ACE PLACES

Kinderhook Memorial Library : Finding New Ways to Deliver on It’s Mission

May 2, 2024 By Corey Aldrich

Please state your name, educational and/or experiential background and what your current title and job description is.

My name is Matt Pavloff, and I am the current Director of the Kinderhook Memorial Library. I started in Kinderhook as a clerk in 2012 while I was working on my online Master’s through UBuffalo. Eventually I was promoted to Teen Services Librarian, and was given the opportunity to step into the Director’s position in 2022.

Kinderhook Memorial Library | Architect and Art Historian: Mantle Fielding | Image: Provided

The physical space is a beautiful architectural artifact. Can you tell us a bit about the history of the building?

The Kinderhook Free Library was formed in 1928, and the building was constructed in 1933. It was dedicated in memory of George Davie by his daughter Caroline Davie Lloyd, and designed by renowned Architect and Art Historian Mantle Fielding. The footprint of the library remained relatively unchanged until 2016 with the addition of our quiet reading room, the first stage of our capital campaign. After raising $2.4 million from donors and grants, the full building was completed in 2018. We worked with our architect, Butler, Rowland, Mays and contractor Jim Romanchuk to design a building that could accommodate modern needs and expectations with the historic charm that the Village of Kinderhook is known for. The result is a modern building that still fits in perfectly with the historic buildings that surround it.

Fall 2017 Groundbreaking for a 3000 sqft Reading Room Addition | Image: David Lee

Specifically, since the 2018 renovation, there is a commitment to sustainability in the program. Can you explain what this looks like, why you feel this is important and how that influences your programming and operating considerations?

Even before the renovation, our board and staff recognized that a functional library needs to be forward thinking and resilient to change. They began taking steps to make sure that the library could continue to grow and remain relevant by ensuring that the library was accessible and welcoming to anyone and everyone who walked through the doors. Libraries are for everyone, and we recognize our responsibility to our patrons and neighbors.

Sustainability takes a number of forms. While environmental stewardship is a big part of being sustainable, it’s not the only facet. Our commitment to a sustainable library includes providing a collection and services that reach all members of our community equitably, regardless of income, race, gender, political affiliation, or any other factor. Sustainability also includes our fiscal responsibilities. As a public entity, we want to be sure that taxpayers feel confident in supporting us, and that involves making smart choices with funding. This will ensure that we are as prepared for whatever life may throw at us as we can be, and that we will always be here to serve our patrons.

Flower Arranging Class at Kinderhook Memorial Library | Image: Provided

STEAM Based Programming : Young Makers Learning How to Use a 3D Printer | Image: Provided

Can you share your thoughts on the current role of libraries in our communities and why they are so important, especially in our rural communities?

It seems that there are fewer and fewer places in the world for people to simply exist. The library provides that space—a gathering area for people to simply be without any expectation. It’s a place to meet with friends and associates, catch up with neighbors, go after school, or find some peace and quiet. Where else can someone go to just hang out for hours at a time, all year round? I feel a clean and safe public space is one of the best things that libraries can offer.

In addition to that: libraries are a vast resource of free information and entertainment. Libraries have adapted to changing technologies by providing free internet access and WiFi, DVDs, video game rentals, and more in addition to our managed collection of print books and magazines. Many libraries offer a “Library of Things” that allow patrons to check out unique items: we have nature explorer backpacks, cake pans, and a car code scanner to name a few; other libraries loan out telescopes, fishing poles, gardening tools…it’s fascinating to see what people are borrowing!

All of this is in response to community needs. People want a social hub. They want the opportunity to try new things and learn. And we are always here to listen to feedback and ideas.

Kinderhook Memorial Library Program Flyers | Image: Provided

Can you tell us a bit about funding sources for a program like yours? Some granularity in this answer would be appreciated and super informative to our audience.

Most of our funding is through local taxes. In fact, every couple of years we go to the voters and request an increase in funding, and without fail we’ve had the increase approved. Not only does this help us increase and diversify our programs, but it’s one of the best measures of public support. We also have a wonderful and active Friends of the Library that supports us throughout the year. Many of our services are directly supported through them, such as our Kanopy streaming service, our New York Times and BookPage subscriptions, and our eBook collection through Libby and Hoopla. Circulation of these eResources has increased dramatically in the past 4 years and without support from the Friends, we wouldn’t be able to provide half of what we do.

