Project Windows at TraillWorks

You've got to see the holiday windows at five merchants on Spring Street. Granted, all of the merchants on Spring Street have done stunning windows for the holidays, but five stand out. These five were the participants in the 1st Annual Project Windows, a Main Street Newton, Inc. sponsored event.

High school art students around Sussex county were matched up with merchants to design and install holiday windows interpreting the theme "snow figures". My windows I thought were just stunning. Newton high school student, Kim Grier, pulled together many elements of my work creating "applianceflakes" and an interpretive wedding cake.


Though Kim's windows did not win an award, I was impressed with her ingenuity and creativity in designing and installing the windows in less than two weeks. I absolutely love the stylized snowflakes depicting my kitchen appliances and how the wedding cake attracts attention with all of its glittery baubles and beads.


Thank you Kim for all of your hard work! Please stop by to see her windows in person.

Project Windows & Winter Stroll

Announcing Newton's
1st Annual Project Windows
& Main Street Newton's Winter Stroll

Saturday, December 13th
5 - 8pm

Can't get to 5th Avenue to see the windows? Come to Newton.

Project Windows is an annual competition that pairs up artistic teens with area merchants to create holiday windows. Students learned about the design process and goals of window dressing from a local dresser, Kathy Milici. They were required to work within a budget determined by the merchants to create interpretations of the theme, "snow figures". Their creations had to be creative, well- constructed, engage passerbys quickly, show off the stores' goods and lead to sales through the use of strong elements and principles of design.

Stop by TraillWorks on 2nd Saturday to meet its student designer, Newton High School senior, Kim Grier. I am quite impressed with the way she interpreted the theme and followed through on the design in a short amount of time.

Then stay in town to catch a little holiday spirit with a Winter Stroll. Participating merchants will be offering specials, giveaways, and seasonal treats. Santa will be on hand to see who's been naughty or nice.

For details about the events, go to the current events page of www.traillworks.com.

Baby's Arrived!

I know it's been so long since I've written, but my life has changed immensely over the past month. On November 7th at 1:40am I delivered a healthy, 7lb. baby boy named Joel. He is absolutely perfect.

I've been away from the studio for almost two weeks now. The days seem to pass slowly, filled with diaper changes, feedings, and oohing and awing over Joel's every move. But he has changed so much in just a week and a half that I wish time would slow down more.

I am uncertain how Joel and my career will work together but have faith that I will manage a way to symbiotically love and develop both. During this month TraillWorks remains open for business through the help of artists Carol Tremper, Lindsey Winkler and Kim Grier. The each are using the space to create their own work while maintaining TraillWorks' hours.

Keep posted for any changes in hours for the holidays and for my return to the studio. In the meantime I'll be busy loving and cherishing the time I have with Joel.

Newark Open Doors '08

It is so important to network with other artists and arts organizations; you never know what may come up. I've developed and maintained a relationship with Peters Valley since my residency in January through both the store / gallery and the director. About a month ago, Jimmy Clark invited me to exhibit artwork with Peters Valley's display in Newark's Open Doors going on this weekend.

At the time he asked me I couldn't quite commit as I had a lot of artwork in flux and was preparing for a show. Though, after a recent exhibit I had two large paintings that couldn't be incorporated in my current gallery setup and I realized the Newark Show would be the perfect venue, as well as a great opportunity.

Here's the info if you're going to be in and around Newark this weekend:

Newark Open Doors '08 October 24th - 26th

Peters Valley will be at 482 Washington St. (during DD)
Friday: 5pm–10pm, Saturday: 4pm–6pm
Sunday: 12 noon–6pm

You can spend the entire weekend touring galleries and temporary exhibition spaces in Newark. The Newark Arts Council has put together a phenomenal site dedicated to the event. For detailed information about Open Doors '08 visit the Newark Arts Council web site.

Win a 2009 TraillWorks Calendar

As the media counts down the days to the upcoming presidential election, I am counting something more personal: the birth of my first child. I'm due on Thursday, November 6th, two days after our next president is elected. Like the uncertainty of the winner, we are uncertain of the sex of our baby.

Here's your opportunity to vote. Guess the sex and weight of baby Goldberg (my married name) and the respondent closest will win a free 2009 TraillWorks Calendar.

Cast your vote today; baby Goldberg could arrive any day now.

Email calendar@traillworks.com to cast your vote.

TraillWorks is Celebrating Sweetest Day

Digital Scan courtesy of The Cleveland Public Library.

