Makers

CAP NY ACTIVATE! : Destination Washington County

May 9, 2022 By Nellie Ackerman-Vellano

I remember being invited to a friend’s bonfire a little over 25 years ago. She had told me it was at her parents house in Shushan, NY. I’m not originally from New York, so I had never even heard of that town before. I was living in Schenectady at the time. We didn’t have cell phones or a GPS app back then. She emailed the directions to me, and I printed them out. I remember thinking to myself, “What place is she leading me to?”, I then got in my car and started driving towards Washington County.

As I was driving through towns like Greenwich and Salem to get to her house, I started to feel gratitude about the time it was taking to get there. I drove past barns, horses, farm stands, and country stores. Living in busy Cities around the world and in other US States, I hadn’t experienced a nice drive through the country since I was a little girl in Korea. It was such a peaceful and scenic drive. The ride seemed to fly by and before I knew it I had arrived at her house, greeted by other friends who also made their way there too.

As the night went on, we ate lots of great home cooked food, we sang songs around the fire led by an acoustic guitar, we told stories that made us laugh, and we made memories that I still think about today. For many of us that met at SCCC, this was our first time experiencing Shushan hospitality. I remember heading home and thinking how lucky my friend was to live in such a beautiful place. I remember that night like it was yesterday.

Since then we both have had children, and I’ve been able to bring my boys out to Shushan several times to play with her boys. Riding horses, playing in the mud, chasing chickens…. while us moms sit inside and catch up over cups of tea.

My family has since become familiar with many parts of Washington County over the years, and we always find new spots to explore and sites to visit with the kids. I’m so joyful to be able to share about a few places, out of so many wonderful places, to visit in Washington County.

This article is presented through a content collaboration with ACE and CapNY.
Visit us on Instagram at @upstatecreative and @gocapny

FORT SALEM THEATER

In June of 2021 a lovely little theater in Washington County opened to the public….new in spirit, but not new to Salem, NY. In order to share about this theater’s promising future, we have to take a quick look back at their inspiring past.

While being constructed as the countries First Presbyterian Church in 1774, it was taken by patriot forces and used as a staging area for troops. It was then known as Fort Salem. Lost to fire in 1777, the church was rebuilt by the Presbyterian, adding the chapel in 1882. In 1972 the building was privately purchased, a stage added, and the very first show in the Fort Salem Theater was enjoyed.

The theater sold again in 1979, and again in 2006 with major renovations taking place. In 2020, the Fort Salem Theater sold to the current owners Kyle and Jared West who had relocated to Salem from Dallas, Texas. In June 2021 the theater reopened with a sold-out show, and is still open today for all to enjoy in the many years to come.

Locals and visitors from all over the Region attend shows throughout the year to see well performed plays and great live acts. This well loved theater welcomes the community, neighboring communities, and anyone from outside of Washington County to visit and enjoy the variety of performances here.

If you’re looking for entertainment to enjoy with your family or friends, whether you’re staying in Salem or not…. I recommend taking a peek at the playlist for this venue and buying tickets to one of their shows. It’s a nice drive to Salem, NY on your way to the Fort Salem Theater.

11 East Broadway | Salem, New York 12865
Web: fortsalem.com | IG: @fortsalem

SALEM ART WORKS

Whether you’re a master of a brush on canvas, or if you’ve never picked up a creative tool before…. Salem Art Works welcomes you and your curiously creative heart. Located in Salem, NY, on 119 acres, artists from around the globe retreat to SAW for stay, community, inspiration, and reflection.

Locals and out of town travelers come to visit this artists retreat center and tour the grounds that are covered with artists workshop buildings & spaces, an artist created tiny home community, and natural gathering spaces. Incredible and larger than life sculptures greet you as soon as you turn off the main road, and escort you all the way through the grounds and up the drive to the top of the hill….where you will find an incredible view and a peace that makes you pause, in silence, as you appreciate the knowing that this unselfish space was created for you and everyone else who visits.

SAW also offers summer camps and workshops for young artists and any one aspiring to be one to learn a trade like welding, pottery, glassblowing or blacksmith. The retreat center has programs where entire families can stay on site and participate in various workshops together or individually. Live music takes place at the highest point on the grounds, overlooking the entire Town of Salem, and all are welcome.

