The Day Job: Happy Anniversary to The Artisans' Guild

Most authors will tell you that their dream is to be a full time writer. And I would certainly like that, in a perfect world. On the other hand, I am lucky enough to like my "day job" a lot, so I don't mind working at it until I become a rich and famous uber-successful author. Or find that sugar daddy I've been looking for... (not).

Twelve years ago today, we opened the doors of The Artisans' Guild for the first time with 30 artists and not much idea of what the heck we were getting into. Which was probably a good thing, all things considered.

Co-founded by me and my friend Ellie Stromberg, a potter, the Guild is a not-for-profit shop that features the work of 50 local and regional artists and craftspeople. We've got pottery, glass, wood, fabric arts, candles, chocolate, soap, baskets...and of course, jewelry (including mine).

My official title is Executive Director, but basically I manage the place; juggling scheduling, doing paperwork and accounting, decorating the front windows every month, rearranging displays and generally keeping the shop running as smoothing as possible. It isn't always easy (managing 50 artists is a lot like trying to herd cats), but the variety and the challenges suit me. And I'm good at it, which never ceases to amaze me, since my educational background was in psychology, theater, and English Ed., with nary a business course to my name.

I don't get paid a lot, because I don't work full time and we're a not-for-profit, which means almost all the money goes directly back to the artists. But I enjoy it, and not being full time gives me the time to write on the side (and on the top and the bottom). Pretty close to a perfect world after all.

Happy anniversary, Artisans' Guild! And if you're in the Oneonta area Friday night, stop by from 5-8...we're having a party to celebrate.

http://www.theartisansguildoneonta.com/