Closing Gallery 100

Closing Gallery 100 is definitely a challenge. We are still shipping artwork to clients, still shipping artwork back to artists, and still shipping artwork to customers who paid via our gallery 100 lay-away plan. Paying bills, paying artists and paying shipping costs are still part of our program. It's a good thing we sold some major artwork before our grand closing last month.

Showcase House

Gallery 100 was invited at the last minute by Deborah Savage Interiors to install artwork in one of the Saratoga Builders Showcase Houses this year. We scrambled around and found a group of beautiful paintings by some of our wonderful gallery artists. William Brian Hibbard's Horse paintings and his Bird paintings were among our favorites. Incidentally, the owner of the house just had to have his two Bird paintings -- which looked just fabulous over her fireplace. It's one of those instances where the paintings made the interior of a house come alive.

Goodby Retail

We've been working at Gallery 100 like mad for the last week -- closing accounts, artists picking up unsold artwork, shipping artwork to buyers, shipping unsold artwork back to artists -- it's a long tiring list. Yesterday, we moved the last piece of Gallery 100 out of our space at 462 Broadway. It was both a relief and sad at the same time. A relief because of the terrible state of our economy -- artwork is not exactly a necessity for some. (for me it is but that's beside the point) It was sad to close our retail space because I loved Gallery 100 and our artists who put up with me for 8 years of exhibitions, parties, openings, sales, projects, etc. I will miss the excitment of the gallery and miss our artists. Most of all I will miss working with Nancy -- our gallery manager.

Celebration @ Gallery 100

More Warm Wishes

CONGRATULATIONS ON SHAKING THINGS UP! BEST, MISSY SHOREY
Nice painting on the invitation....who is the artist? Tracy Helgeson
Deb, Good luck in your new venture with the Gallery!! Shirley C.
Greetings! it sounds like you are going in a new and exciting direction---it really seems to make alot of sense and alot less overhead. Good luck ! We will try and make your celebration on the 20th. Bev
Hi Deborah, Wishing you the best on your new chapter in the art world. We now have our building on the market in Bolton Landing as we had a wonderful time creating Lakeshore Gallery of Bolton Landing. It's wonderful having a dream , as we did having our gallery since 2003. I'm sure you inspired many people with your creative space at Gallery 100...wow...a decade !
Thanks for your e mails and good luck on your new venture. Sincerely, Pam Kimak
Hi Nancy and Deb,
I just wanted to thank you for all the opportunities you gave me in showing my work at Gallery 100. I have loved having my work there, its a great gallery..and the shows were always fantastic.
Wishing you both the best of everything in the future.Hope to see you around town.
Many thanks, Randi

first heard about your new direction from Debi Pendell. I will sincerely miss your presence in downtown---but I know that I will still have the opportunity to both view and purchase works of art by these wonderful artists through my connection to you.
I will not be able to make this evenings event, but thought that I would R.S.V.P., if for now other reason than to "thank you" both for bringing your passion and expertise in Fine Arts into our community---and my home! Kathleen

Responses to our new focus

We emailed our "Gallery 100 changes focus" press release yesterday and the response from our artists and friends of Gallery 100 has been overwhelming. I just wanted to share some of the heart warming comments we've received:

Excellent!
Wonderful! Congratulations! Exciting vision!
--P.O. Box 3663 Bonita Springs, FL 34136
Thanks Debbie,
I have received this message and want to wish you the very best in your continuous growth. One can appreciate that you are not the kind to let things stagnate or deteriorate, you always seek and choose possibilities which you invariably transform into successes.
Thanks for the inspiration,
We celebrate the winner in you: Debbeats-the-odds-always! Francelise and Stephen
WOW, THIS SOUND GREAT, YOU GO GIRLFRIEND.
HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON. B
Best Wishes! Please stay in touch, Mia
Great press release!! I think everything has perfectly - that the business is strong and growing in a more updated and useful way for clients. Perfect!! deborah
Sounds promising! I'm certainly ooking forward to a continuing relationship-----best of luck to all involved. Shawn
Hi Deb, Best of luck with the new/altered venture. Sounds exciting and promising.Regards Ernie Hi Deb:
Best of luck with you new venture into art consulting......I know you will do well and have great success in whatever you do. It sounds like a lot of fun. CD
Deb, This sounds very interesting. I wish you great success. Deanne
You go girl! It sounds like you'll still be busy and promoting the visual arts.
All the best to you! Dee
This sounds good that you are moving boldly in a new direction. Kevin Nice work. We're excited.Maria and Jack

