Career exploration in the fine arts - photographer speaks

Refresh your approach - listen to how others have made it - free - in Montgomery Co. - Sat.

Career exploration in the fine arts
Saturday Nov. 7, 2009, 9-12 am

For immediate release - The Montgomery County Educational and Cultural Council on the Arts (MECCA) will be conducting a free Seminar on the topic of exploring and starting a career in the fine arts including music, performing and visual arts.

The seminar will be held at Fulton-Montgomery Community College on Saturday Nov. 7 from 9-12 am at the campus theater.

This seminar will focus on starting and maintaining a viable career in the fine arts. A panel of three successful regional artists will be discussing their experiences on how to navigate a career in the arts. The three panelists will be: Musician Sara Milonovich, recording artist and international touring folk singer and violinist; Byron Nilisson, actor, playwright, and writer with 39 years of experience in the performing arts; and Harry Wirtz, visual artist, photographer, and art book maker.

The seminar will start at 9 am in the FM campus theater with a panel discussion for one hour followed by break out groups where participants can choose an area of interest to gain more in-depth information. A question and answer session will take place at the conclusion of the event. Refreshments will be provided by the Student Art Guild of FM. The seminar is free to all. For further information please call Joel Chapin at 518 762-4651 Ext. 4111

Harry
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Harry Wirtz
Words & Pictures
phone: 518 863 8636
email: harry@harrywirtz.com
web: http://www.harrywirtz.com

News For and About Artisans and Retailers

Lake George Arts Project is requesting original video shorts of 3 to 5 minutes to be submitted by Nov. 20, 2009. Three awards will be presented in each category with a screening of all award winners on February 6, 2010 at the lst annual Peoples Pixel Project. Craft artisans could submit video of creating their work under two of the six categories, Get Reel: documentary video, and Narrative: Tell a story, but make it quick. Your video can also be posted at YouTube and linked to your website to help promote your story. www.lakegeorgearts.org.

Community newspaper readership is growing at an unprecedented rate. 44% of all active Internet users visited a newspaper Web site last month. 95% of U.S. adults report that the recession has imported their shopping in some way. 76% report doing fewer shopping trips. Adults also plan purchases more (67%). Actual purchases continue to be predominantly made in stores (79%) though shopping information channels have dramatically expanded. Newspaper Association of America ads, Scarborough Research 2008, How America Shops and Spends/MORI Research 2009, Adirondack Daily Enterprise, October, 2009.

"Cristina Lussi, whose family owns the Crowne Plaza Resort and Golf Club (Lake Placid), said occupancy, as well as rates her hotel is charging, are down about 10 percent on the year. But that amount is not too bad compared to other hoteliers in Westchester County, whom she said have told her business is down, in some cases, 40 percent...."Thank goodness Lake Placid is an events-driven community," Lussi said...
Jenn Holderied, whose family owns the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort on Main Street, said her hotel's business was down about seven or eight percent from 2008, but added that 2008 was a banner year that would have been hard to beat under any circumstances. She said the resort's 2009 numbers are running about five precent above 2007. The Golden Arrow maintained their rates as much as possible this year; however Holdereid said she promoted some value packages during times that she normally would not have in order to encourage business.
The biggest change in tourism trends, Holdereid said, is in travel patterns. Since December 2008, visitors have been booking rooms at the last possible moment and shopping around for the best deal, she said.
"People are a little bit more cautious about spending their money," she said. "They are spending more time planning their vacations and really thinking it through before they committ." LP/Essex Co. Visitors Bureau cut two employees, by Heather Sackett, Adirondack Daily Enterprise, 10.15.09, p. 2

The Marketing Your Product for Profit Seminar will be held Tuesday and Thursday, 5:30 to 8:30 pm starting Nov. 7 through Jan. 7. $50. "This is a timely opportunity to turn your idea for a farm- or home-based enterprise into a profitable business venture.," said series co-organizer Molly Ames, a farm business management educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County. The Internet training equips business owners with a low-cost way to build their brand and relationships whether they want to sell over the net or not. The training involves online, face-to-face and distance-learning delivery methods. CCE Office, Plattsburgh, video conference. FMI and to register; Peter Hagar, CCE of Clinton Co., 518.561.7450. Press Republican, 10.11.09 and Essex County CCE monthly newsletter, Sept. issue

Profits at Panera (PNRA), best-performing major restaurant stock of the decade, were up by 33% in the first half of this year, with annualized growth of 31.5%. The strategies can be used by craftspeople as well as food producers: unfussy presentation, unpretentious atmosphere creating community gathering space, fresh, customizable, convenient, won't break the bank. "Panera's target audience is more Food Network than fast food. '"We hit a chord with people who understand and respond to food, but we also open a door for people who are on the verge of that," says chief concept officer Scott Davis. "We run an idea through the Panera filter and give it that twist that takes a flavor profile closer to what you'd find in a bistro than a fast-food joint."..."To consumers, the brand is family-oriented but also sophisticated."' `Rising Dough How Panera is thriving by selling real food - and a gathering space - in suburbia by Kate Rockwood, Fast Company, October 2009, p. 79

The Food Show at North Country Community College featured a new company Sustain Brand which markets locally owned and locally grown food products under the brand "Sustain" made from ingredients found within a 100 mile radius. John Glazier and Shaun Glazier of Malone are the owners of the company. Adirondack Daily Enterprise, 10.09.09

The Collectors Issue of Adirondack Life featured two pages of product titled Botany of Desire, some made locally and/or some sold locally. Products made locally were Beth Johnson's silver twig pin, www.bethjohnsonbeads.com (sold at Art on Park, Tupper Lake and Ruthie's Run, Lake Placid, www.ruthiesrun.com); Floral bookmark cards by Mary Vianese of Indian Lake (sold at Abanakee Studios, www.abanakeestudios.com); Porcelain water lily by Mary Lou Reid of Saranac Lake (sold at the Adirondack Artists Guild, www.adirondackartistsguild.com); Hemp linen table runner by Dawn Wilkins of Heliographics, Long Lake, www.heliographics.com (this company has a number of beautiful sophisticated product lines to accessorize the home) and clay plate by Meredith Johnston of Aerobie Fields Pottery, Westport (sold at Bessboro Shop, Westport and Adirondack Art Association, Essex). Collectors Issue, Adirondack Life, p. 82

Larry and Joann Post, of L. Post Rustics, AuSable Forks, received the People's Choice award as first time exhibitors at the 22nd annual Rustic Furniture Fair held on Sept. 4-6 at the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake. More than 3,500 visitors attended. Weekender, Adirondack Daily Enterprise, p. 8, Oct. 2-8, 2009

The Association of Woodworking and Furnishing Supplies (AWFS) annual Vegas fair held July 15-18 had a decrease in attendance of about 50% (average 16,000 to between 8,500 to 8,000) and decrease in number of vendors by about a third (580 vendors). The New York Gift Show held Aug. 15 - 20 had a 5.6% increase in number of buyers attending (31,000 thousand people attending from 50 states and 85 countries) as a result of an increase in retailers needing fourth quarter inventory. The Saratoga Souvenir Show held for 4 days mid October had many satisfied exhibitors. Woodshops News, September 2009, p. 6; Crafts Report online September issue, p. 22 and word of mouth

Recently Discovered Craftspeople

Discovered along the Artist at Work Open Studio Tour last weekend in September

Pam Belleville, www.pamsjewelrydesigns.com, has dichroic fused glass product lines; clocks, tick-tack-toe boards, and others, which may be of interest to shopowners for resale. She can produce the lines a few at a time in her kiln. At this time her kiln size limits her to creating only one plate at a time so plates are not yet an option for wholesale.

Pam and Beth, more below, seem to be tempted by the idea of sharing a booth at Buyer Days but, at least, for Beth, her need to create always changing pieces may rule out attending the show. The Adirondack North Country Buyer Days is scheduled for March 31 and April 1 in 2010 in Saratoga Springs at the City Center.

Beth Johnson, another fabulous artist, http://www.bethjohnsonbeads.com/, both jeweler and basketmaker, and Pam Belleville, have opened up a gallery and artist consignment shop called Art on Park at 87 Park Street in Tupper Lake. Since the beginning of July, their works and those of others such as Dan King (wonderful metal worker - his dragonfly is to die for), potters Peter Shrope and Mary Lou Reid, photographer Paul Chartier have been for sale at Art on Park.

Splitting the very large storefront with a beauty salon has resulted in sales which would not have taken place otherwise. Art on Park is another example of an unusual partnership which hopefully will continue to benefit both businesses for years to come.

With Gary Casagrain's Gallery across the street, Saundra's Random Acts of Art around the corner on Cliff, and the numerous other shops along the street, Tupper Lake's downtown has both beautiful works by artists from the region as well as out, all suitable for accessorizing one's home or as gifts.

Discovered at the annual Field, Forest and Stream Days held at the Adirondack History Museum in Elizabethtown last weekend in September

Georgette Bacon, of Nicholville, NY (http://www.dragonflylanegourds.net/) creates fabulously decorated gourd works, and in addition, necklaces with pieces of gourd with images painted on. The gourd work, including the jewelry, is well coated/varnished. Georgette is very interested in attending Buyer Days. Georgette who started making and selling her gourd work two years ago did well at Field, Forest and Stream Days. Do visit her website to see the quality.

Also at the show was Funny River Trading, http://www.funnyrivertrading.com/, selling her recently started Traditional Arts and Herbal Folk Remedies line of Bath and Beauty products. L. A. Monroe, a basketmaker and weaver, was encouraged by the owners of Dartbrook Rustic Goods, http://www.dartbrookrusticgoods.com/ in Keene, NY to develop the bath and beauty line.

L.A. Monroe supervises, for an agency near Lake Champlain, a group of disadvantaged people who are creating wonderful baskets. Their baskets, of all sizes and shapes, are sold at craft shows under the name Mountain Weavers Fiber Arts Guild for very reasonable prices. Shopowners looking for a wide range of locally made baskets may contact L.A. at 518.546.9552, x 121. They may not be set up to do wholesale accounts at the present but the work is so good, and they are so proud, and they are so many, at least 12, that it is worth exploring.

