Visit Inspirit Common in their store at 219 Main Street in downtown Northampton, MA or visit them online at: www.inspiritcommon.com

Tell us a bit about your shop and what you do.
Since December 2005, Inspirit Common has provided a different shopping experience, perfect for when people are looking to buy a gift with intention, something that really means something to both the giver and the recipient. We offer practical tools for spiritual growth that we have searched both near and far and wide to bring to the store. We carry a lot of locally produced wares and artful objects of high quality that you won’t find anywhere else. We have a wide variety of items including; crystals, incense, books, music, jewelry, candles, teas, herbal products and art.

Where are you located and what are your hours?
We are located at 219 Main Street, Northampton, Massachusetts. We are open Tuesday & Wednesday 11-7, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 11-8 and Sunday 12-6. We are open at other times by appointment or chance.

When did you first start carrying items made by local artists and artisans?
When we first opened the store in 2005 we were already working with local artists. We were lucky enough to have personally met quite a few talented local artists and recruited them into the store from the beginning. Since then we’ve slowly expanded the program to include more than 175 local artists of different kinds.

What is your motivation for selling locally handmade goods?
When you are able to sell local, handmade products you know that they are going to be unique. In a retail setting like this you can wind up carrying exactly the same things as every other shop and there is nothing special about your store that makes you stand out. Having local art and local products makes us a destination for shoppers who want something really special and not mass produced. We love having a venue for artists to show off their work and display their talents, and people really love having the option to find such great local art for sale in one location. This area is rich in spiritual art and we are blessed to have so much talent represented in our shop.

What sort of impact does selling locally made items have on your sales and reputation?
We definitely see people who come in knowing that we have a certain artist or a certain line of products that are a local favorite. But we also see people come in for the first time and realize just how much we have is local and they are impressed and it gives them a way to connect to us and the store and a great reason to return time and again.

What sort of items do you carry that are made locally?
The types of things really run the gamut. We have teas, herbal products, soaps, incense, candles, books, wood carving, jewelry, paintings and more! It is amazing the level and scope of talent available here in the Valley. We see people each week who bring us new things to see or try. Some of the artists have one thing that they do while others create a whole array of items.

What is your process for dealing with the artists themselves to get their work into the shop?
Most people stop into the store and connect with our consignment person, Bud, and get a run down of how the consignment process works and set up a time to show their items. We try to make it clear to people that we are looking for items that have spiritual significance. So even though sometimes the art is beautiful it isn’t always the right fit for the shop which is why we have a review process first.

Are there any locally made best-sellers?
Yes, sure there are. Some of our artists are really genius at making their product in various forms and and making them available at different price points – that makes it affordable for a broad spectrum of shoppers. Mischa Epstein, a local collage artist is a very popular seller for our store. We sell lots of tea made by Jess Morgan of Good4You and the herbal elixers and honeys made by Venus of Bone Flower Botanikals are hard to keep on the shelves.

What do you do to help promote your locally made items?
We have designed a special ‘Local’ program in our store. We have signs around the shop that let you know which products are made locally and we sticker those items with special ‘local’ stickers to identify them clearly. We also promote artists on Facebook or through our blog or newsletter to let people know what is available. Soon there will be a special section of our website that features our local artists as well.

What are your thoughts on keeping money within the community and the local economy in general?
The Valley is a unique environment that really nurtures artists and allows them a lot of opportunities that other small communities lack. If we don’t help to support that cycle of showcasing local talent, supporting local art and keeping the small local economy thriving then we’ll see that talent leave the area for better opportunities. People make a special effort to come to downtown Northampton and to shop at individual, privately owned businesses rather than to go to the mall or big box stores for ordinary shopping. That extra effort made by locals is a huge part of how we succeed here on Main Street along with the other shops and restaurants.

What are your hopes for the future of the buy local movement in Western Mass?
I’d love to have the concept of ‘local’ really catch on. We see people really becoming more and more aware that buying local is great on lots of levels. Buying local food and local products means that your dollar stays local. There are fewer miles traveled between farm and table or shelf and home, which is great for your car and for the environment.

