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

Play, shop and be merry...

Oswego County is bursting with festive joy this holiday season! Villages throughout the county recently held tree-lighting ceremonies and holiday events to usher in the 2008 season. Throughout the week-end, we toured a few of these communities; meeting our neighbors and joining in the fun!

We celebrated ‘Christmas in Mexico’ with our fellow revelers. While some browsed traditional church bazaars, others shopped merchant open houses, such as Hart & Stone General Store, Main Street, Mexico. Throughout the day, everyone enjoyed the costumed performances of the Friends of Bob Cratchit. Christmas spirit filled the air as people gathered along Main Street to watch the holiday parade and tree lighting. What a joy it was to see so many happy faces as Santa and Mrs. Claus greeted the crowd!

Arriving at the West Monroe Historical Society, we were greeted by the sweet sound of carols sung by the Constantia Methodist Church Choir. Excitement grew among the young and the young-at-heart as we eagerly awaited the arrival of the head elf. Soon enough, Santa made his grand entrance; courtesy of the West Monroe Volunteer Fire Department. The tree was lit against a backdrop of shimmering snow that Santa brought in from the North Pole. Local merchants such as Unique Woodworks, state Route 49, Cleveland and The Bernhards Bay Country Store, state Route 49, Bernhards Bay welcomed guests with an assortment of original gift-giving ideas.

The weather could not keep the resilient folks from coming to ‘Light Up Pulaski’. Santa and Mrs. Claus, of course, were not deterred and spent the afternoon listening to the big wishes of small children. We were welcomed by glad tidings and good cheer when we visited the Pulaski Public Library, which was filled with beautifully ornamented trees and wreaths for their annual decorating contest. With a friendly smile, neighborhood merchants such as The Make Sense Shop, Jefferson Street, Pulaski and The Pulaski Country Gift Shoppe, Jefferson Street, Pulaski greeted shoppers in search of the perfect gift. Selections in hand, we headed to the park where a hearty crowd had gathered to light the Memory Tree.

Here are a few images we captured on our tour:

With carols sung, wishes told, and trees alight, the 2008 holiday season has begun! For a quintessential shopping experience and truly unique gift ideas, be sure to visit your local merchants. For more information about events and shops in Oswego County, call 315/349-8322 or go to http://www.visitoswegocounty.com/.

Cheers,
Kelly