A Study in Gratitude 2011

So it has become my annual tradition to take a little time before Thanksgiving to reflect on all the great things in my life.  I have noted in previous posts that my life, as do all, has challenges.  The economy, small business, life, all pose issues that are not always easy.  This year in particular was challenging so I will begin with this.

I am grateful to have survived 2011 without a straight jacket.  It was a very busy year for PS:Gallery.  In February we opened with a bang in our new location at 1025 E. Walnut.  With all my attempts at planning a smooth move, it ended up being very chaotic.  However, with the help of many many many friends, we pulled it off.  I am awed and moved by the support of the community.  One cool Sunday in February, over 50 people showed up and helped us move, unpack, clean, set-up.  It was an amazing day I will never forget.  February 22nd kick started a week of opening events that were magical.  You sent flowers, notes and brought wine.  Most of all you were present.  You showed up to tell us the gallery was important to you.  It was a true confirmation that we had made the right move.

I am grateful to be in the North Village Arts District.  Although I loved our old location, I must say I love our new location more.  Let me start with the physical location.  I love my windows.  I love the light that streams in each morning.  I love the beautiful window in my office that makes me feel like I am connected with the outside even if I am stuck at my desk for a better part of the day.  I love the wonky wood floors.  They talk about the history and place that this building has in Columbia.  I love the giant wood beams.  To me they represent what the arts mean to the community.  They look good but really hold the whole thing up.  Without them the whole roof might come down.  I love the “Hallery”.  When the gallery moved it did not have any additional space in which to host our small community based shows such as the Care Gallery or our more thematic shows such as the Mini show.  Mid Summer PS opened the “Hallery”.  The “Hallery” is the lovely central corridor that connects PS to all it’s Berry Building neighbors.  This has become a delightful space that changes every 4-6 weeks.  I am grateful to be able to continue to have a space to do more for our community.

I love my neighbors.  For almost 5 years, PS was an art island.  I had clothing to the right of me and cookies to the left.  Although there is nothing wrong with either one of those things, they really weren’t invested in who I was, what I did, or if I was successful.  I am now surrounded by people who care.  Most who reside or work in the North Village Arts District have a similar goal, to promote the arts in Columbia, and to promote the North Village Arts District as one of the places to see/support the arts in Columbia.  The North Village Arts District began a farmers and artisan market this summer which was amazing and I can’t wait to see what happens with that next summer.  There is an energy and cohesion amongst the businesses that is refreshing.

I love my family.  I am eternally grateful for my husband Chris Stevens.  He keeps me sane (to some extent).  He supports me.  He loves me probably more than anyone else.  I am proud of him for taking a leap in his life and following his passion.  I am grateful to be doing what I love and always hope that more people make that opportunity for themselves.  I am grateful that Charlie has gotten old enough to really enjoy hanging out at the gallery (most of the time).  She accompanied me on a buying trip this summer and made a purchase of her very own.  She bonded with artist Amy Peters who makes very cute charm necklaces.  You can purchase one necklace with one charm for $7.50.  Once she has paid back her initial investment Charlie gets to keep a percentage of the profits.  So for Christmas add an Amy Peters necklace to your stocking stuffer list.

I am grateful for the fabulous artists who have become a part of my life.  My world is rich and colorful because of you.  This year, more than most, I realized how my personal relationships with my artists friends really enhances my life.  I am grateful for the amazing clients that I have been privileged to help.  Your faith in my abilities and trust in my judgement is gratifying.  I love nothing more that helping find the perfect piece for you.  I am grateful for all the purchases, big and small.  I am grateful for all the times you bragged that your fabulous new earrings were from PS:Gallery.  I am grateful for all the times you invited friends over for dinner and made a point of showing them your art.  I am grateful for your continued support.

As we gear up for the holidays, I remind you to keep supporting your local businesses.  Buy gifts/jewelry/food/cards locally.  See if you can finish up all your shopping without going on line.  I personally will gift wrap and ship anything you buy at the gallery.  Hows that for service?

Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

Gratefully,

Jennifer Perlow

Because we CARE

Part of owning a business is not only what you sell, but who you are to your community.  We strive to use the gallery to give back to our community.  We feel it is a gift to be in such a great community, so we like to do what we can to support our community.  We do this in a variety of ways but one of my favorites is the CARE Gallery.  I became involved with the CARE program about 5 years ago.  CARE (Career Awareness Related Experience) is a summer program for at risk youth (ages 14 – 18).  Each summer students are paid a wage by the program to work.  They are mentored and employed by area business.  A small faction of the CARE program, which employs over 200 students, is the CARE Gallery.  The Gallery portion of the program actually pays student to create art for the summer.  The students are mentored and taught by local artists.  They attend workshops, create work, and work on community art projects.  At the end of the summer they have an exhibit of the work at PS:Gallery.  We show and sell the work and all the proceeds go to helping fund the program the following summer.

Here is what I really love about the CARE Gallery.  I love those kids.  Every year, I am amazed at what they can accomplish.  But more than that, I am proud to be a supporter of kids that don’t always get a lot of support.  I love when they get to hear people from the community talk about how great their work it.  I love the look of pride on their faces when their pieces sell the very first day.  I love how they seem to stand a little taller and speak a little clearer.  There are always a few of the students that I get to know well.  Several of the students come and help hang the show. Several of the students are sales helpers the night of the reception.  There are students who have gone on to other things that still stop by the gallery and say Hi.  I am thrilled to hear about an admission to college, or an art program.  I like to think that we helped in some small way.

I have been so impressed and moved by my minimal involvement that I have joined the CARE board.  I hope to encourage more businesses to get involved and to bring more money into the program so that more than half of the kids who apply for the program can actually participate.

The 2010 CARE Gallery exhibit opened on Tuesday.  It will hang through the end of the month.  The reception is Thursday, August 5th from 4-6pm.  Please stop by and introduce yourself to one of the student and buy a piece of art.  Donations directly to the CARE program are accepted as well.

Jennifer