Evolution of a Storefront

TraillWorks, 135 Spring Street, Newton, NJ

I've been open now for four days and I've noticed much about the space that needs adjustment. My sign was ordered, hung, and approved by the building inspector (whew!) After I had already ordered and designed my sign I found out through reading Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping by Paco Underhill that all storefront signs should be perpendicular to a building. Obviously I did that incorrectly. But the current sign shown above is big and very visible from the street to drivers. I will be adding window lettering to reiterate some of the same message, but to be visible to pedestrians.

So much to learn! Today I planted the flowers in the planters with perennials and annuals with the idea of bringing some beauty and attraction to my storefront. I definitely have noticed people noticing my building more. To help draw more attention I'm purchasing an "open" flag this evening. Hopefully that will help even more. Stop by and see me.

PARKING:

Rear of Building (in open spots marked C & H Property Development)

When driving West on Spring Street, turn right into the alley across from JC's GrillHouse
(1 storefront before TraillWorks)

Street Parking (free, 2 hour limit)

Public Lots (follow signs for paid parking around Newton)

jennie@traillworks.com
www.traillworks.com

Open

My new studio / gallery in Newton, NJ officially opened on Saturday! My husband and I scrambled last week to get everything prepared for Saturday. I didn't think it would happen, but it did. He almost single-handedly prepared the entire space from laying a floor, painting the walls, repairing molding, and moving everything in (while I was on a weekend trip with my girlfriends). You may be thinking, what the hell was this emerging artist doing while her husband slaved away at her business?

Well, right after I signed the lease for the space I found out I'm pregnant. So, I couldn't do much more than hand tools to my husband. I'm thrilled at the news and the prospect of raising a baby in my studio / gallery. And, I'm eternally grateful to my husband Lee for his tenacity, perfectionism, and support of my business. He doesn't know how lucky I am.

I hope to see you at the gallery sometime. Here are the hours:

Monday - Friday, 10am - 6pm
Thursday, 10am - 8pm
Saturday, 10am - 5pm


jennie@traillworks.com
www.traillworks.com

Accepted!

In a previous post, I mentioned that I had applied to the Sussex County Arts & Heritage Council's Annual Skylands Juried Show. I've been involved in this show for three years; two years as co-chair and one year in the show winning two awards. The results are in and two of my three pieces were accepted.

Here's the scoop if you'd like to attend the opening and awards reception:

Saturday, May 3rd
6 - 9pm
Sussex County Arts & Heritage Council Gallery
137 Spring Street
Newton, NJ
for more info go to www.scahc.org | call 973-383-0027

Champagne / Hors d' Oeuvres / Music / Award Winners
at 145 Spring Street

$15 suggested donation

Sponsored by the NJ Herald

Newton Shops to Offer Discounts and Stay Open Late!

Participating merchants will be open until 9pm on the 3rd.

Many shops, including TraillWorks, will offer discounts at their stores with presentation of your ticket stub from the reception.

Stop by to be one of the first to see the new studio / gallery.

SAVE THE DATE - A grand opening is slated for June 7th & 8th.

I hope to be moved in by next week and will definitely be open on the 3rd.

You can't miss me; I'm 135 Spring Street, next to the arts council.

jennie@traillworks.com
www.traillworks.com

Thumb's Up

Stumble Upon's Gualleygirl gave my link at Gawker Artists a thumb's up on her March 27th posting. She found my work and suggested people take a look.

Stumble Upon is a site where people recommend other web sites, blogs, etc. Thanks for the mention Gualleygirl!

jennie@traillworks.com
www.traillworks.com

Jersey Arts!

Despite all of the drama, debate and shutdowns being announced in NJ recently, the NJ State Council on the Arts and its marketing arm, Jersey Arts are still in existence. (Keep your fingers crossed and write to your Senators / Assembly persons - go to ArtPrideNJ.)

I've recently benefited by Jersey Arts. One of the pages on their site is an Artist Gallery devoted to featuring a selected NJ Artist for a month that coincides with an exhibition or event they are having in NJ. I applied and was accepted. Go to the Jersey Arts home page to see my work - online through April 30th.

In addition to the art gallery, this newly redesigned web site features the following:

• Event Calendar
• Event Picks
• Poetry Page
• Arts Directory
• Online Store
• And more . . .
  

It's a user friendly attractive site that does an excellent job of promoting the arts in NJ. I'm so pleased to be included in this expansive site. The site is promoted to about 15,000 subscribers and my month coincides with the launch of their redesigned site. So -- this means lots of press!

As an emerging artist, timing is everything so thank you to Jersey Arts and Jim Atkinson and Kelly Huschke (no longer with Jersey Arts) who bent over backwards to include me and make certain everything was accurate.


jennie@traillworks.com
www.traillworks.com

Peters Valley Opening Reception

Peters Valley held the opening reception of the guest artist residency program exhibition on Saturday evening. A good crowd turned up, but you won't be able to see that because I forgot to turn the flash on my camera. I need to take a course in photographing events or brush up on my photo skills to document these events.

Artists, Dave Robinson and Allyn Cantor, talking

The highlight of the evening was a surprise visit from two of the artists I lived with at Peters Valley, David Robinson and Allyn Cantor. I didn't expect anyone else to be there, but they both showed up. And, I had a chance to meet Dave's wife, who I heard many terrific things about.

Jennie in front of Perker Maestá and Our Lady of Perpetual Perking

The work in the show was varied and exceptional, ranging from paintings to birdhouses. Mikal Brutzman the director of the gallery gave a brief overview of the show followed by Jimmy Clark, PV director, introducing all of the artists which was a kind / professional gesture.

The exhibit continues through April 27th if you haven't had a chance to go. Visit Peter Valley's web site for gallery hours.



jennie@traillworks.com
http://www.traillworks.com