We had the good fortune of connecting with Shawn Vinson and we've shared our conversation below.
Hi Shawn, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Until my latest venture, I've never sat down and written a business plan - I've just followed my instincts and gone with the flow. Looking back, I realize I've been entrepreneurial since I was a teenager pulling weeds at my dad's bank, working the midnight shift at a gas station, and getting my real estate license when I was 18.
My driving force has always been an inherent desire to promote talented people. It started with my musician friends in high school, then my karate instructor Jim Graden (a world kickboxing champion), and eventually the artists whose work I began selling in the early '90s. I married one of those artists - Ruth Franklin - and that's when promoting art became especially personal.
The galleries all happened serendipitously. I found and opened my first, Vinson Gallery on Decatur Square, while looking for studio space for Ruth. I've been working on commission since I was 18, so the uncertainty never scared me - it motivated me. The Sun ATL, however, required actual planning.
When I was offered this incredible space, I knew I needed a hybrid model to sustain both the gallery and my mission. We're a block from The King Center, so I saw an opportunity to connect visitors learning about MLK and the civil rights movement with contemporary art that celebrates Black culture and Atlanta's creative legacy. I also wanted to bring international art to the neighborhood as my contribution to the Edgewood Arts District.
After 35 years in the art world, I've realized that my biggest asset is my "social capital," and my genuine interest in people and empathy are perhaps my greatest strengths. As Joe Strummer famously said, "Without people, you're nothing." I've bootstrapped this venture with help from my landlords and an Invest Atlanta grant, but ultimately, having key people to advise, encourage, and connect me to others has been, well, key!
My thought process? Trust your instincts, do what you believe in, and never stop learning, listening, and growing. I also remember the three most important rules in real estate: location, location, location. That's especially true for galleries and event venues.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My formative experience traveling the Southeast with portfolios full of art probably sets me apart from many gallerists. My clients were galleries, frame shops, and interior designers, so I learned the business from multiple angles. Combined with my partnership with Ruth, I'm well-versed in the retail, wholesale, and artist sides after three-plus decades.
The most important lesson is the most obvious: treat people with respect and remember this is a people business.
I'm most excited about our hybrid model at The Sun ATL. Beyond showing exceptional work, we're creating a space where visitors can enjoy great art while learning about Atlanta's cultural significance. I want to welcome students from The King Center and expose them to local and international artists they might otherwise never discover.
Our building's versatility and location give us a unique advantage for hosting events. I'm really looking forward to our soccer-themed exhibition during the 2026 World Cup - we expect to be booked solid with tournament sponsors, vendors, and media hosting VIP parties. I previously hosted a World Cup exhibition in 2006 and also did a pop-up show during the 1996 Olympics, so it feels like coming full circle 30 years later.
As a cofounder of the new Edgewood Arts District, The Sun ATL combines gallery elegance, museum depth, and event versatility. I want everyone to feel welcome - whether you're a seasoned collector, aspiring artist, or just a fan.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Showing people around Atlanta is one of my favorite pastimes! We often get visitors from out of town and across the pond - family, friends, and artists.
If I'm picking them up at the airport, the first thing is getting on I-75 north so they can experience the Atlanta skyline coming into view. Then I'll exit onto Edgewood Avenue for a tour of Sweet Auburn, Old Fourth Ward, and Inman Park. Of course, I'm dragging them to The Sun ATL! From there, we can walk over to Auburn Avenue and head west to downtown, maybe jump on the Atlanta Streetcar if the weather isn't ideal.
Meehan's on Peachtree Street is one of my haunts - I've met fascinating people there from all over the world, in town for conventions, concerts, and sporting events. It's a joy hearing their stories over a couple pints of Guinness, especially when "Irish Dave" is behind the bar. For first-time visitors, we'll walk next door to the Westin Peachtree Plaza and take the glass elevator to the 72nd floor for a drink in the revolving bar.
If there's an Atlanta United match, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is a must. Gyros from Nick's Food to Go are obligatory, and a stroll through Oakland Cemetery is peaceful and fascinating.
Headed east toward Decatur, closer to home, The Marlay Irish Pub is usually on my weekly to-do list - it's a proper pub run by Dubliners with champion Guinness pourer Michelle, and Bucky always there to greet you. The Brick Store Pub is one of America's top beer bars, and I've been going there since they opened in 1997. That was part of why I opened my first gallery next door in 1998. So many pubs, so little time! For more cultured visitors, The Carlos Museum is a good bet, and the Emory campus is pleasant for strolling.
If they're here for a week, Ruth's probably cooking something incredible, and we'll take them to DeKalb Farmers Market, where we've shopped since moving here. That always impresses guests.
Weather permitting, climbing Stone Mountain never disappoints. A Beltline walk offers a more urban experience, but never on weekends. I still love Little Five Points, where I first set foot in Atlanta in the late '80s, as a green 18-year-old in town with my friend's band. If there's a Liverpool match on and guests are interested, we'll hit Brewhouse Cafe. If they're not interested in LFC, I'll find something else for them to do while I watch the game - I have priorities, mind you!
And we mustn't forget Buford Highway. As Ruth would say, "we're spoilt for choice!"
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I can't narrow it down to just one - I've been around a while!
My mom was my first champion. She supported my photography pursuits and never questioned my decision to enter the art business. Maybe she did privately, or maybe she just didn't realize the audacity of that idea! She gave me unconditional support, love, and encouragement. Sadly, she didn't live long enough to see Different Trains or The Sun ATL. More than anything, she would have loved meeting the incredible people who are part of these ventures.
My wife, Ruth Franklin, has inspired me more than anyone. She's my secret weapon - though that's not really a secret to anyone who knows us. Ruth has more art knowledge in her little finger than many people I've encountered professionally. She's a true artist with unmatched work ethic, up before dawn every day in her studio. Recently, she was back painting the same day she had a root canal! I wouldn't know one-tenth of what I know about art and music without her.
I also have to mention the legend, Jim Alexander. I met Jim in 2007 through photographer Marvin Rhodes. Jim's mentor was Gordon Parks, and he's taught and mentored countless photographers and artists. He's the epitome of cool - a gentleman and a scholar. The day I first visited our building at 399 Edgewood, Jim was the first person I called. I wanted his thoughts about opening a space here and asked if we could always have his photography on display. He confirmed my feeling about the location's enormous potential and suggested we show his photographs of Black music and culture here, complementing his civil rights photos at The King Center. Coincidentally, we share an August 7th birthday. Jim turns 90 this year, and we're honoring him with a celebration at The Sun ATL on August 16.
So many others deserve mention: Mr. Rao, my high school graphic arts teacher who taught me photography and sold me my first Nikon; Jim Cournoyer, who gave me my first job in the art business and introduced me to Ruth; Sarah Garvin, who offered me gallery space in her Decatur townhome; Clay Harper, who introduced me to Kosmo Vinyl - former manager of The Clash and an established visual artist who's become a close collaborator.
I'm incredibly fortunate to have such influential people in my life. There are countless others who deserve recognition, but that would require a full volume!
