Cynthia Burr

By ABBEY KOT

Since 2016, Vivid Art Gallery has given the community of Winnetka an opportunity to view and learn about an array of artists and mediums, giving prospective buyers the unique opportunity to further curate their spaces through their selections. This week we discuss the business model and practice with owner and curator, Cynthia Burr.  

Chicago Gallery News: Vivid Art Gallery offers visitors a unique viewing experience, with multiple artists always on display. How do you feel this model has impacted your visitors’ experiences over the years?

Cynthia Burr: Many galleries are located in art districts or tourist areas where customers stroll leisurely and, if they happen to see a piece they like, they buy it. Here on the North Shore, the experience is more intentional. People come in because they are looking for a painting for over the mantle, for example. So if we have only one artist’s work on the walls, the probability that there will be a fit is not great. But with examples of 25 artists’ work hanging in the gallery, there is a better chance that they will find artwork that speaks to them. Having multiple artists’ work hanging in the gallery also exposes people to art that they might not want in their home but that they find interesting and want to learn more about. We represent artists working in oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, mixed media, thread, scratchboard, lithography, photography, and ceramics. This provides visitors with the opportunity to be educated about many different art forms if they are interested in learning.

CGN: A business which offers multiple services also takes strict management of all departments to ensure that customers are receiving the best possible experience. Have there been any challenges or learning experiences that stand out to you when it comes to overseeing numerous aspects of the gallery?

CB: Obviously, I had a lot to learn about the art business when I opened the gallery! I think that forming partnerships with key collaborators has been important to making sure that customers have a great experience, from framers to installers to shippers.

A view of the gallery

CGN:  A large part of your mission is to promote community and conversation about art in Chicago’s North Shore Neighborhood. Why do you feel it is so important to foster creativity and a love for the arts?

CB: It seems that so many people on the North Shore are uncomfortable walking into a gallery, much less buying art. They don’t feel knowledgeable about art, and that takes them out of their comfort zone. It’s so important to make art accessible, and we have worked hard to create a “safe” place for people to come in, look around, and ask questions. Sometimes they buy, sometimes they don’t, but they will have had an experience that makes them more comfortable going into the next gallery. Our goal is to make art approachable, so that more people will experience it and interact with it.   

CGN: Have you noticed any overarching themes in your career that you feel have shaped you and your current business practices? 

CB: Professionalism, personal relationships, and going the extra mile are keys to success in any business.  

CGN: Your professional background is not in the art world, but rather working with nonprofits and major corporations. Is there any advice you would give to those looking to make a career change into a field that aligns with their passions? 

CB: Do it! The skills and knowledge that accrue during someone’s career are almost always translatable to their passion.

VIVID Gallery is located at 895 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka, IL