Started back in 1921 by a Cleveland citizen named Herbert Birch Kingston who worked at a local candy company, Sweetest Day was a holiday meant to honor people who's lives are often forgotten. Today it has become a celebration of both strangers and friends and family that have been sweet to you during the year. This is thought to be a Hallmark holiday, but it really stems from genuinely good intents to recognize others.

The scan above is from a 1922 editorial in the Cleveland Plain Dealer proclaiming Sweetest Day and why you should observe it. Here's an excerpt from the paper " . . . On this day, next Saturday, steal enough time from the turmoil of routine affairs, to bring a bit of good cheer to those you love. A present, perhaps, and more than that add a loving word--a smile--a kiss. . . ."

Give someone you love the sweetest memory from your special day - a Wedding Cake Portrait. TraillWorks is offering 20% off all Wedding Cake Portraits
commissioned NOW through October 21st.

Sweetest Day Festival - Saturday, October 18, 2008

In honor of the Greater Newton Chamber of Commerce's observance of Sweetest Day through its 1st Annual Sweetest Day Festival

Visit Spring Street between 12 - 4pm to celebrate all things sweet:

• baking contests & sales
• sidewalk sales
• Sweet Harvet Collection - food donations for local pantries / shelters

2nd Saturday Recap

Featured Artist, Joanna West, in front of Firefly

Jennie chatting with a client

Visitors to the Autumn Open House and Meet the Artist reception at TraillWorks

Interior Wall of TraillWorks

Spring Street during the Old Mine Road Folklife Festival

Interior Walls of TraillWorks

Last Saturday's 2nd Saturday proved to be another success. The day was full of events on Spring Street. During the day, people came out to take part in the Old Mine Road Folklife Festival. Later in the evening, the Spring Street merchants held an Autumn Open House with scarecrow and pumpkin decorating contests, a gift basket raffle, food, live band, and more. During the evening I held a meet the artist reception for my featured artist, Joanna West. Her illuminated sculptures just dazzle in the gallery. Her work will be up through October 31st if you haven't had a chance to see it.

Photos from Kitchen Kitsch

Photos courtesy Tony Lordi

Last month I exhibited the work of Tony Lordi, friend and mentor to me. His work was so well-received and probably the first-ever installation displayed on Spring Street in Newton. His piece, Steam Heat, attracted to much attention, from art lovers and antique lovers alike. Many people came in because of the gleaming chrome, interested in buying the individual irons in the installation. Of course, they were for sale only as a finished artwork, not as antique irons.

Take a look at his work. I had so much fun showing it and talking about it. Plus it complemented my work quite well.

Steam Heat, © Tony Lordi

Chrome Baby, © Tony Lordi

Interior Shot of the Vintage Chrome Series at TraillWorks

Another 2nd Saturday

Firefly, 18" x 18" x 9", Found Objects, photo courtesy Joanna West

I know it's been a long time since I've written, but between teaching twelve hours a week, finishing commissions, following up with customers, daily operations, and being pregnant I just haven't gotten to blog. I haven't forgotten about you.

This coming Saturday, October 11th, is historic Newton's 4th Second Saturday event. A full day is planned including the first annual Old Mine Road Folklife Festival starting at 10am and Spring Street's Autumn Open House running from 5 - 8pm. Main Street Newton will transform into a pedestrian marketplace with live music, vendors and a farmers market, as well as Spring Street business participation and local artists work on display.

As part of the day, TraillWorks will host the work of another local artist, Joanna West. Joanna's interest in antiques have brought her to rebirth old objects or junk in new and delightful ways. Illuminations will feature four of Joanna's assembled found object lamps, interspersed around my artwork.

Meet the artist: Joanna West
Where: TraillWorks
When: October 11th
Time: 5 - 8pm

The Holidays are Coming!

I've had so many people already mention Christmas shopping in the past few weeks! Summer ends and planning for the holidays begins. For me it starts next week with the celebration of Rosh Hashanah with my husband's family and then Halloween, Thanksgiving, and everyone's birthday, anniversary, and all the Jewish / Christian holidays in December! To top it all off, I'm adding to the list with the impending birth of our first child on November 6th.

While the holidays may not be on the top of your minds, they're on mine. I'm due in 6 1/2 weeks so they are not so far off. With that in mind, if you are considering a Schaeffer original as a holiday gift, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Commissions contracted after October 1st will not be guaranteed delivery for Christmas. A card can always be made and given in lieu of the actual artwork.
  