If you’re looking for a unique day trip experience or week long destination vacation, I encourage you to add Salem Art Works to your creative bucket list of places to visit and contact them today to register for one of their workshops. For a full listing of programs and events visit the website.

19 Cary Lane | Salem, New York 12865
Web: salemartworks.org | IG: @salemartworks

JACKO’S CORNER

A real old fashioned soda fountain isn’t something that you see anymore these days… but a working one too, while sitting at a vintage inspired soda shop bar? You’ll find that Jacko’s Corner in Salem, NY, has that kind of “bubbly fun” for you to experience in their restaurant on Main Street.

It’s already well known by the locals that they have a great menu, but what also makes this spot a great destination spot for out of towner’s is that they have great food AND an awesome concert series featuring talented musicians around the region. Described by Jacko’s as “Cozy vibes, flowing wine & beer at Jacko’s”. You can enjoy a nice meal, good drinks, and great live music with your family, friends or even make it a date night.

They have wonderful artwork created by local artists hung around the restaurant too, and for sale. Many of the pieces share the story of Salem, NY and the community that has embraced and inspired them. Jacko’s supports the community and the creatives within it, and enthusiastically shares about them with all of their guests that visit.

If you’re desiring to go on a day trip…. I recommend exploring Washington County, and setting your GPS to stop at Jacko’s Corner Restaurant for a good meal, soda fountain drink, and don’t forget to take some local artwork home as well.

190 Main Street | Salem, New York 12865
Web: jackoscorner.com | IG: @jackoscorner

ANNUAL SASQUATCH CALLING CONTEST & FESTIVAL

Have you ever heard a Sasquatch call out in the wild? Well, if you’re curious about how one might sound, you can hear a variety of individuals share out loud what they think one might sound like.

I attended the very first Sasquatch Festival in Whitehall, NY, back in 2016 with my youngest son who at the time was fascinated by the Sasquatch. A friend who lives in Whitehall messaged me about the new “Sasquatch festival” that was being created by their town. Of course we had to go. Now in their sixth year, this has become a much anticipated annual event.

There are vendor tables around the festival set up who have plaster molds of Sasquatch footprints on display, and photos of Sasquatch sightings. You can even photograph yourself behind a giant Sasquatch cutter, and send it to your friends showing them what you’d look like a giant life sized Sasquatch.

The best part of the event in my opinion, is the Sasquatch calling contest that everyone waits for all year long. There’s an adult contest and even one for the kids to sign up and do their own version of a Sasquatch call. I had never imagined what a Sasquatch sounded like, but now I have about dozens of variations in my mind of what one could sound like. LOL. It’s really just a community gathering together and having a lot of fun.

If you’re looking for a family friendly event to take the kids too in Washington County, or if you’re a serious Sasquatch hunter yourself, I recommend marking your calendar and heading to Whitehall, NY for the day for their annual Sasquatch Calling Contest & Festival.

DATE: Saturday | September 24, 2022 : Sasquatch Calling Contest & Festival
TIME: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Calling Contest at 5:00 PM

Highlights Include: Over 50 Vendors. Over 10 Bigfoot presentations with experts and research, Live Music, Beer Garden, Bounce House and Face Painting for the kids! Bigfoot Calling contest, delicious food, Bigfoot statue Raffle. Fun for all, rain or shine.

Skenesborough and Riverside Parks | 130 Main Street | Whitehall, New York 12887
Web: Whitehall Chamber of Commerce

BLIND BUCK VALLEY FARM

Chickens greet you before you can make it to the front door of the Blind Buck Valley Farmstead House, where you are welcomed in by the Parker family. As soon as you drive up the dirt road leading to the 180 acre farm, you’ll see aged red barns and a big white farm home that invites you to stay. The five bedroom farm house is filled with books and games, and play spaces for children. There’s a spacious living room where adults and friends can gather. Unplugged, so you can enjoy all the memorable moments of the time you spend here.

You can also opt to experience Glamping and stay in a teepee on their teepee campsite.

