It’s small business week…
It’s small business week. I have so many things I want to share – but I will start with the beginning.
My business Create Art 4 Good began just about thirteen years ago. It was the spring after my mom had passed and frankly, I needed something to do with all that energy. I have had businesses in the past, mostly they fizzled out because of circumstances, or maybe lack of direction. With this one, I was determined. I even wrote a business plan!
In the beginning, CA4G was almost like a tupperware party for art. I was invited into homes and offices to share my work. It was scary and exciting and hard. Hard because, well, as a functional introvert, pushing into other spaces felt so vulnerable and difficult. The good news is I felt and am grateful for the incredible support I received. My goal of having a brick and mortar happened over two years sooner than was on my plan!
I moved into the Hungerford and then was not able to support my own big dreams, but then support other artists with monthly rotating exhibits, socially conscious events, workshops, and more. During my time at the Hungerford, I represented over a thousand artists. (Yes, you read that right) It was an honor and a joy!
In 2016 I opened a second business, because, well why not? Greetings 4 Good fulfilled so many of my dreams- thoughtfulness, art, and paper! Greeting cards and I have been good friends since I was able to hold a pencil. Happy mail is just the best! To date, I have about 1500 designs. Many have been retired, because honestly, as you grow, you can let go of the early efforts.
In 2020, just about five minutes before the pandemic hit, I moved to the Piano Works Mall to be a part of Central Creatives – A Co-Work of Art at the Piano Works. I felt it was time to focus on my own work and do all those things that have been waiting patiently in my notebooks and swirling in my head.
I have much to be grateful for. The support I have received for my small business has been astounding. My goal is and always has been to reach others and share my love through art.
I want to say thank you to every single human who has blessed me by supporting me with a kind word, purchasing art, attending a workshop, buying cards, and more. YOU are the reason I have been successful. I am so so blessed.
Spring Pop up at Genrich’s!
When I moved to Irondequoit, (seventeen or so years ago) I had no clue how this community would become such a big part of my heart. I love so much about our town. I am grateful for so many relationships that I have been blessed with, incredible neighbors, being so close to Seneca Park, our community, and even the sidewalks!
One of the dearest blessings has been my friendship and relationship with Deborah Berman Genrich and the Genrich family. Genrich’s Garden Center Florist & Greenhouses is a beautiful shop, but honestly so much more! When I say that this place has become a special kind of home for me, I am not exaggerating. Of course, they have beautiful flowers and gifts, but also, they treat every single person that enters their business with such care and joy!
All of this said I am really excited to share that I will be doing a Spring pop-up in May with Deborah and Stephanie, and all the lovelies at Genrich’s. I hope you will save the date, and come visit. I am so lucky to be in the greenhouse with all the plants and flowers. See you soon!
Opportunity for Artists!
Pricing Artwork
There are many theories on pricing artwork, it can be confusing to navigate. Historically artists undervalue themselves. The public cements this by suggesting that because we love what we do, it should be discounted. Make no mistake WE WORK HARD! I would argue that our work, like any other, deserves compensation.
So! Sharon Jeter who has worked with artists in the past is coming to Central Creatives (where my studio is located) to share her ideas on pricing and help artist price toward their greatest success! The workshop is a mere $20 – there is a bit of homework too! More information can be found on Sharon’s site. (click on Sharon)
February details!
How exciting it is to be me in the month of love and history!
My month opens with a valentine making workshop! This workshop will be an easy and fun opportunity for you to create “happy Mail” for your friends and loved ones! It is offered through Rochester Oasis and the link is here: Valentine, Sweet Valentine
On February 1st I will be sharing my work at the Frederick Douglass Library! This library is on South Avenue in Rochester, New York! I will be bringing some new work including a rather different piece for me! (Stay tuned!)
On February 3rd and 4th, I will be sharing my work in our main gallery @Central Creatives at Piano Works mall. Jacqueline Salsbury and I have teamed up to create a lovely weekend of mixed-media art for you! She is the most incredible jeweler! You won’t want to miss that!
