cazenoviaartisans

ARTISTREES Exhibit and Reception

2011-11-08T06:35:00.000-08:00

What better way to start off the holiday season than with a party? We've got cookies and cider and champagne for nibbling and the shop is filled with decorations and delights for the eye to behold!

Join us this Sunday, November 13th from 1-4 for a reception celebrating the 2011 Artistrees Exhibit. The Artisans are busy creating lots of new pieces for the exhibit - like the cute owlet perched above by fiber artist Jean Henry. Add a new collectible ornament from jeweler Barbara Gilbert's series of Swarovski crystal icicle drops or Marilyn Fegan's limited edition glass globes handpainted with scenes of Cazenovia. Come be festive with us!

"For The Birds" exhibit - An Artist Challenge

2011-09-30T08:22:00.001-07:00

American Craft Week is October 7-16 and that means big doings at the popular Cazenovia Artisans Gallery with an artists' reception from 2-5 pm on October 15. The public is invited to the free reception.

President Marilyn Fegan announced recently that some 25 local artists are expected to participate in the week long "Artist Challenge" For the Birds. This is an opportunity for all members of the coop to take a "flight of fancy" and produce art using the challenge theme as inspiration.

Visitors to the gallery will be "blown away" by a broad representation of the artisans' work. New pieces ranging from newly created paintings, fabric art, pottery, glass work, photography will be featured. Also, the work of two new artists will be on display for the first time in the gallery - watercolorist Ceil Pigula and fabric artist Wendy Edwards.

Please join us on Saturday, October 15 from 2-5 pm for what promises to be a real "tweet" time!

Tom Dwyer photo serves as artist inspiration

2011-06-12T17:08:00.002-07:00

I just wanted to let everyone know about an exciting event for me. This coming weekend, June 17-19, the Crawl Space Gift Shoppe and Art Gallery, 5966 Rt. 281, Little York, NY, will host an "Artist Collaboration," a season opening show featuring the work of 12 Central New York artists. It's especially exciting to me because the whole show keys off of one of my images, Pine Creek Reflections (seen here), as the other artists exhibit work "inspired by my image." The Crawl Space welcomes back some 30 talented artists again this year and it's a bone fide thrill to have so many of them kicking the year off based on one of my images.

I hope some of my new friends at the Cazenovia Artisans will be able to take in the show and I'll be anxious to hear your impressions.

Artists will be on hand to discuss their individual work Friday from 5 to 8 pm; Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm; and Sunday from noon to 4 pm. The show will hang through the middle of July. I encourage anyone electing to visit after the opening weekend to check the Crawl Space website for current hours of operation beyond this weekend.

Sue Ellen Romanowski included in Stone Quarry Art Park Exhibit "Not Your Grandmother's Bedspread"

2011-06-05T11:43:00.000-07:00

Cazenovia Artisan Sue Ellen Romanowski is one of several quilters chosen to exhibit her work at the Stone Quarry Art Park in Cazenovia, NY. Her 52"x 40"quilt is titled "Spiraling into Summer"
The exhibit titled "Not your Grandmother's Bedspread" opens June 12. Sue Ellen's quilt is one of 66 pieces on display and was chosen from among 144 entrants representing 10 countries and 19 states.
ArT-QuILT ExPERIENCE is presented in conjunction with Cazenovia College, The Art Quilt Experience (TAQE) group and Stone Quarry Art Park. The opening receptions will take place Sunday June 12 at the Art Park from 3:00- 5:00 pm and at Cazenovia College Reisman Hall Art Gallery from 4:30-6:30 pm. Both receptions are free and open to the public.

Holiday Ideas

2010-12-17T01:05:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for some special items for your holiday decorations and gifts, check out the selections in our ArtisTrees collections.

Each year Marilyn Fegan creates a new design for her Cazenovia inspired ornaments. This year's design features local historic landmark Lorenzo, viewed from Cazenovia Lake. Add one to your collection of Cazenovia landmarks or choose one of her popular black and cream geometric designs.

