ACE PEOPLE

Meg Mosca : Fashion Forward Design and Alterations in Saratoga Springs, New York

March 20, 2025 By Corey Aldrich

I recently reached out to Meg Mosca about helping out with a project ACE! is participating in this month with the NYS Art Teachers Association. I had worked with her back in 2017 where she participated in a fashion event that I did at the NYS Museum for Electric City Couture called IDENTITY. I was pleasantly surprised to find that she has grown and is now a fashion related entrepreneur working out of Saratoga Springs. Indie / custom fashion is a tough go. This is such a feel good and practical creative economy story, I just had to share. Additionally, who doesn’t need a good seamstress from time to time?!

Meg and Kevin Mosca : Owners at Mosca Alterations in Saratoga Springs, New York | Photo: Alexandra Eigo

Please state your name and title. Can you tell us a little about your educational / experiential background also?

My name is Megan Mosca, and I’m a fashion designer and small business owner. I completed my studies at Hudson Valley Community College before going on to study at the Fashion Institute of Technology. My education and experiences have shaped my approach to both the creative and practical sides of the fashion industry, allowing me to blend my passion for design with the skills necessary to run a business.

Starting at an existing business, WillFitUin in 2017, I eventually bought the business in August 2021.

2017 Electric City Couture IDENTITY Promo Shoot | Designer: Meg Kluball Mosca
Photo: (L) Doug Mitchell (R) Sarah Pezdek

What drew you to fashion and clothes making?

From a young age, I realized that clothing is like a second skin—it’s something I can choose for myself. It’s amazing how clothes can shift depending on your mood, how you want to present yourself to the world, or even how many times you want to change in a day. This realization sparked my interest in fashion. I quickly became fascinated by the power that clothing holds and how it can shape not just our appearance but how we feel and are perceived.

Mosca Alterations in Saratoga Springs, New York : Detail Work in Progress | Photo: Provided

Tell us more about your shop? Can you explain the types of work you do on a regular basis?

My husband and I own Mosca Alterations in Saratoga Springs, NY, where we specialize in women’s formal wear alterations, with a particular focus on wedding gowns. In addition to alterations, we also offer custom dresses, and we’re expanding into that market more and more. It’s really exciting to work on pieces that have such personal significance, and being a part of making someone’s day even more special is always incredibly rewarding.

Mosca Custom Wedding Dress Design | Photo: Michelle Lang

Are you still experimenting with producing original lines?

Yes, I’m currently working on developing a line of wedding veils called Opaline. I’m also focused on growing our custom gown offerings. One of the most rewarding parts of my work has been creating custom dresses for clients using vintage pieces, particularly wedding gowns from their families. Reworking these gowns—restoring them and giving them new life—has been such a joy, especially when you get to work with something so sentimental and meaningful.

Mosca Bespoke Garment Crafted From Heirloom Piece | Photo: Nicole Perfetuo

Running a business is a lot of work and a very different headspace from the creative. Can you tell us how you balance it? Also, anything you could share on the economics side of things? Any practical recommendations for fellow designers?

Balancing the creative and business sides is definitely a challenge. As a perfectionist, I often find it hard to let go of control, but being a business owner has forced me to rely on the strengths of my team. It’s an ongoing challenge to take my hands off certain tasks, but the growth that comes from collaboration has been invaluable.

In terms of practical advice, I try to keep a clear separation between work and life by setting boundaries. I “punch in” and track my hours to make sure I’m being as productive as possible during work hours. It’s also important to set times when I have to leave the studio. As someone whose brain never seems to turn off, I find it essential to create those boundaries to prevent burnout.

Mosca Opaline Veil | Photo: Amanda Irvine

EXTRA CREDIT: Anything you have coming up you would like to plug or that we should know about?

Yes! We’ve recently launched a collection of veils that are available via Etsy, and we’ll soon be adding them to our website as well. Be sure to check them out! It’s an exciting new venture, and I can’t wait for people to see the pieces we’ve been working on.

