By Sarah Bishop: Executive Director Buffalo First:
The category of "brick and mortar stores" does not aptly describe the full landscape of local and independent business here in Buffalo. To use that description would be one-dimensional and unmindful of an entire sector of entrepreneurs found within our city's creative class.
In fact, artisans, musicians, writers and designers comprise a large portion of locally-owned businesses in Buffalo. Although you'll never see a sign prominently displayed over a small shop on Amherst or Allen that coaxes you to stop in, they are open for business. And even though they have traded the traditional 9-5 workday for whenever inspiration strikes, they are hard at work. Not to mention, they are exemplary of what innovative entrepreneurship looks like in the 21st century: relevant, resourceful, technological and relational.
These creatives are proudly producing work that explores, embodies and disseminates Buffalo's character while moving its economy forward with the same force as their brethren in arms. You can find their work through Buffalo First's local directory, searching Navigetter, visiting local galleries, going to a craft show [no, they are not all of your Mother's variety], picking up a copy of NOMAD or participating in one of WAM's monthly mixers and, of course, taking some time to explore the plethora of local artists on Etsy.
Some of these artisans include:
Crude Crafts:
Crude: Adjective. 1. Rough and simple. 2. Undisguised and unadorned; plain. 3. In a natural or unrefined state. Whatever your definition, Crude Crafts is up for the challenge. Elizabeth Switzer uses everyday, raw materials to produce works of art. Recently, she brought her ingenuity to the Elmwood Village Association's annual fundraiser, Mass Appeal, tasked with creating "wearable art" from materials found at a local business [Campus Wheelworks]. The result? A garment constructed of rubber inner tubes. Photo: Model with spoke parasol.
Dana Saylor Designs:
Have an old brooch, pair of clip earrings or broken necklace lying around? Dana Saylor's work is built on a foundation of community and relationship. Her passion for history, love of jewelry and attention to detail make for a unique experience and piece. Photo: Necklace
Derailleur Apparel:
The brainchild of Jonathon Furman, Derailleur provides reasonably priced, aesthetically superior and environmentally conscious attire to Buffalonians. All garments are pre-loved and feature an original screen print - many of which are iconic Buffalo landmarks. Photo: Bike shirt
My Creative Noggin:
"My Creative Noggin is good for baby, good for you, and good for the planet." No two onesies or Boombots are the same, but you can be certain that the process always will be - hand-made, 100% organic and crafted with love right here in Buffalo, NY. Photo: Robot
If you're looking for a last-minute gift, there's no better place than in your [figurative] backyard. And while this gift-giving time of year makes it easy to show your support for local crafts[wo]men, don't forget to check back year-round, too. There's never a wrong time to support Buffalo creatives.
Lead image: Gallery 464 on Amherst Street where many artisans are featured in a brick and mortar setting for those who have no access to Internet shopping.
View image
The category of "brick and mortar stores" does not aptly describe the full landscape of local and independent business here in Buffalo. To use that description would be one-dimensional and unmindful of an entire sector of entrepreneurs found within our city's creative class.
In fact, artisans, musicians, writers and designers comprise a large portion of locally-owned businesses in Buffalo. Although you'll never see a sign prominently displayed over a small shop on Amherst or Allen that coaxes you to stop in, they are open for business. And even though they have traded the traditional 9-5 workday for whenever inspiration strikes, they are hard at work. Not to mention, they are exemplary of what innovative entrepreneurship looks like in the 21st century: relevant, resourceful, technological and relational.
These creatives are proudly producing work that explores, embodies and disseminates Buffalo's character while moving its economy forward with the same force as their brethren in arms. You can find their work through Buffalo First's local directory, searching Navigetter, visiting local galleries, going to a craft show [no, they are not all of your Mother's variety], picking up a copy of NOMAD or participating in one of WAM's monthly mixers and, of course, taking some time to explore the plethora of local artists on Etsy.
Some of these artisans include:
Crude Crafts:
Crude: Adjective. 1. Rough and simple. 2. Undisguised and unadorned; plain. 3. In a natural or unrefined state. Whatever your definition, Crude Crafts is up for the challenge. Elizabeth Switzer uses everyday, raw materials to produce works of art. Recently, she brought her ingenuity to the Elmwood Village Association's annual fundraiser, Mass Appeal, tasked with creating "wearable art" from materials found at a local business [Campus Wheelworks]. The result? A garment constructed of rubber inner tubes. Photo: Model with spoke parasol.
Dana Saylor Designs:
Have an old brooch, pair of clip earrings or broken necklace lying around? Dana Saylor's work is built on a foundation of community and relationship. Her passion for history, love of jewelry and attention to detail make for a unique experience and piece. Photo: Necklace
Derailleur Apparel:
The brainchild of Jonathon Furman, Derailleur provides reasonably priced, aesthetically superior and environmentally conscious attire to Buffalonians. All garments are pre-loved and feature an original screen print - many of which are iconic Buffalo landmarks. Photo: Bike shirt
My Creative Noggin:
"My Creative Noggin is good for baby, good for you, and good for the planet." No two onesies or Boombots are the same, but you can be certain that the process always will be - hand-made, 100% organic and crafted with love right here in Buffalo, NY. Photo: Robot
If you're looking for a last-minute gift, there's no better place than in your [figurative] backyard. And while this gift-giving time of year makes it easy to show your support for local crafts[wo]men, don't forget to check back year-round, too. There's never a wrong time to support Buffalo creatives.
Lead image: Gallery 464 on Amherst Street where many artisans are featured in a brick and mortar setting for those who have no access to Internet shopping.
![[XML element 'prod_name_4' contains multiple values]](http://store.buffalorising.com/Imgs/Product_Imgs/small/sahlens_S.jpg)
Yup, I just lovin' it livin' in the big citee!
Urban chick. I read boooooks too!