New Black-Owned Art Gallery Expands Opportunities for Local Tallahassee Artists

Stan Johnson Creative Gallery reopens former Anderson-Brickler space, providing exhibition and mentorship opportunities.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Three months after the closure of the longtime Anderson-Brickler Gallery in Tallahassee's Southside, a new Black-owned art gallery called Stan Johnson Creative Gallery has taken over the space. Gallery owner Stan Johnson, a professor at Florida A&M University, aims to showcase diverse local talent, mentor students, and host workshops to keep art and culture thriving in the community.

Why it matters

The closure of the Anderson-Brickler Gallery left a void for local artists, especially Black artists, to showcase their work. Stan Johnson's new gallery seeks to preserve the legacy of the previous space while expanding opportunities for underrepresented creators in the Tallahassee area.

The details

Stan Johnson, the new gallery owner, emphasizes that while the space prioritizes opportunities for Black artists, it remains welcoming and inclusive to all creatives. Johnson has involved his FAMU students in curating the gallery's first exhibition, providing them with hands-on professional experience. Local artist Paul Houzell, whose work is featured, views the gallery as a way to connect with diverse audiences and deliver deeper messages through his art.

  • The Anderson-Brickler Gallery closed three months ago.
  • The Stan Johnson Creative Gallery opened in the same Southside Tallahassee space.
  • The current exhibition, "New Beginnings," will run until April 11, 2026.

The players

Stan Johnson

The owner of the new Stan Johnson Creative Gallery and a professor at Florida A&M University.

Dr. Celeste Hart

The former owner of the Anderson-Brickler Gallery, which closed three months ago.

Patria Powell

A third-year FAMU student who has been involved in the gallery's first exhibition, gaining hands-on professional experience.

Paul Houzell

A local artist whose work is featured in the gallery's current exhibition, "New Beginnings."

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What they’re saying

“As far as I know, I believe this is the only Black-owned gallery here in Tallahassee. When Dr. Hart was closing it down, I felt it was important to keep that legacy going.”

— Stan Johnson, Gallery Owner (wtxl.com)

“You'll see me going up close to the paintings like, 'Oh my gosh, look at this technique.' I'm learning by just looking at the paintings.”

— Patria Powell, FAMU Student (wtxl.com)

“There is a hook in here, when I say hook, to bring you in, to make you like something. You have to first hook them to get them in to see it, then you break it down.”

— Paul Houzell, Local Artist (wtxl.com)

What’s next

The gallery aims to host approximately eight exhibits each year, with each featuring at least one local artist. The current exhibition, "New Beginnings," will run until April 11, 2026.

The takeaway

The opening of the Stan Johnson Creative Gallery in the former Anderson-Brickler space represents a significant opportunity for local artists, especially Black artists, to showcase their work and connect with diverse audiences in Tallahassee. By providing exhibition space, mentorship, and community events, the gallery aims to keep art and culture thriving in the Southside neighborhood.