Or bring a sweet whimsey to the season with a blessing angel by Lori Portka. Only a few are made each year, and this year they are quickly flying off to new homes. You can check out her other paintings, cards and prints available in the shop.

The cute factor is topping the charts with Heather Sackett's earthenware gingerbread ornaments and Joanne Gilbert's illustrated children cutouts. And there's always room on the tree for Barb Gilbert's and Peggy Van Arnam's crystal drops and snowflakes, Shauna Walsh-Watkins' glass globes or Paula Burke's porcelain snowmen. And there is so many more wonderful itmes to choose from.

Stop in, have a cookie and pick your favorite ornament to keep or share.

American Craft Week

2010-10-02T11:24:00.000-07:00

Come and visit Cazenovia Artisans as we help celebrate American Craft Week from October 1 through 10. We are the only gallery representing Central New York in this first year of the celebration. Cazenovia Artisans is an artists’ cooperative, and this November we are proud to celebrate the start of our 9th year of showcasing fine arts and crafts and wonderful wearable art - all made locally. Stop by the gallery any time during the week and you just might find an artist demonstrating their craft. And whenever you visit, you will always find at least one of our artists ready to talk about what we love to do - art!

American Craft Week is a coast-to-coast celebration of handmade American crafts and the people who make them. The nation-wide festivities promise artful and fun answers to the question, “What is still made in America?” and feature more than 200 events where the public can meet artisans for whom crafting is a business.

Galleries, schools, museums, artists, guilds, and libraries across the country will be holding events showcasing American craft. American Craft Week is a project of the Craft Artists and Retailers for Tomorrow (http://www.craftonline.com/) and Craft in America (http://www.craftinamerica.org/). For more information on American Craft Week, and a complete listing of participants and events, please go to http://www.americancraftweek.com/.

Watch a glassblower or a cabinetmaker at work. Tour pottery studios or fine craft galleries. Art strolls, exhibitions, open houses, talks, craft demonstrations, trunk shows and festivals are scheduled in more than 40 states. The celebration will culminate with a national symposium, “Crafting a Nation,” at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C.
“Now, more than ever, people are recognizing the enduring value of handmade craft,” says Diane Sulg, co-chair of American Craft Week. “Consider also the economic benefits of employing Americans to create and sell these beautiful, cherished items, and we can all support and celebrate American craft.”

A state-by-state list of American Craft Week activities and participating galleries can be found online at http://www.americancraftweek.com/ . Appealing to residents and tourists alike, these events feature contemporary and folk crafts in many mediums -- and many of the events are free.

At the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, craft industry leaders, scholars and enthusiasts will gather October 8-9 for “Crafting a Nation,” a national discussion about the roles of age-old craft in making a modern living, rebuilding America’s Main Streets and revitalizing the economy. The symposium is free and open to the public.

American Craft Week is a project of the Craft Retailers and Artists for Tomorrow (CRAFT) and Craft in America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of craft and the celebration of its impact on our nation’s cultural heritage.

Major sponsors of American Craft Week include the American Craft Council, AmericanStyle magazine, Americans for the Arts, ArtfulHome.com, Silver Dollar City, Ornament magazine, New York International Gift Fair, Society of North American Goldsmiths/Metalsmith magazine, National Association of Independent Artists, Sugarloaf Mountain Works and WholesaleCrafts.com.

“Crafting a Nation” is presented by the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Americans for the Arts and Craft in America.

Dick English

2010-08-12T16:17:00.000-07:00

It is with great sadness that we share news of the passing of one of our beloved founding members, Richard English, on July 19.

Dick was an engineer for Carrier and after his retirement he pursued his great love of art. He was a well known water colorist and his work is dispersed around the world. A member of the Cazenovia Water Color Society, Central New York Water Color Society, Associated Artists and Rotary International, he still found time for his other love - sailing.

We miss him dearly.

Dick English booksigning

2010-06-03T12:54:00.000-07:00

Saturday, June 5, from 3 to 5 p.m.

