Albany Holiday Crafts on Madison

Join Us This Saturday 10am -5pm

2011-11-04T19:11:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the festive atmosphere at The Woman's Club this Saturday, November 5 for the second day of Holiday Crafts on Madison. Doors open at 10am!

See you there!

{Quilt by exhibiting artist Cherry Schacher}

McGillycuddy's To Return

2011-11-01T09:16:00.000-07:00

Returning to Holiday Crafts On Madison is the ever-popular soaps and skin care products from Kendall and Deb McGillycuddy!

Make sure to visit their shop in Sharon Springs, too...

Loretta Fontaine

2011-11-01T09:11:00.000-07:00

Jewelry by Loretta Fontaine - sterling silver with miniature original photographs.

Nancy Miller

2011-11-01T09:06:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy to share Holiday Crafts On Madison artist Nancy Miller's work with you. But are you aware of her volunteer work with Double H Ranch? Read about it here.

Julie Branch

2011-11-01T08:54:00.000-07:00

Work by Holiday Crafts On Madison artist Julie Branch.

Here is one of the pieces that I'll have at the show...
See you on Friday!

Julie Branch
p.s. the caption on the piece is "Cornelia was at that time in her
life where she had finally decided to have the time of her life."

The Bill Leary Trio To Perform

2011-10-30T09:56:00.000-07:00

What else can entice your friends to come out to 6th Annual Holiday Crafts On Madison during First Friday in Albany?

Next Friday, November 4th, Holiday Crafts On Madison will feature the tasty jazz sounds of The Bill Leary Trio - Bill Leary on sax, Paul Borrello on vibes, and Michael Roach on piano.

Postcards!

2011-10-30T09:52:00.000-07:00

Artist List Announced!

2011-10-17T17:17:00.000-07:00

Here's the list of artists for the upcoming 2011 show!

Maryanne Malecki -fine craft
Loretta Fontaine - jewelry
Julie Branch- sculptural figures
Nancy Miller - jewelry
Katie Nare - jewelry
Cherry Schacher - contemporary patchwork for home and body
Hillary Turner - soaps
Barbarajean Weingart - hand dyed and painted silks
Aneesa Waheed - Tara Kitchen
Fran Giordano - paintings, original art
Karen Greendale - jewelry
Mauri Lewis vintage design aprons
Jim Miller - photography
Kendal McGillycuddy - soaps
Yvonne Kester - ceramics, clocks

2011 Dates Announced! November 4 & 5

2011-08-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

Mark Your Calender!

6th Annual Holiday Crafts On Madison

Friday November 4 & Saturday November 5, 2011

The Woman's Club of Albany

Albany, New York

4th Annual Spring Craft Show at Woman's Club of Albany April 1 &2

2011-03-22T07:57:00.000-07:00

Another wonderful craft show at The Woman's Club!

Teresa Berger - felted accessories
Meredith Butler - handmade boxes
Cinderloop - clothing
Pam Demers - accessories and more
Loretta Fontaine - jewelry
Karen Greendale - jewelry
Ali Herrmann - original artwork & jewelry
Ben Karis-Nix - printed t-shirts (& music)
Nancy Miller - jewelry
Katie Nare - jewelry
Sistahs - vintage aprons
Sugi Pickard - mosaics
Lorre Smith - knitted textiles & collage cards
John Visser - pottery
Barabara Weingart - painted silk

10% of sales from the cafe benefit Hope in the Boat, the Capital Region breast cancer survivor's Dragonboat team, and the WCA.

McGillycuddy's Naturals Holiday Open House

2010-11-22T17:02:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Holiday Crafts on Madison is over, but we'll use this blog to promote the artists of Holiday Crafts on Madison all year long Here's an Open House in beautiful Sharon Springs:

Time	Friday, November 26 at 10:00am - November 28 at 5:00pm

Location	McGillycuddy's Naturals 197 Main Street Sharon Springs, NY

Created By	McGillycuddy's Naturals

More Info	Join us for our annual Holiday Open House - ALL PRODUCTS ARE 20% OFF!! Plus we will have a huge variety of gift sets, gift baskets, stocking stuffers and more! Complimentary refreshments will be available. See you there! - Friday November 26th 10:00am - 7:00pm - Saturday November 27th 10:00am - 5:00pm - Sunday November 28th 10:00am - 5:00pm

Delmar Open Studios Nov 20 & 21

2010-11-19T07:48:00.000-08:00

The 2010 sale is over, but we'll use this blog to promote events of the artists of the sale all year long!

