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Arts & Craft
Art
& Craft at The Gallery Upstairs, Hinesburg
This month's DownStreet Arts & Craft is pleased to feature a variety of works on display {and for sale} at The Gallery Upstairs in Hinesburg. To see samples of the work at The Gallery, click here, or on the picture on the right. THE ARTISTS & THEIR MEDIA {in no particular order}: Russ Spier {hand-forged metalwork}; Donna Constantineau {natural assemblages}; Diane Terry {glassware}; Eileen Carpenter {batik}; Kim Elmore {jewelry & leather}; Lynn Gavin {handmade soaps}; Martha Sacco {clay}; Bruce Corbett {photography}; Michael Smith {acrylics}; Norm Benoit {sculpture}; Lynn Powers {oil}; Marlene French Russell {oil}. The SubjectS: As varied as the artists.. The ResultS: From charming ... through delightful & intriguing ... to simply beautiful. Where to See the Work ... ******* ******* The Gallery
Upstairs, Hinesburg
Every inch of space in the Gallery Upstairs is filled with something made by hand. Walking up the stairs to this Hinesburg, Vermont artisans' gallery is like entering a story-book world. From the dark rose walls of this small, cozy shop, a sculptured lion's face watches as you ascend the stairs. Delicate watercolors of the local countryside; woodsy assemblages of feathers, bark and twigs; thick quilts, antique glassware, boiled-wool baskets, batik clothing -- Natalie Miller, the owner, points to one item after another as if discussing intimate friends. The Gallery is housed on Main Street (Route 116) in Hinesburg, in the old Wainer Hospital. The building itself dates back to 1797. "In 1934, before Route 116 was fully paved, you couldn't always get into Burlington's hospital," recounts Miller. "Lots of births, lots of appendectomies." She and her family purchased the "Wainer House" almost exactly a year ago. They live downstairs. "It's a wonderful space. It has such a good history," she says. "And part of the reason the Gallery works is because it's my home." What started out last year as a Christmas Open House has become a full-fledged gallery. "It was received so well, we decided to give it a shot," Miller said. "My business plan could have fit on a matchbook. I'm not sure I'd recommend starting a business like that." But the Gallery Upstairs is doing well. "I want the shop to be a viable alternative to Burlington. I'm not looking to get rich," Miller acknowledges. "I want to let the community enjoy the artists' work. I want people to be able to afford this."
All the artists are from Vermont, with almost 50% from Hinesburg. "I'm particular about what I take," Miller explains. "I always want to encourage artists, but the shop really does have to reflect my taste. There's always something different each time you come in." Miller has not had to do much soliciting. She finds that her consigners are "like-minded." Ninety percent of the work in The Gallery is sold on consignment. Artists keep a generous 65%, with 35% going to the gallery. She is still figuring out her market. But she's been surprised and delighted at the local support. "My regular customers from around here keep me going," she said. Miller hasn't yet landed on a regular schedule for the shop, since she not only manages the gallery, but raises her children and works five days a week at the Hinesburg Nursery School. Each month the gallery features an artist. She's featured the Japanese style watercolors of Sachiko, acrylic paintings of Michael Smith and the unique painted fishing flies of Lynn Powers. For Christmas there'll be Christmas crafts. They'll also have their traditional crockpot of hot spiced cider through December.
Miller knows the contents of the gallery well. There's often a story behind each piece. She points to a striking set of red glassware. "This is a breakfast set," she notes. "It was bought from Wycoff's Department Store around 1940." Next, she lifts a piece of painted glassware. "Look inside. See how it reflects the color?" Even after a year in business, she seems to still be in awe of the talent she gets to showcase. This awe, plus her enthusiasm for beautiful things and commitment to the community, all so far seem to be a winning combination for this unassuming Gallery Upstairs. Visit the DownStreet Gallery: Of course, although they cannot compare to the originals, you can see a sample of the work here at the DownStreet Gallery. Simply click here. ...
******* ******* If you know of any artists or craftsmen/-women whose work you think deserves attention, don't hesitate to let us know. Simply e-mail us at arts@downstreetmagazine.com.
... If you would like to advertise in this section, or throughout the magazine, please visit our Advertising Info Pages ... or call, write, or e-mail ads@downstreetmagazine.com. ******* ******* |
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