Well-known, local watercolor artist Dick English has published a children’s book called Letters from Max. The paperback book presents a collection of cartoons and stories he wrote and illustrated for his grandchildren while on vacations during the past decade. The stories tell the adventures of an imaginary bunny named Max who traveled with Grandpa. They were sent from vacation back home to his grandchildren who, though they couldn’t actually accompany Grandpa, were well aware of his adventures through Max. Dick found that drawing cartoons was an excellent way to communicate with young children.

Dick English is a charter member of Cazenovia Artisans which is sponsoring a book signing on Saturday, June 5, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the 39 Albany St. gallery. Letters from Max and More Letters from Max, a sequel for slightly older children, will both be available for purchase and signing.

Dick always thought it would be fun to be a cartoonist, but practical reality led him to an engineering career in product research and development. Drawing was not far from his mind when he took up landscape painting with a passion in retirement. His realistic depictions of Cazenovia scenes as well as those of Hilton Head, the Adirondacks, Maine and France hang in many area homes as well as in many public buildings. He is a familiar exhibitor in area art shows and is often honored for his efforts. A Dick English painting is a frequent wedding or Christmas present; in his books he has now produced a series of paintings for young children.

‘Get to know the Artisan’: Faith Dickinson

2010-04-21T10:42:00.000-07:00

Tianna: Tell me about your experience with Cazenovia Artisans from 2002 till now in 2010…

Faith: The experience has been a very good and positive one. There have been a lot of changes as we have progressed and expanded. It has been very interesting to see all the the artisans their particular art or craft that are with us now or have come and gone. It is always interesting to see a mix of ideas and different personalities. We’ve had our growing pains and they will continue as we morph into different areas, thoughts and ideas.

T: What is your media?

F: Candles. More and more natural products/ natural basis for products are appearing and are catching on with the general consumer as they look towards the three R's.

T: Where is your hometown?

F: East of here. Johnstown, NY.

T: Schooling?

F: Syracuse University.

T: Any children or grandchildren?

F: Yes, I have three children and three grandchildren.

T: Pets?

F: Not at the moment.

T: Do you have a target customer?

F: Candles don’t really have a target customer. They can be an impulse buy, an addition to a gift, a decorative accessory, etc.

T: What does art mean to you?

F: My medium falls into a craft but art for me is a very emotional thing. It is incredibly important, it feeds your soul. Art doesn’t have to be what a person does, it can be as simple as what we see when we look out our window, hold in our hands, or see with our hearts.

T: Do you have a favorite quote?

F: No, way too many to choose just one. I try to live by anything that is good and beneficial, nothing that will harm or hurt.

T: Hobbies/Interests?

F: I like to do and try many different things. Let’s just say: reading, learning, doing.

The Fantastic Four!

2010-04-08T10:19:00.000-07:00

I would like to make it aware that the first four 'Get to know the Artisan' blog posts are interviews with the four original members of Cazenovia Artisans.

Already posted are Sue Ellen Romanowski and Peggy Van Arnam.

Look for Faith Dickinson and Richard 'Dick' English soon!

'Get to know the Artisan': Peggy Van Arnam

2010-04-08T09:53:00.000-07:00

Tianna: Tell me about your experience with Cazenovia Artisans...

Peggy Van Arnam: Let me tell you a story. I was looking for a spot to make beads. The man who owns the space that is now the college bookstore put an ad in the newspaper about creating an incubator center. I wasn't interested in starting a business but I wondered about starting an artisan cooperative. So I got on the phone to find the best quilter, the best potter, etc. We ended up getting 14 people together; we had 3 1/2 weeks to get ready to open and on November 1, 2002, we opened. We came up with a name and a logo, became incorporated, got a credit card and started dividing jobs, like advertising. I was the non-elected coordinator for the first 6 months. Faith Dickinson was president for the next 2 years. Four months after opening the landlord began building the college bookstore, so we moved into our current spot. With more space we then acquired more artisans. We will celebrate our 8th year in business in November.

T: Why did you want to go into the jewelry business?

PVA: I have just retired from SU. I was very interested in glass and beads. When I traveled for SU with students I would visit bead shops abroad, bringing home lots of beads. I sold some jewelry at the farmers markets, but that is difficult. I wanted to sell somewhere more regular, so I could keep buying beads and making and selling jewelry.