Our Board has begun leading a few fundraisers as well, and we are thrilled at how successful one of our annual programs, Art Studio Tour has been—not only as a fundraiser, but as a fun experience for our community!

The Art of Telling Stories through Minecraft with Author Nick Eliopulos | Image: Provided

What are your long-term plans as regarding the programmatic mission and the physical space of the library? Any interesting collaborations on deck?

We are very excited to be working on a new tutoring initiative at the Library. This is still being planned, but we are hoping to launch a tutoring service for children at the library—free of charge to families, and with professional, well compensated tutors. We’re also currently exploring collaborations and partnerships to try to take our programs out of our building and into the community to reach those who might not be able to travel to us.

KML Art Studio Tours | Jordan Taylor Hill | Images: Provided

Finally, open question…anything you would like to plug coming up that folks should know about? Don’t be bashful…

Well, we like to think that all of our programs are interesting, but we do have some big, unique ones coming up. First and foremost, this is our second year hosting an Art Studio Tour, and I know that there is a lot of excitement that’s built up from last year’s. This is a self-guided tour that grants access to the studios of local artists, giving participants a behind-the-scenes look at the varying processes of this talented group. We are also hosting a VIP Cocktail Party in Stuyvesant on Saturday, May 5^th, where you can mix and mingle with the artists and enjoy some light fare and drinks. Tickets can be purchased at kmlarttour.com or at the door on May 5 from 1-5pm and Sunday from 11am-3pm.

We’re also hosting a Festival of the Unknown on May 25^th from 11am-2pm, which will bring vendors and lecturers from across the state to discuss and share all things paranormal! On June 15^th in honor of Juneteenth, we’re hosting renowned musician Jordan Taylor Hill at the Kinderhook Farmer’s Market for a hands-on demonstration of West African drumming and dance, and on Saturday, June 29^th we’ll be hosting our fourth annual Drag Queen Story Hour at 2:30pm.

PINT SIZED and NO FUN: A Tale of 3 Cities with Entrepreneur August Rosa

April 2, 2024 By Corey Aldrich

Having been to several shows at August Rosa‘s most recent venue, (including Hand Habits, Tiawan based Mong Tong, the Algonquin Pow Wow Medicine Singers with Yonatan Gat, and then there was that cool ass DAEDELUS show) it always impresses me the incredible variety of all types of music that can be experienced there. I was aware of his Albany and Saratoga PINT SIZED craft beer based locations and have tippled a drink or two in Albany specifically. What really excites me though, is the visceral music programming and developing community based around NO FUN.

August Rosa : Pre-Show Load In at No Fun in Troy, New York | Image: Patrick Dodson

Please state your name, professional and educational background. Also, can you elaborate a bit on the three locations that you are currently operating?

Why hello Corey Aldrich. My name is August Rosa I am Owner and Operator of Pint Sized in downtown Saratoga Springs on Broadway and Albany on Lark Street. Most of my time is spent at No Fun in Troy nowadays my third location. I was briefly involved in a wine bar called Post on Lark Street as well with some of my best friends that I used to be in a band with (Aficionado). It is going to be 10 years of being an entrepreneur on July 4th 2024! Prior to diving into business ownership I did marketing for MASS MoCA and the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District. I had really great bosses at both of those jobs that were patient with me as a creative… but incredibly lazy and objectively bad employee. No joke…having run businesses now for close to 10 years and understanding the full scope of how things work from the ground up, I believe I would kick ass at any job as long as it wasn’t boring. I went to the College of Saint Rose (RIP) with a major in Communications and a minor in Music Industry for undergrad and then got my MBA at SUNY Albany. I also was welcomed into the band Sun Natives on bass guitar by TJ and Brandon which is a nice outlet that is a purely creative outlet much needed void of any business interference.

August Rosa Plays Bass with the Sun Natives at No Fun in Troy, New York | Image: Patrick Dodson

Pint Sized Storefront in Saratoga Springs, New York | Image: Provided

Can you talk a bit about the difference between NO FUN in Troy and the PINT SIZED locations Albany and Saratoga?