Here's an upcoming Open Studio:

Holiday Delmar Open Studio
November 20 & 21, 2010
10a.m. - 5 p.m.
at Liz's home/studio at 9 Keith Road, Delmar, NY 12054
518- 439-4457
web site: www.delmaropenstudios.blogspot.com
Share this event on FACEBOOK

See the latest work of Liz Vigoda and Loretta Fontaine at Delmar Holiday Open Studio at Liz Vigoda’s home/studio in Delmar. New work will be debuted, and special sales will be held.

With a background in architecture, Loretta Fontaine creates award-winning fine artisanal jewelry in sterling silver with her own miniature original photography. Liz Vigoda’s functional high-fired ceramics are influenced by her studies in anthropology, with exquisite hand painted surfaces celebrating culture and history.

10% of Liz’s sales will benefit Schenectady Free Clinic, and 10% of Loretta’s sales will benefit The Nature Conservancy.

Directions to Liz’s studio from Albany: From the intersection of Delaware Ave. and Kenwood Ave. go west on Delaware Ave. Take second left onto Winne Rd. (one lane road for one block and then opens to two lanes) , go ~ 6 blocks and turn left onto Keith Rd.,

THANK YOU

2010-11-19T07:41:00.001-08:00

Thanks to everyone who came out and supported this sale!

We raised about $1000 for the programs of The Woman's Club of Albany and $465 with our raffle for Double H Ranch, a camp for children with life-threatening illnesses.

AND we had a great time!

Holiday Crafts on Madison today, Saturday November 6!

2010-11-06T04:58:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to the show yesterday!

Today is our last day, the show will run from 10am-5pm. Hope to see you there!

An Interview with Cherry Schacher

2010-11-06T04:55:00.000-07:00

web site: www.cherryschacherquilts.com

What will you be bringing to the Holiday Crafts on Madison show and sale?

This year, once again, I'm bringing some new work to the show. I've been making these cute little elf boot/stockings to hang on a tree and/or use as a pretty way to give a small gift (maybe a piece of Loretta's jewelry). They come with a bell on them so that you will be heard if you're trying to peek! I've also made some more traditional sized stockings for those larger items (with a corresponding larger and noisier bell).

I've expanded on the Petal jackets I started last year, so I have quite a good selection of those, and I've also, finally gotten to those vests I've been sketching for the past 3 years - they're made from a soft, chenille like fabric and drape wonderfully. And for those of you who bought snowball hats last year (or wish you had) they now have matching scarves.

I will have a selection of quilts, as usual, along with the placemats, pot holders and napkins.

Holiday Crafts on Madison on 1st Friday Schedule

2010-11-04T16:28:00.000-07:00

Albany Holiday Crafts on Madison is on the Albany 1st Friday schedule for Friday, November 5th, 2010!

...Friday, November 5th, beginning at 5PM, featuring numerous gallery openings, one-night shows, local shops, restaurants, and live entertainment. Best of all, 1st Friday is an entirely free event. We hope to see you there! Download a printable map for our next 1st Friday event here:
1st Friday Map - November 5th

Raffle tickets ready!

2010-11-02T07:53:00.000-07:00

I just finished the design of the raffle tickets. Don't forget to purchase them at the door when you come to Albany Holiday Crafts on Madison this weekend! You'll win an amazing assortment of handcrafted items from the artists of the sale...

and...

the best part...

is 100% of the proceeds of the raffle benefit Double H Ranch, a camp in the Adirondacks founded by Paul Newman and Charles Woods for children with life-threatening illnesses!

tickets: $3 each, 4 for $10, 10 for $20

An Interview with Elsa Fletcher

2010-11-02T07:40:00.000-07:00

What are you bringing to the Albany Holiday Crafts On Madison Show and Sale?

Nuno (a type of felt) hats and scarves. Ill be showing some rayon and chenille scarves and possibly some rag rugs.

