The very first black-owned, wearable art gallery in Alabama has officially opened its doors here in Birmingham.

16th Cross Pearson, an art gallery located downtown, is welcoming lovers of art to come and see their masterpieces made from local artists.

Read on to learn more about this new gallery.

A combination of art + fashion

Have you ever thought of wearing artwork?

Founder Tanya Pugh-Johnson has broken fashion barriers with her new fashion gallery, 16th Cross Pearson. Tanya has always had a passion for art, even when she was a little girl. She recalls the women in her life having a huge influence on her and fashion being bred within her. The idea to establish her own place specially designed for local artists has always been in the back of Tanya’s mind, even when she graduated from UAB and served in the Navy.

“I am a Met Gala girl. That event is like the Super Bowl to me. I admire the artistic way that things are put together and put on a person. The person is the canvas and the canvas is the display making it a piece of artwork.”
Tanya Pugh-Johnson, Founder, 16th Cross Pearson

As a Birmingham native, Tanya saw the need for creativity and innovation in Birmingham. As the only black-owned wearable art gallery in the state of Alabama and the third of its kind in the United States, alongside esteemed locations in Los Angeles and Miami, the grand opening in July marks a significant milestone in the local and national art scene.

Tanya hopes to continue to provide opportunities to local artists with her exhibit. When asked about how she thinks her 16th Cross Pearson will affect Birmingham, Tanya had the best answer.

“I believe it will maximize the industry so local creators can show what they can do. Not a single item in here will be sold in other stores. Our creations are genuine and true to the artists.”
Tanya Pugh-Johnson, Founder, 16th Cross Pearson

Wearable masterpieces + more

16th Cross Pearson is not just an art gallery by any means. You can immerse yourself in the work of local artists and wear their creations.

Here are some items you can find here:

Colorful artwork
Dresses featuring local artwork
Hand-made decor

The shop also features 6 commissioned artists who all offer their take on modern art:

Designers: Aaliyah Taylor of Exalting Beauty in Beauty and winner of Magic City Fashion Week Season 4
Artists: Pansy Nelson and A. Nichel
Stylists: Nikki Manning Huntley and Bradford Caddell
Commissioned model: Kane and Alyson Ragland