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.

Photos from Grand Opening

Thank you to everyone who joined in celebrating my grand opening. The entire weekend was a big success with over 60 people attending on Saturday evening for a private party. Despite the boiling temperatures, a great crowd came out to see the new space.

The TraillWorks Grand Opening Weekend

I'm pleased to announce the celebration of The Grand Opening of TraillWorks. The studio unofficially opened on April 19th, and I've begun making plans for the official opening on June 7th and 8th. The weekend is sure to be fantastic; people in Newton are abuzz about the opening of another gallery, bringing more culture to this small county seat.

TraillWorks will be open on both Saturday and Sunday. During the weekend I'll be offering a door prize, showing new artworks, and exhibiting past and current student works. On Sunday from 12 - 2pm I'm inviting the first four pet owners with their pets for a complimentary 30 minute sketch (if they can get their pet to sit still that long) and from 3 - 4pm I'll be giving a gallery talk about my work.

So save the weekend and drop by TraillWorks at 135 Spring Street in Newton, NJ.

Come to Newton and see why the NY Times calls it a Main Street with Real Staying Power; visit the new ice cream parlor, pet boutique, art galleries, antique shops and a variety of restaurants.



jennie@traillworks.com
www.traillworks.com

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

I've Complied

Well, not in a bad way. In order to open a business in the Town of Newton, or anywhere in NJ, a certificate of compliance must be given. But, it is not something just "given", one sometimes has to jump through hoops. I'm finding opening a business to be a bit trickier due to the lack of information provided by the town.

Newton just received a Main Street designation which will be great for the town and hopefully my new studio. It's a label given to towns who show potential and community unity in improving. With it comes access to special grants for development and an executive director to pull together volunteers to move forward and bring businesses to revitalize the town.

While I got in on the "ground floor" so to speak, the town has yet to streamline their procedures and make it easy for entrepreneurs. So, I found out from the town that I needed to apply for a certificate of compliance, basically a form that then permits the building inspector to tour my space and make certain I've done nothing illegal and it's safe for customers/clients. This certainly makes sense. However, after I filled out my form, the town called and told me that my building use code suggests a change of use and I would have to have my architect fax information to the town.

Well, at that point, my heart was palpitating and I didn't know who to turn to. My husband was on a business trip and I wasn't certain this was a question for the lawyer (and I didn't want to pay an additional fee). I thought long and hard and starting calling some of the local women business owners I've come to know - Kathy Millici of 24 Karat Designs, Kristie Becker of Cheddar Alley, Linda Hirsch of SCA&HC and Joan Salvas of Gallery by the Green. It was amazing how they all wanted to help me. Ultimately, after talking to Joan she suggested that maybe I had used the wrong term to denote my gallery aspect of my studio. On the application I listed my business as gallery, studio and lessons. What I didn't know, was that by stating gallery, the state in its building codes considers a gallery as a space for entertainment only and requires special building features such as sprinklers! All I needed to do was change the term gallery to retail of art.

Joan was right, that was the problem. Unfortunately, the definitions of codes are not provided by the town nor do they mention considering how you define your business. I was being very literal, but by doing so they interpreted the term as something very different than my intent. Ultimately it was all semantics. I've since received my certificate of compliance and we are painting the studio.

I'm hoping in the future the town through Main Street Newton, Inc. will give business owners a checklist with requirements to open a business and maybe a list of resources to look into. All in all I'm moving forward and I've heard much worse stories -- this only delayed my progress about half a week.

This shows the importance of networking and building a coalition of business owners with whom you can lean on for suggestions and resources. Without them, I might still be fumbling around.

jennie@traillworks.com
www.traillworks.com