These “pop-up” shops are temporary shops put together for the holidays that usually feature locally handmade crafts, art and sometimes food items. It’s a great way to get a taste for all the talent we have in this area and to pick up something truly unique and special for your loved ones.

Check out these great shops which also feature items made by our very own members:

Hilltown Christmas Place
(at Paul’s Sugar Shack)
28 Goshen Rd, Williamsburg
Mon. – Fri. 11 – 6, Sat. & Sun. 10 – 6
Now through Christmas

Artspace Holiday Shop
Artspace Community Arts Center
15 Mill St., Greenfield, MA
M,T,W, TH and Sat -10 am to 6 pm
Fridays – 10am – 8 pm
Sundays – noon – 6 pm
December 9th – December 18th

Holiday Shop at the Pushkin
Main Street at Federal Street, Greenfield, MA
Mon-Wed: 10am-6pm
Thu-Sat: 10am-9pm
Sun: 12pm-6pm
Open 7 Days a Week Until Christmas Eve
View Facebook Page

Holly Days
Historic Princeton Center Building
18 Boylston Avenue Princeton, MA 01541
Friday November 25 from 1:00-7:00
Saturday November 26 from 9:00-6:00
Sunday November 27 from 9:00-1:00
http://hollydays2011.yolasite.com/

And of course, check out our Local Links page to find other locally owned businesses that carry our member’s items. Also, our events page to find out about craft events happening around the area.

Aviva Sieber of Sieber Designs.

Name: Aviva Sieber
Shop: SieberDesigns
Website: www.sieberdesigns.com

Tell us a bit about yourself:
I live and create my quilts in Florence, MA.  I have been quilting for almost 15 years now.   I love to make throw quilts, home décor items (placemats, runners, wall hangings) and purses that I sell at shows and online.  I also make custom bed quilts, up to a queen size.

Where do you sell?
I sell at several craft shows throughout Massachusetts and into New Hampshire.  It’s in my plans to expand, but right now I have a great base of shows that I really enjoy doing.  I also have two shops online.  One on ArtFire and one on ETSY.

Handmade Quilt by Sieber Designs

What are you best known for?
I would have to say that I am best known for my color.  I will be at a craft show, and people stop by my booth because they are attracted to all the color, you can see it in their eyes.

What is your best seller at a craft show?
At craft shows I definitely sell purses (full size and hip) and usually some other items as well.  However, you never know!  I have been to some shows that I only sell wall hangings and throw quilts, and others that I only sell placemats and table runners.  Still, overall, I am usually able to sell purses over anything else when I sell in person.  I think that when someone goes to work on Monday morning they want to say to their co-workers “Look what I bought at the craft fair this weekend.”  It’s much harder to say “I got a great set of placemats at the craft fair.  You will have to come to my house and see them!”

Orange Batik Placemats by Sieber Designs.

What is your best seller online?
In my online stores (I have two) I sell more home décor items like wall hangings, placemats and runners.  Lately I have been selling lots of holiday items and of course an occasional purse!

How does your day go?
My day starts by getting my 8 year old daughter off to school.  Once she is there, I go online and check for sales, do paperwork, and often take pictures and get new listings ready.  After that, I work hard for the next few hours creating new, interesting items for my shop!  By 3pm I am back at the school to pick my daughter up, homework time and dinner.  Then it’s back into my home studio to create some more until I am ready for bed!

Structured Selvage Purse by Sieber Designs.

What inspires you?
COLOR!  COLOR! COLOR!

What is your favorite tool?
My favorite tool is definitely my sewing machine.  However, I could not live without the little scissors that I wear around my neck to cut threads, and my rotary cutter.

During this recession time, tell us one thing that you do to save money:
I am a coupon shopper and I am LOVING “Groupon.”  Just recently I was able to purchase a Groupon for a local quilt shop and a local art shop (my husband paints).  High end cotton quilting fabrics are expensive, so every little counts when a discount is involved.

Bright Squares Wall Hanging by Sieber Designs.

