Aura Copeland
Aura Copeland Gallery 211 E Flagler St, Miami, Florida 33131
Aura Copeland Contemporary 125 E Flagler St, Miami, Florida 33131
Aura Copeland is a dynamic force in Miami’s burgeoning art scene, a gallerist and entrepreneur dedicated to fostering connections and championing artists. With Aura Copeland Gallery and Aura Copeland Contemporary serving as vital hubs in Downtown Miami—and a third space on the horizon—she actively bridges the worlds of art, design, and architecture. From her early artistic calling in Lithuania and foundational studies to her impactful work today, Aura’s journey is driven by a passion for nurturing talent and shaping the city’s cultural landscape. In this insightful conversation, she delves into the inspirations behind her thriving galleries and her vision for their evolving role in Miami’s vibrant art ecosystem.
AMM. You have created two thriving galleries in Downtown Miami that serve as bridges between artists, architects, collectors, and designers. What inspired you to establish Aura Copeland Gallery & Aura Copeland Contemporary, and how do you see their role evolving in Miami’s art scene?
Aura. My artistic journey began in my childhood. From an early age, my teachers recognized my natural talent and passion for art. But only after my father’s passing, at 16 year old I met a mentor who inspired me to pursue art as my future. I was in 11th grade, facing a major decision about what to study at university. Preparing for entrance exams at a local design school in my hometown of Telsiai, Lithuania, was challenging, but it marked the start of a more serious commitment to my artistic path.
A year later, I applied to study Architecture at the Academy of Arts in Vilnius, Lithuania. After being accepted, I spent two and a half years there, and the experience was invaluable. The rigorous academic drawing and the traditional, old-school approach of the Academy gave me a strong foundation in the arts that has stayed with me throughout my career.
Several years later, I moved to New York, where I earned a degree in footwear design at Fashion Institute of Technology. Upon graduation, I dove straight into the footwear industry, working as a designer. Around the same time, I founded a nonprofit organization, Les Couleurs Charity, which provided arts education to orphaned children in countries like Haiti, Nepal, and Mexico. I ran the charity for several years, until about a year ago.
When I opened my first gallery nearly two years ago in Downtown Miami, I decided to focus all my energy on this new venture. I saw a pressing need for young, emerging artists in Miami to have a platform to showcase their work. My gallery became that first stepping stone for many up-and-coming artists.
Now, my passion is to nurture, support, and create opportunities for young artists. At my second gallery, AURA COPELAND GALLERY, we collaborate with a diverse range of artists—both local and international, emerging and established. We are also in the process of opening another location in Downtown Miami. Our goal is to be pioneers in this thriving art scene and help shape the cultural landscape of the area.
We envision Downtown Miami becoming a true art hub, and we aim to be at the forefront of that movement. We want to be a home for talented artists, providing a platform for their work, hosting art walks, and contributing to the growth of the city’s vibrant arts community.
AMM. Your work goes beyond simply exhibiting art—you actively connect emerging and established artists with key figures in the design and architecture world. How do you curate and foster these relationships to create meaningful collaborations?
Aura. “Over a year ago, I had the privilege of hosting the first real estate panel titled Designing the Miami Skyline, where I had the opportunity to interview and bring together key figures from the industry. The success of the event was undeniable, revealing a clear need for greater connection within the real estate sector. As a gallery owner, I’ve also been deeply involved in nurturing the careers of young artists. It quickly became evident to me that these emerging artists need to connect with the very industry leaders I was bringing together—individuals who could provide them with valuable networking opportunities and potential collaborations. It was a natural intersection of both my passions, and I knew this was the beginning of something special.”
Your podcast is an exciting platform where you give artists a voice. What motivated you to start it, and how do you select the artists you feature? Any memorable episodes that truly resonated with you?
Aura. “Art with Aura Podcast really felt like a natural extension of everything happening at the gallery. I was consistently meeting fascinating individuals who were doing incredible things in their lives, and I felt compelled to share their stories with a wider audience. One of my first guests was Hector Garcia, the owner of a media agency, who provided so much valuable, practical advice to young artists. He had run his own art gallery in Wynwood during its heyday, and his insights were nothing short of enlightening. Sadly, Hector passed away right after Art Basel, which makes this episode even more special. It’s a beautiful way to preserve his wisdom and the memory of a dear friend, and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to pick his brain and share it with others.”
AMM. Miami has become a global art hub, with events like Art Basel and a rapidly growing collector base. What role do your galleries play in shaping and supporting this evolving art market?
Aura. It’s fascinating to see how Miami’s art scene has evolved, especially with the influx of collectors and the growing sophistication of their tastes. Your insight into the shift away from pop art toward more abstract and challenging works is telling of this broader cultural transformation. In a way, it seems Miami is shedding its more commercialized art identity and moving toward a more introspective, daring art market.
As a gallery owner or art dealer, you play an integral role in shaping that evolution. Being a tastemaker means you’re curating pieces that not only resonate with the current generation of collectors but also push the boundaries of what art can be in Miami. I imagine this involves a balance between staying ahead of the curve while also fostering a deeper appreciation for art that may not immediately speak to everyone.
AMM. As a quadrilingual gallerist and a striking presence in the art world, you have a unique ability to reach diverse audiences. How do you leverage this to expand the international reach of your artists and galleries?
Aura. I firmly believe that my extensive travels and the ability to speak four languages have enabled me to connect with artists from different nationalities and backgrounds on a much deeper level. Born and raised in Lithuania, I naturally feel a strong sense of excitement and pride when showcasing artists from my home country. A few notable Lithuanian artists I would like to highlight include Ignas Maldus, Kristina Asinus, and the rising star of Lithuanian contemporary art scene, Kristina Alisauskaite, whose work has even been collected by the Contemporary Art Museum in Vilnius.
Having lived and worked in Haiti, I admit that I have a special fondness for Haitian art, which I tend to favor. Similarly, my time spent in Nepal and Mexico has deepened my appreciation for the art from these regions, and I find myself drawn to the works of artists from these countries as well.
AMM. You are truly making a difference in the South Florida art community. What upcoming projects or initiatives are you most excited about, and what is your vision for the future of your galleries?
Aura. My biggest goal is really to establish Downtown Miami as a true art hub. I’m excited to be part of this movement, and I believe AURA COPELAND GALLERIES are already opening many doors in that direction. We’re in the process of launching AURA COPELAND CONTEMPORARY, which will be opening in just a few weeks, and I’m really looking forward to seeing where this next step takes us. As we continue to grow, my focus will always be on selecting the most exciting, up-and-coming artists. I want to highlight both local talent and international voices, and we’re constantly on the lookout for the freshest perspectives and new talent that will shape the future of contemporary art.
AMM. With your passion for art, design, and culture, what advice would you give to young artists or collectors looking to navigate the contemporary art world?
Aura. My best advice to young artists is to stay well-informed about current trends, build connections with other artists, collaborate, and always be open to learning. It’s easy for artists to become introverted and work in isolation, but sometimes just being proactive and stepping out of your bubble can make all the difference. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or feedback from senior artists, peers, or people who really understand the art business. Their input can be invaluable in helping you grow, both as an artist and in navigating the art world.