WEB: moscaalterations.com | IG: @moscaalterations

Kayden Avery Fitzgerald : A Journey to Creative Practice(s)

February 20, 2025 By Corey Aldrich

As with many who are working full time in the creative economy, Kayden Avery Fitzgerald has a very round about path the he has explored to get to where he is today. The story felt familiar to me in that there were so many stops along the way, each informing a different aspect that led to their ultimate destination. I was especially surprised to find out Kayden had worked with a couple of companies I had in the past including Industrial Safety Supply Company Protective Industrial Products where I managed a large sales territory for a couple of years and previous Professional Dominatrix and Boudoir Photography Studio Owner Mistress Couple who brought me on for a guest room interior design project.

Kayden Avery Fitzgerald : Independent Artist and Craftsman | Image: Provided

Please state your name, job title(s) and share a bit about past work history and education. Are you a full-time creative?

My name is Kayden Avery Fitzgerald. I am an independent artist and craftsman; making hardwood furniture, indoor and outdoor signs, homewares, and cabinetry. Additionally, my current job titles include Woodworker and Historic Window Restoration Assistant with Flow Historic Windows, and Woodworking Instructor with the Arts Center of the Capital Region.

My past work history is vast and a bit all over the place. I was accepted to The College of Saint Rose but I deferred for a year because I enlisted in the Army National Guard at age 17 and served six years as a Motor Transport Operator. I was doing that and also working as a yard jockey with a CDL, working in the food industry and getting my BFA in Graphic Design. I interned at Engine7Design and Discover Albany, and worked as a Graphic Designer at the Albany Business Review. These were all incredible opportunities that fueled the energy and love I have for the Capital Region. I left ABR to work on rustic flooring production at a company formerly known as Square Nail Rustics in Glens Falls. That’s where I realized I liked working with wood, and wanted to learn more.

Kayden Restoring a Window Frame | Image: Provided

Can you tell us a bit more about how you transitioned from a graphic designer to a woodworking craftsperson / window restoration professional?

I took a job in Chatham at a custom woodworking shop but that was unsustainable, so I returned to the graphic design field when I was hired as a Graphic Designer for Protective Industrial Products, a global PPE company based out of Latham. Learning about the products I was designing marketing collateral for and prepping logos for placement on things like hardhats, safety vests and gloves was a cool segway into OSHA and safety ratings for various PPE. Prepping the logos for embroidery, screen printing, heat transfer, and other processes gave me a strong foundation in asset preparation that I was able to carry into my own CNC (computer numerical control) and laser engraving work.

After that, I was an HVLP (high volume, low pressure) spray finisher and production assistant at Alexander Butcher Block. I left Alexander Butcher Block to focus on my small business while I worked part-time at the Troy Public Library, Lansingburgh Branch. The library was fulfilling while allowing me the time to focus on custom woodwork and design like outdoor signs for local clients and businesses. I also participated in a handful of curated maker’s markets and pop-ups across the Capital Region, including A Big Gay Market, LARAC 40U40, and OpenBaar Market. These markets were actually where I met Leon of Flow Historic Windows. Leon eventually offered me the opportunity to apprentice under him, learning the trade of historic window preservation. I absolutely love it! It’s fun to bring my existing woodworking skillset into historic restoration, and gain more trade knowledge while bringing windows back to back life and comfort back into people’s homes. Seeing previous repairs that have been done over the years and knowing that my repairs and restoration will be part of what helps it keep on doing its job for another 100 years is a very cool thing.

KF Woodworking and Designs : Business Signage Examples | Image: Provided

I noticed you also are teaching as well…can you share a little bit about your motivation to pursue that that?

Yes! I am going to be teaching woodworking courses at the Arts Center of the Capital Region in 2025! As a trans man, navigating the trade environments and finding spaces to learn and grow has been an interesting experience. If I can foster a place where I can share the knowledge, skills, empowerment, and joy that woodworking brings, to those who don’t feel safe in traditional trade environments, then I’ll be doing something right.

KF Woodworking and Design : Custom Tables | Image: Provided

With the advent of AI design tools, there is a lot of concern about the future for graphic design, in fact design in general as a profession. Can you share some of your thoughts on that?

I think AI is a risk to the future of a lot careers. Whether it be design, administrative, manufacturing, etc. AI analyzes data and regurgitates; it can’t empathize the way humans can, and I think that’s a downfall. In terms of woodworking, I see how AI could be a helpful tool for streamlining design and production processes. I personally don’t use it because of the environmental impact it has, and the fact it takes the human touch out of it. I use technology where it makes sense for me and my craft. I design and make things because I enjoy the steps and interacting with the material on a personal level, and that’s where I find the joy. I use a combination of hand tools, power tools, a CNC and/or laser machine, depending on the task and goal.

