Shannon Maldonado, the founder and creative director of YOWIE, a boutique hotel, design studio, and shop in Philadelphia, invites us into her artistic haven for a Cohart Selects tour. Her space is a testament to her lifelong dream of being part of a hotel project, which has now become a reality.

Shannon expresses enthusiasm for Cohart's mission to democratize the art marketplace. She appreciates the platform's transparency in pricing and its social aspect, which allows artists to connect with each other and collectors. Shannon hopes that Cohart will foster a community where artists can discover and support one another, much like her own shop has done.

Our key takeaways:

**1. The Significance of Space**
Shannon's passion for creating a community around artists and makers is evident in every corner of YOWIE. The thousands of square feet she has designed reflect her unique creative vision and serve as a gathering place for like-minded individuals.

**2. A Locally-Fueled Collecting Philosophy**
Shannon's approach to collecting art is organic and driven by personal connection. She values learning about the artists behind the works and is drawn to bold, provocative pieces that spark conversation. Her taste has evolved over time, but certain themes consistently appeal to her

**3. Supporting Emerging Artists First**
One of Shannon's primary goals is to support and promote emerging artists. She finds joy in helping artists see potential in their work that they might have overlooked. Shannon shares an anecdote about artist Oscar Z, whom she worked with early in his career and later saw exhibiting at the Brooklyn Museum.

Through this tour, Shannon Maldonado offers a glimpse into her world of art and design, showcasing how her passion for supporting artists has shaped both her personal space and her business venture, YOWIE.

[Click here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWZvyqn_i70) to watch her Selects Feature.


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Explore the vibrant art collection of Shannon Maldonado, founder of YOWIE, as she takes us on a tour of her boutique hotel

Inside Shannon Maldonado's Artistic Haven: A Tour of YOWIE's Founder's Eclectic Art Collection

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