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