Thanks for keeping in touch - your redo of the gallery business sounds great!
Your dancing friend Mari

Gallery 100 announces new FOCUS

Gallery 100 is changing focus. We are closing our show and sale space, morphing into a unique exhibit venue, and reinvigorating the art-consulting aspect of our business. The retail gallery at 462 Broadway will close in mid-September. Already, I have begun cultivating select individuals, designers, architects, developers, and corporate clients who are enthusiastic about collecting and hanging outstanding art in diverse venues.
Our past experiences with Ayco, Saratoga Hospital, AKA Interiors, Deborah Savage Interiors, and others, have secured our expanding foundation for full-time consulting. Gallery 100 services also will include helping to choose and install artwork and curating and hanging exhibits. One show (to be announced soon) already is planned for next summer.
In private presentations, print and electronic marketing to clients, we will spotlight artists who have a relationship with Gallery 100. Our website http://www.gallery100.net/ and our blog will be featured components of our marketing program, extending our reach.

Day at the Races

Deb, Doug, Nancy, Zoe, Helen
at the track

Gallery 100 Day at the Races

Sunday was a perfect day - translated - no rain. We all headed out to enjoy a day at the Saratoga Race Track. We enjoyed the races in our box situated right over the winner's circle and finish line. It was a fabulous day. Zoe managed to be our big winner but we all had a fabulous time. A thank you to our friends who help out at Gallery 100

ART HORSE

Rain, It's Raining, It's Raining Again

In Saratoga Springs, it is raining every afternoon --- complete with heavy rains, strong winds, hale, thunder and lightning-- last Friday it was washout and NRA actually closed the track after the third race. Which was good for us -- track goers filled the sidewalks of town looking for something to do. We obliged them with our beautiful equine exhibit - ART HORSE

ART HORSE Artists' Reception

True art fans braved the weather last night to attend our artists reception at the gallery. It turned into a very profitable evening for all of us. Our clientel were captivated by the amazing paintings of Patricia Powers and loved Brian Hibbard's richly textured paintings.

Another Benefit in Saratoga Springs

It's that time of year in Saratoga Springs -- our calendars are chock full of events. Tuesday evening it was Anne Palamountain's Skidmore by Twilight -- an annual scholorship fundraiser attended by everyone who is anyone. No polo - the polo fields were too wet from all the rain. Last night we went to the annual Saratoga Hospital And We're Off! fundraiser. It was held on the grounds of The Lodge and thank heavens they had an airconditioned tent -- it was a steamy night. It is always a fun event with lots of interesting silent auction items and great auction packages -- I lusted after Gretchen Hunt's Designer Jewelry and Private Cocktail Party for 10 at Historic Jumel Mansion. It went for $$$$$$$.

Patricia Powers @ Gallery 100

ART HORSES Arrive

Nancy and I are working like mad to open ART HORSE on time this Thursday. The work is big and beautiful and we are so excited about exhibiting Brian Hibbard and Patricia Powers - two talented equine artists. It is a wonderful show and hopefully our equine clients will also relate to it. Our opening reception is this Saturday!!!!

John Van Alstine strikes Olympic Gold

John Val Alstine, sculptor extraordinaire, was chosen to be one of 50 artists - 25 from China and 25 from elsewhere - to display their site specific artwork around Olympic venues in Beijing. JVA's piece, Rings of Unity - Circles of Inclusion, is a 16 foot bronze ring with a large stone suspended in the center. He draws a parallel between the endurance of Sisyphus and the perseverance of Olympic athletes. John has exhibited at Gallery 100 ---

William Brian Hibbard

OK Now we're gearing up for the opening of the Saratoga racing season. The track opens it's 6 week meet next Wednesday, July 23 and the town is booming already. Gallery 100 is exhibiting equine artwork for the second year --- ART HORSE featuring Patricia Powers, William Brian Hibbard, and Erik Johnsen. That's one of Brian's horse sculptures on the left.

