For the Observer-Reporter
newsroom@observer-reporter.com
WAYNESBURG - The posters up around town say it all - Impromptu. That is what a handful of artists and shop owners on High Street are calling today's gathering of artists who are showcasing their work and demonstrating their talents from noon until 8 p.m. in and around Our Glass Creations, 106 E. High Street, Waynesburg.
"I was planning to have the opening for my new shop, Pocketsize Productions, on July 3, so the idea grew from there," potter Becky David said. Her studio gallery is downstairs from Our Glass, opening onto a broad patio that building owners Tom and Mary Beth Pastorius are currently restoring. Surrounded on two sides by a tall wooden privacy fence, it lends a cozy, bohemian and slightly European feel to this part of Cherry Alley.
Today, this space will be devoted to opening day refreshments and congratulations as David introduces herself and her business to art lovers and friends who drop by to visit and shop.
"I've always had a small space to work in, so it suits me. I have studio space here and there's room for my work and that of others. I'll be carrying original design note cards, Pam Abbe's decorative boxes and Makepeace Naturals soaps and candles and there's still room for more," David said. "I'm looking forward to having more impromptu get-togethers and doing grassroots promoting on Facebook and lots of word of mouth."
"People need to notice there are artists here," Our Glass co-owner Karen Calvert said. She and sister, Beth Day, opened their own doors in 2008 and keep working hours in the glass studio gallery from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and sometimes later, as the sisters and their assistants finish up custom orders.
"If you see the lights on, you're welcome to come in," Calvert said.
Day's stained glass and Calvert's fused glass and mosaics fill the big front windows with light and color and spill onto the walls and shelves inside. The work of glass artist Jan Klinefelter also is on display. The gallery carries handcrafted silver jewelry, metal sculpture and bead work by Rick and JoAnne Bartoletti, some pots by David and a wealth of tourist information about what is worth driving to see in Greene County - Thistlethwaite Vineyards, Lippencott Alpacas and business cards from various artists giving directions to their studios.
"This is our first Impromptu Friday and we'll see how it goes. I'm excited that this block is turning into the art district of Waynesburg," Calvert said. "Sculptor Jamie Rinehart just opened his studio across the street and his work is fabulous. We're looking forward to seeing more studios and more artists at work right here in town. Some of us have our work on display at the Welcome Center on Interstate 79 and it is attracting out-of- state shoppers. We are believers in this kind of networking and this is only the beginning."
"We felt that art needs to be out on the street where people can see it," Day said. "Having artists showing their work is our connection to the public and a chance for people to see how our art is created. Local artists are excited about being able to do this. We're attracting some of the young artists as well - Britt Miller, Molly Huffman, Erin Armstrong and Stone Phoenix video productions. This will be your chance to meet them."
"I'm also a painter, so I'll be working on a canvas in my studio during the opening," David said. "There was always music and books in my house when I was growing up and my friends stopped by. I want my shop to be the same."
For more information about David and her work, go online at www.pocketsizedproductions. com.