New Cafe and Giftshop in Chazy

The Station Cafe and Gifts at the former train station in Chazy, NY serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with some local ingredients. The gift shop features silver jewelry, home decorations, picture frames, children's clothing, greeting cards, hats and holiday decorations in season. Carolyn Tetreault, owner, says the gift line ideas come from her three daughters and daughter-in-law, the Altanta Gift Show, and shops in Saratoga and Warren counties. Press Republican, Sunday, July 26, 2009, Business, p. D3, by Dan Heath, staff writer

Chazy Giftshop Owner Researches Movement to Support Local Businesses

Carol Tetreault, owner of The Station Cafe and Gifts, is researching the 3/50 project, a nationwide movement to encourage people to choose three independent, local businesses and spend $50 a month in each. The Web site, http://www.350project.net/, states that is half the employed population did that it would generate $42.6 billion in revenue. It also states that for every $100 spend in local independent stores, $68 comes back to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures. If that same money is spent at national chains, $43 comes back to the community, while none returns if the money is spent online. Press Republican, Sunday, July 26, 2009, Business, p. D3, by Dan Heath, staff writer

Adirondack Harvest Hosts a "Taste of Essex County"

On Sept. 19th, the Essex County chapter of Adirondack Harvest will host "A Taste of Essex County" celebration at the Essex County fairgrounds in Westport as part of the 6th annual Adirondack Harvest Festival Week. To participate, contact Laurie at 518.962.4810 x404. http://www.adirondackharvest.com/. Essex County Cornell Cooperative Extension monthly printed newsletter, August 2009

Photographing your Art with Harry Wirtz

On Sept. 19 in Glens Falls, from 10am to 3pm, photographer Harry Wirtz will instruct artists working in a variety of mediums; paintings, watercolor, sculpture, etc., how to photograph their fine work in a digital format. $15 Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council (LARAC) members/$20 non-members. To register call: 518.798.1144 x2 or email: programs@larac.org. Lake George Arts Project, summer edition quarterly newsletter

Revamped CustomMade.com Targets Homeowner Appreciative of Custom Woodwork
Custommade.com currently hosts 400 woodworkers and receives about 750,000 hits a year, which equates to around 2,200 visitors a day. Visitors to Custommade.com can search for custom woodworkers in their area and learn about specific styles, techniques and specialities.
The website was revamped in May by the new owners, Mike Salguero and Seth Rosen, who are Boston based. Woodworkers can subscribe with a minimum of $180 for a posting of nine photos. Woodshop News, August 2009, p.9, by Jennifer Hicks, staff writer

Movie to be Shot in Tupper Lake Looking for Local Product Placement

Shooting will begin September 28 for the movie "Recreator" targeting the 15 to 30 youth market. They will be looking for opportunities for local product placement from companies like local breweries and coffee shops. To discuss opportunities, email producers at recreatormovie@gmail.com. For more information, go to gregoryorr.com who will be directing first feature length film with "Recreator."
Adirondack Daily Enterprise, August, 26, 2009, p.14, by Jessica Collier, reporter

NYFA Provides Seminars in Upstate NY to Fund Creative Time For Artists

New York state artists attending the Sept. 15, 10am to 2 pm seminar in Lake Placid and the one in Woodstock on Sept. 21, noon to 4pm will learn about the application process for $7,000 unrestricted cash grants awarded to 100 artists per year since 1985 by the New York Foundation of the Arts (NYFA). Seminars are free. For more information, visit www.nyfa.org/afp. Art News, Fall 2009, St. Lawrence County Arts Council quarterly printed newsletter, p.6.

Potter Sue Young Provides High-Quality Technical Oversight of Mural Project

Inspired by the Champlain Quadricentennial, Sandra Morse, Bucky Seiden and Sue Young, supervised the transformation of 2,000 pounds of clay into artistic creations, helping mostly seventh-graders transfer their poster designs onto clay tiles. The mural, an artistic interpretation of local history, 38 feet in length and rising 10 feet in height, was installed on an exterior wall of the Clinton County Government Center in Plattsburgh.
Visit the mural to see the tiile work of 1000 Clinton County students. The official unveiling was held on August 12, 2009. Lake Champlain Weekly, August 5, 2009, p. 7, A Thousand Pairs of Hands Make History Come Alive! by Benjamin Pomerance, regular contributor

Sparking New Sales at Your Shop

Julie Lancia and Barb Mueller, co-owners of JB Winterberry in Wheaton, Illinois who were named Country Business' Retailer of the Year in 2007, recommend the following to spark new sales:

"1. Sending customers e-mail updates every three weeks regarding new merchandise, including our first online e-coupon.

2. Mailing a 20-percent-off coupon to all current top customers as well as past top customers...

3. Moving all furniture and displays to create a new look for spring and summer...

4. Conducting seminars on decorating for groups outside the shop, such as garden clubs and women's auxiliaries.

5. Producing a vintage fashion show within the shop along with the help of the local history center...

6. Blowing our own horn by marketing our success to local magazines and other publications...

Customers continue to make small purchases, including cards, small greenery and florals - basically gifts under $20. Make sure you carry a variety of these items." Country Sampler's Country Business May/June 2009, Let's Weather the Storm, p. 70

More Publicity for Well-Dressed Food

Owner David Tomberlin, Well Dressed Food, Tupper Lake, was the producer featured in the August issue of Adirondack Life in their Adirondack Made section. "The maker of two dozen savory, sauces, preserves, granola, pancake mix, desserts and spiced nuts" is hoping to release a bean dip and a McIntosh hot-pepper grilling sauce this summer. www.welldressedfood.com Adirondack Life, August 2009, Adirondack Made, p. 24.

Getting Strong Advice in Small Doses

Susan Wagner, editor of Country Sampler's Country Business bimonthly trade magazine, explains that, for time-strapped business owners, using the social network Twitter to keep customers up-to-date with product and service news may be very effective.

"With Twitter, the whole concept is to provide short bits of info (140 characters) on your current thoughts and activities, links to interesting articles, quick tips and advice, highlights of new products or services, special sales, kudos to other members, and more. And since you are limited in your character count, each tweet generally focuses on a single idea, making it easy to scan and absorb. Retailers who like staying electronically connected with their customers but just can't keep up with a blog might benefit from Twitter. It only takes minutes to post and is easy to use:" www.twitter.com/CountryBizMag.

The Country Business magazine, www.country-business.com, and Country Business Extra e-newsletter, are excellent resources on evolving trends and business practices for any retailer and artisan, not only those who produce and/or sell country theme product lines. Country Sampler's Country Business July/August 2009, p. 12

Indian Lake Christmas Tour Seeks Artisans and Craftters

INDIAN LAKE - The Indian Lake Country Christmas Tour (CCT) Steering Committee is pleased to announce that it is accepting applications for the 12^th Annual CCT be held Friday, November 27 and Saturday, November 28, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. “Made in the Adirondacks” is the theme for the event. The event will feature Adirondack “style” hand-crafted items made by over 75 regional and local skilled artisan and crafters.

The Country Christmas Tour is a self-guided “tour” to visit with artisans and crafters who offer a variety of holiday gift items for sale in their homes and at numerous locations in Indian Lake. Holiday gift items include birch bark and twig picture frames, holiday wreaths, decorations and table centerpieces, quilts and throws, toll paintings, wall hangings, Adirondack furniture, alpaca clothing, jewelry, toys, candles, ornaments and much, much more.

Exhibition space will be available at several public locations for interested artisans and crafters, and honored on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please contact Brenda Valentine at 518-648-5636 for applications or for more Country Christmas Tour program information. Press release, July 30th, Indian Lake Country Christmas Tour (CCT) Steering Committee, Brenda Valentine

Brewerton Collaboration, House Sales Increase

Art Festival and Tag Sale Collaboration in Brewerton
Ginny, from Oneida Lake Artisans & The Brick House Cafe in Brewerton at the west end of Oneida Lake, continues to build on events which include collaboration with other small businesses and community ; ie., the following 4th annual Art Festival ....

"This Saturday from 9-4
***Our 4^th Annual Art Festival with lots of Central NY artists! At the shop, on the lawn, enjoy meeting the artists & collecting some of their=2 0work!

***TAG SALE along Main St. Many businesses and some residents will be participating, from Bartel Road all the way to Rte. 49 in Central Square! It's an adventure!" Excerpt from July 27th e-news, Oneida Lake Artisans & the Brick House Cafe

Finally - Sales of New Homes Increase in June Nationwide
With the region's second home owners generating so much of the economy's income, building and retail trade businesses should be pleased to see that new home sales are finally on the increase as of June. Many of the regional businesses in these sectors have been slow since mid fall 2008. The Commerce Department states that new home sales increased by 11 per cent in June, 8 more than analysts expected, but still down 21% from June 2008. Median new home prices continue to fall, decreasing from $232,100 a year ago to $206, 200. The Gazette, July 28, 2009, p. B6, reporter Jack Healy, New York Times

New Shop, Pottery/Fiber Exhibit, KeyBank, Occasional Shop

Shop Opens in Tupper Lake
Bryant Gonyea opened Adirondack Rustic Design and Furniture Company on Park Street in Tupper Lake on June 1. The store sells Amish, Adirondack and antique furniture. Adirondack Daily Enterprise, June 25, 2009, p.3

Gallery Features Three-Dimensional Works
The Atea Ring Gallery is exhibiting the primitive hooked rugs of Cheryl Raywood, pottery of Robert Segall and paintings, drawings and etchings of Harold Weston (1894-1972) through July 22. 236 Sam Spear Road, Westport. Hours: Thurs. - Sat., 11-4. Press-Republican, July 2, 2009, p. A7, Out & About Section

KeyBank Offers Women-Owned Businesses the Key4Women Program
KeyBank has provided more than $2 billion in capital to qualified women-owned businesses since 2007 and promises to lend another $3 billion by 2012. Locally, Denise Prell, Prell's Custom Designs, 18 Clinton St., Plattsburgh, NY, has enjoyed the benefits of participating in the KeyBank initiative; the Key4Women program, "designed to channel customized banking service, access to capital, networking opportunities and ongoing education to women entrepreneurs across the country. ...
Nationwide 10.1 million women-owned businesses make up 40 percent of all privately held companies, employ 13 million people and generate annual sales of $1.9 trillion. In the twelve-county region of upstate New York there are 23,797 women-owned businesses.
Margaret Soderquist, area sales manager for KeyBank, explains that "Women value the socializing, networking, self-satisfaction and the pride that comes with owning a business." Press-Republican, July 5, 2009, p.D1, Business Section

Retail's Next Wave
The "occasional" sale - held in homes or rental spaces on only a handful of days per year - may be poised to become the retail model of the recession. And with good reason. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 74,000 retail stores closed in the first half of 2008. In addition to low overhead, pop-up storefronts offer the kind of flexibility that small-business owners rarely see. Visit www.lolabboutique.com, www.thehogshed.com, www.barnbarnbaby.com. Country Living, July 2009, p. 20

Online Photo Exhibit features Regional Artists

How Many Artists does it take to Screw in a Light Bulb?

Phil Gallos has been photographing some of the many artists, artisans, musicians, craftspeople, in short, the creatives, of the Saranac Lake area, for years. Many of the photos are posted at http://philgallos.zenfolio.com/f892240789, and, in August, at Bluseed Studios in Saranac Lake (http://www.bluseedstudios.org/exhibit.html).

The photo sessions with each of the artisans (6 to 14 shots per) are intimate, relaxed moments of artists at work and at play. Sometimes, of course, work and play are the same. The trust and respect each of the creatives have placed in Phil Gallos to create this body of work imbues each of the images. Enjoy!

News from Artisans, Artists and Shops and Galleries

News From Dreamcrafters Quilt Shop
Dyan Swamp, owner of Dreamcrafters Quilt Shop on Rte. 37 in Akwesasne, NY won a ribbon at the Vermont Quilt Festival for her Rainbow Braid quilt.

They are participating in a Shop Hop with 3 other Quilt Shops, BUT it ... ends this Saturday.

Dyan includes the following list of Quilt Shows and Studio Tour in her monthly enews (from which these excerpts are taken):

August 7-9; Lanark County Quilters' Guild 'Quilts on the Tay' St. John Catholic High School, Perth, Ont.

helgazim@arctickayaks.com

Sept 19 & 20, 2009; 7^th Annual Seaway Autumn Studio Tour

Prescott and Area

Free tour of 10 studios with a total of 17 artists showing

Jewelery, Fine Art, Glass Art, Pottery, Fibre Art, Photoart, Quilt Art, recycled

Agricultural Implements

Call Pat at 613.925.3987 for more info

October 11-12; Champlain Valley Quilters’ Guild of NY Quilt Show

Bailey Ave. School, Plattsburgh, NY

www.cvqgny.org

"Dyan" will be vending at this Show.

