creative placemaking

ALN’S Steve Lawrence : All the Things, All the Time

January 10, 2025 By Corey Aldrich

My first introduction to Arts Letters & Numbers was through ACE! Our previous ED, Maureen Sager had set up for us to do a ‘Creative Networking’ event there (2019). My first impression was very similar to that of Salem Art Works, who I had done a bit of consulting with when I first left my corporate job in real estate. A hyper creative, renegade spirit with an alluring joie de vivre that attracts highly creative minds and makers. Recently, I went to an opening there and Founding Director, David Gersten invited me to stay for dinner which would be at their newest campus acquisition, La Perla Restaurant. The conversation was rich. David and Steve Lawerence, the Associate Director started passionately telling me about the educational programming and creatively fluid campus style that is developing. I had to share. This type of experiential programming really gets me excited and I am hoping it will inspire you to consider new and innovative approaches to what you do.

Steve Lawrence, Associate Director at Arts Letters & Numbers in Avrill Park, NY | Image: Provided

Please state your name, title and past experience that got you to where you are today.

I’m Steven Lawrence, and I currently serve as the Associate Director at Arts Letters & Numbers (ALN) in Averill Park, NY. My journey here has been shaped by a blend of being a tradesman, artist, educator, and psychologist. I ended up at Arts Letters & Numbers because I changed the heating system during a stint of contracting after retiring from the classroom and working on post-grad work.

After high school, I found my way into the trades as a plumbing and heating contractor. I ran my own company for several years before transitioning into becoming a licensed NYS teacher in 2009. I spent 12 years abroad teaching History, English, and Psychology across international schools in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and China. Whatever the system I was teaching in, I focused on creating learning environments that nurture both intellectual and emotional growth. I quickly found that of all that I “taught”, the teaching of meditative practices to students was by far the most important. Through this, and my work outside the classroom in therapeutic settings, I’m now pursuing my PhD in Psychology at Saybrook University (C.A.) specializing in transpersonal psychology and the hermeneutics of meditative expressions as viable treatment.

I’ve always been passionate about the power of craft and the arts in shaping the future. At ALN, I’m working to bridge the worlds of arts, trades, and academics, helping students connect with opportunities that are both practical and creative. The skills students develop in these fields will play a crucial role in shaping their future – just as they did for me.

Arts Letters & Numbers – Resident Artist / Dancer Emma Bäcklund | Image: Zelé Angelides

Can you tell us a bit about what a day in the life looks like for you at ALN? Also, maybe a bit about the diversity of programming you have going on…

My days are a mix of community engagement, creative collaboration, and facility and program development. As Associate Director, I work on fostering connections with local educators and organizations, helping to expand our hands-on learning opportunities across arts, trades, and experiential programs. We have the privilege of a wonderfully supportive team and community that play a critical role in the success of any project associated with ALN.

A big part of my role is supporting artist residencies, where we provide them with space to create and collaborate. These residencies are about fostering the artistic experience, connecting artists with the community, and creating a space for cross-disciplinary exchange. Additionally, the maintenance of facilities could take an afternoon or two, keeping up houses, apartments, studios and the Mill.

La Perla Restaurant and the Gregory House Inn, Part of ALN’s Growing Campus | Image: Provided

La Perla Restaurant, which was opened under the ALN banner in August 2024, has been an exciting addition to the project. The restaurant brings in not only local people from the community, but musicians, poets, and guests that stay at at the Gregory House Inn.

Arts Letters & Numbers Workshop / Educational Programming | Image: Provided

I am always struck by the quality of offerings that I see happening at ALN, real intellectual stuff juxtapositioned nicely with get your hands dirty, maker oriented programming. What’s the organizational philosophy that you have to drive the selection and balance?

Our philosophy centers on the belief that intellectual exploration and hands-on creativity are most impactful when combined. We intentionally balance thought-provoking programs with maker-oriented experiences to create a dynamic, holistic learning environment. Our aim is to balance thinking with making.

Arts Letters & Numbers Workshop on Campus | Image: Zelé Angelides

Our approach is interdisciplinary, connecting different fields to foster deeper understanding, while also encouraging collaboration across disciplines, enriching both intellectual and creative work. We prioritize personalization, offering opportunities for participants to engage in both deep reflection and tactile creation, to explore their passions in diverse ways. Add to that our moto: “Yes, in advance.” and “If we know what it’s going to be we don’t do it”. Very often that’s all anyone needs, it’s so remarkably simple. It’s not easy, but it’s simple.

