Celebrate Local, Shop Local…

Show Us CNY 2015 has arrived in Oswego County! The annual community photo project showcases the art and nature all around us and gives viewers the opportunity to pause and reflect on the beautiful region in which we live.

The project began in 2013 to commemorate Social Media Day. It was launched by Social Media Breakfast Syracuse, a group of social media practitioners and enthusiasts, with the help of nearly two dozen regional organizations.

The concept was simple. People were invited to share their activities or favorite things about Central New York on various social media platforms using the hashtag #ShowUsCNY. Since that time, the movement has grown significantly; from just a little over 300 shares in 2013 to nearly 1,100 images submitted this year.

From this, a traveling juried photography exhibit has evolved to honor the talented artists and showcase the many wonderful communities throughout Central New York. The forty pictures featured in this show were selected by a panel of judges and include both color and black-and-white images in seven categories.

The exhibit includes five photographs that were taken in Oswego County. The selected pieces include the bridge in Minetto and railroad bridge arches in Pulaski, both by Laurel Haller; the lighthouse and break-wall in Oswego by Joe Falcetti; a re-enactment at Fort Ontario State Historic Site in Oswego by Michael Byrne; and Oswego Harborfest fireworks by Michele C. Wood.

 

Laurel Haller's photograph of the Minetto bridge won first place in the "Best of Structure" category.

Photograph of the Oswego Lighthouse and break-wall by Joe Falcetti.

Other artists in the show are Brian Byrnes, Kathryn Cartini, Tara Charles, Kate Collins, Andrea Elliott, Kathleen Paice Froio, Jim Gibbons, Julie Janusz, Dan King, Laura McCord, Adrian Mitchell, Kevin Morrow, Tim Mulcahy, Tim O’Connor, Molly Saunders, Tony Shi, John Szozda, Michael Tracy, and Whitney Wagner.







Photographer Joe Falcetti at the Canal Commons exhibit with his winning entry in #ShowUsCNY15.



The Oswego County Tourism Office and its partners worked together to promote the project and host the exhibit. It opened in Canal Commons on West First Street in Oswego last Friday and will run through Tuesday, January 5, 2016.



The photography exhibit #ShowUsCNY15 lines the halls of Canal Commons in Oswego.



Several winning entries are posted outside the Good Guys Barber Shop.



Friends gather outside Taste the World where more photos are hung.

 

Be sure to visit Canal Commons to see the entire exhibit while you enjoy local holiday shopping!

 

Visit Lakeside Artisans this holiday shopping season.

Lakeside Artisans features a variety of gift ideas crafted by local artisans.

Local artist Kathy Fenlon welcomes visitors to Lakeside Artisans.

Shoppers browse Sensibility Outfitters.

Man in the Moon Candies prepares for this year's holiday season.

For more information about #ShowUsCNY or to see the complete collage, visit showuscny.com.

Cheers!

Kelly

 

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