Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Almy.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Matthew. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My wife, Magda and I met at the American Academy of Art in 1998. After four years of studying there, we married and left to continue our education at the Florence Academy of Art from 2003-2006. We worked as assistant instructors at the school for a time before returning to Chicago. We opened a small studio in 2006 in Lincoln Square and began taking on students. We quickly ran out of room and in 2008, moved to a much larger warehouse down the street in Albany Park where we founded the Ravenswood Atelier.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been ups and downs for sure. We’ve certainly made our share of good and bad decisions along the way but have also learned from all of it. We did open a small business focused exclusively on fine art and art education right as the economy crashed and the art market dried up.
This made for some difficult times financially and some very late nights but overall, we have been utterly blessed and I wouldn’t trade what we do for anything!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Ravenswood Atelier – what should we know?
We are a traditional atelier. My wife and I are working artists that have anywhere from 7 to 11 full time students that we work with 5 days a week. We we’re trained in the 19th century academic method of painting and are passing on that same training to the next generation.
I think I am most proud of our students. They come from all over the world to study with us, they work very hard, and go on to win international scholarships, competitions, and awards.
There are only a handful of places in the world that are passing on the type of training we received. We are carrying on that time honored tradition.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
The highest standards of quality we impose on ourselves and expect of our students. We never settle for second best.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3009 W Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL 60625
- Website: www.theravenswoodatelier.com
- Phone: 8473453146
- Email: ravenswoodatelier@gmail.com
- Instagram: Ravenswood Atelier
- Facebook: @theravenswoodatelier
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