We also ensure that our programs have a community impact, providing real-world relevance and opportunities to engage with the local environment.

Art Letters & Number Mural Project for Doors of Hope with Partners: Rensselaer County Mental Health Student Assistance Program (SAP), and the Nopiates Committee | Image: Provided

I am especially interested in your pursuit of educational integration, IE working with non-campus based populations, academic institutions and other arts organizations. Can you sketch out what the ALN vision is there, and how you are continuing to expand that approach?

Our vision is to create a network where learning is not confined to traditional settings but extends into the broader community. Our approach is centered on connecting students and artists with real-world opportunities that span across any discipline imaginable. We are committed to collaborating with local schools, such as Big Picture Learning in Schenectady, the Averill Park School District and Berlin Central, to bring experiential learning out of the classroom through internships and hands-on programs. We also have a strong connection in secondary education with R.P.I., Russell Sage College, The Cooper Union in New York, as well as a range of international institutions. These connections are a testament of the life and career of David Gertsten, the Founding Director and President of ALN.

Arts Letters & Numbers Founding Director David Gertsten Does TEDx | Image: Provided

2018 ALN Collaboration : ‘Future Unknown’ Chancellor’s Summit held at
The Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) in Beijing, China | Image: Provided

We’re deepening these collaborations to develop more integrated programs that connect craftsmanship, creativity, and theory as a sort of global exchange. This allows us to create rather unconventional pathways to learning and individual development. ALN is evolving into a truly interdisciplinary and transnational model. I wouldn’t say we’re building a school, it’s more like we’re working to supplement a learning experience that students want and typical schools can’t always provide. Schools have been open to working together. Generally, any hurdles are pragmatic, working through a system one issue at a time and sticking with it. ‘No’ can’t be an answer, sometimes.

Arts Letter & Numbers Film Project Collaboration with Youth FX and the
Albany High School’s Social Justice Theater Program | Image: Provided

It’s all very collaborative, what would you recommend to other institutions who may have an interest in expanding their footprint to have a greater yet practical impact? Thoughts on how to do that sustainably from a resource perspective?

When working with other institutions towards the same ends, it’s essential to focus on creating genuine partnerships that bring real value. Find the people that ‘get it’ and work with them. Starting small with pilot programs or focused collaborations can help you see what works before expanding. It’s also important to find synergies between different partners—whether that’s through sharing resources like space and staffing or finding common goals to work towards. Sustainability comes from creating partnerships that are mutually beneficial, where the collaboration strengthens the work of everyone involved.

When partnering with local schools, businesses, or other arts organizations, we look for opportunities to build programs that are aligned with our style of approach. It’s important to note that these discussions often take months—sometimes even a year—before a project fully comes to fruition. This long timeline is the reality of creating great programs. While planning and discussing future initiatives, we’re also actively carrying out the programs that are already in motion. Patience is essential. It’s important to manage both long-term development and the work happening right now.

We’re always keen to open the space for folks to venture out into their artistic pursuits. Recently a local woodworker took up shop here to get his furniture business off the ground. As ‘compensation’ he lends a hand, using his skill sets to support us where he can. There are ways to be creative about developing transactional relationships.

Arts Letters and Numbers – Teaching Time | Image: Zelé Angelides

Anything in the pipeline that we should be aware of? Anything you would like to plug that you have coming up?

We’re continuing to work closely with local schools and developing community projects that students can be involved in. These initiatives take on many forms, from community-based murals to a community table-building project for the Poestenkill Town Park.

Our residency seasons run from January 15-March 15 and April 15-June 15, where we invite artists from various disciplines to create, collaborate, and engage with the local community. Many are scheduled to arrive, and our application process is still open. You can learn more by visiting our residency page.

We’re also excited to be running our Craft 1o1 project again this year in July and August 2025. It’s our second year running, and we had a remarkable time last year. It’s a unique opportunity for individuals to engage experiences unlike anything I’ve seen, where we engage masters of craft in upwards of 15 different disciplines – from music to masonry, poetry to plumbing. That is to say, musicians learn masonry and masons learn to play music, poets plumb and plumbers write poetry. It’s rather remarkable. We’ll be announcing the open registration for that soon, otherwise folks can plan ahead and join the residency which allows them to participate.

