NORWICH - Local entrepreneur and artist, Jill Kraft, is nearing the final stages of moving her business into the former Salvation Army location at 17-19 South Broad St. Extensive renovations, which included an asbestos abatement are nearly completed, and soon the finishing touches will be applied like the last strokes of oil and acrylic to canvas.
“We are very excited about having the new location completely finished and open to the public, the process took much longer than we had anticipated – but the wait is definitely worth it,” said Kraft.
Kraft, a Norwich native, has been planning for years what will be the largest fine arts showcase in the county, carefully overseeing her realized dream come to life.
That realization comes to life this Friday at a “open for business” reception featuring live entertainment by area musicians, an offering of unique cuisine and a gallery opening for Johanna Lerwick (an wildlife and nature artist working in oil born and raised locally in upstate New York) and Woodworker Joe Keto, a native of Oneonta, who will display his carvings inspired by nature and wildlife.
Entertainment will be provided by the likes of local singer/songwriter and guitar master Mike Davis from 6-8 p.m. followed by Norwich-based reggae machine Seek the Lion starting at 8 p.m.
Kraft’s passion for her concept of a community-based arts center becomes very apparent in talking with her and integrating services for artists of all ages and abilities reiterates her desire to keep the community engaged in the arts.
The Artists’ Palette offers a variety of expressive art programs that can be tailored to suit the individual needs of people throughout the spectrum of ages and abilities. “You don’t have to be an artist to enjoy the benefits of our programs,” said Kraft.
In addition to visual arts programming and monthly galleries, classes and “art walks,” Kraft and Co. have decided to try their had at catering to the performing arts crowd as well. “We'll be hosting a family friendly original Open Mic night once per month,” she added.
