OUR STORY
Rela started with blank walls
KRISTEN BROWN,
Rela Founder
When friends opened a coworking space in Columbus, they asked their “art friend” for help adding personality to the walls. After coordinating rotating local art displays, artist talks, and events, we saw two connected barriers:
• Artists often have great work in storage with few opportunities to keep it on view beyond a short exhibition.
• People want meaningful art in their spaces but often don’t know where to find it, or get stuck on the cost and logistics of purchasing and installing original work.
So we made it easier to source and display original art.
Rela’s services provide a simple way to bring art into any space, while creating more opportunities for artists.
The takeaway? Sometimes the best solutions start by asking a friend.
THE CONCEPT BEHIND RELA’S NAME [rhel-uh]
Art is relative. Every piece and project is unique.
MEET THE FOUNDER
KRISTEN BROWN
Kristen believes art should be part of daily life. Rela creates engaging experiences for people in the places they already live, work, and gather.
As the founder of Rela Artwork Solutions, she helps businesses and organizations thoughtfully integrate original artwork into their spaces while connecting artists with new opportunities. Through Rela, Kristen is building a more engaging way to discover, experience, and connect with art.
Kristen brings a strategic approach to collaboration and creative problem solving. She is more energized by idea generation and good conversations than coffee. Though she teaches History of Art & Visual Culture at Columbus College of Art & Design, her TED Talk would be on stand up comedy as social commentary deserving thoughtful critique.
STUDIO SUPPORT MANAGER
ELLE NORTHWOOD
Elle is an artist, installer, and arts community connector. As Rela’s Studio Support Manager, she works across installation, artist relationships, project curation, and the behind-the-scenes work that bring Rela’s projects to life.
They expanded Rela’s collection to include three-dimensional work, creating opportunities for more local artists. Elle is also a practicing conceptual sculptor, exploring themes of human connection, reflection, and expression.
Elle believes early is on time and remembers the details while seeing the big picture. Her perfect day would be a quiet morning followed by hiking a new trail. She can’t resist a weird little shop and has strong opinions about drive-through coffee stands.