The focus at NO FUN is what happens on the stage and not what is in the coolers. Pint Sized are craft beer centric bars that at any time have over 100 different options to choose from. Prior to opening NO FUN I would often throw events that were not conducive to the spaces. They are called Pint Sized for a reason. Our Saratoga location might be 400 square feet of usable space for patrons. We one time had an 11 person band there. It was ridiculous, extremely fun and packed out… but truly ridiculous. We still do events like karaoke and trivia at the Pint Sized locations but have shifted our live music attention to No Fun where we have a great sound system and the space to throw very sick shows.

A Place to Bury Strangers Live at No Fun in Troy, New York | Image: Patrick Dodson

Can you share a bit about what your motivation was to open and what your current vision is for NO FUN?

I was constantly finding myself having to go to a big music festival to knock out a ton of bands I wanted to see or travel to the major metros for the type of music I am interested in. I like the weird stuff and felt there was a void in the area for that stuff. The only thing filling that in my opinion was the programming Super Dark Collective brings to Desperate Annie’s (Saratoga) as well as basement shows. I wanted to create a space that was slightly bigger (not too big!) that everyone would feel comfortable going to so I could bring some bigger bands in the area and not have to travel for the stuff that I like the most. I believe No Fun is the absolute perfect size for the type of stuff we like to present. Feels good with 50 heads and feels really good as it approaches 200 heads.

WITCH (*Zambia*) Live at No Fun in Troy, New York | Image: Patrick Dodson

My favorite places to play / see shows are more DIY in nature… be it a basement or an art space. I wanted No Fun to not have a shred of corporate feel and vibe like you were at a show at your friends house while at the same time functioning professionally as a legitimate licensed business. Places I drew inspiration for the project include Death By Audio, Glasslands Gallery, 285 Kent… there were a million places like this in NYC that absolutely ruled, Valentines of course is a big inspiration (What’s up Howard?!) and the many house show spaces that have popped up throughout the region the past 20 years I have lived here. One of my favorite shows I played in the area was a vacant apartment that still had power and an unlocked door. We legit just brought a shitty PA system into the place, plugged in and packed the house. This was back when Facebook worked and was cool and an event listing could drum up 100 plus folks in an hour or two.

Algonquin Pow Wow Medicine Singers with Yonatan Gat Live at No Fun in Troy, New York
Image: Patrick Dodson

Having been to several shows there (including Hand Habits, Tiawan based Mong Tong, the Algonquin Pow Wow Medicine Singers with Yonatan Gat, and then there was that cool ass DAEDELUS show) it always impresses me the incredible variety of all types of music that one can experience there. How do you manage to keep such a strong schedule and number of bands coming through?

It honestly happened faster than I thought. In the beginning I was bugging agents and bands all the time and not getting responses. Over time we proved ourselves and have developed some really great relationships that align exactly with the type of stuff I like to book – psych rock, post punk, world music… typically weirder and oftentimes louder stuff. I have brought in some acts that I have listened to forever and legit look up to like A Place To Bury Strangers, Ted Leo, No Age, Delicate Steve, Dan Deacon!!! (Chk Chk Chk), Gilla Band and our good friend Meg Duffy with Hand Habits to name a few. Some of the most rewarding acts were global in nature including Imarhan (Algeria), Medicine Singers (Algonquin Pow Wow), Acid Mothers Temple (Japan), WITCH (Zambia) and Mong Tong (Taiwan) which just happened.

Gutting a Body of Water Live at No Fun in Troy, New York | Image: Patrick Dodson

No Fun in Troy, New York Concert Posters | Image: Provided

Our programming is very kinetic and we are on track to do over 250 shows close to if not over 1000 bands this year! It is not a solo effort by any means and wouldn’t be possible without working with some of the area’s most innovative curators / presenters. There is a really solid group of folks who present at the space including Super Dark Collective (Shane Sanchez is our Booking Manager), Hey Greasy, Byrdhouse Records, Bee Side Cassettes, Albany Hardcore…There are a bunch more and bands who bring their release shows and ideas to us but these are some of the more regular presenters.

