Thursday, May 26, 2011

A New “Great Idea”…

A new “great idea” has come to the Oswego arts community.

The Lakeside Artisans LLC is the 2010 winner of “The Next Great Idea” Business Plan Competition run by Operation Oswego County. With the idea for a retail showcase to promote local artisans, the group beat out nine other contestants to win the $25,000 prize.

Now, that idea has become a reality as the Lakeside Artisans Co-operative recently opened their distinctive shop and gallery in the Canal Commons at 193 West First Street in Oswego. It is a beautiful space where local artists display and sell their fine art and quality craft products – everything from pastels to pottery, watercolor to woodworking, and more!

Here is some of the featured artwork:












The gallery is warm and welcoming. You can browse at your leisure or learn more about the work from the artists at hand. There is a diverse collection of mediums, so you’re bound to find something perfect for your own space; or a great gift idea for someone else. Their work includes painting and prints, cards and calligraphy, ceramics, printmaking, woodwork, fabric art and jewelry.

Many talented artists were in residence during the recent opening reception, including Sandra Dowie, the featured Artist of the Month, and Marcella Slater, a jewelry artisan and harpist who enchanted the audience with her whimsical sound. Other artists offered demonstrations such as watercolor by Carol Burghart, shaker box-making by Master Box Maker Steve Grasselli and professional woodwork finishing by Brian Leary of Lakeshore Hardwoods.

Meet some of the artists here:




Carole Burghart demonstrates the art of watercolor.




Marcella Slater presents enchanting compositions.




Gallery guests enjoy the interactive reception.




Master Box Maker Steve Grasselli discusses his craft.




Artist Jeanne Dupre displays some of her watercolor landscapes.




Artist of the Month Sandra Dowie greets guests with a welcome smile.




Lakeside Artisans Co-op is owned and operated by the artists themselves – “a business by democracy.” Management is decided by election and day-to-day operations are maintained by the active participation of the membership.

The group is currently accepting applications from local artisans and craft persons. In addition to traditional disciplines, they would also like to include: stained glass, basket-weaving, leather and fabric arts.

If you would like to share your talent and live in or around Oswego County and the immediate surrounding area of Northern Central New York, please contact Lakeside Artisans at 315/342-8880 or lakesideartisans@gmail.com for an application. Visit their Web site for more details: http://www.lakesideartisans.com/.

Cheers,
Kelly

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Color, Cosmos and Questions…

Let’s spring back into the arts this season with exhibition opening. The Art Association of Oswego hosts Ron Throop’s collection, “Why Paint Words” now through Sunday, May 29.



"Why Paint Words" Exhibit by Ron Throop


Immediately upon entering the gallery, the mind delights and whirls at the explosion of color in the room. How vibrant! How exciting! You know you’re going to be in for a wildly interesting afternoon. There is intrigue around every corner as you wonder what thoughts you will encounter next.

Even Throop’s mother, Keitha Mazza, ponders, “Who would’ve thought this would be the result when I gave him his first box of crayons?”

Each piece tells a story about the life of this self-proclaimed “shy, unobtrusive American father and husband,” who also admits that he’s really “kinda out there.” Inspired by his family, Throop’s work is intensely creative, passionate and fun.



Ron Throop talks to his sister, Deb Lonczak, in front his autobiography, "Either Books or Children."




Finally, you’ll leave, inspired to question the cosmos on your own.




Question the cosmos with your own creativity!




Here is more fun from Throop’s exhibition:








This exhibit is being shown in the Oswego Civic Arts Center on East Fourth Street (across from the Fort Ontario State Historic Site) in Oswego. Gallery hours are from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday or by appointment. Admission and parking are free.

The Art Association of Oswego also sponsors arts education in the community. For more information or to get involved, call 315-343-5675 or visit http://www.oswegoarts.org/.

Cheers,
Kelly