Paul Kolnik - Artist's Reception

What a memorable opening at Gallery 100 last might. Beautiful music played by six members of the NY City Ballet orchestra, Paul's amazing photographs and a hunk of a bartender - that's Karl. Plus I finally met Wendy Whalen who is one of the great ballet dancers of our time. It was a great evening - plus sales were excellent. What more can we ask for?

Leah Paints Pet Portraits

Leah McCloskey is returning to the sidewalks of Saratoga Springs during the DBA Sidewalk Sales Friday and Saturday, July 18 and July 19, 2008. Leah is well known for her spontaneous pet portraits – so bring a photo of your favorite pet – puppies, cats, dogs, fish, ferrets, etc. Leah will paint the most charming portrait of your beloved pet. Cost per painting is $55

NYC Ballet Opens

The New York City Ballet opened it's summer season at SPAC last night. Paul Kolnik just visited the gallery dropping off more of his beautiful ballet photographs. The balletmaniacs are stopping by Gallery 100 to view our lastest collection of Kolnik's NYC Ballet photographs. My favorites are his photographs that transcend time -- Allegra Kent and Mikhail Baryshnikov/Maria Calegari and Afshin Mafid in Afternoon of a Faun - and Janie Taylor and Damian Woetzel/Margaret Tracey and Albert Evans in Afternoon of a Faun. Same ballet, same poise, different years -- 1978 - 2008. Check out Antique Epigraph -- one version from 1984 and another from 2008.

Saratoga is Buzzin'

We had a fabulous 4th of July weekend -- a great picnic under Mark's tent lit with red, white, and blue lights. Complete with American flags and a Union Jack flag .. and Pims. We crossed the street to Congress Park and viewed a spectacular fireworks display. The park was really crowded but worth getting close to the action. With all the excitement in the air, Gallery 100 is experiencing the best sales we've had in about two years. It is truly amazing to see our sales pick up from rock bottom. We are thrilled!!!!

Paul Kolnik Review by Shawn Banner

Dance and photography lovers alike have the opportunity once again to enjoy the spectacular photography of Paul Kolnik, official photographer for the New York City Ballet. “Jerome Robbins Continuum/Photographs of The New York City Ballet by Paul Kolnik will be on view at Gallery 100, 462 Broadway, 2nd Floor, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, July 3-27, 2008

In a sense, dance photograpy is a paradox, creating permanence from that which is ephemeral. For more than 30 years, Kolnik has captured the bravura leaps, expansive gestures, fleeting grace-notes and iconic motifs of the New York City Ballet repetoire, freezing moments in time like amber jewels. With an unerring eye, he preserves on film the defining gesture that distills the essence of each dance and illuminates the emotional line of each dancer. With a keen understanding of the formal aspects of his craft, Kolnick transforms the act of recording one art form to creating images that are works of art in their own right.

This year's special exhibition follows the New York City Ballet's celebration of the brilliant American choreographer, Jerome Robbins. Robbins made NYCB his artistic home for more than 40 years. Paul Kolnik has been capturing images of Robbins' oeuvre for over 30 of those years. Ballet fans will also be excited to view Paul Kolnik's most recent photographs of cherished NYCB dancer, Damian Woetzel in his farewell performances on June 18th from Lincoln Center. All work is available for purchase.

Paul Kolnik, a native of Chicago, Illinois, began his study of photography and painting at Columbia College and the Art Institute of Chicago. In 1975 he moved to New York and became associated with the New York City Ballet under the direction of Choreographer George Balanchine. His intimate association with the New York City Ballet during the past thirty years has produced hundreds of thousands of photographs. These images have become the iconography of the company in all printed media.

There will be an artist reception on Saturday, July 12 from 5-7pm. This event will feature live music by members of NYCB Orchestra. Light refreshments will be served. This event is open to the public.

