Aspen'd Publishing

The Emporium Closes

The Emporium of the Arts had a wonderful 11 day run.  After all of the glitz and excitement of being the first art gallery in Ashton's 100 year history, two days after its close we couldn't help but choke up a bit as we surveyed the remains.  An empty building with the hollow echo of abandonment as we walked through it for the last time.  All of the art gone, nothing but memories of what was, and maybe just a bit of hope as to what would one day happen again.

During its short visit to Ashton despite all of the excitement and activities concerning the Centennial Celebration, the gallery seems to be a common item of discussion.  We heard nothing but good things about it.  A lot of our visitors said, "I've heard so much about the gallery, I just had to come see it."  The most often repeated comment was something like, "Wow, I didn't know we had so many talented artisans in the area."  (There were 28 Artisans that showed their works.)  Next came the comment, "You are going to keep this open aren't you.  Ashton needs something like this!"

There is no way to know how many visitors came to visit.  As noted, in an earlier blog, opening nite was well over 200, probably more like 300 in total with at least as many more showing up over the course of the next 10 days.  Visitors came from as far away as Maryland, (we shipped a painting to a buyer in Bethesda) and there were folks in the gallery looking and taking home a treasure everyday of the week.

One of our key objectives in opening the gallery was to include all artists throughout the community, and that meant artists, makers of fine art objects such as jewelers, potters, and wood carvers as well as writers and musicians.  And they were all there!

"Jam sessions in an art gallery?"  What fun!  It took a bit of doing to get them together and setting up a schedule was nearly impossible, but the jam sessions by local musicians added so much to the enjoyment of the gallery.  One afternoon there were some 50 visitors keeping time to the music as they made their way looking along the walls looking at the artwork, some even singing, and then clapping in appreciation as a song ended.

Thank you to all of the artisans and visitors that supported us.  You were fabulous and made it a very pleasant experience.

The Grand Opening

Last Saturday nite, July 1, 2006 was a historic evening in Ashton, ID.  The Emporium of the Arts, sponsored by Aspen'd Publishing, had over 200 people attend its Grand Opening.  It was a lively evening with music, wine, soft drinks and cheese while visitors "Oohed and Awed" the works of 26 exhibitors.  Sales were brisk and everyone commented on the wonderful appearance of the gallery and the display of artwork.  In answer to the frequently asked question of will be keep it open after the Centennial?  As much as we would like to but unless someone steps forward with financial support, there is no way.

The Grand Opening is Here!

Tonight is the big night!  Twenty-six Idaho artisans are participating in Aspen'd Publishing's grand opening that is featuring authors, artists, musicians, and upscale jewelers, potters and authentic native accessories.  Judith has worked her magic and the gallery is befitting the first art gallery opening in Ashton's history that will be open through the Centennial Celebration.  We are opening the doors this morning at 10:00 a.m., but the real event starts with the official grand opening this evening at 7:00.  Ashton's mayor, Teddy Stronks is even planning a visit and will say a few words.

Later... 

Progress Report

Ten days til the Grand Opening!!  It's all coming together!  Jeff Jenkins donated the use of the building, the folks at Wynn's furniture, the use of carpeting, Steve Fernelius made the lettering "Emporium of the Arts" and placed it on the windows, Ted Sturm replaced a timer for the front flood lights, and many others are providing key support in getting the building into shape.  Meanwhile, getting the musicians commitments to perform has been a challenge.  There is so much impromptu stuff going on timing is an issue.  We still need artists and artwork, authors with their books, and musicians with tapes, CD or who just want to jam.

Don't forget to include us in your Fourth of July plans during the Ashton Centennial Celebration!!!

Grand Opening

Come meet the artists and authors, enjoy a glass of wine or soft drink, and hors d’oeuvres at the grand opening of the Emporium of the Arts, 516 Main St. Saturday evening, July 1 from 7 to 9:00 p.m.. There will also be music while meeting the artists and enjoying the art work.

Visitors to the Emporium for the following 10 days will be entertained with readings by authors, poems by Sunny Bingo, (and song writer a.k.a. Ned Fairchild) from her new book of poems Sing or Cry, and jam sessions by a number of local musicians. Performance time and participants will be announced next week.

Our Aspen'd publishing is hosting the event and we still have space for more artists (including artisans with fine art objects) and musicians who would like to participate. All work will be accepted on consignment with a 15% commission collected on all sales during this one time Centennial event.

Artist’s paintings and photographs must be ready to hang. Art will be juried when dropped off on June 28-29 from 10-4:00 p.m. or by special arrangement. All others (artisans, authors, and musicians with books, tapes and CD’s) should call us at 652-3351 or e-mail aspendpub@fretel.com to make arrangements for selling their work.