October 16 & 17, 2009; Flying Geese Quilt Show

Sponsored by the Upper Canada Quilt Guild

Iroquois ON

Call Kelly at 613.543.3868 for more info

Dreamcrafters Quilt Shop, 1422 State Route 37, Akwesasne, NY 13655. 518-358-4285. dreamquilt(at)aol.com

Re-opening of Shop in Lake Placid

Alpine Meadow Rustic Traditions Furniture reopens. 518.523.0040. 2489 Main St., Lake Placid. Adirondack Daily Enterprise, display ad, early July.

Opening of New Gallery in Tupper Lake - Lots of Glasswork!

Art on Park Gallery/Shop, 87 Park St., Tupper Lake opened on July 2nd. Pam Belleville and Beth Johnson, artist co-owners, are featuring Pam's fused glass art pieces, platters, bowls, and clocks and Beth's lampworked bead and silver, copper and bronze jewelry.

Also for sale are the photographs of Paul Chartier, mini bookstore and birchbark frames by Randy Jones, and juried consignment pottery and ceramic tiles by Mary Lou Reid, wearable art by Devin LaFave, scrapbook pages and notecards by Dawn Sauve and felted bags by Sarah Pratt.

Artists interested in being represented can contact Johnson at 518.359.2652 or Belleville at 518.359.2304. Adirondack Daily Enterprise, Weekender, July 4.

Higher visitation rates may not translate into higher sales tax revenues

The following visitor stats and sales tax revenue numbers indicate that high quality customer service and product will continue to be essential to maintain and/or increase sales revenue. Increase in visitation numbers should not be seen as a definite indicator of increased sales tax revenues as the following indicates.


"The number of Virginians visiting Petersburg, VA (within 20 miles south of Richmond, VA) attractions has doubled this year while national and international visitors have remained steady. ... Petersburg attractions - including the Siege Museum, the historic Blandford Church and Cemetery and Centre Hill Museum - have seen an overall visitation increase of 17 percent this year compared to last year. ...

The strong numbers over the past two months (April, May), however, have yet to be reflected in local revenues, some area officials say. ... The City of Hopewell City, just to the east of Petersburg, has had almost a 50 percent increase in attendance at one of its attractions during the same time period - the Weston Manor received 327 this year in April and May compared to 185 last year. In the same time period its meals - tax revenue dropped by 20,000$. Lodging and sales-tax revenues are not increasing either.

Same as in upstate NY, "the region also is increasingly a good choice for travelers with low budgets, as its attractions offer a historically rich experience at lower costs than other popular Virginia destinations such as Virginia Beach or Williamsburg." Tourism Rises in Tri-Cities Area, by Luz Lazo, Richmond Times-Dispatch, p. A1, Monday, June 22, 2009

Artisans and Giftshops Can Use 2008 Visitor Survey Results

From August 15 to October 15, 2008, 300 visitors provided insights as to why they come and what they enjoy in the region. All the comments as to what they enjoy the most are posted in the appendix of the Adirondack North Country Scenic Byways Market Trend Assessment at http://adirondackscenicbyways.org/info-for-partners.html.

Take the time to at least skim through the survey results because they will help to reinforce and/or redirect some of your marketing efforts. The visitor comments are a gem of a resource for those artisans and giftshop owners who update their website content to include keywords and tags which appropriately associate their product with the primary whys and whats that draw visitors to the region.

For example, the reason most respondents found their visit to the Adirondack North Country region memorable, was driving through the area and enjoying the scenery, views of lakes, forests, and mountains. So if an artisan sells product lines which feature the above, those words can be included in the online product copy to improve the chances of the page appearing when people search the web with these images in mind.

For those artisans and giftshop owners who are debating which product lines to develop and/or purchase for resale, reading the survey findings may help solidify the decision as to what to order and/or concentrate on.

For example, the next most important reason their visit to the region was memorable was: recreation (gentle activities), wildlife viewing, and adventure (more challenging activities). This indicates that a product line that features something like a kayak with moose in background is likely to sell.

The Adirondack North Country Association contracted with Holmes & Associates who directed the survey research and reporting and Fuller Communications assisted ANCA with project development and interpretation of the findings.

3/50 Project to Support Indie Retail

http://www.the350project.net/home.html

By Staff -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 3/24/2009 9:05:00 AMMinneapolis, MN — Former retailer, consultant and G&DA columnist Cinda Baxter launched The 3/50 Project to promote shopping at locally owned businesses. Originally debuted on Baxter’s blog, the project now has its own website.

“We ask consumers to think about which three stores they’d miss if they disappeared, then remind them to return there,” explains Baxter. “Fifty comes from the idea that if even half the employed population spent a mere $50 per month in locally owned retail stores, those purchases would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue.”

Baxter designed a free flyer for retail participants to download, print on a color printer, then hand to constomers with their purchases. “The idea is to look customers in the eye, put this right in their hands, and say ‘thank you for shopping in a locally owned store,’" she says, "rather than just pop these in the bottom of a bag and hope someone sees them.” http://www.giftsanddec.com/article/CA6646169.html?industryid=47350

Aviation Mall and North Pole looking for Craftspeople

Hi Nadia (received on May 13, 2009)

I was wondering if you have a list of vendors that may want to participate in a craft fair here at Aviation Mall. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,
Christine Gieger
Marketing Director
Aviation Mall578 Aviation Road
Queensbury, NY 12804
Phone: 518.793.8818
Fax: 518.793.9295
www.shopaviationmall.com
christinegieger@pyramidmg.com

--------------------------------

From the North Pole, NY came a request on April 14, 2009 for craftspeople to do demonstrations and sell product during the upcoming summer and fall season at the home of Santa's Workshop.

Contact Matt at 518.946.2112 or by email at matt@northpoleny.com
www.northpoleny.com

Tasteful Consistent Branding of North Country Notecards

Mary of Mary Ballou Design recently submitted a link to me to the wholesale section of her website promoting her tastefully elegant North Country cards.

In response I wrote back "You are just a treat to watch come into your own presentation wise. Your website is as your cards - elegant - very very nice - nothing but what is needed. Consistency across platforms - very nice branding."

http://www.maryballoudesign.com/wholesaleinfo.html

Launch of Scenic Byways Website and Release of 2008 Visitors Survey

Dear Colleague:

We are writing on behalf of the Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) Board of Directors to cordially invite you to join us for our presentation "Destination: Adirondack North Country" on June 4, 2009. At the meeting, ANCA will launch the Adirondack North Country Region Scenic Byways Website and release the 2008 Scenic Byways Visitors Survey. The special event will be hosted at the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake beginning at 10:00 am and will include a luncheon and afternoon presentation. Read more at http://www.adirondack.org/byways/scenicbywaynews090323.php.

Buyer Days 2009 Summary Report

116 shops* (145 owners and staff) came to see 60 vendors over a two day period at the City Center in Saratoga Springs on April 8 and 9, 2009. Average total in orders written at the show and cash and carry sales per vendor was $2843. We can estimate (# of vendors x average) that the total dollars taken in orders and sales at the show was $170,580. Buyer Days 2010 dates will be posted shortly. To read the complete report visit http://www.adknccrafts.com/exhibitornotes.php
submitted by Nadia Korths, show coordinator, 4.15.09.

I, Nadia Korths, will not be coordinating the show next year. I will miss the exhibitors and buyers but feel it is time to move on after thirteen years. I will continue to provide ANCA with craft and web maintenance services and WEBC/ComLinks with technical assistance services for small businesses. I am also developing my own line of nature inspired art prints created with found objects.

For those interested in managing the show for ANCA, contact Terry Martino, Executive Director, at 518.891.6200.

New - Online Posting of Exhibitors by Category for Buyer Days Gift Trade Show

Giftshop and studio owners are welcome to attend the Adirondack North Country Association's 23rd regional nature and rustic gift trade show Buyer Days on April 8 and 9 in Saratoga Springs at the City Center.

Exhibitors with posted show specials and new product offerings are now sorted by category at www.AdkNCcrafts.com. The categories are books and music, consumables; bath and beauty, candles and specialty foods, furniture, home accessories, jewelry, lighting, prints and photos, stationery, and souvenir items.

Shop and studio owners can preregister for the show at www.AdkNCcrafts.com to double their changes of winning in the ongoing product raffles. Hours are 12 to 6 on Wed. and 9 to 4 on Thursday. Enjoy accoustic music by Orchard Beat and Dan Berggren with Hungry Bear Publishing. Bring business ID.

Giftshop and Studio Owners Adapt to "Prudent Restraint"

How is the significant contribution of the summer resident and visitor to
the Adirondack North Country economy impacted by the recession?
How can North Country giftshop owners and craftspeople who are part
of the third largest industry (retail) of the region, prepare for the
continued "prudent restraint" of the 2009 customer?

In the upcoming years, how will the decreasing availability of fossil fuels
and natural resources impact people's ability to shop during their
annual summer retreat to the mountains and lakes of the North Country?
In every community north of the Mohawk River up to the Canadian
border, owners of gift shops and studios have been taking action. The
flat average in the sales tax numbers since 2004 for independent
retailers indicates that a slower sales pace is not new.

But, as always, there are unexpected trends. Last summer there was
significantly less drive-by traffic but the people who did stop often
bought more. Nadia Korths, Craft Programs Coordinator for the
Adirondack North Country Association for the last 13 years, has seen
many changes as she prepares for this year's 23rd annual regional gift
trade show Buyer Days (http://www.adknccrafts.com/). Shop and studio owners
are welcome to post their own adaptations.

Some shops, open for 25 to 30 years, recently closed after a few years
of trying to find new owners. Even more shops closed or reduced their
hours this past winter. Many have reduced their inventory levels to free
up more cash flow. More shops and studios held store wide sales this
winter and spring. Most are ordering new product and raw materials at
the last minute.

Many producers, familar to all who attend the region's many craft
shows, are keeping their 2008 prices. Many are creating smaller and
more functional pieces. Some are creating pieces from scraps or
recycled materials. Some are inviting their regular customers via email
to the craft shows they will be exhibiting at.

Shops and studios with no budget for purchasing are rearranging their
existing inventory so their regular customers will discover "new"
pieces. They are creating vignettes with consumables such as specialty
foods, candles, and bath and beauty products. Their customers, living
with less, will continue to welcome friends and family to meals, evenings
by the fire and overnight. Smaller furniture pieces are being placed
more prominently in the shop since the few customers who are building homes
are downsizing.

Shops and studios with a strong sense of customer service and
community have become social gathering places. Many now offer
coffee and baked goods. Many hold regular events with print, radio
and online invitations.

Customers respond to shopowners and producers who share their
knowledge and passion. They also appreciate knowing that the object
they are considering is made in a way that is healthy for them and/or
the environment.

For those small business owners and staff who are not fluent in story
telling, there are many visual tools to tell the story. Signage, branding
labels, story cards, photos of the process, the raw materials or of the
shop over time, printed pages from websites, blogs or other social
networking sites and more.

Customers want to know who or what they are contributing towards,
whether it be the local humane society or the local producer or about
the environmental or health benefits, each time they buy.

To find out about more local stories directly from the producers in an
informal and professional show setting, giftshop owners are welcome to
attend Buyer Days (http://www.adknccrafts.com/) at the City Center in Saratoga
Springs on Wednesday, April 8 and Thursday, April 9. Bring business ID.

