Meet Lynn Manilow | Lynn Manilow/LKM Art Consulting

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lynn Manilow and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lynn, how does your business help the community?
LKM Art Consulting impacts the community and beyond because I help expose a range of diverse artists to individuals, potential clients, interior designers and my entire social media network.

I take my art sourcing very seriously and feel proud to be supporting my hometown of Chicago where the art scene is compelling, inspring and only getting better every day. That being said, I keep my hand on the pulse of art globally and continue to be inspired by all the hard working artists out there.

I have had the honor to curate some incredible group exhibits at Alma, Art & Interiors and that has only helped to expand the contemporary art market to a wider audience. Through my partnership with Alma, Art & Interiors of Chicago, I have been able to lead important artist panel discussions. Most recently, I lead a panel discussion on artist’s creative response to environmental issues that are pertinent to each and every one of us.

It’s through the arts that we are able to better understand ourselves, our world and identify with the things that really matter most to us. It’s how we know we are alive.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am the founder and sole proprietor of LKM Art Consulting. I started my business based on my sheer passion and desire to connect art collectors with incredible artists. I took my experience as a docent at the MCA Chicago and married it with my business background.

I started LKM Art Consulting by attending Art Basel in Miami. From there, I just dug deep, investigated the art world, met artists and gallerists from around the world. I also made it my priority to dig deep into the local art scene in my hometown of Chicago. Supporting living artists (and local) really matters to me.

It took me years to truly develop my network of connections, artists and galleries. My business developed very slowly but surely. There were moments where I wasn’t sure I could actually do this. I did not have any mentors who guided me so I guess you could say that I learned from the “school of hard knocks”. Building an arsenal of artists and clients takes much time and I had to earn credibiity within this field.

But one thing was always clear to me, I was in the right space. Even if I did not get payed, I would remain in this industry in some capacity.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Chicago, is a world class city so that would be a very easy task. Our city is bursting with world class art museums such as the Art Institute of Chicago and the MCA Chicago along with numerous independent art galleries located all around Chicago from Pilsen, Bridgeport to the West Loop, River North and beyond. I would make sure that anyone coming to Chicago would visit our Millenium Park which is a public park that covers 24.5 acre section of northwestern Grant Park and features The Bean by artist Anish Kapoor. The Bean has a reflective surface meant to reflect ourselves, the lights of Michigan Ave. and the surrounding skyline and green space.

We have some of the best restaurants and chefs that rival any where in the world. You will find any cuisine that tickles your fancy. From the famed Girl and the Goat to Alinea (molecular gastronomy) to our famed steakhouses to all the other independently owned restaurants throughout our neighborhoods. Check out Netflix’s, The Bear, as it serves as a love letter to Chicago’s food scene.

The Chicago music scene is also compelling as we feature some of the best Blues & Jazz clubs. And fun fact, Chicago is the home of House Music. We play host to legendary music fests such as Lollapalooza and Pitchfork and our music venues like Salt Shed, Thalia Hall, Aragon, Metro, Park West, and Northerly Island bring in some of the best music from around the world.

Our architecture and pristine skyline typically make jaws drop. Daniel Burnham, Jeanne Gang, Mies van der Rohe, Danielle Tillman and Louis Sullivan have helped shape Chicago. An architectural tour on Lake Michigan is a must see for any visitor to get the full effect of our magical city from the vantage point of Lake Michigan.

If you are a runner, walker, biker or outdoor enthusiast, you will love our 26 miles of stunning shoreline!!! Guarenteed to take your breadth away. The beach is our playground for swimming, solitude, yoga, volley ball, gathering, exercise, picnics, or BBQ’s.

And we haven’t even gotten to our sports yet. Chicagoans LOVE our sports teams; The Bears, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Bulls, Chicago Sky, Fire and Red Stars. We bleed our sports and never turn against them when the going gets tough.
Last but not least are our Chicago neighborhoods which remain our pride and joy as they speak to “Chicago”. Each neighborhood has its own energy, vibe and cultural identity. From Bucktown, Logan Square, Andersonville, Pilsen, Ukrainian Village, West Loop, Avondale, Roscoe Village and so many more.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
All the hard working artists out there who inspire me every damn day. I want them to know that I see them, I hear their compelling stories and learn more about myself through their creations.

Website: www,LKMArtconsulting.com

Instagram: lynnmanilow_artconsulting.com

Linkedin: Lynn Manilow

Image Credits
Miguel Narvaez

I have the rights for the images