Case Study

Virginia Berg, Chicago Gallery News

Personal Profile

Name: Virginia Berg
Gender: Female
Nationality: American

Your Job

Job title: Publisher and Owner
Company: Chicago Gallery News

Typical Day:
Every day at the office is different because we are a very small operation.  I share many magazine production tasks with one full time employee and an intern, and I am responsible for the day-to-day operations of the business, as well as overall development and growth strategy.  I work from at least 9-6 each day, 5 days a week.  Starting by 9 is early in the art world because most galleries do not open until 10:30 or later, which is great.

My regular responsibilities include responding to routine inquiries about advertising or listing gallery information on our website or in our print magazine.  The public frequently contacts our office regarding questions about how to handle artwork, how to sell it or have it appraised, how artists may be represented by various galleries. Many people also want to know how galleries work, how to start collecting art or when the latest opening receptions and gallery walks will be.  When I am not answering calls or emails, I try to keep up with new or closing galleries, upcoming art events and sell advertising.

I go to area museums and institutions for major press openings and previews so that I know in advance what is opening around the city.  These events are also a great way to network with personalities in the art world. I also regularly visit galleries and attend openings throughout Chicago.

Typical Project:
Chicago Gallery News is published three times a year in accordance with the major gallery seasons.  A typical project for me is to work on the upcoming issue, using Quark as our graphic design and layout software.  I import the information that galleries submit and adjust for space and edit for clarity; I am constantly trying to make sure that the magazine will be clear and helpful to readers interested in the Chicago art world.  I also research news and editorial for upcoming issues, based on major art events and exhibitions in area museums and institutions.  
 

Training and Development

Application Process for Current employer:
I worked for Chicago Gallery News for 5 years before purchasing the magazine and taking over as publisher in late 2007. The previous owner had decided to retire after 25 years. 

I started at the magazine part-time in 2002 after I graduated from college.  During my final year at Hamilton College, I met with an alumnae in the publishing world because I wanted to work in Children's book publishing.   I almost went to New York to do just that, but I decided to move to Chicago instead and take my chances.  In Chicago it can be tough to find an interesting publishing job, so I followed up again with the Hamilton publishing alumnae anyway.  I was told to contact the Chicago Gallery News publisher, who was the alumnae's mother, Natalie van Straaten.  Natalie eventually hired me full time, and in 2005 we started discussing a succession plan. 

Keys to Success:
By the time I bought CGN in November 2007, I had worked in every possible area of the business and had gained the trust and confidence of our galleries, advertisers and art world colleagues.  The magazine continues to be successful because of the vitality of the Chicago gallery scene, but also because I work to maintain its comprehension and accuracy so that it is always recognized as an unparalleled resource to all things visual art in Chicago. 

Your University Experience

Qualifications: Junior Semester Abroad, 2001

Year of Graduation: 2001 in Glasgow; Hamilton College 2002, Clinton, New York

Your Job Seeking Strategy

My job path and current situation are very unusual.  What helped me end up where I am is that I always took full advantage, during the end of my time in college as well as when I was first a graduate, to talk to as many people as possible in a few industries most interesting to me.  Everyone was happy to share tips and connections and to sort of give practice interviews.  I also made sure to always send written thank you notes and to keep up with connections while I was searching.  The connections are valuable later as I try to expand the recognition of my magazine. 

Advice to Current International Students:
When you graduate, find a job that lets you take trips back to Scotland now and then! 

Really though, take advantage of the chance to be on your own, in a new place when living in Glasgow.  You’re in a very liveable, dynamic city in Glasgow. I enjoyed my time there because I attended such a small, rural college at home in the US, so being in a city was fun as a student. 

I appreciated the chance to take classes at the School of Art as well as at the University. Having access to a darkroom while you’re traveling the country is amazing.  I also tried to travel around Scotland as much as possible, and to visit Edinburgh often enough that I really had a good sense of the distinctions between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Both cities are worth knowing well.  Reflecting back on my time in Glasgow, I still feel connected to the experience because I got to know so many things about the country I lived in.

And stay in touch with the University!  I’ve really enjoyed working with them on the annual Chicago Burns Supper and getting together with other Uni students in the Midwest throughout the year.