How do you try to keep your dollars local?
I only buy fabric from independent quilt shops.  As I mentioned earlier, the fabric in these shops is very expensive due to the high quality.  I try my best to purchase from local quilt shops as much as I can.  My favorite quilt shop is A Notion to Quilt in Shelburne.  The owners and staff is wonderful, they have a great selection of fabrics, and even have sales (almost unheard of for Brick & Mortar shops).

What do you want to have others understand about AWM?
I think the more that people learn about AWM the more that they will work to do much of their shopping through our members.  We have such a diverse membership and you can get almost anything you need for a gift or for yourself from someone in the group. It’s just the way to go if we want to continue to keep our dollars local and also have quality items in our homes!

News Release
S. Lou Leelyn
president@artisansofwmass.com

ARTISANS OF WMASS ANNOUNCES NON-PROFIT STATUS

Northampton, MA—August 4, 2011—Artisans of WMASS, one of the area’s most progressive and active collectives of artists and handcrafters, became an officially incorporated non-profit organization on June 11, 2011.

What began in the fall of 2009 as a small group of about 15 artisans, has now expanded to an organization boasting almost 70 members. One of the goals of Artisans of WMASS (AWM) is sustaining a vibrant culture of local, handmade art and craft.  AWM aims to build public awareness of the importance of shopping locally, not only for food and services, but for handmade art, craft, and functional items as well.  AWM networks with local retail businesses to supply locally-produced items to communities all over western Massachusetts and urges community members to buy from local artisans when they think about purchasing gifts and art.

In addition to encouraging local buying, AWM also reaches out to artisans with business networking and support. The organization nurtures the growth of all creative businesses in the community and strengthens the artisan community by helping members with website development, tax workshops, marketing and promotion skills and small business management. President Lou Leelyn, of Lou’s Upcycles, states, “We want to build a community of artists and crafters that has hundreds of resources at hand so one doesn’t feel like they are trying to succeed in their creative business alone.”

AWM also creates events that showcase locally-crafted, quality art. The first group event for the newly incorporated non-profit is “Local ARTery.” This show, featuring unique and original handcrafted art, will be held next spring, official details to come.

Any artisan living and working in western Massachusetts is invited to join the organization. Businesses interested in carrying work made by AWM members are also encouraged to contact them. Visit the Artisans of WMASS website at www.artisansofwmass.com or contact Membership Coordinator, Steve Nartowicz, at membership@artisansofwmass.com for more information.

1. You Embrace the Unique

You want your home to be a unique reflection of yourself… It makes sense that you buy something handmade, rich with character and a sense of place.

2. You Nurture Community

We all like to support local businesses and causes. Your craft purchase helps us to build strong relationships within our creative community.

3. You Vote for Quality when you shop local craft

Artists and crafters create the best quality handmade products. We stand behind our local craft products as being safe, well made and well designed and by creating a relationship with the artist who made your product, you can trust this is true.

4. You Keep Dollars in Our Economy

Nearly every cent you spent stays in this community. Our craft producers are from the region — many of whom use locally sourced materials!  We live here, we work here, we spend our money here too!  Vote with your dollar.

5. You Invest in Local Jobs

You are helping to create jobs in your community and region. The local retailer and craftsperson are often self-employed entrepreneurs, employing themselves and others, many in small towns and rural communities throughout the region.

6. You Help the Environment

Buying from a local business conserves energy and resources in the form of less fuel for transportation and packaging.  You don’t pay for shipping, and you can get what you want that very same day!

7. You Create More Choice

The nature of being handmade by local craftspeople, in not being mass-produced, are better able to respond to what you want and like.   Artisans can create a one of a kind item just for you!

8. You Make Dreams Come True

Local craft retailers and supporters are passionate about life and community… so are craftspeople. More than anything else, craftspeople want to pursue their dreams of a creative life in their studio and workshop.  You can encourage the spirit of setting goals and working hard to achieve dreams.

9. You Support Local Entrepreneurship

Creativity and resourcefulness are keys to successful creative economies. Small businesses are paramount to making that happen.  When we grow, your community grows with us!

