This month, Little Pickle Press is happy to be featuring a very special customer of ours, Craftworks Gallery, located in Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard. We thought that this would be the perfect time to honor Craftworks, not just because they are celebrating their 20th year in business, but because August happens to be a very exciting month for Craftworks and for the island itself. With a presidential visit and the annual Fireworks Cruise, Martha’s Vineyard is definitely the place to be, and Little Pickle Press and Craftworks are on the frontline of the action!
There are many things that make Craftworks Gallery an exciting place to house our books. Its beautiful selection of American craftworks (unique jewelry, pottery, glasswork, etc.) from talented artists all over the country speaks for itself. But what makes Craftworks truly special is the passion and dedication of its owners Paula Cantanese and Ron DiOrio, who just happen to be the parents of Chief Executive Pickle Rana DiOrio. Here is what they had to say:
You are celebrating 20 years in business this year. How does that feel?
Ron and Paula: It is amazing to look back and reflect on the changes that have taken place in the gallery and in ourselves over the last twenty years. It gives us a feeling of great satisfaction.
What makes the gallery special?
Ron and Paula: We have stayed committed to our mission of promoting Contemporary American Crafts, and our following of loyal customers who continue to support the gallery and return often to see “what's new”.
What is the most challenging part of owning and running Craftworks?
Ron and Paula: Making sure that the thousands of details in tracking both inventory and sales is always accurate, and displaying the artwork in a fashion that takes full advantage of its intrinsic beauty.
What is your favorite part of owning and running Craftworks?
Ron and Paula: When customers return and say, “This is our favorite Shop on the Vineyard,” and it happens oftentimes, each and every day.
What is it like for you to sell the award-winning books produced by your daughter’s publishing company?
Ron and Paula: We take great pride in her achievements and success both in business and as a mother. We love telling customers that our daughter is an author and publisher of the books we sell in our gallery.
Since we're discussing transitions on the blog during the month of August: What is it like to manage a business that fluctuates with the seasons?
Ron and Paula: Each season has its own flow. It is much busier in the summer and shoulder seasons and can be lively during the holidays. We enjoy the change of pace the seasons bring.
Which season is your favorite and why?
Ron and Paula: Spring is the best time because we have made changes to the gallery over the winter; we have bought our inventory, and we have great expectations for the summer season.
How can your ardent following stay connected to you and your wonderful selection of artisan works during the fall and winter?
Ron and Paula: Customers call all the time and in this great age of technology, they tell us what they are looking for, and we photograph our inventory and email them the images. We also email our house list of customers to announce changes or sales, and we stay connected to our fans on our Facebook page.
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In the Martha’s Vineyard Area? Check this out!
Fireworks Cruise: A Benefit for Habitat of Humanity of MV
Tonight, Friday, August 19th
Little Pickle Press is very excited to be sponsoring this year’s Oak Bluffs Fireworks Spectacular, on board the SeaStreak catamaran. The SeaStreak will depart from the OB Steamship Authority Dock tonight at 8:00 p.m.. Tickets are $50 for adults, and $35 for children. To purchase tickets, visit Craftworks Gallery or habitatmv.org. Tickets will also be sold at the dock.
Side note: Keep your eyes peeled for President Obama and his family, who are currently vacationing on the island!
8 comments:
Oh, I miss my gallery especially when I read about the happenings and the seasons. Reading this brings back such good memories. Craftworks sounds like the place to be this weekend!
Galleries such as Craftworks are an important and enduring part of the island experience. Having spent part of each summer in the area, it is tremendous to see the support Craftworks provides to artists and craftsmen around the country. Continued success and I hope to get back to see you soon.
I find myself doing a bit of personal shopping every time I call Paula to restock her book inventory. Not only are Paula and Ron great customers,they exude the pride they have in their daughter and all of her accomplishments. Great place to visit, great people to know and a great place to shop!
I explored the Craftworks website a bit last night for my own pleasure. Everything is so colorful, fun and unique. I've always wanted to go to Martha's Vineyard, and now I have a destination when I finally do go. And the fireworks show sounds amazing! I am happy Little Pickle Press is supporting such a fun event for a good cause. Thank you to Paula and Ron for contributing!
what a great synopsis of an exciting gallery and two incredible people! Paula, Ron, Craftworks, Martha's Vineyard, Rana and LPP all exude the positive energy this word so desperately needs. I love you all!!!
As a customer of Craftworks, I must say that it is a spectacular and special store. Everything about Craftworks is unique including Ron and Paula! Congratulations on 20 years!!! I cant wait to come back!!!
Long-standing businesses are the heart of a community! It's what makes things familiar, beloved, and, well, home. How nice to have one in your family, Rana. It must be such a treat to have this as a part of your life, as well as your heart. Thank you for sharing it with all of us!
Thank you for all your kind comments! We very much enjoy what we do, and get to meet so many wonderful people doing what we love.
Ron and Paula
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