection. It's a beautiful gift. It’s one of the magical, mystical experiences that is Clarksdale.
Press Register: Are there any upcoming events or long- term plans that his feature article can help promote?
Liberty Lee: I'm excited to announce our next two openings. I can provide more color on each artist.
On March 19, the Orange Door Gallery presents abstract artist, Emory Ryals, from Jackson.
On April 21, the gallery presents seasoned photographer, Adam Smith, from Atlanta.