The Blind Buck Valley Farm offers a beautiful and quiet vacation experience for individual families, couples, groups of friends, wedding parties, and even bridal showers. There are goats and donkeys, and ponies and other farm animals on the grounds that kids and adults can interact with while staying on the farm. There’s a pool in the back of the house, open in the warmer season. There’s lots of ground to walk and explore.

There’s a large hill near the house, that tempted the inner child in me to climb up it and roll down it. I resisted during my visit, but the next time I come to this wonderful family friendly farm, I may have to let the kid in me run free.

If you’re looking for a getaway destination that is a hidden gem, less then 45 minutes from Saratoga Springs, NY, I recommend adding the Blind Buck Family Farmstead to your Salem, NY vacation stay list.

116 Riley Hill Road | Salem, New York 12865
Web: bbvfarmstead.com | IG: @blindbuckvalley_farmstead

Nellie Ackerman-Vellano is a freelance brand development professional, writer and photographer who writes for a variety of periodicals including 518 Profiles Magazine. | IG: @FeedMe518 | @BonVivantPhotographe

SALEM ART WORKS : A Conversation with Pearl Cafritz – Executive Director

May 4, 2022 By Corey Aldrich

My first exposure to SAW was through the ‘Things To Do’ section in back of The Metroland (RIP). There was a listing for a quirky music festival called SAWFEST. I went, saw and heard and ever since, I have been a big fan of this amazing institution. I first met Pearl through previous ACE! Executive Director Maureen Sager. We did an event together and I came to appreciate just how much Pearl had to offer SAW and the region at large. And now…you too are on the inside track.

Pearl Cafritz, Executive Director at Salem Art Works — Photo: Corey Aldrich

Please state your name, title, and what you do at Salem Art Works (SAW). How many employees do you have on campus and what do they oversee?

I am Pearl Cafritz, Executive Director. I oversee administration, programs, and strategic planning. There are twelve staff currently. The administrative team is comprised of a Director of Programs, a Coordinator of Workshops, a Director of Development, and a Graphic Designer. The studios each have a director as well including: blacksmithing, ceramics, glass, foundry and welding. We also have a sculpture park manager, a young artist coordinator, a seasonal chef and housekeeper.

Entrance to Salem Art Works — Photo: Corey Aldrich

Can you share a little bit about your education and background pre-SAW. Curious about the other places you have worked and learned your expertise from.

Originally from Saratoga Springs, my journey to creative problem solving began while working at my family’s hardware store, Farmers Hardware. I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts from The College of Saint Rose with a concentration in sculpture. My background in exhibit installation and art handling took me to museums like The Guggenheim, The American Museum of Natural History, The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, and The Whitney. Pursuing the contemporary division of art shipping allowed me to travel, oversee import / exports and coordinate crews installing at various art fairs including Basel Switzerland & Miami, Frieze London, and Venice Biennale. I had the privilege of working directly with Matthew Barney as a set builder for Cremaster 3 and assisted Kiki Smith at the International Center of Photography.

As an art world entrepreneur, I started my own art handling company inspired by the Art Basel scene in Miami, Florida.

Salem ARt Works pieces from the ceramic kiln — From the Ceramic Kiln | Photo: Corey Aldrich

Can you tell us more about the mission and varied programming that you oversee?

The SAW mission is to provide a unique alternative arts learning and experimental environment for young, emerging, and established artists. In addition to a variety of artist residencies, SAW prides itself in its youth programming and workshop offerings. For example, In 2021 ‘Salem Teen Arts‘ taught 31 teens valuable art skills such as glass blowing, watercolor painting, acrylic painting, welding, pottery throwing, and welding.

Starting this year, we are offering a ‘Family Friendly Residency‘ which will allow families of teen artists to stay on campus and take advantage of workshop offerings. For the summer of 2022, we have families joining us from as far away as Washington state and Florida.

Over the past few seasons we have seen a dramatic increase in our workshop offerings. Our capital improvements have allowed us to winterize most of our shops, thus expanding our workshop schedules in a variety of disciplines including:

Blacksmithing, Welding, Making Natural Paints and Pigments, Painting, Retaining Wall Restoration, Woodturning and Stone carving

Barn Construction Shot — Barn Facility Upgrade | Photo: Michael Hatzel

How has COVID affected your programming and facilities over the last couple of years?

