Meet R!ch Cihlar | Artists, Creator, and Overall Nice Guy.

We had the good fortune of connecting with R!ch Cihlar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi R!ch, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process was more reactionary than “thought out”. When I was in my early 20’s I felt there weren’t enough/any galleries that felt like me or would house my style. (collage, spray paint, mixed media, etc…) Any galleries I found (which were few) were very traditional in their works. So, I quickly told myself “Open up your own gallery”. And then it evolved from there into learning the business. I guess it was more of a “Build it and they will come” concept than planning. But now, I plan EVERYTHING. I’ve had nearly 20 years experience owning and operating multiple galleries, frame shop, and art festivals, and I don’t hesitate and feel I really know what works and what doesn’t, alongside the passion from my youth, if you build it they will come. Fast forward to now, all of my “business” ideas revolve around art, art projects, and more art. In my current gallery I have 2 partners. So this new venture (10 years now) was birthed out of one of my partners, Billy, and I hanging out. We were talking about doing a show together. And by the end of the night, it was “we should own a gallery together”. And the rest is history. We will celebrate 10 years this November.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think artists always have multiple jobs, and it’s not because we have to, it’s because we want to. So… my “real job” is working the art office at Baldwin Wallace University. (Office Manager). I work alongside the faculty, help hang exhibitions in our gallery on campus, and do many other office/education/art duties. My 2nd “real” job is that I’m the Coordinator for the Berea Arts Fest. I organize multiple committees and groups to put on a one day a year festival that houses over 100 artists booths, 20+ commercial booths, music, food, etc… My personal businesses are my personal art work (painting and creating) along side co-owning a gallery and establishing exhibitions and creative concepts. So I don’t just have one job. I’m constantly adding to my plate of “Jobs”. I also custom frame pictures, raise honey bees, and paint murals. All are integrated with my passion for the arts.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to my gallery. My gallery E11even 2 is housed in the W. 78 St. Studios. We have a mega indoor art walk once a month featuring over 50 galleries, dozens of pop up artists, food trucks, music, etc… all under one roof of 180,000 sq ft. It’s a blast. Even if you’re not into art, it has everything from $5 hand made soaps or t-shirts, to $20,000 sculptures. It’s like a mall for the arts. As for food, after we were done at one of the 3rd Friday events at W. 78th St. I like to patronize “Stone Mad” an Irish/English inspired restaurant in Gordan Square. They have great food/drink. It has indoor bocce ball courts. It feels like a pub you would find in Ireland or England. It’s very classy/traditional with a splash of contemporary fusion. I always tell people to check out the bathrooms. The basement bathroom is all hand mosaics. It’s just fun! And the bartenders/servers are engaging.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Most of the credit for my current career, lifestyle and passion goes back to my high school art teacher. Mary Ann Furey. She was the first one to tell me, “You have talent. I believe in you (as an artist), You should be a teacher, etc….) Although I’ve always had support from my parents and family, it was her who really pushed and supported the crazy idea that I could make a “Career” as an artist. She took photos of my work (without my knowledge) and sent them off to colleges. I received 3 scholarships to 3 different schools, because of her. My parents were also very supportive. They would often say “I don’t get it” as to understanding art or why I always wanted to make it. But they said, “we’ll support you”. And they let me be an art major in college. They have both helped me paint my gallery walls, or serve food and drinks at receptions. They still continue to share my success stories and perpetuate my accomplishments to their friends and others. And special thanks to the artists. It takes artists, who have been around the block, to tell you. Stick with it… it’s not easy, but it’s what we do. And now I pass that on to young artists. It’s not about being famous. It’s about being successful and supportive of each other.

Website: RichCihlar.com

Instagram: @popshopgallery

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichCihlar

Youtube: https://www.facebook.com/RichCihlar

Image Credits
Photo in front of Cheetah Pic (Christina Sadowski). Last 3 pics are of myself and my painting partner. We paint under the name “Don’t Panic!” for our collaborative works. His name is Bob Peck. Piano pic and Hawaiian shirt photo credit, Stamy Paul.