Why Small Businesses Matter in Wilton: Artful Studios

asset

Why Small Businesses Matter

Shop small, do big things for your community

Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!

You're IT Artful Studios!
Four questions with Gini Fischer, founder of Artful Studios.
Why did you start your business?
In 2001, when I registered a business name, Artful Studios. At the time, I was living in Bethel and doing a combination of artistic projects in order to be home for my children. I had been working full-time as a graphic designer until they were born, so I used my drawing skills to do new construction drawings for realtors, architects and builders; some freelance design work; painted portraits and quite a bit of muraling. 
Finish this sentence in regard to your business. “I wish I could…”
I think the thing I miss most is being part of a collaborative team. I love working around other people and relish opportunity to do live demonstrations, or run a set painting crew. I am the seventh of nine children, and I am most comfortable creating in the midst of a busy hive. Working from home, painting, designing and drawing can be very isolating. It is one of the reason I started teaching aqua exercise at the YMCA a year ago. It gives me a energetic and social start to every day. 
What is your best selling product/service?
My painted portraits!! I have always drawn and painted; it was my first love. I received my first portrait commission at the age of 18, to paint Norma and Ed Mitchell, the founder of Mitchell’s clothing store in Westport. Now it is what I love most. I have just completed a show at the Wilton Library with eight other artists, and I only showed my portrait work. Our First Selectwoman, Lynne Vanderslice, and retired Our Lady of Fatima Principal Mary Ann Bozutti were two new portraits I was very excited to share. Painting a face is one thing, but getting a likeness is the real challenge. I was also borrowed a few portraits that I am very proud of. 
How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?
Over the years I have worked most of the local framers, but River Road Gallery keeps my portfolio on hand. Local Soul carries some of my handcrafted items, Paul's Prosperous Printing and Staples do any printing I need, and my accountant is local. I buy my art supplies from Jerry’s Artarama in Norwalk. 
We nominate Angela Lowy of Grace HomeStyleDesign, LLC. Her philosophy is all about working with her clients to create a home that they can both live and work in, gracefully. Not just making it beautiful, but functional as well.Please tag everyone and each business I’ve mentioned.
Learn more: http://www.ginifischer.com/ 
The photo you see here captures Gini doing her fourth annual live portrait demo at Wilton Library’s October 2019 Innovation Day

HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!

W
Submitted by Wilton, CT

Become a Local Voice in Your Community!

HamletHub invites you to contribute stories, events, and more to keep your neighbors informed and connected.

Read Next