Gallery 100 - On the Lighter Side

Misty Moistey Afternoon

Rainy days are beautiful days to shop for art work. Everything looks great at Gallery 100 so stop by and take a look. Our current exhibit On the Lighter Side comes down on Monday and we are getting our next exhibit ready. It's our favorite artist and photographer Paul Kolnik . Our new exhibit features Paul's Jerome Robbins Continuum -- a group of photographs spanning Paul's 40 years photographing the New York City Ballet.

Exterior Shots for Better Homes & Gardens

They just completed exterior shots of my little bungalow - interior and exterior photographs of the house will appear in a fall issue of Better Homes and Gardens. A junky little house that I purchased last year and redid in record time - we transformed it into a cozy little cottage. I love it and I'm surrounded by my personal art collection - artworks by gallery artists and friends. My favorite is still the painting Jim gave me by Laura Von Rosk.

Paul Kolnik

We are currently working on our next exhibit at Gallery 100which will feature the photographs of noted ballet photographer Paul Kolnik. Last night, Paul was able to take some fabulous photos of Damian Woetzel during his farewell performance at Lincoln Center. Damien will sign an edition of photographs for our ballemaniacs. So stop by Gallery 100 on July 3 to take a look at Paul's new collection of photographs.

Erik finishing up his Zebra sculpture

Erik Johnsen is well known for his carvings of carousel animals. His life sized Zebra will be on display in our Gallery 100 window next week.

ArtZ Cookies by Mark Hayles @ Saratoga ArtsFest

Saratoga ArtsFest

It's Saratoga ArtsFestweekend in town - and we love it. It all started Thursday night with a kickoff fundraiser at Universal Preservation Hall. Putnam Market catered the event and Putnam Wine sponsored a wine tasting - it was great fun and very well attended by Saratoga Springs art patrons. There are 108 events scheduled this weekend ranging from Martha Graham at SPAC to jazz concerts at Skidmore College. Gallery 100 is participating in SAF's paintout - Marsha Connell is painting on the sidewalk outside Gallery 100 - yesterday she completed two beautiful flower paintings using our flowers as her inspiration. Eric Johnsen is working on his carved Zebra and is talking to anyone who will listen. Gallery 100 is delighted to be a part of this celebration that promotes Saratoga Springs as a premier arts destination.

Artists' Reception @ Gallery 100

First Saturday Arts Night in Saratoga Springs and another artists' reception. A great crowd - artists from NYC, Saratoga artists, Nancy's crowd, and collectors sipping wine and discussing the state of our economy and how it affects the arts. The gallery looked fabulous with artwork from the ArtStudents League in Manhattan - our exhibition On the Lighter Side, curated by Leah McCloskey, is a huge success! After the wine ran out a group of us went downstairs to Max London's Restaurant & Bar for wine and small plates of asparagus salad, crab cakes, strawberry/mint ice. It was delicious.

An Evening out @ The Local

We ended up at The Local Pub and Teahouse Friday night. It is located in the beautiful new arts and crafts architecturally inspired building on the corner of Beekman and Grand. The Local definitely has a pub atmosphere - a good looking clientele playing darts, a lively bar scene and families enjoying casual pub fare. Our waitress, Carrie, suggested some interesting specials but we opted for the fish and chips. We heard a rumour that french fries were their speciality and the best in town. I was disappointed but we will go back and try their fries again. However, the fish was very delicious - the batter was light and crispy and the fish was flaky and tender. Yummm. The pub is lively and a great gathering spot for locals. We wanted to check out Feast Gallery upstairs - unfortunately, it is closed Friday night - it's only open Saturdays and Sundays.

Frankie Flores - Art Star

His paintings are bright, bold and full of movement. They are exciting! And Frankie Flores has become Saratoga Springs's art star. His work is seen everywhere and he is in demand. This weekend he heads off to Belmont to rub elbows with Big Brown's people and hob nob with the horsey set. Who knows how high his star will ascend. We admire and support an artist who has made it to the big time.

