For more than two decades, Andrea Brooks has built a career as an interior designer known for blending her passion for collecting art with a classic, colorful, vintage aesthetic. Her spaces offer warmth and personality in contrast to the stark black-and-white minimalism that often dominates design trends. But after relocating to Fayetteville six years ago, Andrea began seeking a deeper connection to the local creative community.
That connection started with an idea: a pop-up art gallery.
As Andrea continued her design work, she became increasingly curious about how art could live beyond museum walls or quiet hallways. An early pop-up hosted in her garage for friends revealed the potential of the concept, sparking a realization that it could grow into something far more intentional.
To expand the vision, she reached out to others in Fayetteville’s art scene, including artist Claire Pongonis.
Andrea and Claire first connected in 2019 through a giveaway featuring Claire’s artwork for The Art Feeds organization. The relationship quickly took shape as they recognized a shared creative sensibility, often describing themselves as “the same vibe, different fonts.”
While their individual styles differ, their approach to creativity is rooted in curiosity and a shared belief that art is both an experience and an expression.
“We found this mutual love for art in this community,” Claire said, “for creating spaces that feel curated but also lived in.”
When Andrea invited Claire to collaborate on the pop-up concept, A Bold Collab was born.
A Bold Collab is a creative venture that merges art, design, and collected style through thoughtfully curated pop-up gallery experiences. The collaboration allows Andrea and Claire to lean into their distinct strengths. Andrea brings her interior design background, focusing on placement and how artwork lives within a space. Claire contributes an artist’s perspective, emphasizing energy, cohesion, and deep relationships with both established and emerging artists.
Andrea and Claire began conversations with local artist Matt Miller about utilizing his Meadow Street studio space, where their first exhibition opened on August 11, 2025. The exhibitions will remain through May 2026.
The latest show highlights colorful work of eight local artists, including Matt and Claire, thoughtfully layered with vintage pieces curated by Andrea. Mid-century and modern furniture anchors the space, while accessories sourced from local thrift shops and French markets add texture and character. The environment feels vibrant and approachable, celebrating local creativity while embracing the beauty of collected, well-loved pieces.
Andrea and Claire approach the creative process differently—a contrast that ultimately strengthens their collaboration. Andrea describes her design process as intuitive.
“My approach to design and art collecting is intuitive and emotional,” Andrea said. “I try things, move them around, and let the space evolve—that’s how I wanted the gallery to feel, too. Naturally collected and not overly styled”
Claire’s curatorial approach centers on how works interact within a space. She responds to the energy of each piece and how it complements the others, often meeting with artists and reviewing portfolios before making selections.
"She sees the world through an artist’s and curator's lens, and I see it as a designer and collector. That difference is what makes A Bold Collab feel fresh, layered, and real,” Andrea said.
Claire’s own studio practice is guided by experimentation and material exploration.
"I love trying new things and pushing the boundaries of what could be done with my materials,” said Claire.
Claire holds a degree in fine arts and spent two years working as an assistant preparator at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. After stepping away to explore other paths, she returned to her studio practice and has been creating full-time for the past five years.
At the heart of A Bold Collab is a commitment to community. Andrea and Claire aim to connect to regional Arkansas artists with a wider audience while making art collecting feel accessible and inviting. That mission will be illustrated when Andrea’s home is featured in Art for Everyone, a book releasing this Spring, by Liz Lidgett focused on collecting art in budget-friendly ways.
The pop-up exhibitions continue to evolve, welcoming new audiences, industry professionals, up-and-coming regional talent, and longtime collectors.
“I think local art makes such a difference because it speaks to the environment of where you are,” Claire said. “And there is such a wealth of artistic talent in Northwest Arkansas.”
Through A Bold Collab, Andrea Brooks and Claire Pongonis go beyond exhibiting beautiful art, creating space for connection, collaboration, and storytelling that changes how art is experienced in Fayetteville.
“Since starting A Bold Collab,” Andrea said, "We’ve been deeply grateful for the support of the community, the enthusiasm of the artists, and the openness people have shown toward what we are building.
PULL QUOTE:
“I wanted to create a new kind of art gallery—one that feels collected and lived-in, where contemporary art is layered with vintage pieces and found objects I’ve curated from Fayetteville thrift stores and beyond, styled the way I design a home.”