On February 10th and 11th, I have been invited to share my art at Genrich’s in Irondequoit. Last year, Deborah Genrich invited me to do a Valentine’s pop up and this year she invited me again! I am pretty excited about that!
As always, you are welcome to visit me at my studio – I would love to see you, show you my latest art, and of course the greeting cards!
Sending you so much love!!
Susan
Open House This Saturday!
This is my last formal open house! I hope you will consider supporting my small business!
I do not know how to express to you what a difference it makes when you support artists and other small businesses. I don’t want to whine about it being a difficult three years. (but it has) I don’t want to tell you that this year has been hard. (but it has)
I do want you to know that the art and other products I have to offer are made with love. Art, the creation of art, seems to be taking the best that I am and putting it into a card, a painting, or a scarf. It is carefully choosing the colors and images to create something wonderful. It is working on a painting until it feels finished. It is about bringing the best that I am to offer to you and to the world. This can be incredibly vulnerable, but also incredibly thrilling when you affirm that I am doing good work. This happens with your kind words, your purchases, and your encouragement.
I hope to see you Saturday-
thank you for your support!
Sending so much love,
Susan
Holiday sale, Black Friday & Small Business Saturday
Let the holidays begin! Find unique artisan gifts for everyone on your list. Cards, original art, prints, one-of-a-kind gifts, and so much more!
Current hours are by appointment-
Open house hours are Friday, November 25, 11 am until 4 pm, Saturday, November 26, 11 am until 4 pm, December 10, 11 am until 4 pm
(I’ve been working hard!)
I am located at 349 West Commercial Street – at the Piano Works Mall. Enter our building between the weaving shop and the golf pro shop, it is a red door- enter there, go down the hall to the elevator, take that to the second floor and Central Creatives (the group I am in) is right across the hall. Our suite number is 2795- my studio number is 12!
I look forward to seeing you!
You make a difference…
I have seen several post calls for support of late. The suggestion at the end is to repost the message. The offer seems to be, if you need something, I am here for you. The texts apply to depression and other illnesses. This got me thinking.
It has been a difficult few months for me. I don’t say this for sympathy- just stating a fact. Challenges have prevented me from doing what I would normally do.
What I have been keenly made aware of is that people offer what they can do. For instance, a kind word, an offer of prayer or good thoughts, a card, sometimes dinner, or to offer to drive somewhere. Covid has made me understand in a whole new way that we are all in this together. Aging and challenges have made me understand that I have limitations, and a prayer might be the best I have to offer at the time.
I guess I am writing all of this for the simple reason that often I beat myself up because I am not able to do all the things I would normally do to support those around me. However, sometimes the simplest things have made the biggest difference for me.
Yesterday someone carried tables for me after a workshop, before that someone helped me arrange the classroom, someone made sure I had cups and water for the class, someone shared a very supportive word, and someone was empathetic (when I suggested I was pathetic). I share this because each of these actions was simple, but each made a huge impact. Each made me feel like I am supported and cared for. I am incredibly grateful.
So, my advice is to meet people where you are. If you can listen to someone who needs a kind word, please try to do so with your greatest love, If you can offer a ride, or a grocery run, please do. If you can do nothing else but wish someone well in your heart, then do that. We are all in this together.
You make a difference. I am grateful.
No Tricks, Just Treats- Pre- Holiday Sale!
Just before the holidays begin, several at Central Creatives and I are having a studio sale! Watch our social media pages for details on what Treats will be offered! Original art, prints, and more!
located at 349 West Commercial Street – at the Piano Works Mall. Enter our building between the weaving shop and the golf pro shop, it is a red door- enter there, go down the hall to the elevator, take that to the second floor and Central Creatives (the group I am in) is right across the hall.
Our suite number is 2795- my studio number is 12!
I look forward to seeing you!