Two decades after its founding, Made in Chenango, Inc. offers a broad brush of products
NORWICH – Almost 21 years after its founding, Made in Chenango, Inc. gift shop and gallery has seen visitors from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries.
Despite this, Made in Chenango members say they are still surprised to find out many locals have yet to experience what the shop has to offer from its location in the heart of downtown Norwich.
"It's always amazing," said Made in Chenango member Deborah Whitman, who was the non-profit's director when it was founded in 1997. "Every time we have a guest artist reception, people come in and say, 'I've never been here before!' and we say, 'Oh, where are you from?' and they say, 'Oh, Norwich.'"
Today Made in Chenango, Inc. consists of 19 artist members from Chenango County or in close proximity whose works are available for purchase in its shop at 25 N Broad Street in Norwich.
Shoppers can find locally crafted art, jewelry, clothing, literature, pottery, woodcrafts, maple syrup, and more in the store.
Whitman said Made in Chenango, Inc. was founded as a way to try to bring more life into downtown Norwich. Its name was inspired by bumper stickers Whitman saw when she lived in Colorado that said 'Buy Colorado,' and also products from Vermont that boast 'Made in Vermont.'
"I said, 'How about Made in Chenango? This place is filled with arts and crafts people,'" said Whitman.
Made in Chenango originally opened as a holiday shop, staffed by Chenango County artists and featuring their work from Thanksgiving to Christmas in 1997. After it was deemed a success, Whitman said, "A handful of us said, 'This worked so well, let's continue the idea.'"
21 years later, Whitman said Made in Chenango, Inc. has probably seen over a hundred artists' works featured in the store in addition to featured guest artists displayed during select months. As a cooperative non-profit, the artists take turns staffing the store.
"It really helps being a non-profit because sales aren't enough to hire somebody plus have all the merchandise," Whitman said. "It's a wonderful outlet for, like, my sculptures and drawings. They're not going to sell in the privacy of my home.
"It's nice just to be settled in one building, and the camaraderie is great. We all take turns and we all chip-in to pay the bills."
Beginning July 12 and through the end of the month, the shop will be offering a Christmas in July special, where member artists will have sales on their works and also bring in special products for the occasion.
Made in Chenango, Inc. is open from Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is closed Sundays and Mondays.
If you are an artist or craftsman interested in joining Made in Chenango, Inc., applications can be found on its website at www.madeinchenango.com/call-to-artists.php.
For more information, call Made in Chenango, Inc. at (607) 334-3355 during its business hours or email mic@madeinchenango.com.
Despite this, Made in Chenango members say they are still surprised to find out many locals have yet to experience what the shop has to offer from its location in the heart of downtown Norwich.
"It's always amazing," said Made in Chenango member Deborah Whitman, who was the non-profit's director when it was founded in 1997. "Every time we have a guest artist reception, people come in and say, 'I've never been here before!' and we say, 'Oh, where are you from?' and they say, 'Oh, Norwich.'"
Today Made in Chenango, Inc. consists of 19 artist members from Chenango County or in close proximity whose works are available for purchase in its shop at 25 N Broad Street in Norwich.
Shoppers can find locally crafted art, jewelry, clothing, literature, pottery, woodcrafts, maple syrup, and more in the store.
Whitman said Made in Chenango, Inc. was founded as a way to try to bring more life into downtown Norwich. Its name was inspired by bumper stickers Whitman saw when she lived in Colorado that said 'Buy Colorado,' and also products from Vermont that boast 'Made in Vermont.'
"I said, 'How about Made in Chenango? This place is filled with arts and crafts people,'" said Whitman.
Made in Chenango originally opened as a holiday shop, staffed by Chenango County artists and featuring their work from Thanksgiving to Christmas in 1997. After it was deemed a success, Whitman said, "A handful of us said, 'This worked so well, let's continue the idea.'"
21 years later, Whitman said Made in Chenango, Inc. has probably seen over a hundred artists' works featured in the store in addition to featured guest artists displayed during select months. As a cooperative non-profit, the artists take turns staffing the store.
"It really helps being a non-profit because sales aren't enough to hire somebody plus have all the merchandise," Whitman said. "It's a wonderful outlet for, like, my sculptures and drawings. They're not going to sell in the privacy of my home.
"It's nice just to be settled in one building, and the camaraderie is great. We all take turns and we all chip-in to pay the bills."
Beginning July 12 and through the end of the month, the shop will be offering a Christmas in July special, where member artists will have sales on their works and also bring in special products for the occasion.
Made in Chenango, Inc. is open from Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is closed Sundays and Mondays.
If you are an artist or craftsman interested in joining Made in Chenango, Inc., applications can be found on its website at www.madeinchenango.com/call-to-artists.php.
For more information, call Made in Chenango, Inc. at (607) 334-3355 during its business hours or email mic@madeinchenango.com.
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