KF Woodworking and Design : Product Samples | Images: Provided

What advice would you give someone just graduating to help guide them to find a way to sustain themselves with their creative practice?

This is going to sound cliche, but my past experiences have taught me that following my curiosities, staying open, and being willing to step toward my dreams is worth it. It has taken five years to get to where I am today. Consistency, being flexible, and staying willing to change trajectory when I need to have been massively helpful in my success. Remaining endlessly curious, finding mentors, and connecting with folks in the creative industry has also been invaluable; providing me with opportunities I never would have found otherwise.

JK Woodworking and Design : Custom Nightstand | Image: Provided

Anything coming up we should know about?

This year I’m focusing on an exploratory box series, as well as some personal projects to fuel my inspiration. The box series has been a lot of fun because it is going to be my first full body of work. I’m working on ways to incorporate more free artistic exploration into my practice moving forward.

I also have a handful of classes coming up at the Arts Center of the Capital Region in Troy, starting in the Spring of 2025! Make a set of coasters, a joiners mallet, or a luminary style wooden lantern with me! If you want to stay updated on class opportunities, check out what I’m making, and see all my goofy antics, give me a follow on Instagram!

WEB: www.kaydenfitzgerald.com | IG: @KF.woodwork

Jessica Lubin’s Good Karma Studio : Balancing Mindful Practice with Performance Arts

February 20, 2025 By Corey Aldrich

I met Jessica Lubin (Good Karma Studio) last year as part of my interim leadership gig at the CCIAC (Contemporary Circus and Immersive Arts Center) for the 2024 season. She took down the big top tent for a student showcase and ended up with an overflow crowd and sold out show. This woman owned, for profit business sits at the crossroads of holistic health and the performance arts. Jessica’s programming rides the forefront of new understandings regarding the value of integrating creative arts as a tool in physical wellness and mental health.

Jessica Lubin (*Center*) with the Good Karma Entertainment Team | Image: Provided

Please state your name, company and title. Feel free to elaborate a bit about your story, the how you got here…its a good one.

My name is Jessica Lubin and I am the Owner / Founder of Good Karma Studio, Good Karma Entertainment and Good Karma Hypnotherapy.

I graduated from University of Rhode Island with an early childhood education degree and moved to NYC in 2001. After 1 year, I realized that in-classroom education was in fact not inspiring to me. I took my creative passion and landed a job in the jewelry industry / diamond district for the next 8 years. It was glamorous, exciting, and fulfilling…yet too corporate for me.

A lover and devoted practitioner, yoga was a huge savior for me during some really challenging times in my life. It helped keep me grounded amongst the hustle and busyness of the city and a demanding corporate job. One of my greatest teachers during my 10 years living in NYC admired my serenity and slight obsession with inversions. (You could always find me in a headstand at the back of the room after class!)

“Have you been to this new, ‘floating yoga‘ from a swing?” he asked. In one visit… I was hooked!

Jessica Lubin on a Lyra at Good Karma Studio | Image: Provided

When I decided to leave the city, there was no doubt in my mind I wanted to become a yoga teacher. Like most, I thought I had to follow the ‘plan‘ of life. Graduate, get a job, get married, have kids…but that just wasn’t me. I wanted to travel & explore. I was scared but I took the leap spending time internationally specifically in Guatemala and India. You don’t know your own strength until you’re backpacking through India and the train breaks down in a small village where no one speaks a word of English…HA! When I moved back to my hometown of Albany, I wanted to give others the chance to heal through yoga. Many people are afraid to try aerial yoga specifically, but find that it’s actually extremely accessible. I have worked with students who are blind, deaf, and amputees. I love instilling confidence & bravery while giving people the opportunity to overcome their fears.

In 2011 I opened Good Karma Studio. In 2013, Good Karma expanded to two studios within one building. Then in 2018, another expansion creative the Capital Regions only aerial, circus arts, and yoga school. With three studio spaces in one building, we began to offer OMazing classes seven days a week for everyBODY, age, and ability.

