• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

ACE

Upstate Alliance for the Creative Economy

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • NEWSLETTER
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • JOBS
  • Show Search
Hide Search

CAP REGION NY

CapNY CoWorking Tour: Hone Coworks, Albany

August 13, 2020 By Maureen Sager

The Lobby

Co-working and monthly-lease office space is exploding in the Capital Region! Flexibility, socially-distant camaraderie, and services abound. Come on a sneak-peak tour of art-filled, high-tech Hone Coworks in Albany, and we’ll fill you in on all of our favorite perks.

Hone Coworks is located inside the wooded, shady Great Oaks office park in Albany. It’s close to Crossgates Mall and I-87, but it’s also near to the urban amenities — restaurants, museums, nightlife — of downtown Albany. AMPLE and easy parking is a big plus to this location.

Stylish, Decked-Out Shared Spaces

The Kitchen

After entering through the very welcoming Lobby (seen in the photo above right), you’ll come upon the large, open Kitchen section (seen in photo to the right). The color palette is bright and sophisticated — orange, teal — and the furniture and vibe are modern and vibrant. AKA, I wish my place looked like this.

Make custom seltzers from an app!

Hone Coworks is tech-ed out and touch-free throughout. You can make a custom cucumber-infused seltzer using an app! Reserve and unlock your conference rooms, make copies — all contact-free.

Hold on, I’m not done with the Kitchen deets, though. There’s Clif Bars and RxBars and fresh fruit! Microbrew coffee by Brewtus, a small batch specialty roaster in Delmar. And wait — there’s Oatly Creamer in the fridge! I know, I’m gushing, but (cue Julie Andrews) these are a few of my favorite things!

One of the many Meeting Rooms

Tech-Friendly Workspaces

Now that’s we’ve covered the creamer, we’ll move on to the workspaces. Happily, you’ll find tech-friendly Meeting Rooms of all shapes, sizes and designs, which can be rented by the hour (members’ access is included in their monthly fees). There’s a hip / corporate vibe to these spots, and they’re more than able to handle six-feet-apart spacing.

Another luxe touch is the one-touch feature that turns your desk from a sitting to standing space, AND the Herman Miller office chairs that grace every workspace. Hmm, does a Henry Miller chair beat my sofa? Let me think. Yes, it does.

Artwork All Around

Floor-to-ceiling artwork and triptych by Samson Contampasis

But of all the things to love about Hone, my favorite is the artwork. The artwork that fills the halls and walls is a combination of permanent pieces by regional artists like Samson Contompasis and Lori Kochanski, as well as a rotating gallery wall curated in partnership with Albany Center Gallery.

Hone Community Manager Sarah McDonnell

Okay, and one last shout-out, because Hone Coworks Community Manager Sarah McDonnell set up a jar of Neutrogena make-up wipes for emergency touch-ups. “Masks really screw up your make-up,” she said. “We really try to think of everything you’ll need, and have it here.” Now that’s thinking of everything!

HOW TO FIND HONE COWORKS

Address: 300 Great Oaks Blvd, Suite 300, Albany, NY 12203

Website: https://honecoworks.com/

Call: 518-250-4855

Email: hello@honecoworks.com

Warren County Paddles-to-Pubs, by Blogger Maria Gigliello

August 6, 2020 By wordpress

The Adirondacks are one of the best places to spend the summer in Upstate New York. As an avid hiker and paddler, I venture up to Adirondack State Park as often as possible to enjoy the abundance of outdoor activities. My favorite part of a long day outside? Stopping at one of the many Adirondack breweries for a cold one. Take a trip with me as we go through some of the best paddling spots and breweries in Warren County. From lakes, ponds and rivers to several craft breweries, you’re never too far away from a paddle or a pub.

Moreau Lake State Park & Common Roots Brewing

Technically Moreau Lake State Park is in Saratoga County, but it’s so close to Warren that I’m including it here. This paddler’s paradise is located between Saratoga Springs and Glens Falls, in the foothills of the Adirondacks. The easily accessible boat launch allows you to be out of your car and in the waters in no time! I love paddling on Moreau Lake for many reasons, but most of all, I love that there are no motorized boats allowed. This makes for calm waters suitable for any paddling skill level. Explore the small ponds off of the lake and you’ll be sure to spot ducks, turtles and a wide variety of fish. Keep an eye out for the loon that lives on Moreau Lake, too!

