COVID-19 Studio Updates and THIRD FRIDAY

Photo by Bruce Buchanan.

It has been a couple of months since I’ve sent a story or an email newsletter. Normally I do as a reminder for the month’s Third Friday at 78th Street Studios, but with COVID-19, we haven’t been having those. This month the building is trying out a limited event. Shorter hours, fewer participating tenants, attendance capped at 200 tickets, masks worn, and plenty more precautions taken by all involved. I find myself wavering between whether or not it’s too soon or even a good idea, but I am part of an arts community that will have to find a new way forward somehow sooner or later. We are taking baby steps to try to see what might work. Everyone is revamping their online presence, and part of the Third Friday plan is a virtual video tour. I hope you find some way that’s comfortable for you to support your favorite 78th Street Studios artists as we go forward. 

In the past couple of months, I got myself caught up on some projects, and have been doing a robust business in leaded glass repairs for homeowners all over town. I’ve done onsite work with masks, distancing, and applicable precautions. My stock of Barcode Blocks was low, so I’m working on a production run of a few hundred of them. That should support peoples’ gift giving needs for a while at least. I’ve made a few new small panels, and another dozen or so of the striped panels that have done so well. The website store is going to be doing more heavy lifting as studio events are likely to be smaller and less frequent. 

Of course, the studio is open for visitors by appointment. I’m there most every day working away in solitude anyway. So don’t hesitate if you have a project you’d like to discuss or are looking to purchase a Barcode Block or Panel. I can meet you in the parking lot for a hand-off or come on in. I just ask that you wear a mask and try to practice distancing. People are resilient and flexible. We can figure out the best way forward together.