Jessica Lubin Teaches a Yoga Class at Good Karma Studio | Image: Provided

Your business is at a cross section of wellness-based practice (Yoga) and entertainment (Circus Arts). What made you decide to combine the two and how do they synergize each other?

Combining the wellness-based practices of yoga with circus arts is a creative and powerful fusion! Both disciplines are deeply rooted in movement, mindfulness, and body awareness. They each offer different dimensions of experience and expression. Yoga, with its focus on breath, balance, and flexibility, helps individuals cultivate mental clarity, physical strength, and emotional well-being. It’s about grounding, alignment, and finding inner peace. Circus arts, on the other hand, are thrilling, dynamic, and often push physical limits, requiring agility, coordination, and creativity. They have an inherent element of performance and playfulness.

When combined, they create a unique synergy that offers the best of both worlds. Yoga can enhance circus performers’ flexibility, balance, and focus, allowing them to execute complex routines with precision. Circus arts, meanwhile, bring a sense of joy, creativity, and exhilaration, reminding individuals that wellness doesn’t always have to be serious or quiet — it can also be fun and filled with wonder.

Together, they provide a holistic approach to fitness, mental clarity, and creative expression.

Aerial Silks Class at Good Karma Studio | Image: Provided

Classes / education are a big part of what you do, can you share a bit about your approach to that across all your offerings?

Education and classes are at the heart of what we do, and our approach is designed to be inclusive, transformative, and adaptable to all levels. Whether someone is new to yoga or circus arts, or looking to deepen their practice, we strive to create an environment where students feel safe, supported, and encouraged to grow. Our program does this in a variety of ways:

Holistic Learning: Integrating mindfulness, mental focus, and creative expression into each class.

Personalized Experience: Recognizing that every student is different, so we tailor our classes to meet varying needs.

Community-Focused: Learning is more enriching when it’s shared. We cultivate a community atmosphere where students support one another.

Emphasis on Playfulness & Creativity: Especially in circus arts, play is an essential part of the learning process. We encourage students to explore, experiment, and embrace their creativity.

Mind-Body Integration: Emphasizing the mind-body connection in all classes, helping students find rhythm, release tension, and build both physical and mental resilience.

Progressive and Adaptive: Both yoga and circus arts can be challenging, so we ensure our curriculum is progressive.

Inspiring Personal Growth: The ultimate goal is to help students grow, both as performers and as individuals. We foster an environment that celebrates progress, however big or small.

In essence, our approach is about creating a nurturing space for learning where students feel challenged, supported, and empowered to be their best selves.

Guest Instructor Brenna Bradbury Performs on the Lyra | Image: Provided

Can you discuss more about your circus arts related classes, what are your goals in this area?

My goal with the circus arts side of the business is Making Circus Accessible. Traditionally, circus arts can feel very intimidating, often requiring a level of strength, flexibility, or skill that may seem out of reach for beginners. Starting with the basics we provide step-by-step guidance, so students don’t feel overwhelmed. Circus arts are about much more than just physical skill—they’re about fostering creativity, building community, and encouraging students to push their own limits. Whether you’re trying a aerial apparatus for the first time, or preparing for your first big gig, the goal is always the same: to have fun, explore, and grow. It’s a place where performance and play intersect, and where students can feel like part of something larger than themselves—whether they’re on the mat or up in the air!

In our studio, students are constantly cheering each other on and celebrating one another’s victories, it so heart warming and definitely what inspires and drives me forward. In such a chaotic world right now, watching adults bond with their peers and work together, brings a sense of community and shared growth, which is really special.

Performance Run at Good Karma Studio | Image: Provided

Running a dynamic business can be challenging, what’s a typical day look like for you? Any recommendations to others who are thinking about opening a studio?

Here’s a snapshot of what a typical day might look like: I start with private sessions every morning, followed by morning group classes, This part of the day is energizing and keeps me grounded in the experience of what we offer. Ruben, our studio therapy dog, and I then go for a nice long walk before heading home for my ‘not so favorite‘ administrative work. This might involve updating the website, handling finances, collaborating with my studio manager, planning marketing strategies, and scheduling classes or organizing upcoming events (such as workshops or performances). Depending on the day, I may also be teaching an evening class or hosting a special event. The evenings tend to bring in students who are working professionals – together, we unwind and find balance after a busy day.