T: Obviously your media is bead jewelry...

PVA: Yes. I do some other things: chains, bracelets, necklaces. I go to the bead shows in Arizona every winter. This winter I learned kumihimo, a Japanese weave for jewelry making.

T: Where is your hometown?

PVA: I grew up outside of Philadelphia, PA. I consider Cazenovia my home though, I've been here for 37 years.

T: Children? Grandchildren?

PVA: Yes. Three sons, all married. Two live in North Carolina, one in Philadelphia. I have seven grandchildren.

T: Any pets?

PVA: Not anymore. Been there done that. (Laughs)

T: How would you describe your target customer?

PVA: Women, or men buying jewelry for women. I like to make jewelry to complement outfits.

T: What is your schooling?

PVA: I'm a graduate of Mount Holyoke College, and have a masters degree from SUNY Albany.

T: Have you won any awards?

PVA: The best reward for me is when a customer comes back and buys again. Customer satisfaction is very important to me.

T: How do you deal with mistakes?

PVA: I undo them! (Laughs) I usually start with an idea, not always a good one. Sometimes I make something and put it on a stand to observe it for a few days. That way I can see what I want to redo, like adding color or changing the length.

T: Advice you would give others trying to sell handmade jewelry?

PVA: The most important thing is to find out what customer wants. Artist like to make what they like, BUT you also need to sell. Customer service is important too. I like to use a personal touch, like writing thank you notes, that bonds customers to me.

T: Do you have any hobbies or interests?

PVA: Travel! I've visited Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, Canada, France, Italy, England, and Holland. I've been in every state but North Dakota!

T: Do you have a favorite quote?

PVA: It's a quote by Montaigne. It starts "we must be careful with beginnings". It can be applied to many things whether it is making jewelry or starting an organization. When you start something it is hard to foresee problems ahead of time. It's difficult if you are stuck with something later that you decide you don't like. So proceed thoughtfully.

T: Anything else you would like to add?

PVA: I think art can contribute immensely to the vibrancy and well-being of a community, I hope Cazenovia Artisans is doing that.

Art of the Earth - eARTh

2010-04-05T10:54:00.001-07:00

This past week Mother Nature dropped spring on Central New York in a glorious flash of sunshine and birdsong! Each day there are more green shoots popping open and more of us two- and multi-legged creatures out enjoying sunshine and fresh air. Once again, out of what had seemed to be all brown, cold and lifeless Nature has coaxed new growth - a rebirthing.

The artists of Cazenovia Artisans have been busy as well - creating new from old. Randy Akers uses only local, reclaimed trees to make his turned wooden bowls. After hauling a fallen tree home, he spends a year curing, cutting, sizing, turning and fashioning the wood into a bowl. When a tree given to Cazenovia College by the class of 1905 fell onto the quad, Randy retrieved it and gave it new life in his bowls. Randy also reclaims old bowl-turning machinery and rebuilds it. Wood scraps are turned into wine bottle-openers and candle holders; sawdust is used as mulch in his garden.

Recently, wood has been whispering a new song to furniture maker Devon McCrae. Lured by a love of old time music, Devon has extended his repertoire to include musical instruments made from native woods cut on his own land. He will be playing one of these new instruments at the:

Artists Reception

Friday, April 9

5:00-8:00 pm

Cazenovia Artisans
39 Albany Street
Cazenovia, NY 13035

And, if you would like to know just what kind of an impact we individuals have on this lovely garden planet called Earth, join us for a special presentation by Jim Watkins, a PhD candidate in Natural Resources at Cornell. During this workshop, Jim will lead interested participants in a process of “calculating your own carbon footprint and finding ways to reduce it” with informative handouts available.

Carbon Footprint Workshop

Saturday, April 17,

1:00-3:00 pm

Cazenovia Artisans
39 Albany Street
Cazenovia, NY 13035

'Get to Know the Artisan': Sue Ellen Romanowski

2010-03-08T07:16:00.000-08:00

Tianna: Tell me about your experience with Cazenovia Artisans from 2002 till now in 2010.

