Welcome My Newest Addition to TraillWorks

I am pleased to announce that TraillWorks has hired it's first employee - Corrie Guddemi! With growth of my space, I felt it was time to bring someone on board to help with a variety of things and Corrie seemed to fit the bill.

Corrie comes to TraillWorks with quite a coincidental background. Corrie and I attended Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts (she as an illustration major and I as a painting major), studied abroad in Italy, and then graduated together in 2000. Though we shared so many experiences, we existed in parallel lives at SU, with only a few friends intersecting our circles.

Corrie lives locally in Sussex County and was looking for opportunities in the arts when she found me at a time when I was considering hiring someone. It wasn't until after she looked more thoroughly into my bio on my web site that she realized our connection. SU is a big school, and interestingly most of my friends were and still are illustration majors, but we just weren't in the same group.

Corrie comes to TraillWorks in a transition from the social work and teaching fields. She is a passionate, creative person with experience reaching out to special needs populations and an interest in getting back in touch with her art. Prior to the closure of Art at the Mill in Lafayette, NJ, she was beginning to exhibit her work. Corrie's current role at TraillWorks includes marketing, sales, and administration. She will be the new voice behind my monthly e-newsletter (I know it's long overdue), will write some press releases and hopefully sell some art! We are in discussions about the possibility of her teaching in the future, as well. You can expect to see her when you visit on Thursdays and Saturdays.

I'm thrilled to have her here, get some much overdue things done, get some new ideas, and to be able to go home early once in a while. That's going to take some getting used to (I felt a little guilty leaving 15 minutes early the other night). I look forward to introducing you to Corrie in person and to the growth of TraillWorks! Welcome, Corrie!

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.

Change in Hours & 4th of July

Starting tomorrow, I will only be open on Sundays through 4pm. I've found there is very little traffic after 4pm on a Sunday and no one but the restaurants are open. Additionally, starting in July I will no longer be open late on Thursdays, but rather on Fridays. The Main Street Newton organization has determined that Fridays are a better night to remain open, so I will join them. Thanks for your understanding.

And, in honor of Independence Day I will be closing TraillWorks from July 4th - July 6th. This was a tough decision to make, I am always one of the steadfast business owners on Spring Street who thinks we should be open just about 24 - 7 and need to be open holidays. At this point due partly to my pregnancy, the stress of running a new business location, and not yet determining how to hire an employee I need a weekend off. So I've decided to close my doors and take a relaxing weekend to rejuvenate myself.