As for opening a studio, prioritize self-care: running a business can be overwhelming and burnout is real. Make sure you take time for your own well-being. For me it’s practicing yoga, doing something creative, or simply taking a break. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and your health and energy are vital to the success of your studio and personal well being.

It takes time to build momentum and grow. Be patient with yourself, and don’t get discouraged if things don’t take off immediately. Consistency, dedication, and passion will pay off over time. At the end of the day, running a studio is a labor of love. It’s about creating a space for people to grow, have fun, and experience something truly transformative. When you keep your focus on your mission and the people you serve, the rest will naturally fall into place.

Good Karma Studio Team | Image: Provided

Extra Credit: Anything we should know about that you have coming up or in the pipeline?

Good Karma Studio & Peak Music will be closing out the Albany EGG’s last weekend before renovations on Saturday, June 28th🎉🎉 It will be a GKS student showcase. My performance students have worked so hard, giving them this opportunity, on this type of a stage, feels so rewarding! I can’t wait to share their hard work and dedication with the Capital Region. Come to enjoy the show, let it inspire you to runaway with the circus… or at least to Good Karma Studio for a class!

WEB: www.thegoodkarmastudio.com | IG: @goodkarmastudio

Elizabeth Reiss Advice for 2025 : Focus on the Basics | Embrace Change

January 10, 2025 By Corey Aldrich

Elizabeth Reiss, CEO of The Arts Center of the Capital Region is a force of nature. Many of you here no doubt know her or at least of her but many don’t fully understand the energetic impact and momentum she creates in the regional art scene and beyond. Seasoned and confident, Liz is not only a personal mentor to myself and many others but additionally serves as an Advisory Board Member of ACE! who has been connected here since it’s inception. As such, I can’t think of a better person to bring a slice of pragmatic sanity to the barrel we are looking down that we call 2025.

Elizabeth Reiss, CEO at The Arts Center of the Capital Region | Image: Corey Aldrich

Please state your name, title and past experience that got you to where you are today.

My name is Elizabeth Reiss. I am currently the CEO of the Arts Center of the Capital Region.

I’ve always worked in the arts, everything from gallery installer, docent trainer, publications manager to festival producer. What got me here? At the Arts Center? When I was in college I took a painting class. A visiting artist/professor looked at my work and scoffed at it. Told me to stop painting. She and my primary professor laughed. I was humiliated. I never want that experience for someone. Everyone should paint. Sing. Dance. Maybe they won’t end up in a gallery. Every artist belongs somewhere – the walls of MoMa or the fridge. So, I work at a place that celebrates it all. I love it. I’m lucky.

That said, what else got me here? I’m fearless when it comes to thinking I can pull off a project. I’ve opened a children’s museum in NYC, produced an artist-made skate board park in Pittsburgh, and now I’m working on my most complicated endeavor yet – finally developing the upper floors of the Arts Center.

The 2024 FENCE Show in the Jane Altes Gallery at the Arts Center of the Capital Region
Image: Provided

Can you tell us a bit about what a day in the life looks like for you at the Arts Center?

The Arts Center has a much smaller staff than people may think. There are 7 of us full time. So, I spend a lot of time internally, writing & managing projects. I like writing. Our board is really involved, there’s lots of people dropping in. Or, I’m out. I’m old fashioned, I like to meet with people get a little deeper into things. Get to really know people. I spend a lot of my time representing the Center and the region at places like Creatives Rebuild New York, ArtsNYS, or with elected officials. I’m trying to start up a new group – Capital Region Arts Allies, to help the region get more funding. We are all surviving, but imagine if we all had enough resources to do more?

Arts Center of the Capital Region – One of the 2024 Troy Glow Exhibits in Downtown Troy NY
Image: Corey Aldrich

I know in addition to your main gig, you are involved in other supportive organizations. Can you tell us a bit about those roles?

