East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 30) 30 In East Aurora, arts and crafts inspired by Arts and Crafts It should come as no surprise to anyone acutely aware of the artistic talents that were developed and cultivated more than 100 years ago in East Aurora, that this community today would still be considered a hub for fine craftsmen and artisans. It began, of course, with Elbert Hubbard’s founding of Roycroft, a handicraft community that started with a modest print shop and grew to include furniture craftsmen, skilled metalsmiths, leathersmiths and bookbinders with followers around the world. Today, the 14-building Roycroft Campus in the heart of East Aurora is home not only to the landmark Roycroft Inn, but also to the Roycrofters-atLarge Association (RALA). RALA is a not-forprofit organization that works to keep alive the history and philosophy of Roycroft through the works of its more than 50 artisans from around the country, including several in East Aurora, who work in textiles, leather, metal, stained glass, clay pottery, jewelry, basketry, paper and woodworking. For a complete list and more information about RALA, visit www. ralaweb.com. The talent and inspiration of these and many more artisans abound in and around East Aurora, making shopping or just walking down the streets pleasurable and artistically inspiring. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift item for a wedding, anniversary or birthday, need something to set off the décor in your home or simply want to dress up your office, you’ll find it in one of the shops in East Aurora. At the Schoolhouse Gallery and Cabinet Shop (also home to Thomas Pafk Design), for example, RALA members and partners Ben Little and Tom Harris specialize in creating Arts and Crafts period and Shaker-style country furniture and accessories. Located in a charming 1850 schoolhouse at 1054 Olean Road, the shop also features the work of 30 artisans in two full workshops of beautiful, handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces. Custom leaded glass windows, mirrors and mosaic glass tabletops are the specialty of RALA member Peggy Eisensmith at Aurora Art Glass, located at 16 Buffalo Road. Visitors to her studio and shop can see her works of art and find unique and interesting ways to decorate their homes and office buildings. Kathleen West of Woodblock Prints creates Arts and Crafts block prints, spoonprinted and hand-colored, in limited editions and is “committed to the Roycroft tradition and the philosophy of hand production.” Scherenschnitte is the German art of cutting continuous paper designs, and Sue Mair of Scherenschnitte Originals creates original designs that incorporate collage and paper caste elements. Each design tells a story and is inspired by stories, poems, scripture and antique motifs. Inscriptions and dates can be cut into the paper to commemorate any event, making these original and delightful gifts. West End Gallery owner and resident artist Michele Conley Vogel proudly displays the works of award-winning artists from around the country in her 1,500-square-foot shop at 48 Douglas Lane. Items include paintings, blown glass, wood, fine arts, jewelry and more. The Gallery, located in one of the first schools built in East Aurora, is constantly bringing in new items and artists so customers are “always delightfully surprised.” At The Sculpture Studio, 261 Mill Road, artist Mark Carroll’s bold and unique works in wood, stone and metal have been inspired by nature. In addition to residential and garden items, Mark has carved for museums, churches, toy manufacturers, hospitals and more. Visit www.thesculpturestudio.com. Ashwood Artisans, 726 Main St., represents more than 70 artists, according to proprietor Diane Lehmann. Her gift shop includes silver and gold jewelry, candles, pottery, paintings and photography, handknit items, sculptures and “something for everyone!” At redFISH Art Studios & Gallery, 21 Elm St., professional and emerging artists are offered affordable studio space, regular exposure through openings and exhibitions, and a community of artists to inspire and encourage each other. They also offer fine art classes, community minded art projects and cultural outreaches. redFISH is an inspiring place that opens regularly to the public so visitors can browse and enjoy a diversity of artwork. On the Roycroft Campus (37 S. Grove St.), Janice McDuffie has been creating handthrown, one-of-a-kind pottery items since 1972 at Roycroft Pottery. Her work, which is done largely in pottery and porcelain and is inspired by the American Arts and Crafts Movement, includes vases, tiles, boxes and more in beautiful shapes and colors. Also on the Campus, you’ll find Norberg’s Art & Frame Shop, a gallery specializing in the works of Roycroft artisans. If you’re looking for woodblock arts, linoleum prints or silkscreen, Norberg’s has it. A great place for framing precious prints, Norberg’s also specializes in handcrafted quarter-sawn oak frames. Meibohm Fine Arts, 478 Main St., is a 100plus-year-old gallery that specializes in English engravings and also includes a vast inventory of original artwork from many local artists. Meibohm also does framing and print restoration. It’s hard not to be artistically inspired while in East Aurora, so pick a beautiful day, put on some comfortable walking shoes and check out all the great shops and galleries — you’re sure to find something you simply must have! http://ralaweb.com http://www.thesculpturestudio.com Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 1) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 2) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 3) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 4) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 5) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 6) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 7) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 8) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 9) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 10) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 11) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 12) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 13) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 14) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 15) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 16) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 17) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 18) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 19) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 20) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 21) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 22) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 23) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 24) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 25) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 26) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 27) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 28) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 29) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 30) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 31) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 32) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 33) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 34) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 35) East Aurora and Beyond - 2007 Visitors Guide - (Page 36) http://www.nxtbookMEDIA.com
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