When Margaret Burdine opened Artists Corner & Gallery in January 2016, she knew what the gallery’s mission would be. She wanted to build a community of artists, artisans and patrons. She wanted her gallery to be a source for local art, and a place for creative interactions offering classes, workshops, juried shows and special events. A year in, things are coming together nicely.

Combining her aesthetic vision with a sound business decision, Burdine located the gallery on the edge of a historic district in the center of West Acton village, an up-and-coming area in the western suburbs of Boston. As with any successful real estate undertaking — from purchasing a house to situating a warehouse for Amazon — the mantra that rings true for establishing a gallery is location, location, location! “The building, located on a corner, is perfectly suited to a gallery,” Burdine said. “People drive and walk by all day, and the gallery has wonderful visibility.”

By choosing to represent many artist members who live locally — some within walking distance of the gallery — Burdine has demonstrated her commitment to the community. Integrating the gallery with numerous activities in the village’s retail district and immediate residential neighborhood is a priority. At openings, she takes great pleasure in welcoming visitors who want to see art made by their friends and neighbors.

When asked what made her decide to open Artists Corner & Gallery, owner-director Burdine responded, “My career has been as a graphic designer, and I’ve always gravitated towards art and design. As a fiber artist and photographer, I had been participating in local shows and events. I had become part of a vibrant community of talented local artists, and was ready to take the next step and open a gallery.”

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