When I started at the Arts Center, I knew we were also an arts council and a regrant site, but I didn’t really know what any of of that meant. So, I turned to my peers and had some fabulous mentors who mentors formed ArtsNYS, a state-wide educational and advocacy group. That led to me to serve as President of ArtsNYS for the last three years which has been incredibly fruitful. The Arts Center was able to distribute a million dollars over two years in grants to our community. Beyond the funding, I’ve met a lot of people. Last fall I invited the Center for Urban Futures (See ACE! Interview with Eli Dvorkin of CUF) here to talk about the arts and artists in the Capital Region. The growth here is phenomenal. The artist population is growing at a faster rate than any other sector. It’s really exciting. I stepped down as President, but will still be finishing the projects that I started, including a state-wide artist survey that ACE!, CREATE Council on the Arts and Siena College collaborated on with the Arts Center. We are just getting to building the research tools for the findings. Stay tuned on that one.

A Young Student Works in the Stained Glass Shop at the Arts Center of the Capital Region in Troy NY
Image: Provided

With a new administration, the end of ARPA funding and the current underwriting challenges for the arts, where do you see things headed in 2025? What in your opinion needs to be the main focus for arts / cultural institutions?

You know, the future is a little uncertain in regards to policy and funding. And so many people are feeling unsafe right now. This is where the rings on my tree may be an asset. I’ve seen this before. Federal funds may retract, state funds will be under strain….but….private dollars may fare better. It’s too soon to tell. One thing I do know…. this kind of uncertainty leads me to my own true certainty – in times of unrest people need the arts. Artists help us understand what we are seeing, experiencing and feeling. Time and time again, when things get tough, people want to feel control. So they start making things again. There’s a reason crafts blew up during the pandemic. It was something to do, sure, but it was something we could do with our own two hands and with our own autonomy. So the arts will forge on. At the Arts Center? Our main focus will be on strengthening our core programming and to continue to rebuild now that the rescue funds have be spent. Yet, we’ll also try to be sensitive to the changes and stay ahead of them. We will be as nimble as possible to serve the needs as they present themselves. That said, we have a few ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) and DRI (Downtown Revitalization Initiative) dollars to spend, so look forward to more public art.

BIG INK Print Workshop at the Arts Center of the Capital Region in Troy NY | Image: Provided

What would you say are some practical suggestions that folks can put to use in their organizations to find a more predictable resource sustainability?

That’s a big question. Lets see…

When funding gets tough, its always good to stick to your core competencies and to deliver them with excellence. If you want predictability, you too need to be predictable. That doesn’t mean you have to do the same creative act every day, but it does mean you have to commit to the same level of care and thoughtfulness in what you bring to the public.

Art Center of the Capital Region – 2023 Troy Art Block in Church Street Alley, Troy NY
Image: Steve Alverez

It’s better to have 100 donors at $10 a month than one donor at $1000 a month even though its a lot more work. Your funding can withstand donors dropping in and out and your programming can stay on track.

I’m also still learning this one – communicate more than you think you need to. People – whether they are consumers or donors – want the inside track. They want to stay in touch. Let’s face it, its hard to get people’s attention, so develop a communication plan and stick with it. Even if no one tells you they are listening. They are.

Youth Photography Workshop at the Arts Center of the Capital Region in Troy NY
Image: Provided

Anything in the pipeline that we should be aware of? Anything you would like to plug that you have coming up?

More and more creatives are moving upstate and they aren’t interested in our old rules of who does what or our outdated regional boundaries. The work week will continue to flow and change, where people go for arts and entertainment will flow and change, and I hope as a community we can work together to reach for more.

Sorry I don’t have anything more tangible. It’s winter. We are all hunkered down. The kilns downstairs in the pottery studio are warm though…

For more info –
WEB: capartscenter.org
IG: @capregionartscenter
FB: @TheArtsCenteroftheCapitalRegion

Working on the Wheel in the Pottery Studio | Image: Provided

ALN’S Steve Lawrence : All the Things, All the Time

January 10, 2025 By Corey Aldrich

My first introduction to Arts Letters & Numbers was through ACE! Our previous ED, Maureen Sager had set up for us to do a ‘Creative Networking’ event there (2019). My first impression was very similar to that of Salem Art Works, who I had done a bit of consulting with when I first left my corporate job in real estate. A hyper creative, renegade spirit with an alluring joie de vivre that attracts highly creative minds and makers. Recently, I went to an opening there and Founding Director, David Gersten invited me to stay for dinner which would be at their newest campus acquisition, La Perla Restaurant. The conversation was rich. David and Steve Lawerence, the Associate Director started passionately telling me about the educational programming and creatively fluid campus style that is developing. I had to share. This type of experiential programming really gets me excited and I am hoping it will inspire you to consider new and innovative approaches to what you do.