What is your process and/or inspiration?
It's very simple - felt is a natural, sustainable, earth-friendly activity. All you need is soap and water and friction! Inspiration is the fact that ancient cultures have used these techniques as a matter of survival for yurts, clothing... Felting offers many exciting possibilities!

What else would you like us to know about yourself?
I live in the Adirondacks. In Thurman, New York exit 23 off the Northway.

An Interview with Kendal McGillycuddy of McGillycuddy's Naturals

2010-10-29T11:16:00.000-07:00

Deb and Kendal McGillycuddy

McGillycuddy's Naturals, web site: www.soap.us.com

What are you bringing to the Albany Holiday Crafts On Madison Show and Sale?

We have a variety of new molds for our Milk Soaps that we are excited to bring with us. Some of the new designs this year include more florals and animals. We have also added a few new scents to our line of Olive Oil Soaps. And as always we will be bringing a wide variety of natural bath products including Lotion, Lip Balm, Bath Salt, Facial Products, Salt Glow, and much more! If there is anything you don't want us to forget please let us know!

To help get everyone in the holiday mood we will have a plenty of holiday gift baskets and gift sets that are perfect for easy and unique gift giving!

McGillycuddy soaps

What is your process and/or inspiration?
Everything we offer is hand made locally in Dorloo, NY using all natural ingredients. Our inspiration for the products we create comes from all over - herbs that are in season, suggestions that our customers make, and most often out of necessity (like something for sunburn relief or chapped skin). We enjoy every aspect of our business, from creating the products, to designing the packaging, and finally knowing that we are able to offer quality hand-made products to our customers!

Shot in Sharon Springs, NY

What else would you like us to know about yourself?
You may have seen us recently in the reality TV show "The Fabulous Beekman Boys" on Planet Green. The show follows Sharon Springs, NY residents Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge and they learn to become farmers and create a lifestyle brand. We make all of the soap for their Beekman1802 line and Deb McGillycuddy - a.k.a. Deb the Soapmaker is a regular on the show. It has been an amazing year and we are so excited the show was picked up for a second season!

Beekman image from everydayhouseholdblend.blogspot.com

An interview with Loretta Fontaine

2010-10-20T16:36:00.000-07:00

Loretta Fontaine

custom Triple Lucy sterling silver necklace with miniature photographs of an original painting, tourmaline beads and freshwater pearl

Loretta Fontaine Jewelry, web site: www.lorettafontaine.com

Loretta's design blog: www.APPLESandRUBIES.blogspot.com

What are you bringing to the Albany Holiday Crafts on Madison show and sale?
Loretta Fontaine: I am making new pieces with a lot of plum and amethyst toned photographs paired with freshwater pearls. I'm also finished some brand new work with a quatrefoil in a circle theme. For special holiday gifts, I can incorporate a client's photograph into any of my designs.

What is your process and/or inspiration?
Loretta Fontaine: I have a background in architecture, and I enjoy working details out on a small scale. I do all my own metalwork and take all of the photographs that are used in my jewelry. I'm inspired by natural forms and shapes and the patterns found in wallpapers and fabrics.

What else would you like us to know about yourself?
Loretta Fontaine: A member of the Woman's Club of Albany, I volunteer to organize Holiday Crafts on Madison. (10% of artists sales benefit the Club, and all proceeds from the raffle benefit Camp Double H.)

If anyone is in the Delmar, NY area please come out to the Delmar Holiday Open Studios which feature my work and the work of potter Liz Vigoda in her charming home/studio on the weekend of November 20-21, 2010 from 10a.m.- 5p.m. Link to website: Delmar Holiday Open Studios

I also started writing a new blog called APPLESandRUBIES about sharing the sweet everyday things in my life (the APPLES) with a behind the scenes glimpse at my work as an artisan jewelry designer (the RUBIES). If you can, please check it out: APPLESandRUBIES.blogspot.com

Holiday Crafts on Madison Press Release posted

2010-10-20T16:31:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 10, 2010

Holiday Crafts on Madison
725 Madison Avenue, Albany, NY
CONTACT: Loretta Fontaine 518-438-4751
Web site: www.holidaycraftsonmadison.blogspot.com

HOLIDAY CRAFTS ON MADISON BENEFITS WOMAN’S CLUB, DOUBLE H RANCH

What: The 5th Annual Albany Holiday Crafts on Madison

Where: 725 Madison Avenue near the corner of Albany’s historic Washington Park

When: Friday November 5, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. & Saturday November 6 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Web site: www.holidaycraftsonmadison.blogspot.com

Albany, N.Y, A Splendid Show and Sale of Art & Craft held in a gracious 1895 mansion near Washington Park, The 5th Annual Albany Holiday Crafts on Madison benefits the programs of The Woman's Club of Albany, New York and Double H Ranch, a camp for children with life threatening illnesses.