The economics and logistics of running a business can be intense, especially a live music venue open multiple days per week. Can you share a bit about your day to day and how you’re keeping the bands and rent paid?

It truly sucks! Please buy tickets in advance. Not just at No Fun but to any place you go to see shows. I cannot stress how helpful it is. It gives agents strong ticket counts so they have confidence in spaces and bring more sick shows to the area. It also helps us to prepare properly for crowd size. And…you also save a few bucks!!!

A big goal of mine is to keep my mental health in check with this thing. I am not going to lie, this project is not easy and projects like this can end at any time. There are definitely moments where I want to stop doing it. All that being said, it is in a very strong place right now and financially viable. I am always focused on keeping momentum going to keep the bills paid up. Unfortunately it comes at the cost of not being able to shut it off. I really am going to have to figure that out sooner than later.

Hand Habits Live at No Fun in Troy, New York | Image: Patrick Dodson

Anything you have coming up you would like to share with our audience to keep them in the loop? Long term plans etc?

There are honestly too many to list. Just go to nofuntroy.eventbrite.com and pick something at random. All of the shows are great and deserve a crowd. I highlight the vibe of each show in the descriptions in just a few words. The whole purpose of the project is to have folks engage with new experiences. I see a lot of folks that go to the same show over and over again which is frustrating. I really do notice the folks that take the effort to get out of their comfort zone and that is the most fulfilling element of the project in my opinion. Those folks know who they are and I cannot thank them enough as they are the driving force that keeps me interested in doing it.

Upcoming 2024 Shows at No Fun in Troy, New York | Image: Provided

I would prefer having twenty people see something new and unexpected that they will remember their whole life over a sold out event with people who just go to the same exact shows all the time. Also it would be cool if people over the age of 30 stopped acting like they are in retirement mode. I pretty much stop engaging with individuals once they say they are too old to do stuff. I don’t care to be around folks with that mentality. It’s depressing and I see too much of it. All of my ads at this point target 21-30. Please take advantage of your life while you are still here.

K that’s enough of my bullish!t. Go to shows!!!

Gilla Band Live at No Fun in Troy, New York | Image: Patrick Dodson

Write This Way : A Conversation w/ SONG CITY’s Scott Womer

April 2, 2024 By Corey Aldrich

About two years ago, I started seeing and hearing about something called Song City. The branding was tight, it felt like something important was happening. Eventually, I realized that it was in fact a local phenom. These shows, upstairs at the RUCK have a very organic feel. Played in a round, musicians all interacting with and feeding off one another – the vibe is very intimate. I caught up with Scott Womer to find out more about the overall program mission and direction and to get a peek under the covers to see what makes this series tick.

Song City *Founder and Director*, Scott Wormer | Image: Kiki Vassilakis (*with edits*)

Please state your name, what you do and any relevant background info.

My name is Scott Womer, Songwriter and the Founder / Director of Song City in Troy New York. During the day, I work as a Litho Technician at Global Foundries in Malta. On the education front, I hold a BA from Gordon College.

Song City w/ Caitlin Barker at the RUCK in Troy, New York 01.10.23 | Image: Kiki Vassilakis

I know you’re a musician yourself. What motivated you to put together the SONG CITY series. What is your mission and goals for the program?

In 1995, I moved from Albany to Nashville, in hopes of getting more music opportunities. It’s a humbling experience to move from a small music scene to one of the premier music cities of the world, where there are thousands of people doing what you do, and doing it much better. Having seen that happen multiple times, I decided to alter my goals. Over the next 5 years, I had tremendous experiences working at a record label, doing session work, learning to write, forming a band, and recording an EP.

The greatest thing I learned in Nashville was the power of a song. Beyond techniques, abilities, and trends, the song is what changes lives. Much of this lesson happened at a venue called The Bluebird Cafe. A staple in Nashville, the Bluebird featured weekly showcases, featuring 4 local songwriters, mostly known for their writing of songs by all our favorite country stars. This is also the venue where artists such as Taylor Swift and Keith Urban were discovered. The weakness of the Bluebird at that point in their history, was that they were a single-genre showcase. Not only does that lack in variety, more importantly, it conditions the audience to think that this is the only style of songwriting. At the time, I had no idea how that observation would affect my future.