COVID imposed a variety of challenges on our operation, the result was an opportunity for re-examination of our procedures and processes. In March 2020, we temporarily postponed our the public programming scheduled for the 2020 season. Having this imposed breather allowed us to refine our administrative procedures, policies and programs. Additionally, we used this time to make several improvements to our facilities.

Image of teen boy and girl working in a blacksmithing shop. — Salem Teen Arts – Blacksmithing | Photo: Michael Hatzel

Young Student Grinding a Piece of Metal — Salem Teen Arts – Metal Shop | Photo: Michael Hatzel

It seems like SAW is an important part of the greater community at large in Salem and the immediate area. Can you talk a bit about your outside collaborations and partnerships?

I am actively seeking opportunities for our artists in residence as well as for local artists. Currently SAW has partnered with North Main Street Gallery, Railroad Station Gallery, North Bennington Outdoor Sculpture Park, HN Williams, Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council, Kingsborough Community College, Southern Vermont Art Center, Elizabeth de C. Wilson Museum, Salem Historic Community Center, The Art Center of the Capital Region, Union College, Collar works, and MASS MoCA.

I also serve on the Salem Chamber of Commerce, our 4th of July Parade Committee, and have begun working with Jackos (A downtown Salem Restaurant/Gathering Space) to provide public programming which will begin this summer.

Students pouring molten iron into molds — Iron Pour with Hartwick College Students | Photo: Michael Hatzel

Student making an iron pour mold design — Mold Making for an Iron Pour | Photo: Michael Hatzel

Anything coming up that you are especially excited about that you would like to share?

Now in it’s 2^nd year, the ‘NY/VT Regional Artist Residency‘ will host 10 artists who live and work in one of the two states and that have an income of $50,000 or less. This takes place from June 20th to July 5^th. Artists will live and work at SAW for two weeks with a $500 unrestricted honorarium. Our goal with this residency is for the artists to see themselves as part of our region while generating new opportunities and growth.

Artwork created during the residency will be on view during a closing Artist Reception Friday, July 1st from 5-7 PM.

This is the 11th season of ‘salem2salem’, an international multi-disciplinary exchange between SAW and the Bodenseekreis (Cultural Department of Lake Constance in Salem Germany) which brings together 20 artists from August 8th to August 29th. The group will include 4 artists from Australia, 1 artist from Romania, 10 artists from Germany, and 5 artists from the USA. An open studio event with work created during the residency on Friday, August 19th from 5-7 PM will include live music, readings and fine art.

To join the mailing list, register for a program / class or to see the full program/workshop/event calendar drop by the website.

WEB: salemartworks.com | IG / FB: @salemartworks

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE FIRST 2022 ACE CREATIVE NETWORKING EVENT!

April 5, 2022 By upstatecreative

POST EVENT EDITORS NOTE: Thanks to all who attended. We had a great showing and a vibrant evening of networking, play and best practice sharing. So fun in fact we ran over until around 8:30! Make sure you on the newsletter for announcements of upcoming ACE! Creative Networking Events.

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We are excited to announce the first ACE Creative Networking Event of 2022 will be held at miSci in conjunction with the NEMA 2022 Creative Placemaking Leadership Summit.

DATE: Thursday, April 21 | 4:30-7:00

Regional food, drink, entertainment and some excellent networking are all in the works. Get your creativity on while exploring the DESIGN ZONE. Learn the secrets behind how video game developers, music producers, roller coaster designers, and other creative problem solvers do what they do.

Additionally, there will be a group discussion to discuss removing barriers to better foster a collaborative approach for engaging area artists and creatives in exhibition projects both conceptually, as well as in the design and fabrication process.

SPECIAL BONUS: miSci President, Gina C. Gould is planning on making a special announcement regarding a new national program that miSci will be instituting that will create commission opportunities for regional designers, makers and artists so make sure to be there for that!

Food by: TAKE 2 CAFE | Environmentally Conscious, Mission Driven and Plant Based Delights. Check out our recent review by food writer / critique Susie Davidson Powell.