• TraillWorks will remain open during my delivery / postpartum period; hours may be adjusted. I will not be here but a few very able-bodied artists / writers will be using the space and gallery sitting. I will be available by email and will be back at TraillWorks as soon as I feel up to it. Keep up to date with changes and announcements regarding my delivery / return to TraillWorks on the blog.
  
• Calendars will make it into your hands for Christmas - I will make sure of that.
  

2009 Calendar Preorder Event

The 3rd Annual TraillWorks calendar is going to press this week! A lot of people have already been asking if I would be producing a 2009 calendar. I created a lot of interesting work in the first half of this year that will make it into next year's calendar. Reserve yours now before it's printed.

New for 2009:

• preceding and upcoming month insets for easier planning

Here are the details:

• 8.5" x 11" fully opened
• 28 pages / 12 months
  
• shrink-wrapped with cardboard insert for easier gift giving
• more holidays than last year
• $14.95 / each
  

Order before October 31st and receive 10% off on each calendar for every one calendar purchased at full price.*

TO ORDER:
call 973-383-1307
email orders@traillworks.com

* To redeem this offer, mention Blog Offer when ordering.

Picture Perfect

Catch today's NJ Herald article on the front page of the local section. Every Monday, the Herald publishes a column called "At Work in Sussex County" where a person is interviewed about their job. Roberta Fugate of the Herald interviewed me a couple of weeks ago, along with Amy Paterson who took photos of me painting and teaching lessons. The article has already brought in some new business - this is priceless press! Thank you NJ Herald!

Meet the Artists this Saturday

TraillWorks Window featuring Tony Lordi's Steam Heat installation, photo courtesy of Tony Lordi.

Join me in welcoming my friend and artist, Tony Lordi, to TraillWorks:

Saturday, September 13th
5 - 8pm

Part of 2nd Saturday's Tour of Art on Spring Street,
a Main Street Newton, Inc. event.

Take the Tour of Art
meet and see the work of 19 artists at participating merchants on Spring Street
click below on the map, copy and paste it into a Word document, print and follow
or pick one up at a participating merchant


Listen to Plum Run
A NJ band that blends bluegrass, folk, country music with a contemporary sound
Playing live and free in front of the Newton Fire Museum
5- 8pm

Tony Lordi's Kitchen Kitsch

I am pleased to announce that my friend and mentor, Tony Lordi, will be exhibiting at TraillWorks with me in a show titled, Kitchen Kitsch. I met Tony three years ago when a mutual friend, Linda Hirsch, gallery director of the Sussex County Arts & Heritage Council introduced us. Tony was starting a gallery, now called Art at the Mill in Lafayette, NJ, and hired me to gallery sit. Soon after I started working for him, he offered to show my work. This has led to a great relationship; Tony has constantly encouraged me and offered suggestions in marketing and artistic pursuits. I'm so lucky to have a friend in Tony and am thrilled that he is going to show his work opposite mine in my gallery. For more info about the show, click the image above for a larger view.

Exhibit Runs - September 6th - 29th
Meet the Artist - Saturday, September 13th | 5 - 8pm



Coincides with the Tour of Art, a Main Street Newton, Inc. event - 19 artists will be exhibiting at participating merchants / galleries on Spring Street September 6th - 13th. To follow the Tour of Art, maps can be picked up at TraillWorks throughout the week and information tables on Second Saturday. The Taste of Newton is being held on Monday, September 8th. Tickets can by purchased by calling the Greater Newton Chamber of Commerce at 973-300-0433. TraillWorks will be open until 10pm that evening for a preview of Tony's work.

Summer Blues in Newton

Jersey Blues, Oil on Panel, 24" x 16", ©2008 Jennie Traill Schaeffer

$729 (unframed, cradled panel)

On August 9th, Newton held its second 2nd Saturday event, Summer Blues. It was an absolute success! During the day several new visitors strolled through TraillWorks, admiring the artwork, sampling the fabulous Buttermilk Blue Cheese from Wisconsin, and taking in the sounds of Roadside Louie, a local blues band.


With the help of Cheddar Alley and the Wisconsin Dairy Board (represented by my Uncle Bob) a variety of blue cheeses were available to taste at five different locations on the street.We learned that blue cheese should be sampled last when other cheeses are offered because of the strength of the flavor. Of course, I was unable to try any of the delightful blue cheeses due to my pregnancy, but I was told they were just delicious.

Inside TraillWorks, beyond the blue cheese, I completed several new paintings for the event. All variations of blueberries, the fleeting summer fruit of NJ, are depicted in oil and on tiles.

