2016 Women of the Year
Cincinnati is full of inspiring women. For our annual Women of the Year issue, we're featuring some of the best! Read on to learn about Litsa Spanos, a local entrepreneur, philanthropist and art aficionado who’s making the city more colorful.
Litsa Spanos says she likes to think of her business, Art Design Consultants (ADC), as Cincinnati’s “best known” secret.
So many people in Cincinnati have seen the work we do — our art installations are in hospitals, businesses, and homes all over town — but people just don’t realize that ADC is behind it,” she says.
ADC brings fine art to businesses, hospitals, and homes in the Tri-State. “We have a huge selection of artwork, and work with not only local, but national and international artists as well,” explains Spanos of her 10,000-square-foot gallery in the newly renovated Edge building in downtown Cincinnati.
Spanos also recently dipped her toe in the publishing world by launching ADC’s third annual BLINK catalog, which features selected art and artists. “BLINK is sent to nearly 10,000 interior designers all over the country,” says Spanos. “It’s a terrific way to showcase our artists. And not to toot our own horn, but we’re also an award-winning business. We’re ranked in the top 2% of the nation’s women-owned businesses! I am really proud of that.”
ADC’s story dates back to 1992, when Spanos first launched the business. When she started it, she wanted to make art accessible to everyone.
“I am one of those people who is transformed and inspired by art, and I personally know the power a beautiful space can have and what an impact it can make on one’s moods and levels of happiness,” she says. “I wanted to spend my life doing something meaningful, and I can’t think of anything more meaningful than making others feel happy and surrounded by beauty.”
Spanos says her favorite part about running ADC is helping people. She sees what she does not as selling art but as working to connect artists with collectors and businesses who will appreciate the work.
“Artists benefit financially, sure, but they find meaning too, and a purpose for why they do what they do,” she adds. “Plus, businesses, hospitals, and individuals benefit because they are uplifted, inspired, and, especially in cases of healthcare environments, soothed or healed.”
Spanos says she also loves working with her employees. “I walk into work so excited to see each of them, and I am often just blown away by the talent I am surrounded by,” she says. “I am truly humbled every day. I believe the greatest purpose of my life is to help others.”
Spanos says if there’s anything she could tell other people it’s to follow their passions to the ends of the earth. “I love creating beautiful spaces,” she says. “And I get to spend every day of my life doing exactly what I am most passionate about. That being said, following your passion is also the hardest and riskiest thing you’ll ever do. So don’t get discouraged during the downturns or when obstacles get in your way. Let those times make you better, strengthen your resolve, and reaffirm your beliefs. I took a lot of risks — and suffered some major setbacks — but I just kept going and never looked back.”
In 2017, Spanos will celebrate 25 Years of ADC. To give back in honor of 25 years, Spanos is writing a book to help artists supercharge their career. “I want to give back to all the artists that have helped and inspired me,” says Spanos. “The other exciting news is, we just hired a new Chief Curator and she’ll be helping to launch a new publication that is geared toward individual collectors and online buyers. The sky’s the limit in the art world. And I want to reach as many people as I can, while I can.”
To learn more about ADC, visit www.adcfineart.com or stop by the gallery on the fifth floor of The Edge building, located at 310 Culvert Street Cincinnati, OH 45202.
