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Alumni Interview: Five Things That Matter with Wendy (Johnston) Gingras '79
Always creative and never afraid to forge her own path, Wendy (Johnston) Gingras ’79 recently rolled back onto campus—fittingly arriving on her Harley-Davidson. Today, she runs a thriving art studio in Connecticut while keeping one foot firmly planted in Vermont. Her journey from the halls of Burr and Burton to small-business owner is a beautiful example of resilience, community connection, and staying true to one's passions.
1. What are you doing now, and what has your journey looked like since graduating from Burr and Burton?
I went to the New England School of Art and Design in Boston and then switched to Parsons School of Design in NYC (which was quite a culture shock). I did not finish my degree, but in my field, having a portfolio was more important than a degree. I worked as a corporate graphic designer, and was the first to get laid off when companies needed to downsize. After the seventh time, I realized I was resilient enough to forge my own path. At 55, while working as a Senior Graphic Designer at a large corporation, I saw the company declining and started running paint parties on the side.
In November 2019, I opened my art studio in Connecticut, where my ‘daughter the potter’, Melanie Markham, now serves as manager. We saw that the community didn’t have a place to be messy, create art and express themselves. Now, we offer paint parties, pottery workshops, and paint-your-own ceramics. When COVID hit just four months after opening, we pivoted to curbside kits (canvas and ceramic painting) to keep families creative and for us to stay afloat. We even provided free Wi-Fi for kids who couldn't afford it for remote learning. “It taught me that I was stronger and smarter than I thought, and that even small things can make a big difference in the community.”
2. Was there a teacher, class, or experience at Burr and Burton that had an impact on who you are today?
Art has always been my thing. Mr. McClure used to let me draw on his desk in pencil as long as I stayed after class to wash it off…and if my grades were good! I also won a drawing contest in the Manchester Journal that ended up on the front page, painted murals in the Seminary building basement, including Mark Twain, Edgar Allan Poe, and a splashing water faucet, and earned a scholarship.
Entrepreneurship runs in my family, too. My dad, Ken Johnston (also a Burr and Burton alum), ran Ken’s Sports Shop and a maple sugaring farm. My mom, Jan Johnston, was a professional seamstress for interior decorators, and designed her own quilt kits. I even ran Manchester’s first ice cream truck, “Wendy’s Wilcox Wagon.” Burr and Burton gave me the creative foundation that tied right into that independent spirit.
Entrepreneurship runs in my family, too. My dad, Ken Johnston (also a Burr and Burton alum), ran Ken’s Sports Shop and a maple sugaring farm. My mom, Jan Johnston, was a professional seamstress for interior decorators, and designed her own quilt kits. I even ran Manchester’s first ice cream truck, “Wendy’s Wilcox Wagon.” Burr and Burton gave me the creative foundation that tied right into that independent spirit.
3. What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Burr and Burton?
Towards the end of school, I sold my colt and mare to buy a moped. On the last day of my senior year, I rode it right through the school building! Today, I’ve traded the moped for a Harley-Davidson.
4. What is something you know now that you wish you had known as a student?
I wish I had known that I didn't need a big corporate job to be successful.5. What advice would you give to current Burr and Burton students about starting their own business?
If you do become self-employed, make sure you have time to clear your thoughts to avoid becoming a workaholic. And find a good accountant! Most importantly, trust in your own strength. Silver linings can come from the hardest times.
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