Steve Lawrence, Associate Director at Arts Letters & Numbers in Avrill Park, NY | Image: Provided

Please state your name, title and past experience that got you to where you are today.

I’m Steven Lawrence, and I currently serve as the Associate Director at Arts Letters & Numbers (ALN) in Averill Park, NY. My journey here has been shaped by a blend of being a tradesman, artist, educator, and psychologist. I ended up at Arts Letters & Numbers because I changed the heating system during a stint of contracting after retiring from the classroom and working on post-grad work.

After high school, I found my way into the trades as a plumbing and heating contractor. I ran my own company for several years before transitioning into becoming a licensed NYS teacher in 2009. I spent 12 years abroad teaching History, English, and Psychology across international schools in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and China. Whatever the system I was teaching in, I focused on creating learning environments that nurture both intellectual and emotional growth. I quickly found that of all that I “taught”, the teaching of meditative practices to students was by far the most important. Through this, and my work outside the classroom in therapeutic settings, I’m now pursuing my PhD in Psychology at Saybrook University (C.A.) specializing in transpersonal psychology and the hermeneutics of meditative expressions as viable treatment.

I’ve always been passionate about the power of craft and the arts in shaping the future. At ALN, I’m working to bridge the worlds of arts, trades, and academics, helping students connect with opportunities that are both practical and creative. The skills students develop in these fields will play a crucial role in shaping their future – just as they did for me.

Arts Letters & Numbers – Resident Artist / Dancer Emma Bäcklund | Image: Zelé Angelides

Can you tell us a bit about what a day in the life looks like for you at ALN? Also, maybe a bit about the diversity of programming you have going on…

My days are a mix of community engagement, creative collaboration, and facility and program development. As Associate Director, I work on fostering connections with local educators and organizations, helping to expand our hands-on learning opportunities across arts, trades, and experiential programs. We have the privilege of a wonderfully supportive team and community that play a critical role in the success of any project associated with ALN.

A big part of my role is supporting artist residencies, where we provide them with space to create and collaborate. These residencies are about fostering the artistic experience, connecting artists with the community, and creating a space for cross-disciplinary exchange. Additionally, the maintenance of facilities could take an afternoon or two, keeping up houses, apartments, studios and the Mill.

La Perla Restaurant and the Gregory House Inn, Part of ALN’s Growing Campus | Image: Provided

La Perla Restaurant, which was opened under the ALN banner in August 2024, has been an exciting addition to the project. The restaurant brings in not only local people from the community, but musicians, poets, and guests that stay at at the Gregory House Inn.

Arts Letters & Numbers Workshop / Educational Programming | Image: Provided

I am always struck by the quality of offerings that I see happening at ALN, real intellectual stuff juxtapositioned nicely with get your hands dirty, maker oriented programming. What’s the organizational philosophy that you have to drive the selection and balance?

Our philosophy centers on the belief that intellectual exploration and hands-on creativity are most impactful when combined. We intentionally balance thought-provoking programs with maker-oriented experiences to create a dynamic, holistic learning environment. Our aim is to balance thinking with making.

Arts Letters & Numbers Workshop on Campus | Image: Zelé Angelides

Our approach is interdisciplinary, connecting different fields to foster deeper understanding, while also encouraging collaboration across disciplines, enriching both intellectual and creative work. We prioritize personalization, offering opportunities for participants to engage in both deep reflection and tactile creation, to explore their passions in diverse ways. Add to that our moto: “Yes, in advance.” and “If we know what it’s going to be we don’t do it”. Very often that’s all anyone needs, it’s so remarkably simple. It’s not easy, but it’s simple.

We also ensure that our programs have a community impact, providing real-world relevance and opportunities to engage with the local environment.

Art Letters & Number Mural Project for Doors of Hope with Partners: Rensselaer County Mental Health Student Assistance Program (SAP), and the Nopiates Committee | Image: Provided

I am especially interested in your pursuit of educational integration, IE working with non-campus based populations, academic institutions and other arts organizations. Can you sketch out what the ALN vision is there, and how you are continuing to expand that approach?