The Adirondack North Country Association provides retailers and
producers with resources, products and sales venues as part of their
committment to economically viable communities and a rural quality of
life. For more information, visit www.AdkNCcrafts.com.

Another Positive Sign in the Economy

The largest increase (5%) in existing house sales from month to month in the USA since 1993 occurred in February. All Things Considered, Vermont Public Radio, March 23, 2008.

Positive Signs in Economy

A report from the Commerce Department showed consumer spending rebounded 0.6 per cent in January, the largest increase since May (and that's the month after the holidays)! The index of national factory activity from the Institute for Supply Management increased from 35.6 in January to 35.8 in February. The Montreal Gazette, Business Section, p.2, Some data not as bad as thought, Reuters

New Online Directory Helps North Country Giftshop Owners Buy Local Product

To help giftshop owners, especially in this challenging year when budgets are restricted, the Adirondack North Country Association's craft website, www.AdkNCcrafts.com now features the American Handmade Wholesale Directory.

Giftshop owners know the importance of freshening up displays with new product to appeal to their faithful customers of the busy season; the summer residents and visitors. Yet many giftshop owners are hesitant to travel to the national gift shows to restock especially when much of the overseas product featured at those shows is losing its competitive price and appeal.

The Handmade Wholesale Directory links directly to 135 artisans, specialty food producers, furniture makers, print and photography artists, souvenir gift makers, musicians, and book publishers from the region who are all experienced in wholesale. Though most of these hard-working small businesses live and work in upstate New York, some are from the Catskills, Central and Western New York and a few are from Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

They all create rustic and/or nature themed work which is what sells the most in the North Country. Many of the 135 artisans and producers offer functional and/or comsumable items. The wide range of product quarantees a mix of competitive price points.

They have all been exhibitors at ANCA's 23 year old regional rustic and nature themed gift trade show Buyer Days (www.AdkNCcrafts.com). The show is being held at the City Center in Saratoga Springs, NY on Wednesday, April 8 and Thursday, April 9, 2009.

Independent Retailers Outperform Chains Over Holidays, National Survey Finds

"MINNEAPOLIS, MN (Jan. 15, 2009) - In an extremely challenging economic climate, independent retailers are outperforming many chains, a national survey has found.
The survey of 1,142 independent retailers in a wide range categories (books, toys, clothing, etc.) and across all 50 states found that holiday sales at independent stores declined an average of 5.0% from the same time period in 2007. That compares favorably to most competing chains, including Barnes & Noble (- 7.7%), Best Buy (-6.5%), Borders (-14.0%), JC Penney (-8.1%), Macy's (-7.5%), The Gap (-14.0%), and Williams-Sonoma (-24.2%).

This week, the Commerce Department reported that December retail sales overall were down a record 9.8% over December 2007.The survey also found that independent retailers in cities with active "Buy Local" campaigns reported much stronger holiday sales than those in cities without such campaigns. "Buy Local" or "Local First" campaigns have been launched in dozens of cities and towns over the last few years. Independent retailers in these cities reported an average drop in sales of 3.2%, compared to a steeper decline of 5.6% for those in cities without an active Buy Local initiative.

...Ninety-five percent of the retailers surveyed said that the fact that their business is locally owned matters to their customers. That's up from 82% in last year's survey."

Read the complete press release at http://www.ilsr.org/columns/2009/011509.html

The Institute (For Local Self Reliance)’s mission is to provide innovative strategies, working models and timely information to support environmentally sound and equitable community development. To this end, ILSR works with citizens, activists, policymakers and entrepreneurs to design systems, policies and enterprises that meet local or regional needs; to maximize human, material, natural and financial resources; and to ensure that the benefits of these systems and resources accrue to all local citizens.

What's Appropriate in Recession-Era Marketing?

By Rebecca Lieb, ClickZ, Jan 30, 2009

"There's an elephant (the recession) in the room, in case you haven't noticed. Brands, products, and services that can position themselves as necessary and relevant, comfortable, environmentally friendly, wholesome, and nurturing have a real edge in this environment...

Over half of this country's leading retailers have already established a presence on Facebook, for example (and at considerably less expenditure than a Super Bowl spot). There's blogging, online video, and participatory chatter, all of it in the zero-cost budgetary realm."

Read the complete article at http://www.clickz.com/3632578.

Workshop for Craftspeople and Food Producers with Popular Gift Lines

As a artisan or food producer do you have popular product lines with high profit margins? Have shopowners approached you at craft fairs to ask if you sell wholesale? If the answer is yes to either of these questions, attending the Adirondack North Country Association's Workshop on How to Establish and Maintain Wholesale Accounts on Saturday, February 21 may be of benefit to you.

Workshop attendees review wholesale terminology and procedures from 10 am to 12 noon and from 12:30 to 2:30 pm provide feedback on each other's product with the goal of increasing wholesale market viability. The workshop is recommended for artisans and food producers planning to attend ANCA's 23 year-old rustic and nature theme gift show, Buyer Days, on Wednesday, April 8 and Thursday, April 9, 2009.

Last year, exhibitors averaged $3897 in orders and cash and carry sales at the show. Many of the following exhibitors who have already registered for Buyer Days have attended the workshop.

From the Lake Champlain and High Peaks region are: Whiteface Mountain Gourmet Maple Products, Bloomingdale; Heirlooms in Wood, Morrisonville; Aromas Galore, Rainbow Lake; and Underwood Herbs, Plattsburgh.

From the Lower Adirondacks and Hudson Valley region are: ONE on 1 Design, Hudson Falls; Adirondack Chandler, Glens Falls; Wood n' Works, Adirondack; Northeast Living Lights, Chestertown; Woven Glass, Sand Lake; Fawn Ridge Pottery, Chestertown; Nancy Miller Jewelry Designs, Saratoga Springs; Fish Bob, Howes Cave; Adirondack Cedar Chairs, Queensbury; and Richard Johnson, Porter Corners.

From the Central Adirondacks, Tug Hill Plateau and Mohawk Valley region are: Boulder Cove Originals, Weedsport/Old Forge; D & A Crafts, Camden; Benesch Creative Enterprises, Holland Patent; Rusticwood.com, Palatine Bridge; Adirondack Art and Chalkware, Gloversville; Pure Mist Naturals, Lowville; Silver Bench Jewelry, Croghan; Heart's Desire Gifts, Little Falls; and North Country Books, Utica.

Exhibitors from outside the region are Bear-Man Specialty Foods, Grand Island; Maine Antler Designs, Unity ME; Hill 'n' Hollow, Pavilion; Watershed Designs, Spencer; AJL Designs, Fayette ME; and Mooseman Nature Photos, Andover, NH.

The How to Establish and Maintain Wholesale Accounts Workshop will be held at the Adirondack Company Store at 111 Park Street in Tupper Lake on Saturday, February 21, 2009 from 10am to 2:30pm. Nadia Korths, ANCA Crafts Program Coordinator, will present the informal and lively workshop as she has for the past 13 years. Copresenter Joy Moody will provide 20 years of insight as owner of the Adirondack Company Store.

The workshop fee is $35 for single owner and $50 for dual owner businesses. To register, download the application from ANCA's craft resource website http://www.adknccrafts.com/ or call Nadia Korths, ANCA Crafts Program Coordinator, at 518.891.1632. For those unable to attend, the 45 page workshop packet of pertinent techniques and strategies is available for $10. The Adirondack North Country Association is committed to economically viable communities and a rural quality of life. For more information about ANCA, visit www.adirondack.org or call 518-891-6200.

Customer Tastes Have Not Changed - Ability to Indulge Has!

"By and large, the recession doesn't change their (your customers') tastes - just their ability to indulge their tastes."

Read more at http://buyersmarketblog.typepad.com/marketinsider/ January 7th, 2009 entry:
2nd article titled Challenge #1
For whom are you creating your products, and how are your customers' shopping habits affected by the current economy? What are they willing to spend for?

Market Insider is a publication of The Rosen Group, the producer of the Philadelphia Buyers Market of American Craft and the publisher of AmericanStyle, a magazine for art collectors and travelers, and NICHE, a trade magazine for retailers of fine craft. See www.AmericanCraft.com. Market Insider is written by Jean Thompson, The Rosen Group's director of circulation, marketing and public relations, with help from contributors and staff.

No. NY Vendor-Recommended Craft Shows

Thank's to Terra's Chocolate Treats (name it - they'll dip it: 518.483.4431) and Nana's Creations (variety of crafts: 518.358.4192) for taking the time to recommend the following shows to other craftspeople. These shows are established with both good traffic and a large number of vendors.

Shows are sorted by date:

Last Sat of Oct/lst Sat of Nov. The Fort Drum Officers’ Spouses’ Club hosts its 23th Annual Craft and Antique Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Pine Plains Physical Fitness Center. Admission is $4; children 5-11, $1, and 4 and younger, free. 70 vendors. Craft Fair Vendor Application P.O. Box 327 Fort Drum, NY 13602oscfair@yahoo.comPhone: 315-628-5407 or 315-519-1161

Nov. 1st 9:00a -4:00pm 23rd Annual Craft Fair The Jefferson Community College Women’s Organization (JCCWO). in the McVean Student Center, Building 4, at JCC. More than 100 vendors will have a variety of handcrafted items for sale including art, candles, ceramics,
flora, food, jewelry, and many different woodcraft items. Admission is $2.00 per person and includes the chance to receive one of twelve $10 gift certificates good for the purchase of any items from any vendor the day of the craft fair. Proceeds benefit the Jefferson Community College Women’s Organization which awards up to ten $500 scholarships annually.
For more information, please contact Melody Brenon of JCC at 315-786-2200.

Sat - Nov 08 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Moira Craft Fair
Moira's 29th Holiday Shopping Fair will be held Saturday November 8th at the Moira Methodist Church and the Moira Firehouse. The hours are 10-4, giving everyone a chance to get a head start on their holiday shopping. Many new items are available this year with vendors displays both inside and outside. The Candy Shoppe will have homemade fudge. Hot donuts will be available all day with the Holiday Kitchen serving homemade soup, chili, sandwiches, and beverages. The Bake Shop features pies, filled cookies, rolls, breads, baked beans, & more. come and enjoy! 518-529-6524

Nov. 22, Two shows same date in Malone:
18th Jack Frost Craft Festival, The First Congregational Church, 2 Clay St., 10 - 4 pm. Free admission.
Snow Angels Craft Show at the Holy Family School. People can walk from one show to the other.

November 22nd Ogdensburg Craft Show John F. Kennedy School 801 Park Street, Ogdensburg, NY 10AM to 4 PM (315) 393-4264.

Two shows in Akwesasne Sat and Sun: one established and the other at the Log Cabin new this year ($10/booth). At the Log Cabin can exhibit either day or both days. .

These shows will be added shortly to the show listing page at http://www.adknccrafts.com/.

A Family of Creators on Rte. 11 in No. NY

On Monday, Nov. 10th, on the way to Malone from Champlain to present the Marketing segment of the Business Planning Course at Comlinks I stopped at 8247 Rte. 11 at Holmes Made Art and Crafts. The sign, great play on words, is quite visible from the road and is in front of their home just to the east of Chateaugay on the north. Martin, a master mason, is tackling the huge work of recreating the traditional exterior stone walls of their house built at least 100 years ago which they have been renovating for the last 20 years.