Beverages by: RARE FORM BREWING and NINE PIN CIDERY

Entertainment: DJ Nate the Great! Bringing on that chill vibe we have come to respect and love.

Advance RSVP though not required is recommended and appreciated. As always, the event is FREE and open to the public.

NOTE: To RSVP select the NUMBER OF TICKETS (they are free) and then follow the simple registration prompts.

yES! pLEASE RSVP ME NOW!

Feeling the Music Go Through You – A Conversation with Sophia Subbayya Vastek

January 4, 2022 By Corey Aldrich

Memory is so unforgiving sometimes. As such, I don’t quite remember the first time I met Sophia Subbayya Vastek but I do remember somehow beginning to follow her on Instagram and WOW! She would post the most amazing performance snippets and honestly, I fell in love with her work. Then I find out she is deeply integrated into the music scene in Troy (specifically the Troy Music Hall) and that was enough for me, I just had to know more! As the interview unfolded, I realized I had found a kindred soul. Much of what she said resonated with me regarding mind set, performance spaces and shared experiences. So, lets get to it!

Sophia Vastek — Photo by **Kiki Vassilikas**

Please let us know a bit about your practice. Are you a full time performer? Do you have any other creative gigs you do to pay the bills?

I’m a musician (pianist and composer), educator, and producer/event organizer. And, I am a full-time musician. My days are all music-focused.

I’m glad you asked about paying the bills. I encounter a lot of resistance about discussing how creatives organize their finances. Ugh, there’s so much shame and baggage built up in the creative economy…. especially about money, which is a topic that I’ve been working to unpack for myself for years.

Before the pandemic, performing was a bigger part of my income. During the pandemic, my teaching studio grew to be a very important part of my life. This actually became a wonderful and liberating thing for me. I love teaching. Because of having a larger teaching studio, I’m now able to perform when I want, when it’s meaningful, and right. I spent so many years agonizing about whether I was performing enough and in the right venues. Fuck it. I realized that there are so many other aspects to my musicianship that I hadn’t been nurturing. I went full-tilt into exploring composing during the pandemic.

Can you talk a little about your approach to your own compositions and playing?

Playing the piano doesn’t mean a thing to me unless it’s part of a shared experience. Music is a truly magical thing that effects people both physically and ephemerally. It’s sound waves literally hitting your body! How magical is that? When I create music that gives voice to my own feelings, it will in turn give voice to something in someone else. The Gift by Lewis Hyde had a huge influence on my creativity. Seeing what we do as a gift is life-changing. When we put something out into the world, it’s no longer ours – it belongs to others – and that’s a very empowering and humbling concept.

Many people don’t realize that it takes painstaking time, work and care to create music and spaces that feel “right.” I look at what I do as engineering experiences. Whether it’s my own music and performing, or presenting another performance, I’m thinking about what that experience is going to be like for both the listener and performer. Like, how the sound system is going to interact with the acoustics in the space and how it’s going to reach a listener’s ear. You can have the most amazing performer or the most amazing music but if the experience isn’t right, it will fall flat. There are many variables that help create magical experiences beyond just the music itself.

Can you talk a little about what brought you to Troy (Upstate) and where you were before that?

Before we got married, my husband Sam and I lived in New York City and then Baltimore for a while. We were involved with an artist residency program in the Capital Region and had been coming to the area for a few years. Sam also did a residency at EMPAC. We really fell in love with Troy and decided to move here, because we wanted a more stable home base where we could put down roots. We love it here!

I see that in addition to being a composer and performer that you produce events for venues with musicians as well. Can you tell us more about that…is that your 501c3 Organ Colossal?

I’ve run various music series’ in other cities, organized concerts, etc. It was a natural next step to put structure around what I’ve already been doing for a while. I founded ‘Organ Colossal’ with Sam. We produce and present concerts around town like the ‘Lift Series’ in collaboration with the Troy Music Hall. We’re a young organization, but we’ve got big plans for this coming year. We have the most amazing board of directors. There is a lot of thought and care that must go in to bringing people together and creating spaces that are equitable and caring. I can’t imagine doing this work without a team of people that bring different perspectives to the vision.