Food Prep at Arts Letters & Numbers | Image: Zelé Angelides

There are a few other exciting projects in development that I’m not quite ready to announce, but you can stay updated on all of our upcoming initiatives by following our newsletter. It’s the best way to stay in the loop and hear about what we’re up to.

For more info –
WEB: artslettersandnumbers.com | IG/FB : @artslettersandnumbers

Joshua Gruft’s Paper Moon : Diverse International Flavor and Happening Community Vibes

November 25, 2024 By Corey Aldrich

Joshua Gruft has shown up everywhere over the last couple of years. DJ gigs for cool parties and burlesque shows, bar based magazine release events, and now…he even has an old school rare book and magazine store called Paper Moon in Troy, NY that has a killer roster of community based music and literature happenings. I caught up with him to get the latest and man, was I out of the loop as to just how cool and diverse a programming calendar PM has going on! We talked about the above and also chatted about leaving a day gig to go full time into the full time entrepreneurial business, creative lifestyle.

Joshua Gruft : Owner at Paper Moon in Troy, NY | Image: Provided

Please state your name, title and educational / artistic background.

My name is Joshua Gruft, and I’m the owner of Paper Moon Bookstore, which opened in March 2024. I hold a BA in Music and Education from City College of New York, and I’ve spent the past 20 years working as a professional musician, promoter, and artistic director.

MC Event at Paper Moon in Troy, NY | Image: Provided

Can you tell us more about your shop? What motivated you to open a physical location. I have worked with you in the past as DJ Mercy. Do you plan on spinning there?

When I launched my own magazine, I noticed how few places offered magazine selections. I wanted to change that and bring something unique to downtown Troy. Paper Moon is a bookstore and magazine shop that features hard-to-find titles and showcases local art.

Paper Moon in Troy, NY has an Amazing Selection of Rare Zines, Books and Magazines | Image(s): Instagram

I have a symbiotic relationship with DJ Mercy, so whenever I’m working in the shop, I’m also spinning. The current shop mix contains tracks from the Jazz is Dead series by Adrian Younge & Ali Shaheed Muhamed, albums from the Smiling C record label, a healthy dose of Donald Byrd & RinseFM.

Event Crowd at Paper Moon in Troy, NY | Image: Provided

The size of the space and format reminds me of things I was seeing in Tokyo a few years ago. Can you dive a little into the current and long term vision for the retail space product mix and social programming?

The shop began as a space for cool books and magazines, inspired by Gagosian Shops’ high-art style and Casa Magazines’ floor-to-ceiling setup. My goal is to maximize every inch to showcase art, host events, and foster community. I’m already bringing together poetry nights, local punk bands, free improv/jazz, noise performances, book talks, and art shows. I’m a promoter by trade, so throwing unique events is my passion—they also help transform the shop’s aesthetics and give local creatives a home.

Sample of Event Flyers for Paper Moon in Troy, NY | Image(s): Instagram

Setting up a retail shop is financially challenging. How were you able to pull that off? Did you have to bring in partners? I am always interested in how folks make these things a reality, so many creatives have dreams of doing creative businesses but don’t know where to start.

Opening Paper Moon was indeed financially challenging. I used part of my retirement savings from my last corporate job to make it happen. I don’t have a team of partners, but I’ve leaned on friends, family, and other local indie business owners for emotional support. I’m also grateful to have Marc Arsenault as my one employee—he’s been running Wow Cool comics distro since 1988, so it’s incredible to fill 40% of the shop with his extensive back catalog of comics spanning different eras and genres.

WOW Cool Selection of Rare Books,Graphic Novels and Comics at Paper Moon | Image(s): Instagram

Poetry Reading at Paper Moon in Troy, NY | Image: Marc Arsenault of WOW Cool via Facebook

Shameless plug: Anything additional coming up we should know about?

The holidays are coming up! Come by and let me help you find something unique and fun for your friends and family. Make sure to tell me you heard about us in the ACE! Newsletter!

For more info or to follow them on Instagram: Paper Moon Troy

Prince UFO Catchers : Young Creative Entrepreneurs Laying It On the Line

November 25, 2024 By Corey Aldrich

I met Danbi Yu and Bradley Alverez through a co-producer (Guinevere of the Dentist Office) for a pop up cyberpunk market that I have worked on with the Arts Center of the Capital Region. Not only do I find them to be some of the most attractive / positive and kind people, but I loved the passion they bring to share Japanese arcade culture with the region. I have worked with them on a few projects and am really excited to share their new entrepreneurial endeavor!