Song City w/ Amani O at the RUCK in Troy, New York 6-13-23 | Image: Kiki Vassilakis

Years later, when I moved back to Troy NY, and was so energized by the talent and variety of the local music scene, I felt compelled to do whatever I could to help it grow. After writing and recording a project under the name Fenton Hardy during Covid, I realized how important it is to be part of an artistic city. Community is at the heart of every effective movement. So, I took what I had experienced at the Bluebird, and expanded it to include all genres. Some of our greatest writers are hip hop artists, jazz artists, alternative and avant-garde artists, and they deserve a place at the table. This not only creates respect for all styles of songwriting, but expands the audience’s experience and musical taste.

Song City at the Ruck in Troy, New York | Image: Kiki Vissilakis

Our home at The Ruck is integral to the success of Song City. One day, Dave Gardell, owner of my neighborhood bar, The Ruck, contacted me about bringing music back to their venue. They were interested in concerts and an open mic, and asked me to run those events. What I didn’t know was that there is a second and third floor to the Ruck that was beautiful and fairly unused. I instantly realized this was the room I was looking for.

Beyond the Song City showcase, we also host a monthly songwriting community called The Open Floor which began simply as a monthly open mic. We have a “Song Challenge” at each month’s Open Floor that has become the major draw for each of these evenings. On the first day of each month, I post a phrase. The writers then have the rest of the month to write a song using that phrase, and perform it at The Open Floor, on the fourth Tuesday of each month. It is in no way a competition for us. It’s purely a motivational tool to keep us consistently writing. The second half of each Open Floor is a time for everyone that wrote for the challenge to play their song for each other. It’s amazing to see how many ways a phrase can be used. I often write a song myself for the challenge, and it’s significantly improved my songwriting.

Song City at the RUCK in Troy, New York | Image: Kiki Vassilakis

As a producer, I can attest to the challenge of producing music shows where folks get paid and there’s a little change left at the end of the night. How have you structured the business side to pull all that off?

Most local artists can not afford management. And because of this, they deal with being double-booked, underpaid, cancelled last minute, and under-publicized. They deserve to be taken care of. Because of this, going into Season 2, I raised the ticket price by 50%, so that I could raise their pay by the same percentage. Additionally, We also where able to help support the program via grant funding we secured through The Arts Center of the Capital Region. The events are highly publicized, given a generous bar tab, a comp ticket, and one of the nicest green rooms in the 518. We also hire the best music photographer in the capital district, Kiki Vassilakis, to shoot each showcase, of which the artists are given all of these photos to use for their own use. As much as I would love to make my living serving the local music community, we currently are at a place where we can pay all involved, artists, audio engineer, and photographer.

Song City at the RUCK in Troy, New York 09.12.23 | Image: Kiki Vassilakis

I believe you were the recipient of the NYSCA Re-grant program through the Arts Center of the Capital Region. Can you share a little but about why you feel like programs such as this are important to the sustainability of our creative community?

The days of musicians making money through their recorded music are over. As much as music streaming has increased the general public’s ability to have access to more music than anytime in history, it has also stripped away the musicians’ ability to make a living off their recorded music. Spotify currently pays artists approximately $0.003 per stream on average. That means for every 1000 plays on Spotify, an artist will make approximately $4.00. And from 2024 onwards, artists will also need to hit a minimum number of listeners to make their track eligible for royalty payments. Therefore, if artists are truly going to make money through their art, they need to be performing shows often and being paid well. They also need to be selling merch and physical copies of their music. So there is a greater need than ever for the public to support the local artists, beyond streaming their music.

Song City’s Ink Retreat 2023 at YMCA’s Silver Bay | Image: Kiki Vassilakis

The final piece of the current Song City universe is a yearly songwriting retreat called Ink. Last year, we were honored to be awarded a $5000 Community Arts Grant through the NYSCA and The Art Center of the Capital Region which helped fund the program. Many songwriters applied and 10 were chosen, to spend 3 nights at a lodge on Lake George, part of the YMCA Silver Bay property. Like Song City, we encouraged writers of all genres to apply, R & B, indie-pop, alt-rock, folk, hip hop etc. The days were a combination of individual writing, collaborations, daily walks, amazing food, and nightly gatherings around the fireplace sharing our songs. We read and discussed Rick Rubin’s brilliant book “The Creative Act” and used some of his techniques to change how we normally write. We also had a small demo studio and engineer in-house to capture the new songs. And ultimately concluded with a showcase here in Troy, featuring the songs written on the retreat, as well as a live recording and film of that show.