Fri, Nov 5 2010 (5pm-9pm)

Sat Nov 6 2010 (10am-5pm)

The sale will feature local work by Loretta Fontaine, Cherry Schacher, McGillycuddy’s Naturals, Nancy Noble Gardner, Ben Rauch, Pat Bohrer, Elsa Fletcher, Mary LaFleur and Kathryn Benson, lisa Phegn, Karen Greendale, Cinderloop and Katie Nare.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to buy local, handmade gifts for the holidays,” says volunteer organizer and studio jeweler Loretta Fontaine, “and also to raise money for some great causes.”

Artists donate 10% of their sales at the show to the programs of The Albany Woman’s Club. A raffle is held to benefit Double H Camp Hole in the Wall.

For holiday shopping, Albany Holiday Crafts on Madison promises to be not-to-miss event!

Part of Albany’s 1st Friday, a trolley stops at the event. Admission and parking are free. Information on the event, as well as a map and artist bios is online on the web site www.holidaycraftsonmadison.blogspot.com
###

Press images available upon request.

Posters are finished!

2010-10-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

Finished the poster design today! Postcards are being printed.

Double H Ranch our raffle beneficiary!

2010-09-28T15:19:00.000-07:00

I'm so pleased to announce the proceeds of the Holiday Crafts on Madison raffle of beautiful artist made items will be The Double H Ranch, a camp which provides specialized programs and year-round support for children and their families dealing with life-threatening illnesses. I have personally seen how important this special place in the Adirondacks is, and am thrilled to support their mission!

Double H Ranch, co-founded by Charles R. Wood and Paul Newman is an amazing place. The purpose of the ranch is to enrich the campers lives and provide camp experiences that are memorable, exciting, fun, empowering, physically safe and medically sound. All programs are FREE of charge and capture the magic of the Adirondacks.

Double H website
Double H blog

Please buy a raffle ticket at the show!

Artist List Announced

2010-09-16T07:48:00.000-07:00

artists for the 2010 Albany Holiday Crafts on Madison are:

Loretta Fontaine - Jewelry
Cherry Schacher - Fiber
McGillycuddy's Naturals - Soap
Nancy Noble Gardner - Photography
Ben Rauch - Wood
Pat Boher - Fiber
Elsa Fletcher - Fiber
Pinewood Potters - Ceramics
Lisa Phegn - Painting
Karen Greendale - Jewelry
Cinderloop - Clothing
Katie Nare - Jewelry

Click the links to view the artist's web sites!

Pinewood Potters is having a tent sale!

2010-09-03T12:52:00.000-07:00

Two of our Albany Holiday Crafts on Madison artists - Mary Lafleur and Kathryn Benson of Pinewood Potters are having a tent sale tomorrow. Try to stop by if you can!

PINEWOODS POTTERS
Tent Sale
Saturday, September 4th
10-3pm
All pottery in tent from 20-50% off
4236 NY 43 Wynantskill 12198
Please park in the yard
283-1705

New artists to the sale - Pinewood Potters

2010-08-03T09:13:00.000-07:00


Saggar fired vessel

I'm pleased to welcome sisters Mary Pierce Lafleur and Kathryn Benson of Pinewood Potters of Wynantskill, New York as new artists to the 2010 Holiday Crafts on Madison show and sale. (This is very special to me as Mary Pierce Lafleur was a music teacher of mine at Bell Top elementary school and I've known her beautiful work for a long time!)

Mary Pierce Lafleur has been making functional pottery for 35 years and has studied under Dorothy Mayzel, Lana Wilson and Hayne Bayless. Lafleur's specialties are the complex saggar and raku firings.

Kathryn Benson has studied under Emma and Delores Lewis and Barbara Reeley.

Mark your calendars!

