Author: Susan
I am a human, just like everyone else. My roles in life, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, friend...artist, advocate of arts and humans has brought me to this place. I support the arts, my fellow artists, while supporting my community, and supporting those in need
Anniversary thoughts
I have started this blog every day for a solid week. It is unlike me to have words fail me. (I seem to always have plenty to say) I honestly didn’t know what to write. (Or maybe how to write what I needed to say) I certainly have pride in my business, pride and honor in having helped other artists show their work, gratitude in facilitating workshops and socially conscious events, gratitude in being able to pay it forward, pride in the art that has been “adopted”, and the spin-off adventures I have taken (Greetings4Good!)- and well, you get the idea, right? These are some of the good things I am celebrating today!
In recent times I have discovered that balance is in order. I began this business shortly after losing my mother, I was working full time, had a house full of young adults, and did my best to work almost full time at this business too. That was a whole lot of busy! I didn’t know how to slow down, there wasn’t time to! As I navigate my journey, I recognize the need for balance.
Balance has always been a challenge for me. I think in some weird way that is a strength, I try not to do anything halfway. I am all in! Working hard has never been an issue. What I have learned is you don’t get any trophies for ignoring your personal and physical needs. In fact, it ultimately interferes with your goals.
As I navigate this journey, I recognize that a full cup isn’t a luxury it is a necessity. Throw in a few health challenges, and a few million commitments, and heck- you have a recipe for a completely new perspective.
That said, today, I am celebrating my anniversary AND balance! I am going to share some of my favorite art and items on social media. If you want to bring them home, or even send them as a gift, please comment! I will invoice you, and send them out early next week! (or make arrangements to pick them up at my studio) There may be a surprise or two included! (Not to mention this fancy magnet I made just for this occasion!)
Thank you for supporting me. I would have not been able to navigate the particularly hard times (covid etc) without you. You have been with me throughout the seasons of this business, and I am so darn grateful.
Sending you so much love,
Susan
Sip & Paint @ Junction 361
Junction 361
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