Liz Lidgett is the founder of Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design in Des Moines. Lidgett helps clients both locally and around the world, consults with clients for public art projects and finds art for offices and restaurants. Learn about Liz Lidgett…
Hometown: Des Moines, IA
First job: Somehow my entire working history has been about creativity and making beautiful things. In high school, I decorated furniture and sold pieces to friends. In college, I created jewelry and sold it in stores throughout the Midwest.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in IA: I have lived in Iowa off and on for 35 years, and there’s always still more to discover. We love heading to Clear Lake for a weekend or taking small road trips to try a new restaurant in another city.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: My biggest accomplishment is that I’ve created a life I really love. I work very hard for this life but without a doubt, I have been privileged and that should be acknowledged. I have a wonderful family with a great, supportive husband and two incredible kids. I also feel lucky to get up and go to work every day. This gallery has become such a happy place where I can support artists and share good art with people. I feel such gratitude for this life.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: I am a huge believer in listening to your gut instincts. When I began my small business as an art advisor eight years ago, people didn’t think there would be a market for that business in Iowa. I knew that if I could work hard, be kind to people and show my value over time, people would understand the concept. Eventually, that business evolved into becoming this gallery almost two years ago. When I have listened to my gut, and not to the naysayers, I have been successful.
Someone who inspires you and why: I am inspired by the artists I get to work with on a daily basis. They have the courage to share their talents with the world and share such a personal part of themselves.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Develop your own personal viewpoint and share it with the world. It can be easy to be distracted by what others are doing—whether it’s with art or any other career. The world wants to hear what you have to say and what you can share with others, not a copy of what someone else is doing.
Favorite quote: “When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” –Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I have always been thought of as the artsy one, but when it comes to watching movies, for me, the more explosions the better. No art films here!
What makes someone fabulous: Being authentically themselves!