RabbleRouse Interviews: Terrell Tilford, Band of Vices Founder and Curator

Part 1: The People’s Art Dealer – A Conversation with Terrell Tilford and Kaye Freeman

In the first of a three-part series by RabbleRouse News, Los Angeles-based artist Kaye Freeman sits down with Terrell Tilford, the founder and curator of the Band of Vices gallery. This opening installment explores the foundational origins of the gallery and examines the unique challenges and vast possibilities currently shaping the world of art.

The Interview

The Participants

Kaye Freeman 

Kaye Freeman is a multi-award-winning artist whose practice spans drawing, painting, performance, and short film. Born in Hong Kong and raised in Tokyo, she is bilingual in Japanese and English. Since relocating to the United States, her work has been exhibited globally, including in Los Angeles, Chicago, Berlin, the UK, Tokyo, Sydney, and Melbourne. She currently lives and works in downtown Los Angeles.

Terrell Tilford 

A dedicated collector, curator, and gallerist, Terrell Tilford began his journey in the art world at the age of 16. He is the founder of two notable galleries: the Tilford Art Group (1999–2010) and Band of Vices (2015–present). Known for his fearless and thought-provoking curation, Tilford has been recognized by LA Weekly as “The People’s Art Dealer” and by Los Angeles Magazine as one of the “Iconoclastic Angelenos taking the art world by storm”.

His vision has led to major collaborations with organizations ranging from The Getty and the Los Angeles Lakers to Netflix and The OWN Network. Tilford also contributes to the broader art community, recently serving on selection committees for The Other Art Fair and the Leimert Park Jazz Festival.

About Band of Vices

Now located in the Historic Downtown Los Angeles Arts District, Band of Vices provides a platform for emerging, mid-career, and established artists. The gallery bridges the gap between historical significance and modern relevance by showcasing rare works from Modern American Masters alongside contemporary pieces.

Gallery Location: 1700 S. Santa Fe Avenue, Suite 371, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Websites: bandofvices.com | kayefreeman.com