Anything you have coming up you would like to share with our audience to keep them in the loop? Long term plans etc?

The next few months are busy at Song City. We have 3 showcases left in Season 2, with the next one happening on Tuesday, April 9, at 7:30pm, hosted by The Ruck in Troy. This month we are featuring jazz saxophonist Awan Rashad, TJ Foster, frontman for the local rock band E.R.I.E., alt-pop artist, John Glenn from LiketheAstronaut, and contemporary folk songwriter Kate McDonnell. The Open Floor songwriting community continues to meet every 4th Tuesday. We are beginning to plan 2024’s Ink Retreat, and we are getting ready to release a special recording of the showcase we did this last year, featuring live performances of the artists and songs written on 2023’s retreat!

Watch for all of this on songcitytroy.com and Instagram at @songcitytroy. If you would like more information, would like to be involved, or would be interested in supporting Song City, you can reach me directly at songcitytroy (@) gmail.com.

Albany’s Newest Secret Sauce : Diane Eber on ‘Hatching the EGG’

January 31, 2024 By Corey Aldrich

I first met Peter Lesser (Previous Executive Director of the EGG) many years ago through an introduction from Ellen Sinopoli. I was on the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company board of directors at the time and had stopped by Ellen’s office in The EGG. I was really blown away by the architecture and the excellent programming that Peter was bringing there…to the tune of over 200 events and upwards of 70K attendees per year! After 22 years, the time came and Peter moved on to spend more time with his family on the West Coast. Since then, after an exhaustive search, a new Executive Director has joined on to take up the mantle. Diane Eber is fun, energized, no nonsense and ready to honor that legacy while moving it forward for a new paradigm, in a new time. I caught up briefly with her to get a sense of who she is and what that will look like.

Diane Eber, Executive Director at The EGG in Albany, New York | Image: Provided

Please tell us your current title and what that entails on a daily basis. Also, a brief synopsis of your previous career experience and education.

My name is Diane Eber and I am Executive Director of The Egg in Albany, New York. My day is usually spent in LOTS of meetings with various partners / staff members / artists / agents / OGS / funders. Then if I have time I try and squeeze in some emailing and dreaming of future programming. I try to always prioritize creative time and make sure I spend at least SOME of my day thinking about ART which is why I do this work.

I am a music nerd at heart – raised by 2 musicians, I was on the path of being a classical clarinetist and then found my true passion was in the magic of bringing together an artist and an audience. I discovered my love for this path booking shows at Vassar College and then went on to work at a booking agency and followed by Warner Music Group, a major record label. I eventually landed at BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn. In college I was a Psychology Major but spent most of my days learning the ins and outs of the music business and booking as many shows as I could pull together.

Courtney Barnett at Solid Sound Festival 2019 | Image: WFUV Public Radio

The EGG is an important institution on so many levels for Albany with some pretty established shoes to fill following up Peter’s (Peter Lesser) legacy. Can you share a bit about how you plan to continue that track record of stability while building a new institutional direction that addresses current needs and changes in the industry and attendee preferences?

Yes – Peter built SUCH an amazing legacy and what an incredible history of artists who have graced these 2 stages. I am humbled to try to fill his foot steps. It will be a gradual path to breathe new life into The Egg and I will be making small incremental changes as I go.

Right now I am mostly listening and learning about the community and the history and starting to have big dreams about how we can ‘Hatch The Egg.’ I have already brought in a marketing person who is amazing and it’s the first time The Egg has had a marketing person since the ’90s! I also made the bold (somewhat controversial) move to allow beverages into both theatres. I believe strongly that art is for everyone and that the experience of going to the theatre should not feel elitist. Part of making the experience comfortable is having a drink in your hand. I hope to attract new audiences and create buzz and excitement about this incredible space.