Blue on Red, Ceramic Paint on Tile, 6" x 6", ©2008 Jennie Traill Schaeffer
$89 (unframed trivet)

Blue Ensemble, Ceramic Paint on Tile, 6" x 6", ©2008 Jennie Traill Schaeffer
$89 (unframed trivet)


Scattered Blues, Ceramic Paint on Tile, 8" x 8", ©2008 Jennie Traill Schaeffer
$165 (set of 4 coasters)


Scattered Blues, Ceramic Paint on Tile, 8" x 8", ©2008 Jennie Traill Schaeffer
$89 (unframed trivet)

Big Blue, Ceramic Paint on Tile, 6" x 6", ©2008 Jennie Traill Schaeffer
$165 (framed tile)

email Jennie or call, 973-383-1307, to order

The Kitchen God's Artist

It finally hit newsstands this weekend! My profile in this month's issue of NJ Savvy Living is available now at New Jersey Borders, Barnes & Noble, King's & Wegman's through September 17th. Get your copy to read the full article in which George Anderson, editor in chief, dubbed me "The Kitchen God's Artist."

I was so pleased with the article and am thrilled to have been chosen for inclusion in such an exclusive publication. Thank you NJ Savvy Living for this GREAT opportunity!

SPECIAL OFFER* -
As a special thank you to my loyal readers, I'm offering special pricing now through September 17th when you bring in a copy of the NJ Savvy Living article to TraillWorks. TraillWorks is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 10 - 6pm, Friday 10 - 8pm, Saturday 10 - 5pm and Sunday 11 - 4pm or by appointment.

*Offer valid through September 17th. Only one article may be redeemed per family and is good only on purchases of artwork and note cards in the gallery on a single day. May not be applied to lessons or previously scheduled commissions.

Email me with any questions.

Five Days in the Berkshires

Berkshire Morning, 9am, 8/14,
Oil on Canvas, 7" x 5", © 2008 Jennie Traill Schaeffer
$100

I know it's been awhile since I've posted, but 2nd Saturdays and vacation got me sidetracked. My husband and I finally took a much-needed vacation to the culturally filled, unpopulated Berkshires in Massachusetts. We spend most of the week relaxing, trying to hike which given my growing belly proved difficult, taking in some of the cultural events like the Boston Pops at Tanglewood and the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet at Jacob's Pillow, and I made some time to paint.

I have not done a lot of plein air painting in my artistic career, but did some this week. I had a spectacular Berkshire view out of the house in Lee where we were staying. I guess you could say I quasi plein air painted because I sat in a screened in porch due to the iffy weather we had.

The paintings are now at TraillWorks, still drying due to the heavy paint, and are ready for viewing and sale.

Enjoy!

Berkshire Morning, 9:30am, 8/15,

Oil on Canvas, 7" x 5", © 2008 Jennie Traill Schaeffer

$100

Berkshire Afternoon, 2:30pm, 8/16,

Oil on Canvas, 7" x 5", © 2008 Jennie Traill Schaeffer
$100

email me for purchasing information

August 2nd Saturday

Newton's Second 2nd Saturday Event - August 9th Summer Blues Summer Blues promises to be as successful as last month's 2nd Saturday. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: 4 - 6pm Strolling Blue Cheese Tastings and Seminars sponsored by Cheddar Alley, at the following participating merchants: TraillWorks Gallery by the Green Sussex County Arts & Heritage Council Gallery Vivian's Boutique Maxwell & Molly's Closet 5 - 8pm Live Blues Band, Roadside Louie playing outside in front of the Newton Fire Museum on Spring Street All Day: TraillWorks - Jersey Blue, an exhibit of fresh paintings featuring Jersey's proverbial summer fruit, the blueberry, alongside works by Jennie utilizing the color blue Gallery by the Green - blue jewelry designed by Hillary Gillinder, alongside the blue paintings of renowned artist Geoffrey Leckie SCA&HC - Color of the Blues Exhibit, featuring artists: Robert L. Heimall, Ed Foley, Susan Scarince-Jones and Ritchie Culver Maxwell & Molly's Closet - Go to Maxwell & Molly's Closet for your Blues Clues Bone! Solve the mystery and win a prize. Vivian's Boutique - Fight those summer blues! More fun than Freud, get your retail therapy at Vivian's. Cheddar Alley - spin the Wheel of Cheese for special offers. Chocolaterie - SUMMER BLUES SPECIAL for all of our loyal customers and their friends: All items with blue berries and blue ribbons receive 10% OFF.

