inds of crafts sold:
a wide variety of handcrafted items, including jewelry, ceramics, fiber arts, glass, wood and others. The gallery only sells crafts from New York and the New England region, and features local artists from the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains. The gallery does not sell "country crafts."
Currently looking for:
high-quality, original work by artists from the region. The gallery is especially interested in finding work for the Spring season, such as unusual garden-related crafts, bird houses, baskets, etc.
GALLERY
OWNERS: |
|
Would you like your gallery to be considered for inclusion in Gallery Profiles?
If you have professional photos and/or slides of your gallery, and you're looking to attract new artists and new work, please send your photos and background information to:
The Crafts Report
attention: Kirsten Coughlin
300 Water St.
Wilmington, DE 19801.
|
Prime customers:
"We have a mix of customers including: weekend and summer residents who are usually older, upper-income professionals from the New York metropolitan area and visitors from all over the country (and the world), who come to the Rensselaerville Institute and Conference Center," says owner Sharon Costello. "Also, nature lovers and history buffs who come to see our beautiful nature preserve and historic buildings, and full-time residents, many of whom started as summer residents. Ages and incomes range considerably, and our craft selection aims to please this broad customer base."
Signature crafts:
The work of many artists, including Hope Konecny (jewelry), Sally Bogardus and Bill Colquhoun (pottery), Chris Leith and Paula Scardamalia (fiber art), are showcased. Whenever possible, each artist's work is displayed along with a personal statement.
"We believe that people who buy high-quality crafts are interested in more than just beautiful objects and want to know about the artists and their approach to their work," explains Costello.
Exhibitions:
Several exhibitions are featured each year, and one of three rooms in the gallery is used to house rotating exhibitions. Recent examples include the show "Local Color," featuring artists and craftspeople from the town of Rensselaerville, and "Clear Mountain," featuring the photography of Laurin Trainer. In April, a show called "Birds of a Feather" will feature art and crafts related to "our feathered friends."
Artists are found through:
"Initially, I searched them out through area craft shows, regional art councils and craft guilds," says Costello. "As a fiber artist myself, I already knew many people in the local arts community. While I still seek out artists, many come to me through recommendations from other craftspeople who sell through my shop."
Pricing:
Prices range from $5 to $1,000. The gallery tries to offer a wide range of prices. The artist is responsible for assigning the price (but Costello will advise, if requested).
Purchase/consignment:
Most work sold is on a 60/40 consignment basis. (The artist keeps 60 percent.) However, Costello may purchase some items wholesale if she thinks they will particularly enhance the gallery.
Best-selling price points:
$25-$100 (The average sale is about $75.) Functional work seems to sell the best in the gallery.
Gallery size:
three rooms totalling about 750 square feet
Number of artists currently represented:
about 50
Non-craft items sold:
locally made gourmet jams, honey, herbal products, teas and coffees. Some art work and photography are a part of special exhibitions. The gallery sells handmade and reproduction cards and prints by local artists.
Services offered to customers:
The gallery promotes custom orders and commission work for the artists. They also offer gift-wrapping, gift baskets, gift certificates and corporate gift services. A write-up about the artist/product is provided with each major purchase.
Gallery location:
The gallery is located in an unspoiled 18th-19th century hamlet listed on both the State and Federal Registers of Historic Places. Rensselaerville is a popular summer and weekend retreat for New York City residents.
A 1790s cottage houses the gallery, across the street from the working Grist Mill Museum and less than a block from the 2,000-acre nature preserve and the Rensselaerville Institute.
To submit work to the gallery:
Stop by to show your work or submit slides or photos with a résumé and price sheet. Please note that the gallery only accepts work from New York, New England and some New Jersey areas.
Why selling crafts:
"I am a fiber artist (my studio is also housed in the building), and my husband previously ran a pottery studio/gallery in Albany, N.Y.," says Costello. "We both left the arts to pursue other careers, but have now been drawn back to our first love. We want the gallery to provide a showplace for the many talented artists living in this region."
Kirsten Coughlin is The Crafts Report's editorial assistant.