Anne welcomed me into their living room where she showed me the many wood accessories and furniture her husband, Martin, makes. They hope to have a shop open by the fall of next year. They prefer to sell directly to the customer.

Martin has always made wood pieces for family and friends. Most of the pine and cedar is harvested on their land or nearby. At the annual summer craft show now run by the Foothills Art Society (518.483.9411) held on Chateaugay Lake this summer, he sold three of the birch/pine rustic style pieces which he just started making earlier this year. The pine Martin selects for the tabletops has knots which give them great character. They are very sturdy. I sat on a coffee table and wrote notes on the night stand and there was absolutely no movement. Martin also makes wall shelves, frames, towel stackers, boxes of all sizes and shapes with or without drawers, foot stools and more. Anne provides some of the most innovative design ideas and finishes the pieces. Simple, clean lines predominate.

Their daughter-in-law, Alison Holmes, has been selling her painted ornaments at craft shows in No. New York for 23 years. She customizes the bulbs at shows. Her scenes painted on skates, saw blades, etc. are also popular.

Anne and her sister makes geometric pattern quilts out of brightly colored recycled fabrics. Her jellies are delicious. Her grand-daughter, Megan, makes purses out of kid's jeans that she buys at garage sales. Everyone's work is well finished in this family of creators/makers/artisans. Look for them at craft shows in Northern NY. 518.497.6570.

Expanded Crafts Museum Recently Reopened in NYC

The American Craft Museum, now known as the Museum of Arts and Design, opened in its new location in NYC at 2 Columbus Circle near the entrance of Central Park in late September. With many more floors, the Museum will now be able to exhibit much more of its permanent collection. www.madmuseum.org.

Good News for Retailers and Producers, Particularly Those Buying/Selling Local

Credit Available Locally Despite National Trends
Unlike other areas where lending has all but come to a halt, most local banks have money to lend and are willing to do so. It's just harder to get a loan for customers who were already difficult in the first place. Banks and car dealerships interviewed for article are from Plattsburgh, Willsboro, Westport, and Saranac Lake. Tri-Lakes Today, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008, p.5

Container Traffic Between Asia and U.S. Down
Container traffic is down by 6.9% in the first six months of 2008 as compared to 2007. The key trade route between Asia and the United States is now expected to show no growth at all through much of 2009, according to the Transpacific Stabliization Agreement (TSA), a U.S.-based research group of 15 major shipping lines. "The dry bulk freight market has been greatly weakened by a combination of slow growth of industrial production in China, stalling trade volumes caused by tighter credit conditions globally and an increasing economic slowdown in the world's developed economies," said Richard Hext, chief executive of Pacific Basin Shipping Ltd., Hong Kong's biggest dry-bulk carrier, in a statement. The Gazette, Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008, p. B3

South Mountain Photos Invites Customers to Shows with Google

Help your customers remember you, find you, and buy from you. I recently received an email invite from Terry Wyant of www.SouthMountainPhotos.com to attend the Indian Lake Christmas Tour and the Christian Academy Craft Show near or in Glens Falls. Terry and Ed are using Google's online email and calendar to invite their customers to the shows where they are exhibiting.

Craft shows, both because there are possibly too many of them, and the economic times, can be challenged to draw crowds of people, especially those with money to spend. Producers who use marketing tools to remind their customers where they will be showing will also help them decide which show to go to. Artisans with websites and/or studio shops may generate sales from those who do not have time to go to the show but know what gift they wish to buy. And it's your work!

Display Cases for Sale in Saratoga Springs and Lake Placid

I am sad to see both Designer Studios, Saratoga Springs and the Adirondack Craft Center, Lake Placid close their doors. Both of them have had decades of great business for themselves and the makers they represented. Both have generously contributed their expertise to the participants of ANCA's workshops How to Establish and Maintain Wholesale Accounts and The Marketing Toolkit for Retailers. May their future paths have wonderful surprises in store for them.

For retailers and artisans looking to augment their display areas, these two shops have some great units. Designer Studios (518.584.1977) who is closing at the end of this month (today and tomorrow only!) still had a few beautiful oak wall and floor mount jewelry cases for sale when I walked in, by chance, on Monday, Oct. 27, 2008. The Adirondack Craft Center (518.523.2062), closing in mid November, has many displays, clothing racks, bins, shelves, and other units for sale.

New Winter Farmers' Market

Schenectady Green Market debuts from 10-2 on Sunday (Nov. 2) in Proctors Arcade, with plans to run every Sunday all year round. ... The market is still looking for vendors with any or all of the following: vegetables, fruit, meat, honey, maple syrup, jam, milk, cheese, eggs, baked goods, bedding plants, flowers, wine, processed foods and high-quality crafts. More info at www.schenectadygreenmarket.org. (Metroland, Oct. 23-29, 2008, p.13)

The Wild Center in Tupper Lake expects to have a winter Farmers' Market once a month. Refer back to a posting in August re: their first market.

Washington Co. Agricultural & Tourism Showcase Nov. 6

1200 tour promoters have been invited to the Washington County Regional Agricultural & Tourism Showcase on Nov. 6. Exhibitors representing everything from local attractions, lodging facilities, community theaters and museums, to farm stands and orchards are invited to fill the hall at the Regional Agricultural & Tourism Showcase, on Thursday, November 6th at Christ the King Spiritual Life Center. Free.

Explore collaborative marketing initiatives, farm-to-chef connections, agricultural and history-based tours, and other networking opportunities to better promote local businesses by capitalizing on the inherent tourist draw in this region we call home.

·When: Set-Up runs from 2:00-3:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 6th. Exhibitor Networking: 3:00-4:00 p.m. followed by the show: 4:00-6:00 p.m. ·Where: Christ the King Spiritual Life Center, 575 Burton Rd., Easton, NY ·Contact: Tori Riley at (518) 798-1761, e-mail triley@ adirondackchamber.org.

An agricultural and tourism show presented by the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce with the help of The Washington County Tourism Association and The Towns and Villages of the Battenkill Valley. Sponsored by Glens Falls National Bank & Trust Co.

Upcoming Craft Show and Marketing Workshops

The Harvest Craft Fair on Saturday, Oct. 18th at the Holy Ghost Academy in Tupper Lake attracts more people each year. Among the 30 exhibitors, all of which sell handmade works, are Jake and Robert Reiss of www.Aromasgalore.com who say they are very pleased with the show. They have attended since the first year in 2005. For applications or more information contact Suzanne Sherwood 518.359-3821 or Linda Perrigo 58.359-2585 (h) 518.359-3241 (w).

For those of you wishing to seriously reexamine your marketing strategies, consider signing up for the "Marketing for Profit" course to learn about business planning, e-commerce, financing and website development. Northern Adirondack Trading Cooperative has partnered with Cornell Cooperative Extension to provide the courses online so you can attend the class sitting at your own home computer.
The first session starts Oct. 25, out of Hogansburg, and is in partnership with the Mohawk Indian Tribe Economic Development. The second one, starting in early January 2009, is in partnership with the Essex County Cornell Cooperative Extension out of Westport. Each one last 16 to 20 weeks with evening classes held on Monday and Wednesday. I'll be speaking about regional branding at the January 5th class in Westport.
Contact Ruby Sprowls, Northern Adirondack Trading Cooperative, www.natconline.org for more info and to sign up.

Shop News

The Lemon Potpourri in Olmstedville is having a "Going Out of Business" sale. The Ray Brook Frog near Lake Placid and Blue Mountain Lake Designs are for sale.
Adirondack Country Store in Northville has shifted completely from print and online catalog to online only with a revamped website. Owner Joyce Teshoney is already working on her Christmas content.
In Corinth, the MacArthur Park shop is closed but the Barn (exact name unknown), right behind it, is selling local product as is the Hadley General Store.

Abanakee Studios and Rustic Fair

On Sunday, Sept. 7, I visited Abanakee Studios in Indian Lake, the Rustic Fair at the Adirondack Museum and the piggyback show along Blue Mountain Lake's Main Street at the bottom of the hill.

The owners of Abanakee Studios, Kathy and Jane, were making room for a delivery of several pieces from one of the rustic furniture makers from the show later on in the afternoon. I've gotten to recognize the owners of Abanakee Studios from their regular attendance over the years at Buyer Days.

While Jane talked and sold to two couples who meandered in Kathy took the time to show me around and give me a little insight into their business. Homemade cookies and coffee were in the back corner by the door overlooking Abanakee Lake. From the door I looked onto the porch where more than a hundred people this summer took 23 workshops. Today their golden retrievers enjoyed the sun.

Next year they will have been open 10 years. 75 to 80% of the people who visit the mix of gallery, giftshop and workshop come back! The barn interior is airy and well lit. Among the antiques are works from local artisans which are only sold here. One of them creates fine gourds, pressed flower images with a contemporary feel, and birch bark frames. Jane's painting of nature and landscapes on wood pieces are scattered throughout. Kathy is pleased that one of her photos is in Adirondack Life's 2008 calendar as the July image. A lampmaker friend has designed a lamp for them which is a popular seller. Kathy says they are doing well despite the ups and downs of the economy. Another marketing piece that they do is label each of their raffia handle brown paper gift bags with their logo, name and location.

Upstairs in their loft gallery I discovered the canvases of George R. Dworzan, a contemporary of Jackson Pollack's and member of "The Club" in NYC. He had summered in Indian Lake for 40 years. His widow who still summers here has become friends of Kathy and Jane. Breathtaking abstarcts, still lifes, landscapes; samples of his works spanning his career surrounded me. They have sold a few. I can only hope that some of his pieces find a home in a museum which collects works from that heady time period in NYC.

In Blue Mountain Lake, I was astonished at the size of the piggyback show. There were at least 50 exhibitors. In small groups, they work out individual arrangements with the property owners along Rte. 30. The Adirondack Museum events may be the only ones in the region which trigger piggyback shows. One had sold $2400 worth of product, another had taken their largest order in chairs; 10. Many of the same regulars also frequent Buyer Days. Two of them will be offering workshops at Abanakee Studios next year. Brian Morris, North Country Images and Gallery from Long Lake had sold at least two large pieces of his furniture to customers from Long Lake! Steve and Marilyn, I'm sorry I missed you - where were you?

Inside the Museum, the furniture makers were scattered about the grounds while the five painters were together in one building. I admired Matt Burnett's tile landscape pieces and congratulated Gary and Barbara Casagrain on the exterior of their recently opened beautiful gallery on the main street in Tupper Lake. I saw Vicki, the Museum shop manager, looking pleased as she collected the pieces she had purchased. The Museum Fiber Show, on the following weekend, attracted people who made the weekend worthwhile for the vendors who are there. This upcoming weekend is the first time that the annual antique show is back at the Museum after a number of years in Indian Lake. I was told that there will be another piggyback show of vendors along the main street in Blue Mountain Lake as well as some in Indian Lake.

New Shop and Economic Dev't Collaborations

Yesterday I attended a gathering in Northern NY on Rte. 37 near the St. Lawrence River with a number of other small business economic development specialists. The meeting was initiated by Steve Cook, St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Office of Economic Development and attended by Lindsay of the same; Rachel, Steve's counterpart from the Canadian Northern Territory; John (I think, sorry), American Southern Territory Community Development; Michele, Canton SBDC; Ruby, Northern Adirondack Trading Co.; Nick, Comlinks/WEBC (Nick, thx for inviting me on ANCA's behalf). I look forward to working in partnership with Comlinks/WEBC and all the other talented people to present the most useful small business workshops soon on the reservation.