2010-06-26T11:07:00.000-07:00

The dates for the 2010 Albany Holiday Crafts on Madison are:

Fri, Nov 5 2010 (5pm-9pm part of Albany's First Friday)
Sat Nov 6 2010 (10am-5pm)

Friday Evening Posts from the 2009 Sale

2009-11-07T04:54:00.000-08:00

2009 Albany Holiday Crafts on Madison Starts this Evening!

2009-11-06T03:38:00.000-08:00

The first day of the sale starts this today, Friday November 6 2009 from 5pm-9pm. Please stop by! Look for a sign with colored Christmas lights in front. Directions and map.

An Interview with Cathy Frank

2009-11-04T11:42:00.000-08:00

What will you be bringing to the Holiday Studio Sale?
Cathy Frank: I am bringing a selection of hand built pottery and jewelry - always one of a kind.

What is your process and /or inspiration?
Cathy Frank: I am inspired by the moment, the surrounding, the textures, the mistakes, the accidents, the whim, whatever comes first to my fingertips.

What else would you like us to know about yourself?
Cathy Frank: I’ve been exploring different art and craft fields for most of my life, screen printing, photography, ceramics, soft sculpture, cooking, batiking, jewelry... there’s so much out there still to be explored. Who knows what’s next before the train stops.

Albany Holiday Crafts on Madison part of 1st Friday

2009-11-02T10:36:00.000-08:00

The Albany Holiday Crafts on Madison, A Splendid Sale of Art & Craft held in a gracious 1845 mansion near Washington Park to benefit the programs of The Woman's Club is part of Albany's 1st Friday festivities for November 6, 2009. The trolley will be stopping in front of The Woman's Club!
Find the complete schedule at: http://www.1stfridayalbany.org/

Red Thread Confections on News 9

2009-11-01T18:27:00.000-08:00

Albany Studio Sale chocolate artist Annika Pfluger of Red Threads Confections was featured on News 9 for her work on donating part of her profit to children in need.

View the video: http://capitalnews9.com/capital-region-news-12-content/top_stories/115896/chocolate-maker-donates-to-needy-kids/

An Interview with Annika Pfluger of Red Thread Confections

2009-11-01T18:10:00.000-08:00

web site: http://redthreadconfections.com/

What will you be bringing to the Albany Holiday Studio Sale?
Annika Pfluger: I'll be bringing a selection of my hand painted artisan chocolates as well as my old fashioned peanut brittle, chocolate covered espresso beans and my double chocolate and spicy Aztec hot cocoa mix.

What is your process and/or inspiration?
Annika Pfluger: Red Thread Confections is a unique artisan handcrafted chocolate business. I hand paint each chocolate with organic all naturally colored cocoa butter. I trained at Ecole Chocolat based in Vancouver, Canada and studied artisan chocolates and confections at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. I got the inspiration for my company from the ancient Chinese Legend of the Red Thread: “At birth, an invisible red thread connects us to everyone in our life who will become important to us. That thread may stretch and shrink over time, but it will never break." As an adoptive parent, the red thread legend is very close to my heart. I believe that my son was connected to me by the invisible red thread at birth and that he will also be forever connected to his birth family and birth country by that same red thread. Red Thread Confections honors the red thread legend by donating a portion of the proceeds from each sale to orphanages in Guatemala, Ethiopia and China. Another part of our mission is to create red thread connections with each of our customers – once you try our chocolates, you’ll be forever connected as well!

What else would you like us to know about yourself?
Annika Pfluger: In addition to owning and operating Red Thread Confections, I'm also a professional classical cellist - my website is http://albanycellolessons.com. I have more than 20 years of performing and teaching experience. I have a Master of Music degree from Boston University, and was a Fulbright grant recipient for study at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, Hungary. I formerly taught chamber music at Harvard University Mather House, competed with the chamber ensemble “Kammerton” in the International Festival Van Flaandern competition in Bruges, Belgium and has recorded for WGBH Boston. In addition to an active private teaching studio, I teach cello at Woodland Hill Montessori School in East Greenbush, NY and at the Bethlehem Children's School in Slingerlands, NY.