10. You Reinforce Local Destinations

The more memorable and unique we are as a place and people, the more we will attract new neighbors, visitors and guests to our local retailers and craft studios. This benefits everyone!

Thanks for the ideas posted on Buy Craft; Local: Supporting local craft :  http://www.buycraft.ca/benefits/

There are many issues surrounding state and local licensing permits that craft fair vendors have not had to face until now. The reality of permitting has made it more difficult for artists and crafters to afford to sell their work at fairs.   Along with the rising cost of vendor fees, adding permits to the cost can easily bring initial fees to a level that handmade vendors cannot afford.  Handmade sellers start their shows in upwards of $500 in the red before the fair even starts.

The road to permitting has been confusing and disheartening at best.  Questions like these have come up in the handmade community:

“Am I a hawker or peddler?  What if I am a registered business? “Am I a transient business?  What am I?” “Do I need a state license to do a one time craft fair in town X, then another the next weekend in town Y?” “What if some craft fair promoters require it and others don’t?” “Does each city require a permit on top of the state permit?” and, “Which state permit do I need?  Hawker or Transient?”

Let’s look at some of the confusion as stated in the General Laws of Massachusetts – Chapter 101 Transient Vendors, Hawkers and Peddlers, Section 1.

What category do I fall under? Section 1

“Promoter”, a business or person who operates for the purpose of either directly or indirectly, renting, leasing or granting a license to use space to any vendor for the display for sale or for the sale of tangible personal property or services subject to tax under chapter 64H; provided, however, that this shall not include a state or county fair as defined in section 1 of chapter 128A.

“Transient vendor”, any person, either principal or agent, who engages in a temporary or transient business in the commonwealth selling goods, wares or merchandise, either in one locality or in traveling from place to place; provided, however, that this shall not include a person operating under a written agreement with a licensed promoter. –> What does this mean for craft show vendors?

“Temporary or transient business”, an exhibition and sale of goods, wares or merchandise which is carried on in a tent, booth, building or other structure unless such place is open for business during usual business hours for a period of at least 12 consecutive months; provided, however, that this shall not include a business operating under a written agreement with a licensed promoter.

“Hawker” and “peddler” as used in this chapter shall mean and include any person, either principal or agent, who goes from town to town or from place to place in the same town selling or bartering, or carrying for sale or barter or exposing therefor, any goods, wares or merchandise, either on foot, on or from any animal or vehicle.

This is a vague definition for all those makers out there.  Who can give us clarity? Does a tax/sales use certificate make one a transient business?
Does the lack of one make one a peddler?  The answer means the difference between a $62 state fee and a $600 state fee so it seems like we need more clarification here.

Now that we’re confused about definitions, let’s look at application.

Chapter 101 Section 2.

The provisions of this chapter relative to transient vendors shall not apply to sales by commercial travelers or by selling agents to dealers in the usual course of business, or to bona fide sales of goods, wares or merchandise by sample for future delivery, or to sales of goods, wares or merchandise by any domestic corporation (Is your business an LLC?) or agent thereof, by any person, whether principal or agent, who engages in temporary or transient business in any town in which taxes have been assessed upon his stock in trade during the current year (So if we’ve done craft fairs where we’ve been paying taxes to MA this doesn’t apply) , or to hawkers and pedlers as defined in section thirteen (see link here) “the terms “hawker” and “peddler” as used in this chapter shall mean and include any person, either principal or agent, who goes from town to town or from place to place in the same town selling or bartering, or carrying for sale or barter or exposing therefor, any goods, wares or merchandise, either on foot, on or from any animal or vehicle.”

This is where we begin to get twisted up.  One has to define whether they are a transient business or a hawker/peddler.

Here’s another quick mind bend if you are a hawker/peddler but you make jewelry.

Section 16. The sale by hawkers or peddlers of jewelry, furs, wines or spirituous liquors, small artificial flowers or miniature flags is prohibited.  Oh, except for costume jewelry priced under $10.

Okay, please step forward and begin the discussion.  Let’s figure out who we are, what we need to sell, and where we can sell.