Sarah Jarosz Plays The EGG | Image: Claude Sawyer

Steve Lukather Shreds – TOTO at The EGG 2023 | Image: Claude Sawyer

In our recent conversation, you discussed finding new ways to incorporate a creative community ecosystem into the space and programming. Can you share a bit about that?

Creativity is at the core of everything I do and is so important to cultivate and help grow. I would love for The Egg to really be defined by it’s ‘ellipsoidal structure‘ (literally that is what the Enabling Legislation document calls the building – ‘ellipsoidal structure’ – I LOVE that!). At the core of The Egg we are a space with no straight lines where art and creativity can thrive and push artistic boundaries. I took this job because I love the idea of building a curatorial identity for The Egg where the building itself is the primary creative grounding.

The EGG in Albany, New York | Image: John Bellm

Interior Shot of The EGG in Albany, New York | Image: Provided

For programmatic initiatives: the big vision is to lean into the building – tell the story of its history and invite audience to engage with not just what is happening onstage but with the building itself – outside and in. Think of The Egg as a blank canvas for art. We are currently developing a couple of approaches on that front. ‘The Egg Incubates‘ – where we will incubate and support new work and premiere it on our stages and, ‘Expansion‘ – a series where we invite audience and artists to expand their minds and curate a series that goes beyond our current state of being.

2023 Steve Hackett at the EGG | Image: Timothy H. Raab

Part of breathing new life into The Egg is the branding and visual identity. You will see a shift in our graphic presence as well as the development of an authentic, individualized voice on social media. The Egg will be a place for engagement not just show announcements. This is all still a work in process as we develop these ideas more concretely for the next season. Consider this an ACE! insider sneak peak!

To follow along, check us out on social media and specifically, watch these 2 hash tags: #hatchtheegg #spottheegg

The Egg is such a striking part of the Albany skyline, history and ecosystem…it’s amazing where you can #spottheegg!

2023 Upcoming Shows at The EGG | Image: Provided

What’s the best way for folks to explore collaboration opportunities with The EGG?

Reach out to me via email! Diane (@) theegg.org

Always happy to connect – but just be patient if I don’t respond right away – my inbox is CRAZY 😉

All the Good, All the Time : at Made X Hudson : Sustainability is More Than Just Fashionable

January 31, 2024 By Corey Aldrich

I met Trixie of Trixie’s List fame outside of Club Helsinki in Hudson, NY. It was part of a quick promotional shoot for ‘Wish You Were Hear,’ a covid pandemic live broadcast music series that I was co-producing with Ryder Cooley of the Dust Bowl Faeries. Since then, I have been on Trixie’s mailing list and recently came across this great article by Ben Rendich that I wanted to share with ACE! subscribers…very cool things are afoot in the sustainable fashion scene in Catskill…as you shall see.

EDITORS NOTE: Original article was published in December so you will notice a mention of the holidays.

Made in Hudson in downtown Catskill New York | Image: Provided

For anyone in search of a last-minute holiday gift, try swinging by Made X Hudson – the full service design atelier headquartered on Main Street in Catskill. From their own branded clothing (produced in-house by a team of skilled seamsters) to beauty and pantry items from a roster of Hudson Valley makers, everything in the store bespeaks local quality.

In addition, Made X Hudson offers a variety of ongoing events and unique services, including sewing classes, knitting circles, Pilates, garment alterations, and even custom clothing.

“We do so many different things, it’s kind of bonkers,” says Sergio Guadarrama, co-founder and the gentleman who helms all of Made X’s creative decision-making.

Co-founder at Made X Hudson, Sergio Guadarrama Poses with a Bag of Pre-Spun Wool
Image: Provided

“We’ve done a lot in two years,” agrees Eric De Feo, who manages the business side of things. “We don’t sleep much. It’s 24/7 work.”

Eric is founder and director of the Hudson Community Incubator, an organization devoted to fostering sustainable businesses in the city. It was through this organization that he met Sergio, who’d moved to the area and wanted to open a garment factory.

“It was the peak of the pandemic at that time,” says Eric, “and a lot of factories were struggling. A lot of designers were moving up from the city as well.”

