by Sarah A. Peterson-Camacho
It all began with a dream—Ginny Burdick had always wanted to open a fine art gallery, and even though she came from the corporate world, she had always been an artist. Seven years ago, she made that dream come true when she opened A Sense of Place in Fresno. Here the artist and gallery owner share the origin story of A Sense of Place.
KRL: How long has A Sense of Place been open?
Ginny: The gallery is starting its seventh year as of December 2018.
KRL: What inspired you to open the gallery?
A Sense of Place Fine Art Gallery
Ginny: Having a gallery that represents local artists has been a dream of mine. I came out of corporate America and was looking for a change in my career.
KRL: How long have you been an artist?
Ginny: I have done art in some form all of my life. One of my majors in college was art.
KRL: What is your preferred medium to work in, and your preferred subject matter?
Ginny: I work primarily in pastels and oils. My favorite subjects are landscapes. Each year I go on an art adventure to spend a week painting. This last year, I spent ten days at Sea Ranch, on the Northern California coast, painting with an artist friend.
KRL: What types of artwork do you exhibit (medium, subject matter, etc.)?
Ginny: I represent about twenty artists from Central California. They work in pastel, oil, and watercolor, in many different styles. We also have artists who specialize in bronze sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, and photography. We also frame artwork.
KRL: How has operating the gallery inspired/affected your work?
Ginny: I have the opportunity to work both teaching and mentoring artists. I also set up my easel and paint, and throughout the year, a group of artists come in and paint on Saturdays. To be surrounded by art everyday keeps me inspired to paint. 
KRL: Which artists have you featured, and why?
Ginny: Daniel Keys, Corky Normart, Kathy Gillis, LaVone Sterling, Richard Freitas, Alan Pierrot, Arminee Shishmanian, Susan Ewell, Karlene Ryan, Adam Longatti, Mud Daubers, and others. I feature them because of the quality of their art and their commitment to the local art community. In March, the gallery will feature the new works of Daniel Keys and Adam Longatti. This will be an exciting exhibit!
KRL: How has the community responded to A Sense of Place?
Ginny: Very well! Once they enter the doors, they are surprised by the quality of the gallery and the art. When you come through the doors, you feel as though you have been transported to Carmel or Sausalito. It’s a very special place for art!
KRL: Do you participate in Art-hop?
Ginny: Yes, every first Thursday of the month!
KRL: Where is A Sense of Place located, what are your hours?
Ginny: We are located at 2003 N Van Ness Blvd, between Fresno High and the Big Red Church. We are open Tuesday-Saturday, 10-5, and we are open regular business hours, but also by appointment. And we host about four artists’ receptions each year. 
KRL: Anything else you’d like our readers to know?
Ginny: The gallery is a very special and unique place. I encourage people to come and check us out. They will be surprised and pleased by what they find and experience. We also try to reach out and support the community. Each year we have showcased the senior art students from San Joaquin Memorial High School to give these students the opportunity to show their work in a gallery. This next weekend we are having an artists’ paint-around where five award-winning artists will jointly create five paintings that will be auctioned off, with all the money raised going to Valley Public Radio.
For more information on A Sense of Place and its upcoming openings, exhibits, and events, please visit www.asenseofplacefineart.com.
Great article for Sense of Place. It is a wonderful gallery but don’t forget gallery Vernissage which is a teaching gallery and offers a variety of high quality workshops and classes to the community. Owner Ma Ly has worked hard to offer our area not only a lovely gallery space but the very best in training through experienced local teachers. Its an exceptional opportunity for those interested in learning the arts and new techniques. Maybe in the future you could do an article on Vernissagefresno@gmail.com 559-554-8551.