An Interview with Kendal McGillycuddy of McGillycuddy's Naturals

2009-10-29T13:25:00.000-07:00

Deb and Kendal (left) McGillycuddy

web site:http://www.soapus.com/

What are you bringing to the Albany Holiday Studio Sale?
Kendal McGillycuddy: We have a variety of new molds for our Milk Soaps that we are excited to bring this year. Some of the new soap designs include Sleeping Cat, Dog Bone, "Thank You", as well as several new holiday designs. We will also be bringing a wide variety of natural bath products including Lotion, Lip Balm, Bath Salt, Facial Products, Men's Products, and much more!

To help get everyone in the holiday mood we will have a plenty of holiday gift baskets and gift sets that are perfect for easy and unique gift giving!

What is your process and/or inspiration?
Kendal McGillycuddy: Everything we offer is hand made locally in Sharon Springs, New York using all natural ingredients. Our inspiration for the products we create comes from all over - herbs that are in season, suggestions that our customers make, and most often out of necessity (like something for sunburn relief or chapped skin). We enjoy every aspect of our business, from creating the products, to designing the packaging, and finally knowing that we are able to offer quality hand-made products to our customers!

What else would you like us to know about yourself?
Kendal McGillycuddy: We recently moved our store in beautiful downtown Sharon Springs, New York. We are now located at 209 Main Street. We would love for you to stop by and visit us at our great new location. There are several other wonderful businesses you can also stop by while in the area.

An Interview with Kendal McGillycuddy of McGillycuddy's Naturals

2009-10-29T13:22:00.000-07:00

web site: www.cherryschacherquilts.com

What are you bringing to the Albany Holiday Studio Sale?

What is your process and/or inspiration?

What else would you like us to know about yourself?

An interview with Cherry Schacher

2009-10-13T11:48:00.000-07:00

web site: www.cherryschacherquilts.com

What are you bringing to the Albany Holiday Studio Sale?
Cherry Schacher: I'm currently working on some more hats and scarves to go into the winter with - the Snowball hats are fleece with fabric accents, as are the hat/scarf/glove combination - this is as yet unnamed! But they are warm. I'm also working on some vests and new jackets, branching out from using cotton fabrics into silks, ultrasuedes and anything that seems neat and interesting. Quilt/wallhanging side of things, I'm finally going to do some wall hangings using men's ties - I've been doing them off and on for years as custom orders - it's time to bring them into the booth! And, as usual, I will have several large size bed quilts, including a new Fractured Crystals one in shades of soft beiges and browns. And plenty of placemats, napkins and pot holders for more Christmas gifts.

What is your process and/or inspiration?
Cherry Schacher: Normally I say that my inspiration comes from traveling to Europe - cathedral floors, colors on buildings and in cobblestone streets, the scenery I see, trails I've hiked on, etc., but my most recent inspiration was a jacket I saw at London airport last week - it was made out of a jersey fabric, but by the time my plane was ready to leave, I had redesigned it for a silk fabric I was bringing back from Ireland! You never know where an idea will strike.

Cutting things very, very exactly is the key, and ironing more than I ever want to. The sewing is fairly straightforward - I use an old industrial Singer machine 99% of the time, finishing is always done by hand, usually watching late night tv with a glass of wine, or finishing coffee in the morning - it depends on what colors I'm working with - darker ones need morning light.

What else would you like us to know about yourself?
Cherry Schacher: George and I have been married for 32 years, we have a daughter Darcy, who is 15 and sings beautifully, and I have a son who is in the Navy, a great Spanish daughter-in-law and 3 great grandkids. We also play music in a couple of bands - Aged in the Hills and Coosheen (check out the website www.Agedinthehills.com).
The other big part of our life is the house we inherited from my father in Ireland - it is in a little village called Schull, in West Cork, right on the water facing the harbor. We spend as much time as possible there, but it's getting harder with Darcy's school, plus we rent it out so that it can pay for itself, so that's a problem, too. If you're interested in staying there, speak to me at the show!

Work by Ben Rauch

2009-10-12T17:38:00.000-07:00

Albany Holiday Studio Sale artist Ben Rauch

An Interview with Wendy Costa

2009-10-12T17:29:00.000-07:00

web site: www.wendycosta.com

What are you bringing to the Albany Holiday Studio Sale?
Wendy Costa: will be bringing a lot of makeup bags, handbags and ceramic tile trivets all handmade in my studio and featuring fabrics we make from my mixed media paintings..