Sue Ellen: It is great, it's a family. We have had our challenges.

T: What is your artistic media?

SE: Fabric is my media. My favorite and most expressive artwork are my artistic wall hangings. However, they don't sell as I would like. I also do table runners, handbags, and wine bags.

T: Who is your target customer?

SE: I would say women. Probably ages 20-70. Women who don't follow the path, who aren't fashion oriented but more artistically oriented.

T: Events? Shows? Awards?

SE: (Giggles) Yes. I don't do art and crafts shows but my work does end up at outside events. Like Betts Library, during there cabin fever quilt show. As for awards yes. (Shyly) I was accepted into an international quilt show. That was very exciting.

T: How do you deal with mistakes in your work?

SE: I just set them aside as scraps and eventually use them later by rejuvenating them into new pieces, its fun.

T: What is your hometown?

SE: Paris (long pause) Illinois. Corns and soybeans, born and raised. There until I went off to college to University of Illinois and Michigan State.

T: How did you get here? Interests as a child...

SE: I was always playing with color and fabric as a child. I would sew as a young child, making my own clothin, pillows, and stuffed animals. In 1996 is when I began to quilt. I like to think of myself as a fabric or fiber artist, not a quilter.

T: Do you have any children? Grandchildren?

SE: No. I have my pets.

T: Tell me about your pets...

SE: I have a male dog named Gus who is a mutt. I also have a male cat named Orion. Cats are hunters so I named him Orion like Orion's belt in the winter sky.

T: Tell me about your beautiful gardens...

SE: I love them! (Big smile) I love playing with color in the garden as well as in my art. I enjoy all aspects of gardening: smelling the dirt, weeding, listening to birds. My garden consists mainly of flowers but I do have a few tomatoes, and some lettuce, peppers and squash.

T: What does Art mean to you?

SE: Art is what makes us human. It's expression, emotion, beauty. I'm not into making political statements in my art.

T: Do you have a favorite quote?

SE: With the garden, 'The favorite plant is the one thats blooming right now'. With art, 'My favorite quilt is the one I'm working on right now'.

...I'm a very lucky lady. I have a wonderful life. It's a good life...

It was such a joy getting to meet and chat with Sue Ellen. She has such a contagious uplifting and inspiring personality. Come back next week to read the next 'Get to Know the Artisan'.

- Tianna K. Arden, Intern

The Illusive Self

2010-03-08T06:49:00.000-08:00

"A self portrait is without boundaries, allowing artists to portray themselves as they wish to be seen. They are also invitations to connect with the artist on a deeper level, allowing other to peer inside and see aspects both hidden and in full view."

- Cate Coulacos Prato, Mixed Media Self Portraits

What are the distincive things that make me "me"?

How do I see myself?

How do I want people to see me?

What do I hide?

How can I express my many different sides?

For some it is hard to come up with answers to these questions. The artists at Cazenovia Artisans took this challenge, to create individual self portraits to be on display for the month of March.

Join us at the special artists reception of 'The Illusive Self' on Sunday March 14th from 1-4pm.

- Tianna K. Arden, Intern

Heart Art

2010-02-02T12:36:00.001-08:00

CAZENOVIA ARTISANS will be featuring "Heart Art" January 23 through February 15, 2010. The artisans have created tokens of love with Valentine's Day in mind. Marilyn Fegan's painted bowls and Jean Henry's scarves artfully integrate hearts into their designs. Jewelry artists have created jewelry with special meanings. Loveable teddy bears by Lynne Fleming are wonderful
gifts for children as well as hand knit sweaters by Carol Bentley. Lori Portka's colorful and lively paintings and cards reflect her love of life. All artisans have made "Heart Art" a beautiful display of handmade works in a variety of media.

Menorah for Festival of Lights - FurnARTure Style

2009-11-12T09:53:00.000-08:00

Artisan Marilyn Fegan has created a beautiful and very colorful Menorah in time for this year's Hanukkah, which begins on December 11th this year, and continues for 8 days. What an artful way to celebrate this festive Jewish holiday!

Our Artistrees Have Arrived!

