Are You Good Enough to Be Here?

Are You Good Enough to Be Here?

From The Story I'm Telling Myself by Rita Ernst

February 19, 2026 · 39 min · Season 2 · Episode 44

About this episode

Rita Ernst and Mo McKnight Howe discuss the challenges of belonging in professional spaces and the importance of creating inclusive environments for artists.

Have you ever walked into a professional setting or a high-end space and asked yourself, “Do I belong here?” Join host Rita Ernst on The Story I’m Telling Myself for a transformative conversation with Mo McKnight Howe , the visionary owner of Revelry Gallery . In this episode, they dive deep into the "inner stories" of exclusion that artists and professionals face, the danger of elitist gatekeeping, and why it is time to cultivate your own spaces of belonging . What You’ll Discover in This Episode: The "Closed Door" Narrative: Mo shares her raw experience of graduating from art school and being told she couldn't make it in her hometown—leading her to challenge the "starving artist" story by building a commercial powerhouse that now supports over 150 local artists . The Anti-White Wall Gallery: Learn why Mo and her partner Paula rejected the "stark and sterile" elitism of traditional galleries. From blue walls and antique rugs to a gallery dog that greets you at the door, discover how to design an environment that feels like a home. Anti-Gatekeeping and Mentorship: Mo explains her "open book" approach to the art world, providing…

People in this episode

Host: Rita Ernst

Guest: Mo McKnight Howe

Topics covered

  • belonging
  • exclusion
  • art
  • mentorship
  • gatekeeping

Keywords

  • Revelry Gallery
  • local artists
  • art school
  • commercial powerhouse

Mentioned in this episode

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