What is your process and/or inspiration?
Wendy Costa: I begin with a painting on board using casein then the work is digitally transformed, patterns are made and items are sewn here using only materials and suppliers that are from the US..(My website has a pic of me painting under the ABOUT button)

What else would you like us to know about yourself?
Wendy Costa: As you know I am restoring a gothic church and parsonage in Cooperstown NY. The property was built in 1829 and is a perfect setting for my studio and home. We hope to have open studio days next year and to share our gardens and process with the public. I also just signed a 3 year contract to license my designs onto needlepoint kits by a company in San Francisco.

An Interview with Cecilia Lockwood of Frittelli and Lockwood

2009-10-06T09:55:00.000-07:00

web site: www.frittelli-lockwood.com

What are you bringing to the Albany Holiday Studio Sale?
Cecilia Lockwood: I'm bringing a fabulous collection of handwoven scarves in silky bamboo, luscious chenille, and warm and fuzzy alpaca. Also, for the men in your life, I'll have a collection of neckties in serious and playful patterns. Caps, hats, and handbags pieced from my handwoven fabrics round out the line.

What is your process and/or inspiration?
Cecilia Lockwood: I love textiles, fiber, and texture. Starting with yarn on cones, I design the warp, dress the loom, and weave yardage using multiple shuttles and intricate color and weave effect.

What else would you like us to know about yourself?
Cecilia Lockwood: Over the summer, my husband and I relocated our weaving studio and opened a gallery in the Arts District in Saratoga Springs. You can visit our shop and watch our looms in action Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 and till 7 on Fridays. We have a clothing line for men and women and can tailor our jackets, shirts, and vests for a custom fit.

Link to the Saratogian newspaper article on our opening:
http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2009/07/15/news/doc4a5d29f264a2c235589207.txt

Work by Wendy Costa

2009-10-01T15:11:00.000-07:00

Albany Holiday Studio Sale artist Wendy Costa

Quote from The Crafts Report magazine on the Albany Holiday Studio Sale

2009-10-01T14:56:00.000-07:00

From the article "Bloom Town: Celebrated festivals and a rich history make Albany County an area worth discovering":

"...The Albany Holiday Studio Sale, is held at The Woman’s Club on Madison Avenue. The November sale features fiber, jewelry and ceramics in the intimate setting of an 1895 mansion. “It’s an opportunity to shop for gifts by local artists,...There’s a movement in our area to buy food from local growers, and buying from local craftspeople contributes to the effort to buy things that are locally made.”

An Interview with Trudy Litto

2009-09-29T16:22:00.000-07:00

web site: Trudy Litto pottery, www.americanwheelworkspottery.com

What are you bringing to the Albany Holiday Studio Sale?
Trudy Litto: After many years as a production potter, making complete dish sets and all sorts of serving pieces, I am doing these things now, only on order. I will, however, be bringing my most popular item, the Yunan steamer, which is the healthiest way to cook and serve grains, vegetables and so many other good combinations of foods. My main focus now is making unusual floral containers,.and I will be bringing these, and demonstrating with live flowers, just how easy it is to do arrangements that will show off even just one or a few flowers.

What is your process and/or inspiration?
Trudy Litto: I mostly use a stoneware clay fired to high temperatures in a large gas fired kiln. I also like to do special pieces in the fascinating process, raku. Some of my work is done in a wood fired kiln, which can produce interesting glazes. I do a lot of one-of-a-kind sculptural containers, using slabs of clay, extrusions and wheel thrown combinations.

What else would you like us to know about yourself?
Trudy Litto:I am an avid gardener and I love to cook. These are what inspires and directs my work. I have designed what I have needed to cook and serve the foods I like to cook. I have been a member of the Federated Garden Club for many years and about 10 years ago, I became interested in studying Sogetsu, a form of Ikebana, the Japanese method of flower arranging. I have attended many workshops and taken classes in this discipline, all of which has had a great influence on my work.

An Interview with Nancy Noble Gardner

2009-09-28T08:18:00.000-07:00

web site: Fine Art Photography by Nancy Noble Gardner, www.floppypoppy.com

What are you bringing to the Albany Holiday Studio Sale?
Nancy Noble Gardner: I'm bringing my best color photographs, large and small, as well as greeting cards. My images are macro photography of flowers and seashells; in some, I used a kaleidoscope filter. I also have photographs from Greece, including seascapes, icons, and statuary. I've greatly reduced the prices on most of my photographs, which start at $25.