2009-11-10T09:26:00.001-08:00

This past Sunday marked the debut of this year's Artistrees! The trees are in, with more expected to arrive soon. They are full of a wide variety of lovely and creative ornaments for your holiday tree. There are earrings, brass swirls, fabulous fabric flowers, Swarovski crystals, oragami, little original paintings, hand made glass ornaments, and hand painted glass balls. Come see what the elves at Cazenovia Artisans have been busy creating, and find an original work of art to grace your or a loved one's tree! More trees will be arriving soon, so check back here for updates!

Toys for the Holidays

2009-11-07T18:04:00.000-08:00

Just in time for the upcoming holiday season, Don Edwards' beautiful handmade wooden toys are back in the shop. Don is a third-generation toy maker, and the careful craftsmanship of these delightful wooden toys show the attention to detail that has been maintained through generations of his family. As one of the founding members of the shop, just beginning its eighth year, the shop is very happy to have Don's toys back in the shop - but just for the holidays, so get 'em while they last!

Bundle Up Your Babies

2009-11-05T18:14:00.000-08:00

Do you have babies, toddlers or young children who need to be bundled up against the sure-to-be-here-soon cold weather? Then head into the shop to see the hand knitted children's sweaters of one of our newest members. Carol Bentley hand knits beautiful sweater in a wonderful variety of sizes, styles, and colors for little ones, from babes-in-arms to young children. She knits under the name "Aunt Kidder" and each sweater is graced with a label bearing this name. Her mission statement, included with each sweater, attests to the care with which it was crafted, and the heirloom quality of the pieces. These sweaters are sure to please both the adults who buy them and the children who wear them! Welcome to the shop, Carol!

Adorn Yourself - Adorn Others

2009-11-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

November's theme in the shop is "Jewelry Expressions: The Art of Adornment" and features five of the shop's jewelers: Dee Von Hunke, Shauna Walsh Watkins, Peggy Van Arnam, Barbara Gilbert, and Celeste Friend. Their work is now prominently displayed at the front of the shop, where you can easily browse all of their work together. Join us for a reception on Sunday, November 15th, from 2-5pm, in the gallery, when you can enjoy some refreshements, appreciate the wide variety of jewelry styles we have to offer, and meet the artists. We hope you can come!

Keeping It Fresh

2009-11-02T18:28:00.000-08:00

A new month has rolled around yet again (so soon?), and that means one thing for certain at the shop: things will look different the next time you are in. A crew of hard working and creative members of the cooperative showed up at the shop Sunday around closing time to rearrange, well, just about everything, all under the dependable leadership of the merchandising chair, Dee Ann Von Hunke. This is called "merhandising" and it involves moving most everything around. We do this to make sure that everything gets seen and nothing gets stale, and in order to highlight both new members and our monthly featured artists. (November's feature is 'Jewelry Expressions', so most of the jewelry is now prominently displayed in the front of the shop.) It is hard work (imagine rearranging all the furniture in your house in one day and you get begin to get the idea...) but we have fun doing it. Most of all, we hope that this helps you to appreciate all the fine arts and crafts we have on display at Cazenovia Artisans!

Happy Anniversary to Us!

2009-11-01T05:52:00.001-08:00

November 1st marks the anniversary of Cazenovia Artisans, which opened in 2002. Our cooperative and shop have been in operation for seven years now, and so as of today we step confidently into our eighth year. And we are going strong! While our membership has changed over the years, at the heart of our community of artisans are five people who have been part of the cooperative from its very beginnings. Faith Dickinson, Dick English, Willie Gilmore, Sue Ellen Romanowski, and Peggy Van Arnam are each founding members. Our hats are off to them for their years of hard work and commitment that have kept our cooperative the thriving business it is!

They're Selling Fast!

2009-10-28T18:51:00.001-07:00

If you stop to read the tags on Marilyn Forth's beautiful batik painted wall hangings you'll notice that many of them now read "Sold"! And it's no wonder, given how wonderfully luminous they are. She paints directly onto pure silk, using hot wax to outline her designs, resulting in crisp paintings of strong, vibrant colors. There are many flowers that seem to glow from within, but she also depicts human figures and landscape scenes, such as the boats tied at a dock that you see below with Marilyn at her opening in the gallery: Her opening was a gala event, with lots of people to admire Marilyn's creativity and share in the festivity!

