Stephen Zeigfinger, an 82-year-old artist, continues to thrive in his creative pursuits, operating his latest gallery, Abstractions, in Burlington. This is the ninth or tenth gallery he has established over a remarkable span of over 50 years in the art world. Recognizable for its vibrant squirt bottles of acrylic paint in the windows, the gallery serves as both a workspace and exhibit space where he produces around 20 paintings monthly.

A New York City native, Zeigfinger grew up drawing alongside his artistic aunt but lacked formal art training. He studied psychology at Queens College and the City University of New York, later moving to Vermont to teach. His passion for travel eventually led him to Mexico and Colombia, before he settled in California to start a frame shop and paint seriously.

Returning to Vermont in 1979, Zeigfinger created a life centered on art, teaching, and gallery ownership. His relationship with his partner, Allison Richter, has flourished through various relocations, including time spent in Spain and Budapest, where he held successful exhibitions. Now, after moving to Burlington to be near family, Zeigfinger is eager to solidify his presence in the local art scene with plans to extend his lease.

His abstract works, reminiscent of Jackson Pollock and Joan Mitchell, derive from an intuitive colorist approach reflective of his emotions. Patrons appreciate the personal connection they feel with his unpredictably layered paintings. Emphasizing relationship over technology, Zeigfinger prioritizes knowing the people who buy his art, finding joy in connecting with first-time buyers—demonstrating that for him, art is not just a profession, but an enriching, lifelong journey.