Galleries and Shops are Open Late on 2nd Saturday

Visit www.mainstreetnewton.org or
www.traillworks.com for more information

Seeking an Intern

UNPAID INTERNSHIP:
This internship is to begin in August and run through October, possibly extending beyond that based on a performance evaluation and discussion between the intern and TraillWorks. It is an unpaid internship that requires a two day per week commitment. Sundays are required; the second day will be worked out with the intern and TraillWorks.

Though it's unpaid, this might be a great opportunity for a high school or college student seeking experience and in need of a possible letter of recommendation. Additionally, if the student needs help in portfolio development I would be willing to provide some in exchange for the internship work.

Eligibility:

Open to students entering 11th or 12th grade, college/university students, or recent college graduates. TraillWorks is looking for responsible, diligent, and intelligent candidates with strong interpersonal skills. A genuine interest in a career in fine art, gallery work, or teaching art is a must. While specific qualifications for internships such as job experience and knowledge of computer programs are important, a strong academic background and excellent organization and communication skills are desirable.

Responsibilities*:

1. Promotion – sending out press and putting together press packets.
2. Filing / Answering Phone
3. Painting Preparation – stretching / priming canvases
4. Painting Finish – varnishing paintings
5. Prep for Lessons
6. Operating the gallery on Sundays
a. Customer interaction / service
b. Sales
c. Opening / closing the gallery, 11am – 4pm
d. Answering phone

*Subject to change.

Application Process:

Please email TraillWorks to request an application and further instructions.

Perker gets Painted Again

Bound Perker, Oil on Panel, 12" x 16", © Jennie Traill Schaeffer 2008

Here's my second bound appliance portrait painting. The percolator is wrapped with my husband's grandmother Fran's hand made tulle and velvet apron. I completed it last week and it will be framed and hanging in the gallery this week.

PS - Don't forget about the Sidewalk Sale Specials going on INSIDE TraillWorks now through July 31st.

Sidewalk Sale Specials at TraillWorks

In honor of Newton's Annual Sidewalk Sale Days held Thursday through Saturday, TraillWorks is offering some specials inside the gallery. Email or call TraillWorks at 973-383-1307 to take advantage of these offers. Or better yet, stop by!

These offers will be honored through July 31st.

Sidewalk Sale Specials
25% off:
All Note Cards
All Matted Portfolio Works
(includes giclées, original prints, and drawings)
All Red Dot Paintings

Red Dot Paintings
(take 25% off list price)

St. Mixer with Embellishments
Ceramic Paint on Tile, 4" x 4"
$99 (framed)

St. PastaMaker
Ceramic Paint on Tile, 6" x 6"
$149 (framed)

Cheese Wheels & Wine Bottles
Ceramic Paint on Tile, 6" x 6"
$79 (unframed)

Cheese Wheels & Abstract Wine Bottles, Pair of Coasters
Ceramic Paint on Tile, 4" x 4"
$79

Hen & Eggs
Ceramic Paint on Tile, 6" x 6"
$149 (framed)

Truffles, Pair of Coasters
Ceramic Paint on Tile, 4" x 4"
$79

Rivets, from the Bethlehem Steel Tiles Series, pair of coasters
Ceramic Paint on Tile, 4" x 4"
$79

Roof, from the Bethlehem Steel Tiles Series, pair of coasters
Ceramic Paint on Tile, 4" x 4"
$79

Truss, from the Bethlehem Steel Tiles Series, pair of coasters
Ceramic Paint on Tile, 4" x 4"
$79

Dogwood Arrangement, set of 4 tiles
Ceramic Paint on Tile, 24" x 6"
$299

First Anniversary II, Oil on Panel, 8" x 8"
$395 (framed)

Wedding Day II, Oil on Panel, 8" x 8"
$395 (framed)

Wedding Day I, Oil on Panel, 8" x 8"
$395 (framed)

First Anniversary I, Oil on Panel, 8" x 8"
$395 (framed)

St. Blender, Oil on Panel, 12" x 16"
$729 (framed)

St. Mixer, Oil on Panel, 12" x 16"
$729 (framed)

Almandine and Stainless Dish Washer, Oil on Mounted Canvas Paper, 16" x 20"
$829 (framed)

Stoneware Cooker of Comfort Food, Oil on Panel, 10" x 8"
$549 (framed)

Plastic, Stainless Trimmed Mixer by Hand, Oil on Panel, 8" x 10"
$549 (framed)

Plastic, Encased Grinder of Coffee Beans, Oil on Panel, 8" x 10"
$549 (framed)

Classy, Chrome and Glass Blender of Fluids, Oil on Panel, 8" x 10"

$549 (framed)