Artistrees Event

2009-10-28T12:12:00.000-07:00

ARTISTREES

The annual Cazenovia Artisan's ARTisTREES event is a local favorite - co-opmember artists make "trees" and adorn them with special ornaments for the holidays. The trees are unique, beautiful, artful and festive. . . and some are out of this world! Each year it gets better and better!

Tasty cookies and sweet apple cider will be served at the opening on Sunday, November 8, 1-4:00 - and the trees will be up throughout the holidays. Come check it out! Here are some pictures from last year.

October's Featured Artists

2009-10-21T09:57:00.000-07:00

For the month of October, our theme is "Timeless Art", featuring Bonnie Slocum, Don Kraus, and Bobbi Lamb. Bonnie's baskets, woven from reed, grass, and willow, are in the ancient tradition of basket making carried on all over the world. To appreciate one of her baskets is to appreciate handcrafted functional objects that have been serving human needs for millenia. Don's clocks both remind us of the time of day while also allowing us to appreciate the beauty of rare woods and the trees from which they come. Bobbi's pottery is both beautiful and functional - they are worked by hand and finished with glazes of her own making. What better way to enjoy your morning cup of tea or coffee than in one of her lovely mugs? Visit the shop soon to appreciate what these artisans have on offer!

Clothesline Show 2009

2009-09-23T08:52:00.000-07:00

The Clothesline Festival 2009 was another very nice show sponsored by the Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester, NY. This year's show, going strong for more than 50 years, was another in a long line of successes for this show. On Saturday morning, devoted arts patrons lined up outside, despite the light rain, for at least an hour before the gates opened. This year, four members of Cazenovia Artisans were on hand to show their work to Rochesterians: Barb Decker, Celeste Friend, Carl Hoffner, and Shauna Wilson (of whom we were unfortunately not able to get a picture...) were all there enjoying what turned out to be a lovely weekend (after that light rain finally gave way to sunshine).

Debra Green's Demonstration

2009-08-20T13:42:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday, August 16th, Debra Minette Green came into the shop to demonstrate how she makes her hand sculpted porcelain statues of wildlife. She worked on a leopard resting on the branch of a tree. Starting with a big block of porcelain clay, a bowl of water, and her hands,
she deftly turned this simple raw material into something we could all recognize as the form of the big cat. All of her sculptures are made by hand, one at a time, beginning with nothing but clay and an idea in her fertile imagination. First she fashioned the trunk of the branch the leopard would be resting on, then she added some temporary supports to hold up the branch while she worked on the feline body. First, the torso of the cat was added, then a tail, legs, and head appeared.
Before we knew it, we could recognize the cat in front of us! Of course, there was still a lot of work ahead of Debra. After working in all of the details which will make the leopard come alive, the supports beneath the trunk will have to be removed, and the piece will be partially hollowed out from the bottom. The sculpture will be painted and, finally, fired, and will eventually come to the shop to keep company with Debra's impressive collection of a variety of animals from dogs to bears, other big cats and giraffes. Look for it in the shop before too long! And while you're in the shop be sure to check out Debra's new collection of carefully crafted leather purses and handbags.

Drawing a crowd!

2009-07-21T06:04:00.000-07:00

Whew! The gallery was humming and the sewing machine was smoking this past Sunday, as Sue Ellen Romanowski demonstrated machine quilting in the shop. Nationally known for her quilts, Sue Ellen is also a recognized instructor, which comes as no surprise to everyone who crowded into Cazenovia Artisans that afternoon. Check out Sue Ellen's work in our last post.

And here are some more fun things coming up this month and next. . .

Friday, July 31st in the evening for Cazenovia's Finally Friday celebration, the MacRae Brothers - Devon and Austin - will be playing live music in the shop. Devon is one of our artist members and besides playing music he handcrafts beautiful tables and chests from native woods of maple, cherry, ash and butternut - some cut from the woods behind his home.