Bradley Alverez and Danbi Yu : Owners and Founders at Prince UFO Catchers | Photo: Corey Aldrich

Please state your name, title and educational / artistic background.

Danbi Yu and Bradley Alvarez, Co-Founders of Prince UFO Catchers.

Bradley and I attended SUNY Potsdam. There, I majored in English Writing and Philosophy. Bradley majored in Spanish and minored in Art. We studied abroad in Japan in the last semester of our 4-years in college, in a countryside prefecture called Akita and at an international school called Akita University. During this time, we have had the opportunity to explore various prefectures in Japan, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. We also had the chance to meet locals and become friends with the Japanese students there. But most of our free time, I admit that we spent at Japanese arcades playing for anime figures and gigantic plushies. After the study abroad experience, I quickly jumped into the publishing industry as an editor and Bradley launched a start-up resell business called Shop.De.Alvarez. While I honed my professional writing, editing, project management, and administrative work skills, Bradley became familiar with the entrepreneurial process of making connections, buying merchandise, researching market value, and finding selling platforms.

Catching Plushies at Prince UFO Catchers in Colonie Center Mall | Image: Corey Aldrich

I have worked with you in the past at different pop up events. Can you tell us more about your shop? What motivated you to open a physical location. Any additional programming ideas for the space?

We have had an interest in claw machines/Japanese-style arcades ever since we studied abroad in Japan in 2018. We were blown away by the Japanese arcades because of their focus on claw machines, their customer service, the level of quality prizes inside the machines, and the aesthetics of the entire environment that catered to not only Japanese people but foreigners like us. They had token machines at every corner that converted cash into satisfyingly sounding 100 yen coins. They had anime figures, a variety of creative plushies, and rhythm games at every level of the arcade.

At the beginning of our entrepreneurial journey, we started off with vending mini claw machines inside of restaurants, grocery stores, cafes, etc. and we eventually started to participate in various events. We luckily landed a vending spot at Colonie Center Mall and began to have a relationship with the leasing people there. They were actually the ones who suggested that we should do a physical location because claw machine arcades were becoming popular throughout the world but there was nothing like that around the capital region of New York. And so, we thought if we were going to do this, we wanted to recreate our experiences in Japan as close as possible. Claw machines, high-quality prizes, fair winnings, attention to detail to the smallest things, and customer service that would cater to the audience by adjusting the prizes as many times as possible if needed and giving advice on how to win quicker.

Mary and Friend Show Off Their Winnings at Prince UFO Catchers | Image: Corey Aldrich

In the near future, we are planning to have more rhythm games, like Dance Dance Revolution and/or Taiko no Tatsujin, and of course a monthly-bimonthly rotation of the prizes inside the claw machines. We are also planning to host events within the space. We are entertaining a Rhythm Game Competition or even a Speed Dating Event, but that would all be TBD and TBA on our Instagram page.

Keychain Characters at Prince UFO Catchers in Colonie Center Mall | Image: Corey Aldrich

What type of research did you do to decide what type of machines and products you would have? What drove your product theme?

Our product theme varies. Our original focus was anime, like One Piece, J ujutsu Kaisen, SpyxFamily, etc., but we thought it shouldn’t be so niche because children would love things like Pokemon, Winnie the Pooh, Stitch, etc. Another thing we liked about Japanese arcades was that they didn’t just have plushies or keychains. They also have food products like chips, sodas, chocolates, etc. They had practical things like mini hand towels, pillows, bags, pencil case holders, and whatever you could imagine. This way, I thought we could cater to not only the plush fans, anime fans, a collector, or a certain age group but to all people who might just want to walk in and try something they haven’t seen before.

Of course, when we were still vending, we tried to learn as much about claw machines and the sources from which we get our merch as possible, to vet out quality prizes from not-so-quality, and we are still in this learning process but a lot better than we were a year ago.