A Made X Employee Works on One of the Store’s in House Creations | Made X Hudson Offers a Variety of Services, Including Garment Alterations | Image: Shannon Greer

The duo hatched their plan in Hudson; they just couldn’t afford any real estate. “We started in a little barn in Leeds with two sewing machines,” remembers Eric. “As soon as we opened our doors, we had orders to create products – from day one.”

Eventually, they allocated enough resources to open their Catskill factory in November 2021, followed by an adjoining shop in March of this year. They opened their Hudson shop this past September.

Sergio has been in the industry for over twenty years, formerly working in women’s evening wear. “I love making things with my hands,” he says. “I love focusing on sustainability and trying to make the fashion industry as ethical as possible.”

Colorful Racks of Made X Hudson Originals, Dried Flower Bouquets and Locally Made Handbags and Hair Clips are Just Some of the Offerings at Made X Hudson | Image: Provided

Made X Hudson is a Full Service Design Atelier Based in Catskill, New York | Image: Provided

His familiarity with the less-than equitable practices of other companies has aided in the creation of a factory that, as he puts it, “encompasses all the good.” The objective at Made X Hudson is to put employees first, and to bring manufacturing back to the community. This entails working in the “old style,” where workers are viewed as an investment, not an expenditure.

“You can overhear the banter,” Eric points out, referring to the conversation that’s drifting into the office where we’re conducting our interview. “Usually that’s not allowed in other factories.”

Made X Hudson employees are all folks based in Hudson, Catskill, and Saugerties; their workroom is on the second floor of the Catskill shop. “We have a fabulous team,” says Sergio. “No one is coming in with much factory experience, because many factories have been shuttering over the last few decades. So everybody’s being trained up – usually from some basic, home-sewing experience.”

“That’s why we opened up our retail shops,” he continues. “To subsidize our training and factory work so that we don’t have to create an environment that’s top-down… [It] enables us to have a more enjoyable work environment.”

Steaming Fabric at Made X Hudson | Image: Shannon Greer

This empowered mindset is echoed in Made X’s inventory as well. Most of the products in their shops originate from Hudson Valley artisans – including Brosgé, a Schenectady-based brand of eco-friendly clothing for plus-sized people; MLE, Saugerties designer Emily Li Mandri’s line of handbags, hair clips and other accessories; and Dunia, a Croatian-American designer who curates Made X’s jewelry selection.

Sergio says that this maker-to-store supply chain is yet another means of fostering sustainability. “When you spend money in stores that are selling products made in other locations, you’re sending money away from your own community. What we’re doing leads to a circular economy.”

A Display at Made X Hudson’s Catskill Store | Upcycled Vintage Piece | Image: Provided

Made X Hudson runs the gamut of price points so that everyone can participate in sustainability.

To that end, Made X Hudson is also involved in spearheading a New York State grant initiative that will create a self-sufficient, regional clothing industry, from seed to finished product. “We were selected alongside RPI and FIT to build a fashion innovation center,” says Eric, “which is going to focus on farm-to-fiber products, lab-grown textiles, and also work to promote a New York sustainable supply chain.”

In the meantime, Made X Hudson runs a popular quarterly clothing swap, where for $15 you can bring as many items and take as many items as you want. “You can get a full wardrobe for fifteen bucks,” quips Sergio. And while at the store, swappers can pick up one or two of Made X’s upcycled, vintage pieces, which are sold at entry-level prices alongside their in-house products.

Co-founder Eric De Feo in Made X Hudson Chore Jacket | Image: Eric De Feo

“We run the gamut of price points so that everyone can participate in sustainability.”

Their Catskill location recently featured the team’s first gallery show, showcasing works by Woodstock based photographer Chase Pierson, and every weekend, Atelier Kuki serves farm-to-table, gourmet Japanese bento and desserts from 12-6pm.

“It’s all a lot of fun,” says Sergio. “And it feels like we’re helping people, too.”

You can check out all of Made X Hudson’s services and upcoming events at their website : madexhudson.com

Ben Rendich is a filmmaker and writer. He’s in pre-production on his first feature, and has a blog where he writes movie reviews and essays called Reflections on a Silver Screen. He lives in Catskill.

This article was reprinted with the permission of Trixie’s List where it was originally posted.