According to the Division of Standards Consumer Affairs and Business Divisions of MA, If you defined as a hawker/peddler, you need to pay the state $62, get a certificate of good character from your local Chief of Police, and file with the state. Here’s the application.

If you are defined as a Transient vendor, in addition to the license fee of $100.00, a surety bond for the amount of $500.00 must be submitted with this application.

Geez, hopefully we are all peddlers so we can afford to go to shows for the rest of this season.

You can give these folks a call at the Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation (OCABR) Division of Standards MA. if you are needing clarification about your particular business.

617-727-3480

One Ashburton Place, Room 1115
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 727-3480
Fax: (617) 727-5705
Website: www.mass.gov/standards

I agree with the comment that if we call more attention to this matter, it will become so strictly enforced that we may be in more than we want to be.  As a creative business owner though, one who wants to continue to have event possibilities available at an affordable rate, and after receiving more questions from the 60 members of AWM than is possible to answer alone, I have opened this up for discussion from the community.

Lou Leelyn,

President Artisans of WMASS

Eco-Artist, Lou’s Upcycles

Name: Amy Love
Shop Name: Amy Love Designs
Website(s): www.etsy.com/shop/AmyLoveDesigns

Tell us a bit about yourself and what arts/ crafts that you make?
After years as a professional photographer, I became enchanted with making jewelry: Found Treasures Series pendants and Woven Shapes Series pendants, necklaces, earrings, and rings.  Nature, sculpture, and other fine arts inform my work.  Inspiration can come from a walk in the woods, a museum visit, or simply holding a bead.  Contrast, both visual and textural, is an important element of my jewelry.  Using skills and a sharp eye for design, I joyfully design and create artful jewelry pieces.  I use sterling silver, niobium, gold-filled, and copper findings, as well as a variety of materials: semi-precious stone, glass, beach combed glass and pottery, crystal, shells, wampum, found objects, and any material that enhances my designs.

Where in Western Mass do you call home?
I live in Shelburne Falls.

What is your favorite item in your shop?
My favorite item in my shop is “Patina Butterfly and Leaves Necklace”.

How does your day go in general?
My day starts with a cup of tea while I complete on-line tasks.  My daily routine includes a balance of creativity, business tasks, and family activities.

Do you have a favorite Etsy seller?
Favorite etsy seller? Oy, so many choices! Here’s two: PistolesPress and MuKee

What inspires you?
shapes, color, texture, connections, cultural objects, art history, natural world.

What is your goal for 2011?
Goals for 2011: learn new jewelry making techniques, increase my audience, develop business opportunities

What is your favorite tool that you cannot live without?
My eyes and my pliers.

How do you like to support the local arts community?
I support the local arts community by attending art performances and exhibitions, and buying gifts made by local craftspeople and artists.

How do you promote your shop?
To promote my jewelry, I wear it most of the time.  I have a shop on Etsy, distribute as many business cards as I can (I always have some at hand), talk about my jewelry, donate jewelry items to strategic community raffles, maintain both a Facebook business page and personal page, post new listings from the Etsy shop onto both Facebook pages.  I update both my Etsy shop and Facebook pages with details of upcoming shows.

Any advice for a newbie running his or her on-­‐line shop?
My advice for a newbie running his/her on‐line shop: learn to take clear and simply composed pictures of your work. Be informative and entertaining in your product descriptions. If you make wearable art, include wardrobe/outfit/occasion suggestions so potential buyers will imagine wearing it themselves.

Any advice for starting out in the craft show world?
I am relatively new to the craft show world, so I could use advice myself! Here’s what I learned thus far: be personable and polite – your ideal shopper at craft fairs want to engage with producers; you are your brand – if you make wearable art, wear it at fairs; be prepared with all supplies needed for selling; be open to buyers’ stories, ideas, sources – at fairs, I have received tips from both buyers and sellers; be neighborly, we producers generally live semi-isolated lives – fairs are a great way to network with other producers.

