We were lucky to catch up with Russell Wilbar recently and have shared our conversation below.

Russell, appreciate you joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

I guess everything starts as an Idea, a vision, or strange feeling. In my case the idea for opening a different type of art gallery/ frame shop/ creative space has been drifting around for over 20 years. The ideas, sketches, dreams and conversations, were being formulated throughout that time; always in a different form, and mostly just abstract notions till my daughter was born at the tail end of 2014. When the realization that my role in this world had drastically changed I thought it was no longer acceptable to leave my dreams unattended if I expected her to pursue hers. I started developing a business plan and put my abstract “wouldn’t it be great” ideas into a more concrete attainable strategy. It amazes me to this day the way and idea gets crystalized more and more. The writing down in a formal way made my ideas much easier to communicate. Everyone who I shared this creative business Idea with understood my passion for it and were open in helping me achieve it. Everyone loves to see dreams come true, it’s the human condition and some great humans helped me along the way! I truly believe the clarity of my vision guided me to the perfect location, right people, and elicited enthusiasm with our community and customers. As the restrictions of COVID started to subside, I decided my daughter was a little older and didn’t need me in the same capacity. I could truly meet the challenge. I got my finances in order and really started making Artcentric a reality. We moved into our space in September of 2022, literally built the gallery and shop (work benches, display modules, and showroom, etc.) from scratch. In November we opened to the public and haven’t looked back!

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?

I am a visual artist, who always loved working with others on projects. I took a picture framing position at an art gallery after graduation. I have been helping with framing artwork or interior design for 25 years. Like any other artistic discipline, picture framing takes a certain dedication to the craft. A commitment to “Doing it the right way.”. I hold my self to the standard of learning and perfecting my craft of picture framing. I absolutely love what I do and try to provide my knowledge base to my customers and achieve the best outcome to any project.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Covid definitely changed my plans for the shop. I was almost going to buy an existing business, but the lock down happened right in the middle of it! I went from running a business to holding on to a job I didn’t even like. But I really think it worked out for the better. I was truly able to make something great that I didn’t know I was capable of. I also added creative classes and social events to the galleries itinerary because of the isolation I felt during the pandemic.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I was really hoping to get this perfect space that I absolutely loved. I spent weeks dreaming of how to use it and how visually stunning it was. I later got a call informing me that the owner of the building was giving it to another business. I was heart broken. So many times dreaming of 11′ tall ceilings, exposed brick, giant show windows, that this building had! I started my search over, pivoted to an alternative plan of still making it work in another facility. Completely changed my method of production of product, called strategic partners, formulated new plans, and looked at new spaces. I didn’t let disappointment get to me. Artcentric was still moving forward, and still going to be the idea who’s time has come. I picked myself up and was moving forward. About 2 weeks later I get a call saying my original spot opened back up after negotiations fell through. I moved into the original space! All that alternative planning did not go to waste however. It was a lesson on how to react to adversity. I would have Artcentric a reality no matter what got in my way.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.artcentric.design
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artcentric_creates/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designframecreate