When you finish paddling, head on over to the newly reopened Common Roots Brewing Company in South Glens Falls. They have a huge selection of beer, and if you’re an IPA lover, Common Roots is definitely the place for you!

Glen Lake & Northway Brewing Company

My favorite!

Head north of Moreau Lake State Park to Glen Lake in Queensbury for another top notch paddling destination in Warren County. A non-motorized boat launch for the lake is located at 290 Glen Lake Road. The boat launch also features picnic tables, a restroom and a fishing dock. The two mile long lake is a perfect size for a relaxing day of paddling in a canoe or kayak. If you’re an angler (a method of fishing), Glen Lake is known to have brown bullhead, chain pickerel, largemouth bass, pumpkin seed, smallmouth bass, walleye and yellow perch.

Located just minutes from the boat launch is one of my personal favorite breweries, Northway Brewing Company! A warm atmosphere paired with some delicious beer makes for a perfect post-paddle destination. My personal favorites are the Perfect Day Pilsner and Sunrise Session IPA. Their colorful cans make for a lovely lakeside photoshoot too!

Lake George’s Northwest Bay & Bolton Landing Brewing Company

Paddling Lake George can be intimidating due to the lakes massive size and heavy traffic. However, if you stay in a more secluded area like the lake’s Northwest Bay, you’re more likely to have a calmer paddling trip while still taking in the sheer beauty of the lake. There’s a reason it’s nicknamed the Queen of American Lakes! A Department of Enivronmental Conservation public boat launch for the Northwest Bay is located off of route 9N in Bolton Landing. Enjoy stellar views of the Tongue Mountain Range as you paddle around Northwest Bay.

If you’re going back into the town of Bolton Landing after paddling, be sure to stop by Bolton Landing Brewery Company, a family-owned microbrewery located on the shores of Lake George. Their spacious outdoor patio is a great spot to socially distance while enjoying a brew. Check out their website to see what’s currently on draft!

More Paddling!

  • Thirteenth Lake in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness: A true backwoods paddling experience minus a long hike to the boat launch. Bonus! The lake also has a network of hiking trails and 13 lakeside campsites.
  • Garnet Lake: Another calm paddling destination that is ideal for all skill levels. With over six miles of shoreline to explore, this hidden gem will keep you paddling all day long.
  • There are several boat launches on the Hudson River in Warren County. While paddling the Southern Hudson can be challenging, the calm waters of the Northern Hudson are a paddling dream.

Maria Gigliello is an avid hiker, paddler and writer who enjoys spending as much time as possible doing all three things in the Adirondack State Park. She is just as passionate about beer as she is about responsible outdoor recreation and is always in search of a good view and a brew. You can follow her adventures on her blog, The Dirt.

Connect with Maria
Instagram
Facebook

Want to explore the 100+ CapNY breweries, cideries, wineries, & distilleries? Click here for a downloadable map that can be filtered by preferences!


Related Posts

  • CAP NY ACTIVATE! : 3 ARTS AND CULTURAL FESTIVALS FOR FAMILY FUN
  • CAP NY ACTIVATE : 5 Family Owned & Operated Drive In Movie Theaters
  • CAP NY ACTIVATE : 5 Family Friendly Museums You Must Visit This Summer

ACE Creative: Karina Wojnar

August 6, 2020 By upstatecreative

Some of you may recognize Karina Wojnar, as she is the Development & Membership Manager at Albany Center Gallery. In this position, she fills her time writing grants, planning programming, increasing community outreach efforts, and working with ACG members.

Karina at work, Albany Center Gallery

She wants our readers to know her as a daughter, a sister, and friend – someone who prioritizes amplifying the voices of the unheard in the CapNY community. ACE’s Gabby Fisher has been following her on Instagram for quite a while and reached out to feature her for this week’s ACE Creative feature because of her evolving style as an artist. She’s a creative millennial powerhouse.

Karina, where are you from?

Artwork by Karina

I am originally from Northern NJ, a small lake town called Ringwood. Currently I live in Albany! I went to Siena College and loved the area, so I decided to stay after graduation. Why? The people. The energy of the people. The architecture. The quirks. The random cobblestone streets and historical buildings. Running into people you know in cafes and farmer’s markets. The fact that there are people dedicated to community and positive change. How active people are in politics, human rights, and deeper conversations.

How did you get into the creative field?

