ACE

Upstate Alliance for the Creative Economy

Visual Arts and Handcrafted Products

Schuylerville’s Creative Economy: Revibe

By

Revibe Kristi Carraraby Thomas Dimopolous

Kristi Carrara opened Revibe in a 350-square foot space on Broad Street in October 2015, but always had her eye on a larger venue. Today, she has expanded into a two-floor, 3,000-square foot building where she provides a combination of traditional retail and consignment sales, and a space for others in the community to sell their own goods and services.

“I’m an accountant. That’s how I started. I’m best at putting businesses together – that’s where my creativity flourishes,” Carrara said.

Among the offerings at Revibe are singing bowls and dream catchers, handpainted buddhas and chakra candles, murals, and stones and minerals for healing purposes and natural beauty. “Everything I have focuses on nature,” she said.

Approximately a quarter of what she sells is on consignment. Carrara also rents out a large room upstairs to others in the community for events such as workshops, painting classes and meditation-themed events.

“It’s for people starting their own business, but who don’t have to worry about things like rent, bills and overhead. A big part of it is they come in and do their classes and I take care of the rest,” she said.

Carrara’s personal love are air plant holders, which are handmade. She allows customers the opportunity to build their own terrariums and fairy gardens, from base to fill, container and theme.

Contact:

Revibe, 94 Broad Street, Schuylerville

(518) 507-6473  //  Revibe Website

Schuylerville’s Creative Economy: The Laffer Gallery – Fine Art & Framing

By

by Thomas Dimopoulos

Artist and gallery owner Erik Laffer was born on Long Island, raised in Washington County and schooled in Albany, after which he traveled the country selling his cartography paintings. In June 2012, he opened his gallery in Schuylerville to collaborate and represent other artists. The biggest draw of the historic village was its affordability.

Laffer’s first show featured artists from downtown Manhattan, but quickly gravitated to more representing and supporting local artists.

“I learned framing and the representation of other artists. It was amazing to learn how much talent there is. That’s what triggered the idea of having a gallery filled with the works of other artists,” he said.

Five years in, Laffer draws a majority of collectors from a 100-mile radius of the historic village who spend, on average, between $1,400 and $1,800 on a piece of artwork.

He currently represents more than 50 artists, and showcases several works from each artist. New works are placed on exhibit in the gallery main space every four to six weeks, while the rear part of the gallery displays the works of artists who have previously been shown.

“A lot of places don’t have the extra space, so once the show is over, they come down. Here, once the show is over, the artists are still part of the Laffer Gallery,” he said.

Laffer’s goals include increasing the roster of artists he represents as well as opening a sister location and becoming more involved in art consulting. His recent collaboration with Saratoga Hospital which resulted in the hospital’s ICU unit being fitted with the works of artists Laffer represents.

“Connecting artists and collectors, I’m proud of that. The most gratifying thing I do is writing a check to an artist and seeing their work go to someone’s home,” Laffer said.

Contact:

The Laffer Gallery Fine Art & Framing, 96 Broad Street, Schuylerville

(518) 695-3181  //  The Laffer Gallery Website

Creative Economy Updates and Other Good Stuff!

STAY CONNECTED!