Gallery 100 Installation

Skidmore Reunion Alumni Art Exhibition

It's been 5 years since Rachel Kohn graduated from Skidmore and left us at Gallery100 We caught up with her last night at the Tang during a very pleasant exhibition of artwork from returning alumnae. Rachel describes her work as "visceral forms that have a very physical presence, yet also evoke the beautiful and transcendent qualities of human fragility." Her small scaled wall pieces have a beautiful/ugly quality that I am always attracted to -- are her pieces beautiful but so beautiful that they become repellent? Sounds like some people I know. Which dramatizes the strength of her work. Rachel is showing in Paris at the Affordable Art Fair with GV Art. She will receive her MFA from Hunter at the end of this year. Good job Rachel.

Who?What?When?Where?Why?

Nancy made her appearance in The Saratogian last Thursday. She was interviewed by Andrew Bernstein for their local feature - Who, What, When, Where, Why?

Who are you? I'm Nancy Knapik, gallery director of Gallery100 I've work here for three years.

What's Gallery 100? We're a fine art gallery, featuring original art works by regional artists. We show paintings, ceramics and other mediums.

Why did you start working here? I'm an artist myself and I was hoping to find a job in the arts field, so I applied here and it was a good match.

Do you have a favorite artist? It's hard to pin down a favorite, but Sunghee Park is a print maker whose works have multiple layers of interest.

How does the art business vary from season to season here in Saratoga Springs? We get a lot more foot traffic in the high season but we are a year round gallery. We keep our shows appealing to local residents.

American Bliss @ SCAC

This blog post is our first foray into writing about art -- an art review that is just my humble opinion about the arts in Saratoga Springs. American Bliss at the Saratoga Arts Councilfeaturing Ken Ragsdale and Michael Millspaugh is a must see! A timely exhibit about Ragsdale's and Millspaugh's take on American values and preoccupations. "This exhibit pales in comparison to the SCAC's last exhibit TODT" commented Marilyn McCabe. After talking to Marilyn and taking a close look at the exhibit, I wanted to join the U.S. Art Force and immediately wanted to earn badges in the guerrilla's gardeners unit. I was drawn to Millspaugh's magnets, badges, and re-composed rifles His rifles that shoot flowers and are transformed into gardening implements are compelling. And funny! Don't we need more humor in our lives? Check out the exhibit and let us know what you think.

Retail Sales

We usually have great sales on Memorial Day weekend -- but not this year. Sales were flat -- foot traffic was excellent but no large sales of artwork to speak of. People love "On the Lighter Side" but are truly afraid to spend money. I guess everyone is complaining about our economy.

Gallery 100 462 Broadway

Mark designing Gallery 100's Window

Window Display @ Gallery 100

Gallery 100 has an impressive window presence on Broadway --even though we are on the second floor. Mark has completed some beautiful window displays for us in the past and our current display featuring On the Lighter Side is no exception. When you're in Saratoga Springs check out our window and come up and visit us-- we are right next door to Mrs. London's Pastry Shop.

Affordable Housing - Carlos Luis

Busy Day

Our ASL show is finally up -- and it is a joy!!!! Favorite pieces are Carlos Luis's anchovy mixed media sculptures. Affordable Housing and Bad Breath and Beyond are really funny. It's Friday night and girl's night out -- we're off to Kim Klopstock's for tapas, etc.

Sunghee

Sunghee Park dropping off artwork at Gallery 100.

Leah Izzi Duncan working on The Lighter Side

Black Out

Today Nancy was finishing up our ad for SPAC's summer brochure and ooppps off goes the power. So we went across the street to Saratoga Coffee Traders and conducted gallery business. We highly recommend Swami Jon's chai -- it is great on a cold rainy Saratoga Springs day.

On the Lighter Side

Today we (Nancy, Leah, Mark and I) installed a simply beautiful exhibition of artwork from the Art Student's League. Leah McCloskey curated the the show -- "On the Lighter Side". And it is, wonderful whimsical work by up and coming artists studying at the ASL. We are so happy to show their work at Gallery 100. I will post installation shots of the show.