Japanese Imported Beverages / Snacks at Prince UFO Catchers in Colonie Center Mall : Image: Corey Aldrich

To be honest, the financial part was the trickiest part on our end. We tried exploring so many loan options but quickly found that no bank would entertain a start-up business despite my fully fleshed-out 25-page business proposal and many financial projection sheets. We tried a private loan but were daunted by the idea of having 40% interest rates that we would have to pay back in less than five years. We even reached out to the Chamber of Commerce in Albany and the Community Loan Fund for small business loans, but found that they couldn’t do anything for us since we were considered a fresh business. As a last resort, Bradley and I sold our one and only investment property in Troy that we had managed to buy back in 2020, and this was what helped fund us at the start of this journey.

But I would like to add that we were relentless in this. It was very unrealistic at the beginning of this journey, financially, but I knew that this was something we wanted to do. Whatever the method, whether it was seeking out a family loan or calling up private investors all over the country, we wanted to make this a reality. Luckily for us, we were able to sell the house for a good price at the right time, but I truly believe that we would’ve found another method if this hadn’t been the case. What I’m trying to get at is that obstacles are always present when we are chasing something that seems bigger than ourselves at that moment, but it is also up to us to determine whether those obstacles make our reality or whether we can create a reality that is beyond those obstacles. I believe we chose the latter because we had a strong desire to share our love for Japanese arcades in America.

Deep in Game Play at Prince UFO Catchers in Colonie Center Mall | Image: Corey Aldrich

Shameless plug: Anything additional coming up we should know about? Can folks still talk to you about getting a machine in their location?

We do try to participate in some events here and there, like the card show in Albany or the Anime Night in Troy, but it honestly depends on the date + time. We try to participate in these events because it is a nice way to meet other vendors, coordinators, and customers, but at the same time, running a business has proven to be very time/energy consuming. As for vending, we still do them, but it’s only in Westchester due to the help we receive from Bradley’s family. For upstate NY, we are familiar with other people who do vending so always feel free to reach out to us if you’d like a claw machine in your business!

Fun Fact: The name of our arcade originates from our cat’s name, Prince, and what the Japanese call claw machines “UFO Catchers.”

For more info or to follow them on Instagram: Prince UFO Catchers

Prince the Cat Logo for Prince UFO Catchers | Image: Corey Aldrich

METROLAND (NOW) : Revival of a Capital Region Institution

October 9, 2024 By Corey Aldrich

Like the glory days of First Friday, METROLAND played such an important part in the creative discovery of what the Capital Region had to offer. Every week I remember picking up a copy (Usually at Tess’s Lark Tavern) and scanning through it to plan my weekend activities. While there are some other sources of arts and cultural listings in the region where you can find out things that are happening and get good interviews and background (Radio Radio X and Nippertown) METROLAND was always a gold standard for finding out where and what was happening from the above to underground scenes. Musician / Comedian Erin Harkes is looking to bring back that energy and has secured the brand for a new rendition as retooled as METROLAND NOW. The question is, what will she do with it?

Erin Harkes : Musician, Comedian and Publisher at METROLAND NOW | Photo: Kiki Vassilakis

Could you state your name, title and background?

Erin Harkes. Multi-hyphenate 😉 Musician, Comedian, and now publisher!

As an entertainer who has spent over two decades in the capital region, navigating every twist and turn the industry has presented, continuously adapting and reinventing myself along the way. The constant throughout this journey has been the significance of marketing. While the methods of marketing may evolve, the essential need for it remains unchanged.

Many people often ask why I haven’t relocated to a larger city. It’s a complex question. Perhaps it stems from a sense of contentment or, by some accounts, complacency. It’s undeniable that bigger cities offer opportunities that may not be available here, yet I have consistently found ways to create my own paths. Instead of commuting to places like Boston or NYC every time I want to showcase my comedy, I decided to take matters into my own hands by producing shows specifically to provide myself with performance opportunities. I’ve approached music in a similar fashion, and now, I’m venturing into publishing as well with METROLAND NOW.

Historic METROLAND Covers | Photo(s): Facebook

To many of us who have been around the region for a while, METROLAND was a gold standard for the arts and cultural sector (and activism). I was so disappointed to see it go. What made you decide that now was the time to revive that and how were you able to pull that off? What geographic area will you be covering? Topically, what will be the content focus of the publication?