With the current state of affairs, live music which was coming back strong seems not be totally out of the woods with our ongoing health crisis. Do you have plans on how to deal with that to keep the flame alive?

I’m very optimistic. I don’t think keeping the flame alive is ever going to be the issue. It’s become clear that live music is as important as ever. I have to come back to music as a magic thing – what happens when people experience live music together is totally irreplaceable. Sound waves moving through bodies – your own body and the bodies next to you – create a bond of shared experience. We need these experiences to give voice to the deepest things that we feel that go unprocessed.

My next album that is coming out mid-2022. It’s different from everything else that I’ve put out. It’s scary! This music represents a side of my creativity that I haven’t been able to give voice to until recently. I never gave myself the space to slow down and explore it. The new album is soft, intimate, and enveloping. It’s my own music, recorded on my piano with the best audio engineer in the state, my husband (I’m not biased!). Doing it in my home gave me the freedom to be as vulnerable as possible.

Organ Colossal is in the planning stages of some exciting new projects. We’re committed to creating accessible spaces for music, so we’re moving in a direction that involves more public, open-call work. The next concert on the Lift Series is coming up on on Feb. 23 is Warp Trio (a fantastic genre-bending chamber ensemble). After that, power trio Super 400 (regional superheros!) is slated for March 23. Follow our Instagram page or sign up to my mailing list to keep up to date on future shows and programming.

IG: @sophiavastek
WEB: www.sophiavastek.com

IG: Organ Colossal: @organcolossal

5 Fantastic Latin-Owned Restaurants: Angel’s Latin Restaurant, Catskill

December 7, 2021 By Maureen Sager

Angel’s Latin Restaurant is a steam counter. For the uninitiated, steam counters are made of stainless steel, and hold steamy bins of hot food, set behind glass. You tell the server what you’d like to eat, and they’ll heap generous servings into containers for you to take home or eat in. Steam counters are common in Manhattan, Brooklyn and other cities, but not so much here in the Capital Region. So, if you’re a former NYC resident, Angel’s will be a nostalgiac treat. This unassuming, bright orange storefront on Catskill’s Main Street offers authentic, hearty, delicious Dominican food at great prices and in huge servings.

Upon entering Angel’s, Oscar and I were greeted by Nilfa, a friendly young woman who stands behind the counter, ready to answer questions about the huge array of food prepared by her aunt and her aunt’s husband.

There’s a very wide variety of choices here, with specials on each day of the week. On the night we visited, there was stewed chicken, roast chicken (my favorite!), three kinds of rice (red, white, and black, which had an Asian / soy sauce twist of flavors. The black rice is a specialty of Angel’s), and your choice of beans – red or black. There was also goat, two kinds of pork, two beef dishes, bacalao (salt cod), and yucca. Some nights, you’ll also find oxtail.

Oscar and Nilfa, whose family owns and runs Angel’s Latin Restaurant

Ask For: Tostones with Garlic Sauce

Oscar talked to Nilfa and her aunt in Spanish, asking whether they had tostones (fried green plantains). Nilfa replied that the tostones are always made to order, so that they’re extra crisp. And you’ll be glad to know, they’re SUPER delicious and served steaming hot. Be sure to ask them for the garlic sauce, served on the side. It’s another specialty of the house.

Angel’s ”is completely run by family. Kids do the dishes. Everyone in the family contributes,” Nilfa told us. On the night we were there, the clientele was entirely people of color, and we asked Nilfa if this was usual. “Yes,” she said, “though sometimes we do get a mix of people. I try to explain the menu and the food when someone is not familiar with Dominican food.” Their menu also caters to the foods of other Latin-Caribbean countries like Puerto Rico, “because Dominican is lesser knows. We try to have some things that are familiar,” Nilfa said.

Oxtail — Here’s your chance to try oxtail!

Our HUGE dinners cost $6 for a small plate and $8 for a large plate, for meat, rice and beans, and sides. Crazy good prices, and completely delicious!

Angel’s Latin Restaurant, 334 Main Street, Catskill, NY, (518) 719-8815. Open 12pm-9pm Monday through Saturday, 12pm-7pm on Sunday.