The dog days of August will be upon us soon - and as this summer has been so cool and rainy, we are celebrating August with "All Creatures Great and Small." We will be featuring three of our artists who sculpt animals - Debra Minette Green, Jeanne Joslyn and Elaine and Frank Valetta. On Saturday, August 15th, from 1-3 pm, Jeanne will be sculpting her dogs and horse portraits in the shop, and on Sunday, August 16th, from 12-4 pm, Deb will be demonstrating her porcelain wildlife sculpture - you can see her work in the photo above.

New Works by New Artists

Two new artists joined us last month. The first is Richard Emory, a photographer whose work evokes a pensive sense of place and time. "Usually, I prefer early morning. This picture was shot in Jockey Hollow National Historic Park, outside of Morristown, NJ, where I grew up. A lot of my pictures have a natural frame. In this case, the dogwood blossoms. I try to find dirt roads; "roads less traveled" and that is where I usually discover beautiful images."

Celeste Friend taught philosophy at Hamilton College and turned a vision of being a silversmith into reality. Now her knowledge of philosophy influences her metalwork as well as her students. The eternal circle of life dances through her jewelry - circles and circles linked by - of course - more circles! Spiraling through all those circles are little surprises of fringed dangles, snippets of gold, and small gemstone treasures.

Quilts and more

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July has arrived with a splish and a big splash! The Cazenovia Sidewalk Sale over the 4th of July weekend was a great success - in spite of several thunderstorms that rivaled the fireworks displays on Saturday night.

For July we are featuring the work of Sue Ellen Romanowski. Her award winning quilts reflect a gardener's love of color. Visit master gardener Sue Ellen's gardens and you'll see where the patterns, shapes and colors of her quilts come from.

And we can't forget about Sue Ellen's favorite two week quilting event, Quilting by the Lake in Syracuse, NY, a wonderful conference for quilters and fiber artists. Originally located in Cazenovia, the program has moved to the campus of Onondoga Community College. Check out the Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center website for more information. http://www.quiltingbythelake.com/

This month's special event is:

Sunday, July 19, 1:30-3:30 pm

Sue Elen Romanowski

Demonstration of machine quilting

It's our first post!

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Welcome to our new blog!

Let us introduce ourselves - Cazenovia Artisans is a cooperative of artists and craftspeople located in historic Cazenovia in central New York. The village and its picturesque lake are nestled in the rolling hills that lie east of Syracuse and has been a favorite summer destination for many families.

In fact the area inspires many of our artists to recreate its beauty in their work. Our blog header is a watercolor of the village done by one of our members - Marilyn Fegan. You can't see our gallery shop in the picture as it is tucked just out view on the drawing to the left side at 39 Albany Street. I guess we should ask Marilyn to do an extension for us!

"The Spinnakers" watercolor, above, by Richard English captures a typical summer afternoon on Cazenovia Lake. Just listen and you can hear the slap of the water against the hull. Well known for his sailing scenes, Dick is even better known for his winter scenes. And around here he gets plenty of opportunity to paint fresh fallen snow!

It's spring, glorious flower bedecked spring. We have fallen in love all over again and are celebrating with a Faeryland Wedding for June. Moon colored pearls, sparkling crystals and silver chains bedeck the fair lassies with bridal jewelry by Barbara Gilbert. If you follow the sounds of burbling water you might just find a tiny elf peeking out from behind one of Heather Sackett's earthenware fountains. And to dance the night away, wrap yourself in a frothy silk/wool felted scarf by David and Dorita Reyen.

We have some events to share with you this month too!

Friday, June 12, 6-8 pm
Erica Downey,Masquerade Artist
Demonstration of her fantasy masks

Saturday, June 20, 1-3 pm
Barbara Gilbert of Spiral Journeys Jewelry
Will be available for bridal jewelry consultations

Friday, June 26, 6-7:30 pm
Mary O'Reilly, Harpist
Playing on our porch for Finally Friday

Tuesday, June 30, 2-4 pm
Heather Sackett
Demonstration of her clay sculpture