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| A reunion of Allegany Artisans founders. Frank Evangelisti , center, with jeweler Steve Walker and ceramicist Karen Tufty. The Allegany Artisans Studio Tour was conceived in Frank’s office as AHPC director in 1988. |
ANDOVER - Thirty years ago, Frank Evangelisti had a vision
for Andover that would showcase the local artistic and crafts businesses he saw
settling on Main Street in the Village. Frank was the director of the Andover
Historic Preservation Corporation (AHPC). His efforts planted the seed which became
Allegany Artisans, which has now completed thirty-one annual Studio Tours.
After three years in his position at AHPC, Frank took a new
job to live closer to his family. He
missed the first Studio Tour, but this past weekend Frank and His wife returned
to Allegany County to visit and participate in the event he helped create for the
first time. Frank is now director of the Broome County Department of Planning
and Economic Development in Binghamton, NY.
Frank’s job in Andover was primarily involved in helping
preserve and renovate local homes, with assistance for insulation and septic
upgrades. He also saw the opportunity to present Andover in a more positive
light by drawing attention to the fact that there were several new artisanal
businesses in the village. Tufty Swain Ceramics had recently begun producing
terra cotta bread pans, pizza pans and other terra cotta items on Main Street
at a workshop that was converted from a gas station. Steve Walker had just
returned to Andover to establish his jewelry and metalsmiths business. There
were also the Dempsey Brothers who were making chain saw sculptures, painter
Harry Thompson and ceramic worker Brenda Jackson.
By publicizing the fact that Andover was an arts-friendly
community with inexpensive commercial real estate, Frank hoped to find use for
more of the unused storefronts in the village.
Meeting frequently with the local artisans the idea of the Studio Tour
took shape. Because of the still small numbers in Andover, it was decided to
invite neighboring communities to participate. Frank had left the area before
the first Openstudio Weekend in 1988. The original ten studios were quickly
joined by others and the event took on a life of its own as a countywide annual
event.
Only three of the original artisans remain on the Studio
Tour. These are Karen Tufty and Steve Walker of Andover and candlemaker Ken
Reichman of Whitesville. Forty studios were on the 2018 tour, which is annually
on the weekend following Columbus Day. For more information go to
www.AlleganyArtisans.com.
Submitted by Stephen Walker