We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cindy Shepard. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cindy below.

Cindy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

My desire to bring arts to my community has been with me for a very long time. I believe so fervently in the power of being creative and the joy it can bring to our lives. After spending many years involved with the arts through various arts organizations, teaching workshops, authoring and co-authoring books on creative arts and working alongside other artists I decided to put all of those ideas to work by opening a space devoted to showcasing the work of artists/makers and other creatives, hosting a place for them to gather, collaborate, interact and connect through art. I love how many new artists I have met since opening the gallery and that Art Shotz is full of all styles of painting, photography, pottery, woodworking, fiber and recycled art/craft. There are always tables available for creativity, with coloring books, drawing materials and pompom makers and the calendar is filled with creative classes and workshops.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

After I obtained my degree in Gemology I began working as a jewelry artist, this led me into mixed media and eventually into experimental art techniques of all genres. As a city council member in Hurst, Texas I am very involved with small business owners, many of them own creative businesses. I am inspired by their commitment and ingenuity. During the recent pandemic they not only survived but found new ways to work together and to add value to our community. Opening my own small business helps me understand how they can be better served and empowered.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I opened this business knowing full well I might be in a constant pivot. That is one of the things I admire about small business owners, they see change coming and are not afraid to change course if need be. As an experimental artist always looking for new materials and ways to do things, I apply that to my business as well, I am able to act on lessons learned everyday. When I first opened Art Shotz the name itself was meant to indicate a small space with accessible art, my first thought was no piece larger than 12”x12”. After having a few artist receptions and featuring their larger works I realize the space needs a mixture of large and small to be interesting so there is now more of a variety of sizes from artists.

Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?

Opening a business is full of close calls. I knew from talking to other business owners some of the difficulties would be dealing with property owners and familiarizing myself with what was legally required for my type of business. Once you obtain possession and get into a space there are things you had no idea would be a problem, the need for a water heater, electric plugs that don’t work, old heat and air systems. Having heard these stories from friends and being able to talk to them about these issues kept me from becoming too discouraged. With all of the problems a business owner encounters they are also extremely devoted to their dream and Art Shotz is my dream.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.artshotz.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/artshotzart
• Facebook: facebook.com/artshotzart

Image Credits
Barbara Waters