Karina’s a yogi too!

I’m lucky. My parents value art as essential, so it was always my path to be in the creative field. I grew up dancing, participating in theater, writing, reading, and prioritizing art classes. I applied to colleges with the intention of getting a business degree with a focus in the arts. Throughout my time at Siena College, I fell in love with social justice and the overlap between humanity and art.

Human beings use art to emote, to share facts, to evoke, to connect with one another. I believe art to be how humans use their VOICE. Everyone has a voice and a different way of expressing it, whether through music, visual art, performance, writing, fashion, etc. We all deserve to be heard.

Painting

In a prior conversation between the two of us, you mentioned you feel like you haven’t necessarily found your creative “voice” yet. Can you talk a little bit about that? I feel that many people can relate.

I’m still experimenting. For the past couple years, I’ve been combining complementary colors and mixing embroidery into paintings. I’m still learning and figuring out technique. People say that once you can become decent at replicating a piece or style of yours over and over– you’ve found your voice.

I’ve been reading “Find Your Artistic Voice: The Essential Guide to Working Your Creative Magic” by Lisa Congdon. It’s been encouraging and affirming to know that my voice matters and it’s all a part of the process. This journey; experimenting, actively listening to my fellow creatives, research…it will all shape my voice, my art, and my life.

ACG hosted a public art bike tour in downtown Albany

What is it like being part of an arts community in CapNY? What has it been like working with local creatives?

In one word…inspiring. Communication and dialogue with fellow creatives is so important. We inspire each other, help each other out, lift each other up. It’s been rewarding. Working with the local arts community is the reason I want to stay in the area.

If you could leave our readers with a word of advice or positivity, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to put yourself and your art out there. Your voice matters. Black Lives Matter. Black Art Matters.

Connect with Karina!
Facebook
Instagram
Email


Related Posts

  • Marion Roach Smith : International Author Cultivates a Crop of Creative Success
  • Albany Artisans : A Philosophical Approach to Restoration
  • (AI) ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE PART II OF III | AI NOW : Expert Perspectives

Thank You Rodney Alan Greenblat & Hudson Hall!

July 28, 2020 By wordpress

On July 22nd, ACE took a private tour of Rodney Alan Greenblat‘s show, “Something to Look Forward to” hosted by the artist himself! It was a wonderful show and we are so appreciative to Rodney and Hudson Hall for hosting our group. Don’t miss it! There are safe, timed, socially distant viewings on their website.

Connect with Rodney and/or Hudson Hall!

Rodney Alan Greenblat
Website
Facebook
Instagram
Visit The Rodney Shop in Catskill!

Hudson Hall
Website
Facebook
Instagram
Address


Related Posts

  • Marion Roach Smith : International Author Cultivates a Crop of Creative Success
  • Albany Artisans : A Philosophical Approach to Restoration
  • (AI) ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE PART II OF III | AI NOW : Expert Perspectives

CapNY Video: Four Questions with Artist Takeyce Walter

July 28, 2020 By Maureen Sager

Fall Marsh, by Takeyce Walter

Landscape painter Takeyce Walter lives in Round Lake in Saratoga County, where she has an art studio in sight of the marsh and lake. But don’t let the timeless serenity of her landscapes fool you, because Takeyce knows how to hustle. First off, she is one of the region’s most successful painters and instructors. Second, she’s a mom to three children, with two young ones at home. Third, she works a full-time job as a video producer. Yes, you read that right.

ACE asked Takeyce about how she balances her work and art, whether she had black female artist role models, and more. Plus, watch her in action, as she creates a wonderful pastel landscape in the video, below.

Image courtesy North Country Public Radio.

Connect with Takeyce Walter:

Website: TakeyceArt.com

Instagram: @takeycewalter


Related Posts

  • Marion Roach Smith : International Author Cultivates a Crop of Creative Success
  • Albany Artisans : A Philosophical Approach to Restoration
  • (AI) ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE PART II OF III | AI NOW : Expert Perspectives
  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 10
  • Page 11
  • Page 12
  • Page 13
  • Page 14
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 22
  • Go to Next Page »

Creative Economy Updates and Other Good Stuff!

STAY CONNECTED!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
Copyright © 2020 THE UPSTATE ALLIANCE FOR THE CREATIVE ECONOMY

info@upstatecreative.org | 41 State Street, Albany, NY 12207

Design by Reach Creative