Our vision is to create a network where learning is not confined to traditional settings but extends into the broader community. Our approach is centered on connecting students and artists with real-world opportunities that span across any discipline imaginable. We are committed to collaborating with local schools, such as Big Picture Learning in Schenectady, the Averill Park School District and Berlin Central, to bring experiential learning out of the classroom through internships and hands-on programs. We also have a strong connection in secondary education with R.P.I., Russell Sage College, The Cooper Union in New York, as well as a range of international institutions. These connections are a testament of the life and career of David Gertsten, the Founding Director and President of ALN.

Arts Letters & Numbers Founding Director David Gertsten Does TEDx | Image: Provided

2018 ALN Collaboration : ‘Future Unknown’ Chancellor’s Summit held at
The Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) in Beijing, China | Image: Provided

We’re deepening these collaborations to develop more integrated programs that connect craftsmanship, creativity, and theory as a sort of global exchange. This allows us to create rather unconventional pathways to learning and individual development. ALN is evolving into a truly interdisciplinary and transnational model. I wouldn’t say we’re building a school, it’s more like we’re working to supplement a learning experience that students want and typical schools can’t always provide. Schools have been open to working together. Generally, any hurdles are pragmatic, working through a system one issue at a time and sticking with it. ‘No’ can’t be an answer, sometimes.

Arts Letter & Numbers Film Project Collaboration with Youth FX and the
Albany High School’s Social Justice Theater Program | Image: Provided

It’s all very collaborative, what would you recommend to other institutions who may have an interest in expanding their footprint to have a greater yet practical impact? Thoughts on how to do that sustainably from a resource perspective?

When working with other institutions towards the same ends, it’s essential to focus on creating genuine partnerships that bring real value. Find the people that ‘get it’ and work with them. Starting small with pilot programs or focused collaborations can help you see what works before expanding. It’s also important to find synergies between different partners—whether that’s through sharing resources like space and staffing or finding common goals to work towards. Sustainability comes from creating partnerships that are mutually beneficial, where the collaboration strengthens the work of everyone involved.

When partnering with local schools, businesses, or other arts organizations, we look for opportunities to build programs that are aligned with our style of approach. It’s important to note that these discussions often take months—sometimes even a year—before a project fully comes to fruition. This long timeline is the reality of creating great programs. While planning and discussing future initiatives, we’re also actively carrying out the programs that are already in motion. Patience is essential. It’s important to manage both long-term development and the work happening right now.

We’re always keen to open the space for folks to venture out into their artistic pursuits. Recently a local woodworker took up shop here to get his furniture business off the ground. As ‘compensation’ he lends a hand, using his skill sets to support us where he can. There are ways to be creative about developing transactional relationships.

Arts Letters and Numbers – Teaching Time | Image: Zelé Angelides

Anything in the pipeline that we should be aware of? Anything you would like to plug that you have coming up?

We’re continuing to work closely with local schools and developing community projects that students can be involved in. These initiatives take on many forms, from community-based murals to a community table-building project for the Poestenkill Town Park.

Our residency seasons run from January 15-March 15 and April 15-June 15, where we invite artists from various disciplines to create, collaborate, and engage with the local community. Many are scheduled to arrive, and our application process is still open. You can learn more by visiting our residency page.

We’re also excited to be running our Craft 1o1 project again this year in July and August 2025. It’s our second year running, and we had a remarkable time last year. It’s a unique opportunity for individuals to engage experiences unlike anything I’ve seen, where we engage masters of craft in upwards of 15 different disciplines – from music to masonry, poetry to plumbing. That is to say, musicians learn masonry and masons learn to play music, poets plumb and plumbers write poetry. It’s rather remarkable. We’ll be announcing the open registration for that soon, otherwise folks can plan ahead and join the residency which allows them to participate.

Food Prep at Arts Letters & Numbers | Image: Zelé Angelides

There are a few other exciting projects in development that I’m not quite ready to announce, but you can stay updated on all of our upcoming initiatives by following our newsletter. It’s the best way to stay in the loop and hear about what we’re up to.

For more info –
WEB: artslettersandnumbers.com | IG/FB : @artslettersandnumbers