April Meeting Speakers Offer Insights on Art and Marketing

Guild members who filled the Power House conference room at the April 12th open meeting were fully engaged as two area business owners, East Aurora’s Miranda Kirchmeyer and Buffalo’s Therese Deutschlander shared their views on their businesses, art and emerging trends in the local markets.

Therese Deutschlander is owner and proprietor of Thin Ice, a gift shop that opened in March 2006 and expanded in 2011. Located in the heart of the Buffalo’s Elmwood Village, the shop specializes in the work of local and regional artists. Area residents and visitors alike can find one of a kind jewelry, hand blown as well as fused glass, hand turned wood bowls, handmade scarves, leather items, decorative wall art, kaleidoscopes, cards, mugs, wind chimes, and much, much more.

Deutschlander interactively reviewed her background, the shop’s origin, how the business environment is evolving with Buffalo’s renewal and how that affects her market. While many in the audience already knew Therese and her shop, she was asked about changes in her market, how she decides what products to place, and how to have your work considered.

When asked about the origin of the shop’s name, Deutschlander attributed it to an old saying about life that captures her own entrepreneurial spirit, “If you are going to walk on thin ice, you might as well dance.” You can find more information about Thin Ice or contact Therese on Facebook or at www.thiniceonline.com.

Miranda Kirchmeyer acquired Norberg’s Art and Frame Shop in January 2016. Before buying the shop, she studied graphic design at Daemen College, graduating in 2012. After reviewing the history of Norberg’s, she shared some basics with the group and her own thoughts about the art of framing, its importance and her approach to working with customers to achieve the best presentation of the object or artwork.

“Frames house the artwork,” Kirchmeyer explained. “It’s almost as important as the work itself. Done right, the frame, matting, and colors should all draw you into the work.” She used a number of samples to illustrate her points and handled questions about how she might approach a range of work beyond flat pieces. Kirchmeyer, an illustrator, also shared some of her own work featuring herbs and vegetables in colored pencil.

Norberg’s is located on the top floor of the Furniture Shop in the large green building behind the Power House on the Roycroft Campus. You can find more information or contact info at www.norbergsartandframe.com.

The next open meeting is scheduled for May 10th at 5:30 pm in the Roycroft Campus Power House. Mike Stoklosa will give a presentation on how to effectively set up a tent for an outdoor show and secure it for weather. Also, a panel discussion will cover show etiquette and offer tips for dealing with difficulties as they may arise.