How do you try to keep your dollars local?
Our family buys from local producers – artisans, farmers, farmer’s markets – as often as possible.  Locally made wedding gifts are always appreciated.

Any tips on sustainability?
Scour your home for any items to use in various aspects of your business: merchandising, production (depending on craft), packaging, display.

Any hidden talents?
I can clear a room in two seconds with my singing voice.

Anything else you would like to share?
Stretch yourself creatively every day.

How would you like to see AWM grow and thrive in the future?
Increased membership, AWM sponsored craft fairs, increased visibility at local and regional craft fairs.

A person who shops locally, often known as a “locavore,” helps to sustain not only the environment, but also the economy. Buying locally not only supports your community but also reduces the amount of carbon emissions and pollution because goods do not need to be transported across wide areas and consumers do not need to travel as far to obtain their items. Consider becoming a locavore. As a conscious consumer you will live a more sustainable life and help your community grow.

1) Local Economy: Your own neighborhood will benefit when you choose to shop locally. Local small business owners tend to keep more money in the community than nationally owned businesses. They also tend to source from other local business, services, and farms, continuing the local trend.

2) Job Growth: Local businesses provide local jobs. This has a chain reaction effect on sustainability and economy. When people are employed, they have more money to invest in the community. They will not have to commute to far away jobs, thus reducing pollution.

3) Community Support: Local businesses invest heavily in the community. They are more likely to support charitable organizations. When you shop locally, you are helping to support your community through your purchasing power.

4) Better Service: If a small business or farm is trying to earn and maintain your business, chances are they will treat you really well. What is the motivation for a big-box store to make you happy, when millions of other shoppers will replace your business should you choose to shop somewhere else?

5) Environmental Impact: Aside from your food transportation causing pollution, when you have to drive across town to run errands, you are polluting the earth. If your local area has a diverse array of businesses that you can walk or bike to, imagine the potential positive environmental impact. Go green! By supporting these businesses, you will help maintain a thriving local community for everyone.

6) Maintain Diversity: Part of the charm of local businesses is the diversity and uniqueness that it provides to a neighborhood. Big chain stores have taken this away and Main St. America has started to die. Bringing back community supported businesses restores this charm and diversity to neighborhoods and cities.

7) Save Money: Shopping locally can save you a lot of money and time. Gas is expensive, and so is repairing and maintaining a car. Plus, you are more likely to get in an accident in crowded Saturday morning traffic than if you stroll to your neighborhood downtown area.  Why drive to the mall when you can head to a local market or fair and get an even more diverse group of products?

Know your products: Local businesses are providers of services are experts. Do you remember the last time you walked into that large store looking for expertise? Did you find it? What about when you asked your grocery store produce person when something was in season or if it was fresh. Local providers tend to be able to answer these questions more successfully than the big box people.

9) Competition: There is nothing worse than a monopoly coming into town, driving up prices and diminishing customer service. Local businesses keep competition higher in order to ensure the best prices and highest quality service. Your dollars mean a lot more to a small business than a large store. You can vote with your dollars when you shop locally.

10) Entrepreneurs: Store owners are living the American dream, and by supporting them, you are helping to keep the dream alive, and to maintain a strong and thriving middle class in your community.

http://www.10slate.com/2011/03/10-important-reasons-to-shop-local/

Saturday workshop 5/14, ETTA Art Studio, Amherst
1-5pm Class

This fun workshop will introduce students to the art of  flameworking by learning to melt glass over a small torch to make beautiful glass beads. The four hour workshop will allow students to have a great time trying something new. Basic bead formation and decorative techniques will be demonstrated, and students will be given time to play and practice.

$60 plus $15 material fee
Instructor will bring materials and provide all tools and equipment.
1/2 price deposit to hold your spot. Limit 5 students.