Lindsay and Steve both said that Tami, an artist, had just opened up a shop down the road. I found Tami Bonaparte and Brian Thomas at their gallery Originals on Rte. 37 a bit to the east of, and across the road from the Black Bear Trading Post. Tami who originally had thought this space would be her painting studio wanted to share the location on Rte. 37 with other artists. She is also setting up a matting service and Helen has brought a pottery wheel in to offer workshops.

Her generous heart and talent as an artist has drawn out 15 others since May to display for the first time in a gallery. The artists are Helen Falcone - clay (great personalities), Charlotte King - paint (wood block prints amazing), Bruce Phillips - wood, Theresa "Bear Fox' - vocalist/CDs, Vince David - paint/air brush, Bruce Boots - paint/air brush, Tami Bonaparte - paint/leather, Cassandra Gifford - wood carvings, Allison Benedict - meditation CDs, Chip Issacs (Tami, thx - my friend loved her heron earrings!), Laura Mitchell - baskets, Carrie Hill - baskets, Joe Barnes - paint/air brush, Jordon Thompson - pen and ink (exquisite work) and Tim Oskineegish - paint.

I had time before the meeting to visit the Massena Chamber of Commerce, where Barb was very helpful, and the Seasons Gift Shop. The shop, in a historic home with original stained woodwork perched on a hill with lawn and trees, is full of folk, country, food and candle gifts. Its wrap around porch is a wonderful stop to sip freshly brewed coffee. They have been benefiting from the increased traffic from the hotel across the street which has almost completed its major renovations.

Artists/Artisans/Retailers in The News - So Many!

Online Publicly Juried 3-Dimensional Vessels
Linda Scherz-Allen has submitted three baskets to the 2008 Art in the Round Contest which is a publicly juried, online competition for fine craft artists who create 3-dimensional vessels - such as bowls, vases, teapots, platters, urns, etc. Since this competition will be judged by the public, everyone is invited to sign up for the jury pool. This online event is hosted by BeautifulBowls.com, an online gallery that offers handcrafted art bowls by a variety of emerging and professional fine craft artists. http://artintheround.wordpress.com/learn-more-about-the-artists/linda-scherz-allen/. The Arts Center in Old Forge is the community art program Linda selected as the non-profit to receive her entry fee.

The Recovery Lounge in Jay
Gallery, theatre, music now under the the Upper Jay Art Center nonprofit umbrella as of last year. And what keeps the cash flowing? Their upholstery business - they are true artists of the trade. There's something raw - elemental in this space that I just love. In Recovery Can an arts hot spot survive change? by Annie Stoltie, Adirondack Life, Sept/Oct 2008, p. 9

Painter Tim Fortune's Creative Impact
In their 10th anniversary issue, the Adirondack Explorer interviews Tim and other artists about how Saranac Lake's reputation as an arts community is due in great part to Tim's willingness to committ to projects such as the creation of the Adirondack Artists' Guild and the Third Thursday Art Walks. A town's good Fortune, by Kenneth Aaron, Adirondack Explorer, July/Aug. 2008, p. 10

Eliza DeRocker's Latest Hangbags have Equine Theme
Her high-end handbags sell the best at Saratoga Trunk in Saratoga Springs. Eliza has designed since graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC in 2003, for Ralph Lauren, Wathane Limited (a division of Chanel), Bebe, Express and Lacome. Local designer touts her line of handbags at Saratoga Trunk by Melissa Downer, Saratoga Today, Fri, Aug. 8, 2008, p. 16

Cate Mandigo At Bolton Library
Press release for her two day show includes subject description of her primitive and folk-art paintings and major events in her life as an artist ,ie, the Disney TV program, "Sister Sister" features Cate's print "Daily Double" in the living room of the main set. Bolton Landing by William Morehouse, Adirondack Journal/Denton Publications, Sat., Aug. 9, 2008, p. 5

LARAC Features Works of Internationally Acclaimed Artist Woodward
Ann Woodward, a part-year resident of Warrensburg, is one of five artists exhibiting in the "XS Through XL' show which started Aug. 15 at the Lapham Gallery at LARAC in Glens Falls. Her mixed media collage work is inspired from her stay in Venice, Italy, a year ago. Acclaimed local painter Woodward to exhibit, Adirondack Journal/Denton Publications, Sat., Aug. 9, 2008, p. 10

History of Main Street Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant Building
First built in 1913 as the area's public high school, the building, on the National Historic Register, looks remarkably the same yet bustles with activity from the downstairs restaurant and the upstairs gift shop with clothing and home furnishings. Bruce and Helena Robbins and family say that customers love the historic atmosphere and that they enjoy working with family. Chestertown History Ice Cream Parlor once hosted school, town offices, glove factory, Adirondack Journal/Denton Publications, Sat., Aug. 9, 2008, p. 15

Peter Winter Making Furniture Out of Local Woods in New Gloversville Studio
Peter says Susan Casey's invitation to rent space in her 52 N. Main St. building was very influential in him deciding to move to Gloversville. He says she is really trying to promote art in the area. Branch Manager Furniture maker turns local wood into art at studio, by J. Jude Hazard, The Sunday Schenectady Gazette, Aug, 10, 2008, Business p.1

Ken Gadway Demonstrates Making Bowls out of Burls
People protected by screens were able to watch woodworker Ken carve bowls out of burls on a small lathe that he uses at farmers' markets, craft shows and fairs. Whirling burls, by Mike Lynch, Adirondack Daily Enterprise, July 28, 2008. p. 1

AN Original Jewelry is Sophisticated Edges and "Organic Lines"
Ashley Nizolek is currently colloborating with the Lakeshore Gallery in Bolton Landing. She relies heavily on her website, internet traffic and workd of mouth. Ashley Nizolek: Young Jeweler Takes Inspiration From the Adirondacks, by Michelle DeRossi, The Lake George Mirror, Aug. 8, 2008, p. 24.

Hand-painted Glassware With Adirondack Theme Does Well for Stephanie Richards
Stephanie's Little Luxuries in Ausable Forks has been this artist's storefront for 4 years. One of her specialities is reversed painted glassware that depicts the silhouette of a moose, deer or bear surrounded by a blaze of color. Adirondacks captured in glass, by Robin Caudell, Press Republican, Aug. 18, 2008, Home and Garden p. A6

Show Sales Good, County Sales Taxes Up, Retail Sales?

Peggy Hadcock, Hearts Desire, Little Falls and Lis Barsuglia-Madsen, Heirlooms, Harrisville both have emailed recently that shows are going well for them despite the frequent rains.

Five North Country counties have had an increase in sales tax revenue for the first six months of 2008 as compared to the same period last year. The state average (excluding NYC) increase for the same time period is 3.7%.
The state Dept. of Taxation and Finance reported that sales tax revenue in Clinton County increased by 12.1%, Essex County 3.4%, Saratoga 5.2%, Washington 13.3% and Warren 5% ($524,345 more than last year).
A survey of primarily small shops along Canada St. in the village of Lake George conducted by the Chamber in late June yielded responses that characterized the summer's starting weeks as "poor" to "average." Tax revenue increases surprise officials, Thom Randall, Saturday, August 16, 2008, Tri-Lakes Today, p.5.

Word-of-mouth from Saranac Lake Main Street shopowners is that the rains have brought people in which has been good for sales. One noted that customers seem to have more smaller bills than in previous years.

66% of the NYS lodgings who responded to a survey of business during the July 4th weekend by the NYS Hospitality & Tourism Association stated that their occupancy was as "good, if not better than" the same week last year.
Linda Diello, bookkeeper for High Falls Gorge in Wilmington and Tim Bressette, manager for Ausable Chasm in Ausable Forks agreed that the trend is up for admissions but people are spending "a little" less on merchandise. Tourism Industry Booming Despite Lagging Economy, Matt Bosley, Saturday, August 9, 2008, p. 5.

The year-to-date visitation numbers at the outdoor venues of the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) as compared to last year are down as of Aug. 12 from 101,531 to 87,919. Their indoor venue, the Winter Olympic Museum, has increased from 6,134 to 6,971. Already short summer seems shorter still, Monday, August 18, 2008, Press Republican, p. A5.

Since 2001, annual attendance at Fort Ticonderoga has decreased from 115,000 to 77,000 in 2007 with a 10% increase in 2008. Fort Ticonderoga considers sale of artwork, Chris Carola (Associated Press), The Sunday Gazette, August 10, 2008, p. B10.

Last year I broke down the sales tax revenues for the 14 northern NY counties by some 10 industry types (those associated with tourism and second home growth) within each county from the years 2002 through 2004. The retail industry (non-chain) sales tax revenue average was one of the two lowest ones during those three years. The figures will be posted shortly at http://www.adknccrafts.com/.
I spoke briefly with Lee Kazanas, Jay Craft Center, last week. Lee was torn away from our conversation by a woman who seemed intent on buying every piece in their beautiful shop on the Jay Village Green. I did manage to buy a print Cascade Cairn by the exhibiting artist Lisa Godfrey and one of their trademark four indented corner bowls.
We had been talking about high end sales versus middle class sales. A fine art/antique dealer from Palm Beach, FL, recently told me that his middle class market had dropped out of existence. Selling a $400 dollar painting had become much, much harder for him in the last year than selling a $15,000 one. Lee and I agreed that we have seen the equivalent in the region; the high end rustic furniture makers are selling while the potters and glass makers are more likely to be challenged in making sales.
Retail shopowners with no other income streams, such as selling their own product, may be the most threatened businesses in our region because of the increase in food and gas prices. Many shopowners have already been minimizing overhead and maximizing turnover with very careful inventory purchases over the last few years and moving into other income streams. My hat is raised to all those who continue to welcome customers with a warm smile as they juggle living with a smaller profit margin.

Business in Schroon Lake and Keene Valley

On Monday, August 11, I visited with a number of businesses in the Lower Adirondacks and the High Peaks.

South of Schroon Lake on Rte. 9 Sculptures by Frank, though closed on Mondays, displayed two very visible big signs, www.SculpturesbyFrank.com and Chainsaw Art, as well as product by the road. The signs said it all. Two recently emptied spots in his 3 display areas and one large bench marked sold indicate sales. Frank also has two demonstration areas. The large area, screened in with 3 benches made by him for spectators, had 8 pieces in progress. The chainsaw bears holding welcome signs, beehives, fish, and dressed in coveralls or in baseball uniforms had prices ranging from $85 to $400. 800 # on all price tags. Custom signs and camp wood also for sale.

A little farther north, stil south of the village of Schroon Lake on Rte. 9, Darlene Gregson, Adirondack Rustics Gallery, and I had time to talk. A family came and went. They are coming back. The rustic creations of the Gregson family and other makers are beautifully displayed in a gallery setting. I sat in Sweetie, the only rocking chair not yet sold out of six put out in the gallery early last week. I noticed sold marked on three pieces with prices at $6000, $1200 and $800.

Sweetie, with Barry's trademark seat shaped to fit, is a rocking chair perfectly sized for a woman. I, of course, did not want to leave the chair. Another trademark of the Gregsons, the tactile feel of the wood, I experienced in touching the rockers themselves. So soft. And the rocker kept on rocking after I left.

Darlene said that the ebb and flow of the economy does not seem to impact their buyers, especially collectors. After 29 years in the business, the collectors' children are now buying pieces for their own homes. More and more new customers, Darlene does note, ask immediately "is anything here made in China." It seems that some new customers have bought rustic product elsewhere throughout the region not realizing that it was made in China until closer examination at home.

