Paul Henderson
Hosted By Lydia Haile and Paul Henderson featuring San Francisco’s Director of Cultural
Affairs, Ralph Remington
Join us in celebration of artists from the African Diaspora with Director of Cultural Affairs Ralph Remington
About Paul Henderson:
Based in San Francisco, Paul Henderson is a social justice attorney, art advocate, and collector focused on art intentionally reflecting broader narratives for communities of color. His personal collection includes works from both emerging artists and notable blue-chip luminaries such as Carrie Mae Weems, Sargent Johnson, Elizabeth Catlett, Kara Walker, Frederick Hayes, Gordon Parks and Hebru Brantley. Newer additions include Raelis Vasquez, Deborah Roberts, John Bankston, Adrian Piper, and Nina Chanel Abney. Both his home and collection are featured regularly through his media presence and the artwork is highlighted intentionally to introduce audiences to new artists and work challenging cultural stereotypes. Paul frequently shares the provenance of The Henderson Art Collection as a validation and critical review of the many emerging artists in the collection.
Beyond collecting, Mr. Henderson has become both a trusted advisor and advocate for artists and collectors alike, facilitating meaningful connections between artists and their works. His understanding of inclusionary economics and legal intricacies in art allows him to provide invaluable guidance to broader audiences. In addition to his ongoing presentation and advocacy work, Paul Henderson is a dedicated arts patron. He actively supports artists and culture while serving on the Board of Directors of Warner Music Group's Social Justice Fund charged with managing their $100 million-dollar social justice fund. His unwavering support and advocacy continue to empower artists, enrich cultural institutions, and contribute to the vibrant and diverse art world.
Lydia Haile
Director Meet and Greet
Hosted By Lydia Haile and Paul Henderson featuring San Francisco’s Director of Cultural Affairs, Ralph Remington
Join us in celebration of artists from the African Diaspora with Director of Cultural Affairs Ralph Remington
About Lydia Haile
Lydia Haile is a trailblazing entrepreneur, art advisor, collector, and global expert in travel and real estate. With roots spanning Germany, Eritrea, and the United States—and having explored over 50 countries—Lydia has earned a reputation as a cultural ambassador and a passionate champion for underrepresented artists.
In 2001, she founded Artisan Travel, establishing herself as a dynamic force in international art and investment affairs. Through her deep connections across Europe, the Americas, and Africa, she has curated exclusive, invitation-only experiences that blend global art with investment opportunities, designed specifically for collectors and cultural investors.
As a visionary curator, Lydia is devoted to amplifying the voices of artists from the African diaspora and historically significant regions. She actively represents refugee and emerging artists, opening doors to international markets and fostering opportunities for exposure and growth.
In April 2025, Lydia will exhibit at the prestigious San Francisco Art Fair, standing as the sole representative of people of color among 85 international galleries. She will showcase powerful works by artists such as Tesfalem Atenaw, Robel Solomon Teweldemedhin, Noah Mulubrhan, Eyob Gebremeskel, and Nebay Abraha—whose art explores themes of identity, resilience, and spirituality.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Lydia is a lifelong explorer with a profound love for history, archaeology, health advocacy, and global affairs. Based in San Francisco’s Telegraph Hill, she remains deeply connected to communities worldwide. Guided by values of loyalty, generosity, and integrity, Lydia is committed to uplifting others, fostering cross-cultural dialogue, and creating inclusive spaces for meaningful artistic exchange.
Ralph Remington
Director Meet and Greet
Hosted By Lydia Haile and Paul Henderson featuring San Francisco’s Director of Cultural Affairs, Ralph Remington
Join us in celebration of artists from the African Diaspora with Director of Cultural Affairs Ralph Remington
About Ralph Remington
Ralph Remington has extensive professional experience in arts administration and government, and has experience as a director, actor, essayist, playwright and screenwriter.
Prior to joining the City and County of San Francisco, he served as the Deputy Director for Arts and Culture for the City of Tempe, Arizona. In that role, he was responsible for Tempe Center for the Arts’ comprehensive performance and visual art programming, as well as overseeing public art, the Tempe History Museum, arts engagement and municipal arts granting. He previously served as the former Western Regional Director and Assistant Executive Director for Actors Equity Association in Los Angeles. Prior to that, he was Director of Theater and Musical Theater at the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) in Washington, D.C. In 2010, he received the NEA Chairman's Distinguished Service Award.
Prior to working at the NEA, Remington was a City Council member for the City of Minneapolis. He is a former Guthrie Theater Acting Company member and is the founding Producing Artistic Director of award-winning Pillsbury House Theatre in South Minneapolis. Remington has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama from Howard University.