What is your process and/or inspiration?
Nancy Noble Gardner:
As I create an image, I celebrate and pay homage to
my subject. It is my way of saying "thank you"
for the perfect, momentary gift.
My lens is the window to another world, where
visual subjects mingle with feelings and memories,
and metaphors are born.
Like dreams, I photograph to transcend, rather than record.
When I am fortunate, my images venture beyond words,
and become a mirror of my soul.

What else would you like us to know about yourself?
Nancy Noble Gardner: I'm fortunate to photograph and exhibit on Martha's Vineyard in the summer. I've made 15 trips to Greece, where I've had two exhibitions and been published twice in Odyssey Magazine. My greeting cards won an award at the National Stationary Show and I received a grant from the NY Foundation for the Arts. I'm happy to be a part of the Albany Holiday Studio Sale, as I love working within a community of other artists, where I am inspired by them and can enjoy meeting the public.

Quote from The Times Union on the Albany Holiday Studio Sale

2009-09-25T07:21:00.000-07:00

Life & Style Section:

"...Shoppers looking for hand-crafted gifts for the upcoming holiday season may want to check out the Albany Holiday Studio Sale taking place ... at the Woman's Club, 725 Madison Avenue., in Albany..."

725 Madison Avenue - The gracious site of the Albany Holiday Studio Sale

2009-09-25T07:04:00.000-07:00

The site of the Albany Holiday Studio Sale is a gracious mansion near the corner of Albany's historic Washington Park. The mansion at, 725 Madison Avenue, was built in 1895 as the residence of Joseph Steefel, one of two brothers who owned a clothing store on State Street in Albany. The impressive Chicago-style prairie/mission, three-story brick building has a prominent front porch and is attached to its twin building by a side porte-cochere. In 1972, The building was included in the Washington Park Historic District, which is on the National and New York State Registers of Historic Places, and is designated locally under the City of Albany Historic Resources Commission Ordinance.

Directions and Map

2009-09-25T06:57:00.000-07:00

Directions to the Albany Holiday Studio Sale at 725 Madison Avenue:

From I-787 take the Route 20W exit. Proceed west on Route 20W west (Madison Avenue) to South lake Avenue, on the corner of Washington Park. 725 Madison is the brick mansion to the right. Free parking in the lot behind the building.

Work by C.A. Foster of Bininger Road Studio

2009-09-25T04:55:00.000-07:00

Albany Holiday Studio Sale artist C.A. Foster

An Interview with Loretta Fontaine

2009-09-20T07:19:00.000-07:00

web site: www.lorettafontaine.com

What are you bringing to the Albany Holiday Studio Sale?
Loretta Fontaine: I'll be bringing my award-winning fine artisanal jewelry in sterling silver and 14K gold with miniature original photography. I have some special new earrings and necklaces that I'm designing that use black and white photographs I took of a fern combined with shimmering green peridot beads. For special holiday gifts, I can incorporate a client's photograph into any of my designs.

What is your process and/or inspiration?
Loretta Fontaine: I have a background in architecture, and I enjoy working details out on a small scale. I do all my own metalwork and take all of the photographs that are used in my jewelry. I'm inspired by natural forms and shapes and the patterns found in wallpapers and fabrics.

What else would you like us to know about yourself?
Loretta Fontaine: A member of the Woman's Club of Albany, I volunteer to help run the Albany Holiday Studio Sale. (10% of artists sales, and all proceeds from the raffle and the Spotted Dog Cafe benefit the programs of the Woman's Club.) I can also juggle flower sticks and bake a mean focaccia.

Welcome!

2009-09-19T07:51:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the blog of The Albany Holiday Studio Sale!

We'll share news, interviews of participating artists, and photographs of the beautiful jewelry, ceramics, fine photography, mixed media, wood, fiber, clothing (and chocolate!) you'll find at the 4th Annual Albany Holiday Studio Sale, a Splendid Show and Sale of Art & Craft in Albany held in a gracious 1895 mansion to benefit the programs of the Woman's Club of Albany, New York.