Local artists get creative to bring in buyers

Focus on YoHo studios

Posted

It’s not easy being an artist, especially in tough economic times.


“It’s hard,” Riverdale artist Deborah Yasinsky said. “People are buying less art now.”
But she and other local creators are dealing with new challenges by stepping up their games. On Sunday, Nov. 14, they will open up part of YoHo, an industrial space in Yonkers, that houses over two dozen artists’ studios, for the first-ever Autumn Open Studio.


The public events, usually held in the spring, allow patrons to amble down the long hallways, popping into the open doors to see artists in action. Guests are welcome to talk and drink, look at — and maybe even buy — some of the pieces on offer.
Unlike past events, this one is being put together entirely by the showing artists, without the help of their landlord, who usually promotes the shows.


Riverdale residents showing at the event, which will present the work of about 18 artists who use the space, said they hoped it would bolster sales at a time when everyone, especially artists, are hard up for cash.  


 “A bunch of artists have left [YoHo],” Ms. Yasinsky said, adding that art programs at schools and in other institutions are usually the first to get axed in a budget crunch, stripping many artists of their day jobs.


Ms. Yasinsky estimated that at least two artists have left in recent months. Those who have kept their spaces at YoHo range from hobbyists with small, sparse spaces, to those who spend so much time in the studio that they treat it like home, adding various amenities to make their spaces more comfortable.

artists, yonkers, yoho, arts,
Page 1 / 2

Comments