Matthew, Dylan and Skye are creating/evolving the next generation of rustic collaborating with Barry, their father. Skye is one of the women rustic furniture makers depicted in Bim Willow's upcoming book, Women and Rustic. She also was filmed for an University of NC Woodwright episode titled Making Rustic Furniture last Oct. and has been in numerous other documentaries. Barry was awarded the TAUNY Heritage Award in 2006 as was, Darlene said, a dear friend, Tom Porter, an Indian Traditionalist. The Gregsons continue to "refine and redefine rustic." Barry and Matthew's work will be at the Rustic Fair, http://www.adkmuseum.org/exhibits_and_events/special_events/detail/?id=36 held at the Adirondack Museum on Sept. 6 and 7. http://www.adirondackrustic.com/ or http://www.forestinspiredfurnishings.com/.

In the village of Schroon Lake, the Morning Star Bistro (the owner, a faithful Buyer Days buyer attendee) was packed at 3 oclock in the afternoon. Joanie's Goodies and the gourmet coffeeshop across the street also had a number of tables with customers. The Towne Store was busy - again it was past 3 oclock - the staff had finally found a moment to eat lunch.

In the Towne Store second floor gallery, the regional and American artist and artisan product is grouped together by creator and typically includes some bio information. This store has an huge amount of gift product, including souvenir, country, clothing; a mix of made in China, made in America and made regionally. the owner, Patti Mehn, is offering a series of workshops from mid August to late September as one of the next steps to growing the gallery.

The Towne Store, Morning Star Bistro and other shops sell locally made work which cannot be found outside the Schroon Lake region. Some of the local artists are Tess Daley from Schroon Lake who sells not only her original folkart paintings but postcards and jigsaw puzzles of the same, Mary Stewart's lovely raku pieces, Patti Mehn (owner of the Towne Store) and business partner Renee Headings' bronze cold cast and powder coated silhouette door knockers, Randercko birch tree candle holders and Elizabeth Martin's Wallhangings (her Bear Trail Fiber Wallhanging is beautiful). In Morning Star Bistro, Rustic Charm Pottery has some very saleable lines.

My next stop was with Steve Bowers, Bald Mountain Rustics of Keene Valley, who was filmed this spring (2008) for the PBS Rustic Living TV segment on the evolution of the Westport chair, http://www.mountainlake.org/programming/our_series/rustic_living.html, a 13 half hour series seen on Tuesdays at 9 pm on Channel 57 in the northeast of the Adk North Country region.

He plans to have his root-based Westport Chair finished for the annual Rustic Fair http://www.adkmuseum.org/exhibits_and_events/special_events/detail/?id=36 held at the Adirondack Museum on Sept. 6 and 7. From his sketch it looks like it is an extraordinary piece, combining seamlessly the Adirondack chair style with the rustic. I might have to go just to see the chair.

Steve gives each of his clients a frameable sketch of their piece. This is one of the many ways Steve has, in 3 years, attracted such a client base that he has doubled sales every year and is booked for the next 12 months. Steve is one of the best examples I have seen of someone from the corporate world where his speciality was to start or turn over companies, transitioning successfully into the one man business world. While working for the corporate world out of Northern New Jersey, he began building rustic furniture and his portfolio during a 10 year period.

He was driving through Keene Valley five years ago, took photos of a house along Rte. 73 and, a week later, owned it. He renovated the house and landscaped it from a bare yard into a plant, bush, flower, and vine filled haven and built a workshop in the back overlooking the river that looks like it's always been there.

Three years ago he committed full time to making and selling rustic furniture and has not stopped since. The ground floor of his home, which is his storefront, also includes work from other creators, some from the region such as Glen Bowers (no relation) whose color painting on board of a bear emerging through woods is striking. The fiber wall hanging of a colorful fish made by a friend from New Mexico and the lamp with root and smooth stones base made by another friend from around Buffalo, NY enhance the bigger pieces.

The Cedar Run Bakery/Restaurant in Keene and the Ausable Club for which he built many table and chairs as custom orders refer people to him regularly. Steve, I stopped by the Cedar Run Bakery to buy some of their delicious frozen premade lasagna for dinner and said I was admiring the tables and chairs. The waitress, of her own initiative, gave me your business card. Nice!

Wild Center's First Farmers' Market Great Success
Yesterday I visited the Wild Center in Tupper Lake to visit their first farmers' market. The large ad promoting the market which I had seen at least twice in the Adirondack Daily Enterprise had a great old time woodcut print of a farmer. Many people who come to the Wild Center already lean towards buying local, being green, respecting nature so buying from local producers at the market is a perfect addition to the overall experience.
One vendor, Ellen Beberman from Vermontville and a contact person for this market (go to www.Adirondackfarmersmarket.com and click on Paul Smiths to get her contact info), had totally sold out of her fresh produce by 3 pm. Another vendor, David Tomberlin, Well Dressed Foods, from Tupper Lake, was beaming. The tent in which the four vendors were in had been packed, shoulder to shoulder, before.
Chefs did presentations under the tent and the Wild Center did theme tours. Their green initiative tour was enjoyed by some 25 people; green sedum roof, largest solar panel roof in the park, outdoor compost toilet, eco-pavers for half the parking lot, and more.
Jane Desotelle, Underwood Herbs, Chateaugay, even during the quiet moment when I was there, always had someone in her booth. She had the laminated Made in the Adirondack North Country Product Sold Here sign (www.AdkNCcrafts.com/Products.php) prominently displayed in her booth.
Suzanne N. Rinas, Apiary-Honey Products, Chestertown, sold some honey while I was there.
The Wild Center welcomes more vendors with fresh produce and value added food products to their upcoming Sept. 11 and Oct. 2 markets (1-4pm). They will also host markets in Jan., Feb., and March '09 and plan to have weekly markets in summer 2009. Booth prices are very reasonable and there may even be, during the first year, reimbursement for mileage. It is easy to walk to the tent from the parking lot. The one sandwich board sign at the parking lot was all that was needed. It is not necessary to pay admission to the Wild Center to attend the market. Kerri Ziemann Kziemann@wildcenter.org is the Wild Center contact for the markets.

News From Well-Dressed Foods
For all you shopowners who see David at Buyer Days (April 8-9, 2009), the product line which has been selling the best for him recently is the Spicy Asian Peanut Sauce - A unique Adirondack-Asian fusion.
David is pleasantly surprised at the business he is doing in the shop he opened up in downtown Tupper Lake simply because it was in front of his production and shipping location. The Keene Valley market has not been doing as well for him this summer as it did last summer. The Lake Placid one continues to do well.

Artist Fellowship Grant Workshop in Glens Falls on Aug. 20

NEW YORK FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS will be at LARAC on Wednesday, August 20 from noon-1:30 for a grant workshop for the 2009 Artist Fellowships.

Artists' Fellowships are $7,000 cash awards made to individual originating artists living and working in New York State for unrestricted use. Since the awards began in 1985, NYFA has awarded over $22 million to over 3,688 artists. In 2008, NYFA awarded 136 Fellowships to 144 artists, with eight of them working in a collaboration.

Categories for 2009 are--Digital/Electronic arts, Crafts, Film, Nonfiction Literature, Interdisciplinary Work, Poetry, Printmaking/Drawing/Book Arts, and Sculpture. The application is available at http://www.nyfa.org/files_uploaded/2009_Guidelines.pdf.
*The deadlines for NYFA's 2008-2009 Artists' Fellowships are: October 6, 2008 for Poetry Printmaking/Drawing/Book Arts; October 8, 2008 for
Nonfiction Literature Sculpture; and October 10, 2008 for Crafts/ Digital/Electronic Arts/ Film/ Interdisciplinary Work*

Contact Anne at 518-798-1144 x 4 or anne@larac.org
Lapham Gallery
Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council
7 Lapham Place, on City Park, Glens Falls, NY 12801
(518)-798-1144 ext. 2
Gallery@LARAC.org

Philadelphia Buyers Market of American Craft Opens With Strong Attendance

More than 1500 companies pre-registered for the August show, an increase of 26% over 2008. www.americancraft.com. Email press release from American Craft Council, August 2, 2008

Essex County Reports Increase in Sales Tax Revenues

County Treasurer Michael Diskin reported to the July 21 Essex County Board of Supervisors meeting that revenue from sales tax are up 4.3 percent for the year in comparison to the year before. County Hears Reports From Committees, Free Trader Today, July 28, 2008, p.1

Mall Traffic Is On The Decline

Mall traffic is on the decline as consumers stay closer to home to shop, rather than head to highway locations or cities where larger shopping centers are typically located. ... At the same time, discount chain Family Dollar Stores Inc. has said its rural locations are outperforming the chain as a whole, as more consumers shop locally. All Business: Gas prices spur consumer buying change, by Rachel Beck, AP Business Writer, Adirondack Daily Enterprise, July 25, 2008, p.10

Shop Inventory Management
"Finding the right balance between service and savings can be as much of an art as a science...If the customers who do come in see old inventory, they are not likely to come back for another visit this year.
1. "Moving your store around every two or three weeks can save you... That will help make the merchandise seem like new... Clean every bottle and shelf and add lights... "
2. Control your impulses. Just because you like something does not mean you have to buy it. One way to avoid inventory bloat is to match purchases with sales." Sell $500 worth in pottery, buy $500 in pottery.
3. "How far does your real inventory differ from your documented inventory? ... Measure the disparity by reviewing stock on hand... It may be that you don't have much of the stuff you are really making money on, but you are swamped with stuff that is not moving."
4. How much merchandise do you have that's more than six months old? A year? ... If eliminating five or six slow-moving items would cause your
profits to zoom by 20%, would you do it? ... Sometimes just eyeballing your shelves can do the job... Do a "half off' sale if you need to...

POS companies listed in article:
"Everest Software: www.everestsoftwareinc.com
Integrated accounting, inventory, point of sale (POS) and e-commerce software
JDA Software Group: www.jda.com
POS software integrated with inventory management
RMSA: www.rmsa.com
Software that help you purchase the correct amount of inventory to achieve optimal sales."
Excerpts from Inventory Management, author Phillip M. Perry, Niche Magazine, Summer 2008, p. 81.

One Person Wood Shop Receives 80% of Business via Website
Dan Alleger, New Orleans furniture maker, "describes his website as 'the saving grace' for his business. He estimates about 80 percent of his business comes from his website and 20 percent by word of mouth.
'I take the business of marketing very seriously and do everything I can to get the website out there; Google ranking, search engine ranking,
creating a proper site map, following everyone's protocol so that when anybody types anything about New Orleans and furniture, wood or seating, I want to be at the top. I recently added a "Clients Comments" page to the website and that is one of the pages that gets the most traffic on the site. People want to hear what the other clients are saying.'
Excerpt from Jazzed About His Job, author Brian Caldwell, The Woodshop News, August 2008, p. 39.

Old Forge Hardware Hosts Cancer Awareness Event
Mary Lamphear of Raquette Lake, co-creator of the "Staying the Course" line of inspirational cards for those faced with cancer, will be at Old Forge Hardware on July 27 from 1-3pm. http://www.dock-talk.com/cancer-support-cards.aspx.

