GlassFeather

Community art center opens in Conesus

By DJ Smith

Special to the County News

     "What art offers is a space — a certain breathing room for the spirit."

     This quote from John Updike describes what Heather Jones wanted when she found a stately old church in Conesus whose open space may perhaps inspire another Michelangelo.

     GlassFeather Studio, a community art center at 6199 Elm Street in Conesus will have its introductory open house Sunday, April 2 from 1 to 4 p.m.

     "I really enjoy the people aspect of teaching art, being involved in the creative process with other people," founder Heather Jones said.  "It's very inspiring."

     Jones, along with visiting artists, will be teaching creative art classes from her recently purchased church turned studio/home starting April 3.

     The open house will be a chance for people to meet the artists, view examples of the artwork to be taught and perhaps be inspired to start or continue instruction in the classes.

     Jones comes to both the creativity of art and a love for teaching naturally.

     From her mother who teaches art at Dansville High School and from her father who she said "was always making furniture."

     Jones has taught art for over ten years with past positions at the Livonia and Dansville school districts and with college level courses at RIT and Empire State College.

     She currently teaches classes in drawing, painting, two-dimensional design and photography at Genesee Community College as an adjunct professor.

     She intends to continue her teaching job with GCC, allowing this new project the time it needs to succeed at its own pace.

     A desire to add a new dimension to her life was a primary force in starting this "home business."

     It's appealing right now to start something of my own.  And, work for myself with the flexibility of being in control of my time" Jones said.

     "Starting this up is really a personal inspiration."

     A sense of place is another point Jones made while discussing the decision to start her studio.  Her love of the Finger Lakes region, having her family close by and becoming a part of the town were all factors.

     The studio will include recreational community events and possible future rental of the space for civic groups.

     "I want to make this a social outlet for people, a community place that's enjoyable."

     Classes will encompass beginning and some continuing courses in drawing, painting, glass jewelry, Ukrainian egg batik – a fabric painting technique, pinhole photography and others.

     Although initially they will be adult oriented classes, as interest in and exposure of the studio grows, Jones hopes to add children's classes.

     She has enlisted an impressive group of visiting artists to teach in their respective disciplines.

     They include Ross Chirico, a nationally renowned artist in industrial design and fine arts, Jeannie Nutting, who owns the local Drafty Rafters Studio, and artist for 25 years and Paula Jones, a teacher and artist for 25 years.

     This old converted church, that now serves as a combination of house and studio, will also second as a gallery to display works by these artists.

     GlassFeather studio can be contacted by phone at 346-0176 or by email at glassfeather@rochester.rr.com.