03/15/2018
*Apologies for the long post but please read it in its entirety*
As some of you know, my family and I are entering the next phase of our journey. As exciting as it is, there are uncertainties that lay ahead of us. After eight years as a solider, my husband, Tim, will be transitioning out of the army and will embark on a 6 month long thru hike of the Appalachian Trail. My son and I are relocating to North Carolina to finally live by family.
It is with a heavy heart that I announce Stitches and Pics will close its doors at the end of this month. We will continue to showcase artists and host juried exhibitions on our website and via social media until we can reestablish a brick and mortar gallery space in the Raleigh/Durham area, hopefully by 2019.
It was never my intention to open a business here in Sackets Harbor as I knew our residency in the region was uncertain. But when I stumbled upon this opportunity I felt like I could not walk away from it. I have learned so much from this experience and I’ve made valuable connections and friendships by opening this art space. I am eternally grateful for everyone who helped me along the way and supported me in this endeavor. I admire all the business owners who keep their doors open in Sackets despite record flooding this past summer and brutal winters every year. I want to thank the other business owners on Main St for welcoming me into the community, especially Cheryl of Calla Lillie's, Connie at Handmaiden's Garden, and Pearl and Tom of the Anchor/Brew Pub. I need to thank Brittney Haddix who has been with me since the very beginning and who has been the best volunteer and friend I could ask for. Big thank you to all the instructors, especially two kick ass instructors and friends Melissa Green and Julie Johnson. I am grateful to everyone who participated in classes/workshops, attended opening receptions, bought artwork, came in to view, appreciate or talk about the exhibitions, shared posts on social media, etc. Thank you to all the artists who submitted to juried exhibitions and who entrusted me with their work.
In the short year I have been in business I have been able to showcase the artwork of sixty US and international artists as well as over fifty local high school and community college students. I am proud that I have been able to expose the North Country community to art they would not have come in contact with otherwise and provide opportunities for local young artists. The mission of this space was to make art accessible and approachable for residents, visitors and the military community. I think I just began to scratch the surface, and I do wish I could continue to promote contemporary and innovative art in the region.
Thank you all for your support and understanding. Please continue to follow us on social media to see how we adapt down south!
Keep an eye out for our next call for entry, Cut, which will focus on the altered image/collage.
Thank you again.
All the best,
Stephanie Shively
Founder & Executive Director