Contact: 413-230-3272 or etta.arts@yahoo.com

Name: Donna Beck
Shop Name: 230am studio
Website: 230amstudio.com

Donna Beck of 230am Studio

Tell us a bit about yourself and what arts/ crafts that you make?
I’m a paper and mixed media artist.  I’ve been working with handmade paper and pulp for about 11 years. I also incorporate surface-decorated papers, fibers, beads, found objects, stitching, basketry and packaging techniques in my work. I create “Lorica” bowls, wall pieces, “waterdrop” talismans, handmade books, original cards, and tiles, trivets, and trays.  I teach in the art program at Western New England College in Springfield, and I’m the Director of the Monson Summer Art Camp. I’m also on the Monson Arts Council Board of Directors and a member of the Scholarship Committee which produces the annual Western Mass Performs Talent Show.

Where in Western Mass do you call home?
I live in Monson, and my studio and business, 230am studio, is located at Indian Orchard Mills, a wonderful old textile mill that has been converted to artists’ studios. We moved here to MA from NC almost 8 years ago—and we love it here.

What is your favourite item in your shop?
It’s difficult to say what my favorite item is, but my “Lorica” bowls have a spiritual element that makes them very meaningful for me to work on. “Lorica” is the Celtic word for a blessing or prayer; the bowls have titles like, “Tranquility,” “Night Music,” and “Winter Comes.” I feel a great sense of peace and satisfaction when I finish one.

230am Studio "Lorica" Bowl

What is your best seller?
The Lorica bowls are popular, but also my jauntier “Life” series: “Facing the Day,”  “When Thoughts take Over,” and my newly completed, “Eye of the Storm” are pieces that people identify with. These wall pieces are popular as prints and cards. The figures in the work represent us all as we deal with hectic, often stressful, day-to-day life with an attitude of acceptance and humor.

How does your day go in general?
I teach at least two courses each semester at Western New England College. When I’m not teaching, I approach my studio-time as a full-time job—I get up and go to work. I also try to reserve one day a week for marketing. I struggle, like everyone else, to “make it work.”  In addition to my artwork/business, I’m involved with 2 teenagers, my work at Western New England College, managing a household, organizing other shows (like “Transforming Geometry,” an art show we had at Indian Orchard Mills last fall), directing the Monson Summer Art Camp, and volunteer work.  But I work on my business every day, even weekends, even if I only manage to get in a couple of hours on some days, and I do tend to work late at night.

"When Thoughts Take Over"

What inspires you?
My inspiration comes from three primary sources: Nature: (grapevines, stones, birch bark, a bird’s nest, bones), emotions/yearnings (a face, music, autumn, a world event that evokes deep emotion—like war, or the earthquake in Japan (where I lived for a year),  joy, despair, love, frustration) and Feminine, often Celtic themes.

What is your goal for 2011?
I hope to get my work into more markets. I want to do more shows—in different parts of the region, and I’d like to get into a couple more galleries. I’m also planning to set up a shop on Etsy and have more of an online presence.

How do you like to support the local arts community?
I support the local arts community in three ways—by buying from local artists as much as possible, by bringing the arts to youth as Director of the Monson Summer Art Camp and by volunteering. I’m very active in the Monson Arts Council, which sponsors theatre productions, an art show, art camp, coffee house, talent show, scholarship, and a craft fair.

During this recession time, tell us one thing that you do to save money/be more efficient?
I’m very frugal, not just in recession time, but always, I try to ‘find’ most of the main items I use in my work, even the objects that are not from nature.  For example, I search yard, antique, and estate sales for jewelry, beads, postcards, and so on; and I recycle lots of paper scraps (and fruits and vegetables) to use in my handmade paper.  I also ask friends to save their paper scraps for me—scraps from stamping and scrapbook projects—and friends always give me broken jewelry, buttons—anything they think I might use in my work. And I never throw anything away. Even my smallest paper scraps go into another artwork.

How do you try to keep your dollars local?
It’s easy when I’m in a community of artisans and artists. I buy from local artists—often my friends. I have to balance cost and local purchases, but if I possibly can, I buy local. I work with a local printer. We also have a share in a CSA. I boycott Walmart!

Any hidden talents?
Vegan cooking.  I’ve been a vegan for 21 years and I love to cook and experiment with recipes. It’s been a challenge sometimes with teenagers, but both of them are vegetarians, and (I think), they love mom’s cooking.