Arts Alive! collects and shares the stories of the arts community in the Monadnock region. These are unprecedented times and there are unprecedented things happening in the arts world. The coronavirus pandemic is pushing change and moving arts leaders to rethink their models of stability and connection. In this account, we hear from Taryn Fisher. In June 2019, she opened the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen store on Central Square in downtown Keene, New Hampshire. It is a fine craft gallery that sells work of member artists based in this state, and a 10 mile border zone that includes artists in Vermont, Massachusetts, and Maine. Artists rely on League of New Hampshire Craftsmen stores to provide an upscale gallery to present, market, and sell their work. Taryn shared with us the struggles and joys of operating her store and not being able to interact with her customers and artists.
How has your life changed in the last month?
My life has changed dramatically. Prior to the stay at home order, I was working at the gallery every day, interacting with customers and artists, enjoying being an integral part of our dynamic Main Street community. After the stay at home order went into effect, my life came to a screeching halt. Now, I am home almost all the time. I go to the gallery occasionally, to keep my social media campaign active, to handle the very seldom online orders that come in, and to maintain some sort of normalcy in my daily routine.
Where do you find hope and inspiration these days?
One of the adorable spring products the gallery is featuring.
The Keene and Greater Monadnock community has been tremendous. Mayor George Hansel immediately implemented weekly "town hall" webinars for the small business community. He includes city, business, and community leaders plus invited guests to these webinars. They are well-attended and very helpful. Plus, it's nice to know that there's a community out there, pulling together. In addition, several business leaders have done wonders for keeping our community alive and well. Luca Paris is a focal point - his positive energy and stamina are amazing. Ted McGreer's Virtual 5K fundraiser and Joe Toleman's Grey Tee Project, these efforts to support small business are deeply appreciated.
What is the biggest realization you've had about your work in the last month?
Artist Melinda LeBarge was featured at a “Meet the Artist” event at the gallery store in December.
I miss my gallery! I miss my artists! I miss my customers! I really enjoy my work and simply cannot wait to get back at it.
Best case scenario, how does your business emerge from "stay safe stay home?"
I am working hard to create a business and marketing strategy that adapts well to our new reality: less in-person interaction that is more carefully managed, and more virtual interaction. I'm also focusing on reducing operating costs as much as I can so that my business can survive and thrive, particularly if future sales are less than previous sales. And, I'm holding firm to NOT pursuing a "discount" or "buy one, get one free" approach. I will not let the current financial pressures put the value of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen's brand at risk. Indeed, if I can make it to the other side of this, I'll work toward deepening our value proposition by enhancing our customers' experience and by continuing to deliver one-of-a-kind, local, hand-made artworks. Stay tuned!
UPDATE 4/27/20:
The Fine Craft Gallery located at Central Square is closing its doors. Taryn is looking for a new location for the store - either something smaller or in a more affordable location in a surrounding town - for a time when retail stores can get back to regular operations. “I am working through the sad process of getting all artworks returned to artists,” she says, “And, like everyone else, living with lots of uncertainty!”