Meet Cathy Lancaster, owner of Cathy Lancaster Gallery which opened in Lakeview last year. When you walk into her gallery or even just look at one of her pieces, you’ll notice her beautiful use of color and patterns. We personally feel lighter, brighter and happier looking at her work. Read our interview with Cathy to learn more about this local, contemporary painter and textile artist.

Give us a small backstory of how your business started.

I am an abstract painter as well as textile designer. My husband and I moved to Chicago in July 2019. For many years I have been selling my work in galleries across the US. Over the past several years I have been inspired by other artists who had started their own solo galleries in other cities. I quickly realized after a few months I needed to source studio space as well as galleries to represent me in this region. I also had big plans with launching my love for textile design as it provides a whole separate world of creative possibilities. I hunted for space in December 2019 and found something that got me excited just 2 blocks from our apartment in Wrigleyville to try my hand following the footsteps of artists who inspired me with their own solo galleries.

What are some of your favorite moments of running your business?

I think what is most exciting to me is all the people I am meeting because I have a retail space. I’ve met so many talented small business owners and have found a big camaraderie especially with small businesses in Lakeview. Also, what I love about having my own business as an artist is the creative freedom I have to let my imagination be in the driver’s seat since my store is solely dedicated to my own work. There is a feedback loop between my paintings and product design and it’s just so much fun to let those run wild together.

Do you have any hobbies that you do outside of running your business?

My husband and I are huge music lovers. Our son is a musician and I think that makes us even more excited to support and enjoy performances big and small. We are also big sports fans and being so close to Wrigley field is so wonderful (once the pandemic is behind us that is). I can’t wait to open the windows of my storefront and hear the crowds cheering from around the corner. We love the arts in every form pretty much comedy, theatre, dance. We are loving enjoying all that Chicago has to offer once things get more back to normal. We are also big foodies.

What is one of the best pieces of advice you have received?

To not wait til you’ve got it perfect. You can start with good enough. That’s been hugely important for opening a new business during a pandemic when you can’t grow a business with the same tools available prior to Covid 19. I’ve had to have a lot of grace for myself and monitor my own expectations.

What are the best ways people can support your business right now?

Stop in and visit and spread the word that I’m here. Stay in touch via social media.

Local Business Spotlight - Cathy Lancaster Gallery

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