ArtWorks Celebrating 20th Year With New Website
Each member of ArtWorks has an About Me description and photos of their creations with links to their websites for those that have them. http://www.oldforgeartworks.com/

Member Kathy Spingler, who started out incredibly successfully with clay wind chimes at Buyer Days four years ago, has her website up. http://www.bouldercoveoriginals.com/

Member Frank Vellone, makes furniture of native hardwoods with clean lines, functionality and solid joinery and finishes them with an oil finish. http://www.fromthewoodsfinewoodworking.com/

New Shop in Inlet - The Cubby Hole
Antiques and Adirondack handmade creations. Robin Dwyer and Dale Huebner are the owners. They are open Fri. and Sat. from 10-5pm and Sun. from 1-5pm. 124 Rte. 28N. bearupnorth(at)frontiernet.net.

More than 90 Artists and Craftspeople at 32nd Annual Arts in the Park at Inlet
On July 19 and 20 at Arrowhead Park people came to buy from 90 artisans from New York state and Pennsylvania. Locals were Mary Maslyn from Moose River Trading Company selling candles, hiking sticks, soaps and more; Sabrina Nedell, formerly of Inlet, as "ADK Girl" with Adirondack inspired sculpture and pottery; Greg and Toni Rudd of Country Collage of Inlet and Utica, with pottery, jams and jellies; Mary Blanchard of South Bay Jewelry, Raquette Lake, with sterling silver and 14kt gold filled earrings, bracelets and neckwear; Nancy Brouty of Boonville with Patchwork Plus Country Home Decor; Joe and Mary Thurston of J & M Crafts in Lowville with leather belts, wallets, cell phone cases and more and Rose Raymond of Yellow Rose Soapworks, Barnveld, with handcrafted all-natural soaps and bath and beauty products.

The Mountain Peddler in Old Forge starts Local Artist Promotion Blog
The Mountain Peddler may be the first retailer to start a blog in the Adirondack North Country region! Congratulations. Their goal is to write about the artisans they represent both in the store and online. Their ad in The Weekly Adirondack, July 10, states "You can sell your stuff in our "Local Artist" section in the store and on the website!" At the present time photographers Melissa Macdonald and Mike Faria have 5 photos posted at http://www.themountainpeddler.com/ on the Local Artists page.

All of today's news was found in The Weekly Adirondack, issues July 10 and 17.

The Shirt Factory in Glens Falls has Website
It's great to see the listings of all the businesses at http://shirtfactorygf.com/. "A business community of Artisans, Craftspeople, Healers and Professionals located in the historic Shirt Factory Building at Lawrence and Cooper Streets in Glens Falls, NY." Business descriptions, images, website links and upcoming events are posted.
As always, I admire the determination of small businesses willing to collaborate in their marketing efforts. And the Shirt Factory, square footage wise, is probably the biggest collaboration in the Adirondack North Country!

Restless Roots - New Shop in Plattsburgh
Restless Roots, just north of the Post Office in downtown Plattsburgh on Miller Street, opened up a few weeks/months ago. Their sandwich board (artistic), open door and "Fine Arts and Crafts" on the window drew me in. Most of their business comes from the people who drive into town to go to the post office.
They are looking for more artisans and artists. Already there are pieces from the furniture maker, Jon Whallonsburg, from Jay; Mark Stowe's jewelry; the owner's clothing and jewelry lines; Jackie Sabourin's pottery and figure drawings by the owner's mother. And others. It's a mix of space rental and consignment (very reasonable rates). I have misplaced their business card but will post their contact info. as soon as I have it. The owner, Jessica, is developing a product sales website for the shop as well.
Yes, keep your overhead to a minimum, select a storefront in a large community near a post office with a lot of on-street parking and commit to regular easy-to-remember hours and your bills will be paid! My compliments to Jessica, the owner, and Alicia, Plattsburgh SBDC staff, who helped in designing the business approach.

Artist Statement Workshop

Glens Falls, NY - LARAC presents artist-educator Dr. Renée O’Brien to lead an Artist Statement Workshop for artists on Tuesday, August 26th from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Dr. O’Brien will assist artists in all disciplines to develop well-written, focused statements about their work and provide insight into how their art functions in the contemporary art world. Artists of all mediums will benefit from this class for applying and showing art in exhibitions in the community and beyond.

Discussion will be on the following; finding your unique perspective, talking to your audience, explaining your story, discussing your influences, communicating your feelings, and introducing who you are and why you are making the art. Attending artists should bring a copy of their current statements, resume, and some samples of their work (can be color copies). The class will include instruction, writing exercises, and actual development of a new statement.

Dr. Renée O'Brien is an artist-educator who exhibits her photographs regionally and nationally, and lectures and writes on the history of art and photography. Dr. O'Brien completed her Ph.D. at NYU with a dissertation on photography and aesthetics, The Post-Romantic Vision of Contemporary Pinhole Photographers. She teaches at Adirondack Community College, Queensbury, NY and Empire State College, Center for Distance Learning, Saratoga Springs, NY.

Pre-registration is required. Cost to attend is $15 for LARAC members and $20 for non-members. Light refreshments will be served. Class size is limited. Please call 518-798-1144 x 2 or email Patrice at gallery@larac.org to register and for directions.

Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council is a non-profit arts service founded in 1972 to promote arts and culture in the region. LARAC is open year round Monday through Saturday 10-3pm and is located at 7 Lapham Place on City Park in Downtown Glens Falls. For more information about LARAC services call 518-798-1144. www.larac.org

Two New Shops - One in So. Colton and One in Tupper Lake

Adirondack Artisans in South Colton opened sometime in the last year. They represent 90 artisans from the region. 3924 St. Hwy. 56. 315.262.2117. www.AdirondackArtisan.net under construction. Northern NY Flair, July 2008

The Well Dressed Food Company has recently opened in Tupper Lake. Located at 95 Park St., David Tomberlin's tastefully packaged foods; sauces, granola blends, nut honeys and more are now available for direct sale to the public. Tomberlin started his specialty food business two and a half years ago. He has done very well at ANCA's annual gift tradeshow, Buyer Days, two years in a row. www.WellDressedFood.com. Adirondack Daily Enterprise, Weekender, July 11-17, 2008

Chicken Coop Forge featured in Albany Times Union
Article describes how the business in Queensbury owned by Mike Parwana and Jeannette Brandt has evolved since it started in the early 1990s. "Parwana and Brandt primarily create custom lighting and fire screens for high-end homes." Read the full article at http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=698187&category=LifeAtHome&BCCode=&newsdate=7/2/2008. Reporter Jill Montag, June 25, 2008

Sculptor John Van Alstine One of 50 Artists Worldwide Chosen to Exhibit at Olympics in Beijing
The Wells-based sculptor created a 16-foot bronze ring with a large stone suspended in the center. The sculpture, titled Rings of Unity-Circle of Inclusion, is a beautifully powerful piece, portraying stillness and motion in balance. http://www.johnvanalstine.com/docs/portfolio/Beijing_Olympic.html

Sara Pfau's Lake Silhouette Pendants Featured in Adirondack Life
"Beyond mere navigational tools, maps have always had a near-mystical pull on the psyche... Sara Pfau, a 24-year-old jewelry designer and metal artist with strong family ties to the North Country, has found that her pendants in the shapes of Adirondack lakes have had a similar effect on people." Pfau has already made pendants of Lake George, Schroon Lake, Lake Placid, and Cranberry and Brant Lakes. She also designs cuff links, brooches, bracelets and money clips. http://www.sarapfau.com/. Adirondack Life, July/August 2008, p. 98.

Modern Hip Use for Small Packbasket
Someone already making packbaskets should consider testing the following version as a product line. Two weeks ago in Saranac Lake, I saw a woman who was carrying a packbasket handbag with a strap long enough to be placed diagonally across the chest with the basket comfortably sitting on the side of the hip. The three that she bought had been made on a whim by a hobbyist. They were beautiful.

24 Ways to Get and Keep a Customer

"Here are ways many (web)sites have failed to serve their customers:

Only 37 percent offer multiple images views of products.
Only 33 percent offer customer reviews.
62 percent have difficult to read fonts.
Only 14 percent allow customers to change the font.
Only 43 percent offer free shipping.
Almost two-thirds do not offer in-stock information on the product page.
While just over half of online retailers have physical stores, only 10 percent offer in-store pickup.
58 percent do not offer shipping costs early in the checkout process. One third have checkout processes with more than 4 steps.
Only 58 percent correctly answer an e-mail question within 24 hours.
Around 80 percent don't seem to get that more ways to pay means more ways to buy. 20 percent offer pay-by-check, 10 percent offer Google Checkout, 20 percent accept PayPal and 18 percent offer Bill Me Later."

Read complete article written by Jason Lee Miller posted on July 1, 2008 at http://www.webpronews.com/topnews/2008/06/30/24-ways-to-get-a-customer-and-keep-a-customer#more.

New Art Fest in Morristown on St. Lawrence River
Mary Ann Evans, of Mare's Wares Pottery (3938 State Hwy 37, Morristown) and the Artisans of the River Valley are hosting an informal Art Fest with artisans from all over coming to share in the celebration of hand crafted goods on Tuesday, July 1.
On a Tuesday, you might ask .. what's that all about??? Well, it's Canada Day, to begin with .. and with Mare's incredible location right on the highway, all she has to do is just sit there, and people stop and buy .. and Canadians more often than not.
Mare's been in the location long enough to know that many St. Lawrence River year 'round and summer residents often take this week off for the July 4th holiday and are already running around looking for something to do. So ... here we are - your something to do!!
Mare has rented a 20' x 30' tent and hired a band to put beneath it; the Bedrock Cafe is catering with a great menu, including a couple of vegetarian choices; there'll be anywhere from 15 to 25 or so artisans set up all over the property selling their wares and having a ball doing it (folks are still signin' on for the day).
We have no idea what to expect, but flyers have been flying ... around Wellesley Island, down in Clayton and Alexandria Bay, in and around Morristown, Ogdensburg, Canton, Potsdam, and in Canada as well. If the weather cooperates, I think it's going to be an event to remember.

Nadia, if you're around the area, stop in!! Ciao for now,

Karan Marie Cross The Wild Inside P. O. Box 1488 Ogdensburg, NY 13669 315 842-2252 www.thewildinside.com
Fun & funky to upscale & traditional jewelry ..... don't be a plain chain, express yourself!

LARAC Workshop; How to Photograph Your Art
Glens Falls, NY - Are you an artist trying to get your work into exhibitions? Presentation is critical to getting accepted into galleries and shows. Learn how to photograph your art in a more professional way in a five hour workshop held at LARAC on Saturday, July 26th from 10am to 3pm.
Harry Wirtz, photographer and owner of Words and Pictures, will moderate this five-hour workshop for artists about how to photograph their own two and three dimensional art for juried shows. Artists will learn how to; make an accurate photo, presentation and format, color management, and when to do it yourself and when to hire a professional.
The workshop includes hands-on demonstrations with professional lighting units as well as cobbled-together rigs. Participants may bring a camera for film as an option since much of the content can apply to film as well.
Harry Wirtz lives in rural Saratoga County and provides images and graphic arts production services for commercial clients and fine artists. Harry has previously done cinematography and film editing.
Fee for LARAC members is $15, for non-members the cost is $20. Pre-registration is required. Please bring your own lunch. Call 518-798-1144 x 2 or email Patrice Jarvis-Weber at gallery@larac.org to register and for directions.
Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council is a non-profit arts service founded in 1972 to promote arts and culture in the region. www.larac.org