I felt there was a void / vacuum in the area. There are definitely other publications but some are just not an option for me as a performer. I had always had the idea of reviving METROLAND in the back or my brain. I honestly never thought beyond that until this year. It all kind of happened organically through countless conversations with other creatives and folks in the community. We will be covering Albany, Troy, Schenectady, Saratoga and the general perimeter around those four. But we won’t hold ourselves back from places beyond that when the call comes! The focus, for now, will mostly be music but we’re expanding into arts and other entertainment, comedy, community events, non-profit organizations, small businesses, a comprehensive calendar and just see where it takes us! As long as the message is positive, we’ll share it!

I know you started with the idea of being an online publication only and now I have heard murmurs that you are considering bringing a version into print also. Can you tell us more about what that will look like and what the timelines are on that front? Will this be a weekly issue?

I started this idea with NO intention of printing but the more I talked to folks the more I heard this exact phrase uttered: “I miss picking one up.” I really listened to that. For whatever reason, folks miss the physical nature of METROLAND. I don’t believe print is dead but I also don’t see the need for a weekly so we’re going to try for a monthly hopefully starting this month! (October 2024)

A robust and representative publication takes a lot of team work. How big is your current team? Is it mostly volunteers or paid folk? As I recollect, that last version of Metroland ended up closing due to financial issues. Do you have a plan to ensure that you don’t end up with similar challenges?

My current team is about seven folks, including myself. Everyone has been volunteering, including myself. There’s one person who I have been paying out of my own pocket because she does this for a living and has a small child and another on the way, whereas the other team members have day jobs. Everything is transparent; everyone knows who’s making what. I’m actively working on way to ensure that everyone, including myself, gets paid. It’s a priority. The last thing I want to do is exploit artists!

I registered as a non-profit because my priority is to try and help other non-profits in the area – be it venues or general NFP’s – get the attention they might not be able to afford otherwise. I plan on doing some fundraising and getting some sponsors/patrons/donors to help give to the cause. There will also be advertising opportunities that can generate income. My plan to make sure we stay financially viable is to use the resources I have built over my 20+ years in the Capital Region and learn from my peers. I have been offered an incredible amount of support from some of the most successful people in the area and am genuinely humbled by the respect I’ve been shown. I have a big ego and know what my vision is but I am not too proud to ask for help with the things that I haven’t learned enough about yet. It will take a village, but I HAVE that village.

If folks want to be involved on the creative content side or are interested in advertising or being a distribution point, what’s the best way for them to get in touch?

We have received SO many submissions so far. We are working on the best way to filter through them all and give the best consideration to each and are still ironing out a process to make this easy for everyone involved. When it’s time it will be very clear how to do that! Right now we suggest checking the website and the social media. We’re chipping away at the messages we’ve already gotten and asking people to be patient with us. I have amazing volunteers and I am not about to overwhelm them. There’s a fine line between ambition/tenacity and harassment, though. The latter will not be rewarded. Even the most talented folks won’t be considered if they aren’t respectful during this process. Also the core group has to vote unanimously on new contributors. I want everyone to be safe and comfortable with their peers. That is paramount. Contacting ME directly isn’t a good idea, either. Haha! Just trying to make our boundaries very clear.

Shameless Plug: What would you like to share with us? Any things coming up on the horizon we should know about?

Thank you but honestly nothing right now! We just ask that everyone share the website and the socials and keep it up with all the positive messages. I can’t wait to watch this grow and work with our vibrant and talented community!

Finally, know that ACE! has your back! 🙂

LIKEWISE! I look very much forward to working with you guys closely!

For more on the final days of METROLAND previous...check out the article in the Times Union from January 2016 by Paul Grondahl.

The Team at METROLAND – The Final Days | Photo: Steve Jacobs / Times Union

Jill Fishon-Kovachick is Sculpting Success at Saratoga Clay Arts

June 6, 2024 By Corey Aldrich

I discovered Saratoga Clay Arts through my good friend Ping Xu who is a member there (Also a board member at Saratoga Arts). She kept telling me that I had to see the amazing facilities and community that she was a part of. Well, I have to say…she was right on all counts. What Founder and Executive Director Jill Fishon Kovachick has been able to cultivate is not just an oasis of creativity and an incredibly well equipped makers space but a connected and growing community that many have come to call home.

Please state your name, organization and what you do.

My name is Jill Fishon-Kovachick and the name of my center is the Saratoga Clay Arts Center. I am the Executive Director. I started working with Clay at eleven years of age at Bucks Rock Camp in New Milford Connecticut. I was a camper and became a counselor and found Clay as my medium. From there I went to Skidmore College where I received my BS Degree is Art Education. I studied under Regis Brodie. My love for clay has been my passion for most of my life and continues to be important to me and to be able to teach it to our community fills my heart.

