AWAD is delighted to welcome new Member, Irina Falberg, of The Pop Up Art Gallery, to its New-York Tri-State chapter. Find out more about Irina’s art world journey below.

What is your professional background?

My professional background is multidisciplinary and entrepreneurial. I originally studied theatre and have experience in live performance, music, and creative writing, including lyrics and short stories. Although my writing has not been formally published yet, the creative arts have always shaped the way I think and work.

For many years I have also been involved in business development. In the 1990s, my husband and I built and operated a successful computer wholesale, retail, and mail-order company with over 100 employees. Later, we established a small real estate company, which we both continue to manage.

I founded a non-profit organization dedicated to helping immigrants develop entrepreneurial skills and launch small businesses. Through that work, I became increasingly passionate about supporting artists as entrepreneurs. This led me to open a pop-up art gallery, an initiative that quickly revealed how much work there needs to be done and I hope to positively impact arts community. That experience inspired me to expand my role as an art dealer and advocate for artists on a larger scale.

What inspired you to take the leap and start your own business?

I was inspired to start my own business because I wanted the freedom to build something aligned with my values and passions. I come from a creative background, and I’ve always believed that ideas deserve the chance to grow. Entrepreneurship gave me the ability to shape my own path and to help others do the same.

After years of working in different industries, I realized that the most fulfilling work for me was creating platforms for people to succeed, whether helping immigrants launch businesses or helping artists share their work with the world. Opening my gallery was a leap of faith, and it came from a genuine desire to contribute to the creative community in a tangible way.

What does your business offer, in terms of goods and services?

The Pop Up Art Gallery, offers a range of goods and services designed to support both artists and people who appreciate art. We curate and sell original artworks and high-quality prints from artists from over 30 countries, with a special focus on culturally diverse and museum-caliber pieces. Through our gallery, collectors can purchase art outright or choose flexible options like art rental and rent-to-own programs that allow them to refresh their spaces as their tastes evolve.

In addition to art sales, we provide art-related services including personalized art sourcing and commissioned works, professional installation, and consultations to help clients select and display pieces that enhance their environments.

We also host cultural experiences, such as artist talks, workshops, and interactive exhibitions that engage the community and make art more accessible and inspiring for people of all ages.

What excites you about having joined the Association of Women Art Dealers?

I am excited to join the Association of Women Art Dealers because it offers the opportunity to connect with an inspiring network of professional women in the arts. I look forward to learning from others, sharing experiences, and contributing to a community that supports both art dealers and artists.

What brings you joy in your work?

What brings me the greatest joy in my work is seeing people light up when they encounter art that truly resonates with them. Those moments of genuine connection, when a piece speaks to someone personally, are incredibly meaningful to witness.

Equally important to me is sharing that joy with the artists. I want them to know that their work is valued, appreciated, and enriches people’s lives. Being able to bridge that experience between artist and audience, and to help create moments that inspire and uplift while helping artists earn a living, is what makes my work deeply rewarding.

A just for fun question: If you were a work of art what would you be and why?

If I were a work of art, I would be a mixed-media experience. I would also be an interactive installation, inviting people to engage directly with the artwork and with one another. Music and floral art would be woven into the experience, along with therapeutic elements such as spaces for comfort, connection, and simple exchanges of kindness, like a place for a hug or an exchange of ‘I love you.’ My artwork would be about human connection, warmth, and shared emotion.