About Victoria

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 Victoria Schweizer has never been one to follow a conventional path. Born in New York to a father who owned an auto body garage and a mother raised in the South, she grew up with an interesting blend of grit, independence, and Southern charm. A little tomboy, a little debutante, and always curious about what might be around the next corner, Victoria's life has been anything but predictable.

After college, she began her professional career at a boutique law firm, where she spent approximately five years. But a rather unexpected event just before Christmas in 2000 would change the course of her life.

While visiting London for a friend's birthday, Victoria made what she now describes as a quintessentially American mistake: she stepped into the street, looked left, and was struck by a car approaching from the right at approximately 40 miles per hour. The resulting injuries required an extended hospital stay and rehabilitation. Yet, amid the uncertainty of recovery, she began to recognize that she wanted something different from life.

In an extraordinary twist, the driver who struck her was from India and believed there was a greater reason their paths had crossed. Victoria shared that feeling. During their conversations, she mentioned her interest in film production, and as fate would have it, he was connected to the movie industry. They spoke every Friday for several months while she recovered. Once she was back on her feet, he made a phone call that would open an entirely unexpected door.

The following Monday, Victoria found herself on the Midtown Manhattan set of Bad Company, working alongside Anthony Hopkins, Chris Rock, and producer Jerry Bruckheimer.

What began as an accident became a life-changing opportunity. Victoria went on to work on several film projects, discovering an entirely new world and a side of herself she might never otherwise have explored.

Then came September 11, 2001.

Just blocks away from the World Trade Center, Victoria witnessed the devastation of that tragic morning. The events profoundly affected her, and she remained in New York to attend memorial services and process the enormity of what had happened. Eventually, a friend suggested a change of scenery and invited her to Los Angeles.

Victoria accepted. What was intended to be a short stay turned into two and a half years.

Taking time to regroup, she explored the California coast in her little red convertible, played golf, and enjoyed a much-needed change of pace. Eventually, she joined Innovative Artists/Ford Modeling Agency, working in its commercial division for 18 months. But her creative instincts weren't confined to the business side of entertainment. In her spare time, she pursued stand-up comedy, which led to a two-season appearance on the hidden-camera comedy series Girls Behaving Badly, alongside Chelsea Handler. Think Candid Camera, but with an all-female cast.

One of Victoria's episodes can be viewed here:
https://youtu.be/erhLKrdTmM0

Having experienced both sides of the entertainment industry, Victoria eventually decided it was time to return home to New York City. Her next professional chapter, however, would take her somewhere she never expected: the trading floor of the financial world.

She entered banking and discovered a niche in the fascinating and highly specialized field of weather derivatives. For eight years, she worked on a bustling trading floor, traveling internationally and speaking at energy and weather symposiums. Her background in meteorology and her fascination with the relationship between weather and the world around us would eventually inspire the name of her first studio, Vane Gallery.

While still working in finance, Victoria opened her first art gallery in New York City's West Village in 2010. Art had become more than a creative pursuit; it was a passion she wanted to share with others.

After retiring from the banking industry, Victoria relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2013. She continued painting and introduced her distinctive collections of mugshots and sports legends at her first Charlotte Vane Gallery in South End. She later opened a second location in Myers Park, continuing to build a following for her original work and unconventional approach to art. 

But for Victoria, professional accomplishments and creative pursuits have always been only part of the picture. Giving back has become one of the most meaningful and enduring parts of her life.

She has devoted considerable time to charitable organizations, serving on various boards and supporting causes that are personally important to her. One organization particularly close to her heart is Purple Heart Homes, which assists veterans from all eras. Having experienced the trauma of witnessing September 11 firsthand, Victoria developed a profound appreciation for those who serve and sacrifice for our country. Her connection to the organization is deeply personal, and her heartfelt video documenting its 2022 retreat offers a glimpse into that commitment.

The video can be viewed here:
https://youtu.be/w4zxPJo09dc

Victoria's philanthropy extends well beyond board service. She regularly donates her artwork and time to charitable organizations, helping raise funds through live and silent auctions. During the pandemic, she personally purchased food and essential supplies and delivered them to underserved neighborhoods. She also began bringing art supplies into those communities, teaching painting classes and introducing people to the joy of creating something of their own.

Her commitment to service has also led her to Rotary, where she proudly carries on a family tradition. Her late father and grandfather were both longtime Rotarians, each dedicating more than 30 years to the organization. Today, Victoria serves as President of the Rotary Club of Charlotte South in SouthPark, a role that brings her tremendous pride and fulfillment. During her presidency, the club achieved its highest charitable fundraising total in its history.

To date, Victoria has donated more than 250 original paintings to charitable causes, collectively helping raise more than $550,000 for foundations and nonprofit organizations of all sizes.

Looking back, her journey has taken her from New York to London, Hollywood, the financial trading floors, and ultimately the art world of Charlotte. Along the way, she has experienced extraordinary opportunities, unexpected setbacks, remarkable encounters, and defining moments that have continually reshaped her direction.

Today, her mission is simple: to continue growing as an artist while using her creativity, resources, and experiences to make a meaningful difference. Whether through a painting, organizing fundraising events, a community art class, or a charitable initiative, Victoria believes that success is measured not only by what you accomplish, but also by what you contribute.

And if her journey so far is any indication, she is far from finished.

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