Meet Cheri Montgomery of Gilbert Art Walk in Gilbert

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheri Montgomery.

Cheri, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I worked with special needs people for 30 years and was looking for a change. I started making vintage jewelry and was part of an art show in Gilbert. When the previous owner shut down, the art walk after one year due to a lack of artists I decided to become the new owner. I have now been running the Gilbert Art Walk for 7 years and we have a large number of participants.

How I got to where I am today is because of my faith and also because we have a great group of artists who are like a family. I also sell my art as well as run the show. I feel that being there for the artists and understanding their struggles has helped us become the success we are today.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not always been a smooth road. I’ve missed family events and even a death in the family because of needing to be at the show. I’ve also been challenged with weather conditions not being the best and unhappy artists because space is in a park and we have to work around that.

Having a large group of people you are responsible for can be overwhelming at times. Trying to keep everyone happy is the challenge at each event but I have to say it usually just works out and that’s where I believe God is working.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Gilbert Art Walk is a family-friendly, pet-friendly, art show with live music that is free to the public. We have a large array of art mediums such as jewelry, painting, ceramics, woodworking, photography and much more!

We are a handmade and juried event with new artists at each event. We also have a select group of artists who stay for the entire season.

What sets us apart is that we are a juried art show with a variety of art mediums and also that we have affordable prices. Each season artists who are returning usually have new items.

We also have live music and people love to bring their pets and just hang out.

I like to keep it the “small town” feel. We are proud that we are a friendly group of artists trying to connect to the Gilbert community.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was the middle child of 7. I was in choir, plays and played basketball and soccer. I am a natural leader and have a sense of humor. I like to travel and explore new things and cultures. I guess you’d say I’m adventurous. I like getting to know all different kinds of people and their stories.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.gilbertartwalk.com
• Email: info@gilbertartwalk.com
• Instagram: thegilbertartwalk
• Facebook: Gilbert Art Walk

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