Entrance Sign at Saratoga Clay Arts | Image: Corey Aldrich

Can you tell us about what is happening at the Saratoga Clay Arts and what your mission is? The campus is so beautiful, I really love the vibe there!

Our mission is all about community and to inspire people of all ages. We educate people all about clay. From the hand-building process to the potters wheel. We also have many different types of kilns and glazes. There is also a gallery on site called the Schacht Gallery, which I named after my Grandmother who’s maiden name was Schacht. The gallery brings in local and national artists. We want to expose people of all generations to what it means to work with clay. The gallery broadens people’s understanding of what can be done with clay – in all ways.

Schacht Gallery at Saratoga Clay Arts in Saratoga Springs, NY | Image: Corey Aldrich

Outdoor Patio Area at Saratoga Clay Arts in Saratoga Springs, NY | Image: Corey Aldrich

What does a typical day look like for you on location?

My typical day is wearing many different hats at SCAC. From teaching to answering phones to paying bills and then of course finding time to work on my own work.

Hands On Soda Firing and Throwing Workshop with Matt Long at Saratoga Clay Arts | Image: Corey Aldrich

A lot of organizations with an educational program end up going the not for profit route. Why did you decide to structure as a for profit company?

I ended up making SCAC a private business because I had to react fast to create it. I had been working at Skidmore for Special Programs for 17 years. There I taught a night class for the outside community. Skidmore had decided to delete the night classes for ceramics so the people taking classes needed a place to work. This required me to move quickly to bring everyone to the center. There was no time to set up a not-for-profit. We all needed a place to work – immediately. I bought our current building in foreclosure. I know I made the right decisions as the center has been busier then I ever dreamed could happen.

Materials Pantry at Saratoga Clay Arts | Image: Corey Aldrich

Saratoga Clay Arts has 7 Electric Kilns on Campus (4 Seen Here) | Image: Corey Aldrich

Can you talk a little bit about the economics of the business? I know running a pottery shop requires some serious equipment and infrastructure investment.

We opened in 2011. I was fortunate enough to be able to purchase the building and the equipment to get things going. The business did need some financial backing to cover the equipment side though. Since then we have been raising money through our annual fundraiser which is called the Chili Bowl. We give some of our proceeds to a local organization called To Life which is helping people with breast cancer. and to the Wilton Food Pantry. The local restaurants have participated and have been incredibly generous in donating their donations for the event. It’s a chili cook off and competition and is an amazing and fun event. This of course is in addition to our class and program fees.

EDITORS NOTE: In addition to 7 electric kilns of various types, Saratoga Clay Arts has a large high-fire gas kiln, a salt kiln, a soda kiln, a raku kiln and a pit fire smoker.

Jill at the Kiln | Youth Programming at Saratoga Clay Arts | Image: Provided

Mark Tarabula – Studio Manager at Saratoga Clay Arts in Saratoga Springs, NY | Image: Corey Aldrich

Running a business can be so demanding, how do you balance that with your own artistic practice?

Running a business is incredibly demanding and I have had to give up some valuable time in making my own work to do but it, but it was worth it. The center is such a great place. Since opening and being available all the time I have hired some amazing people. I have a Studio Manager Mark Tarabula , an Artistic Director Leigh Taylor Mickelson and a Marketing and Engagement Community Coordinator Lyndee Deal. This allows me to be able to to focus more on my work. We also have up to 4 Artists in Residence at any given time who teach classes and work for the center in exchange for studio use. Additionally, we hire interns who learn from us and find their direction in clay. They help teach classes and learn the dynamics of running a center.

David Kwak – Resident Artist at Saratoga Clay Arts in Saratoga Springs, NY | Image: Corey Aldrich

Under Construction : New Classroom Space at Saratoga Clay Arts in Saratoga Springs, NY | Image: Corey Aldrich

Bonus question: Anything coming up on the horizon you would like to tell us about, programming to promote?

Some exciting news on the horizon… we are almost finished renovating the basement and have created another beautiful classroom and more studio rentals. We plan for that to be open in June which will allow us to have more room to grow and more classes being offered. Additionally, this will allow us to promote more private parties and corporate clay events.