Hi all,
I make jewellery for a living here in the UK and I am really interested in any recommendations you might have for me to visit creative endeavours in New York whilst there with my Mum between 11th-19th November - I am trying to make it really special for her too because this is the first time she has been to the States, but I'd like a little creative time out. I know there are some good places up in the Fashion District for beads and stuff, but where exactly do the arty people hang out in New York? Its just nice to touch base with similar people and see how they are going, considering how tough economically it is for everyone right now. If anyone has any suggestions I'd appreciate it - also if you have any suggestions as to anything I can do to make my Mum's stay really lovely I'd appreciate it. We are probably staying at the Bryant Park - any feedback on there? Many thanks, Stephanie.

Not sure what you mean by "arty" people. There are several different areas where you can find lots of galleries (for viewing or sales) - but artists lofts are now often outside Manhattan (Dumbo, LIC etc). And I'm not at all sure about jewelry designers.

You might want to have a look at the exhibits at some of the design schools - Parsons, Fashion Institute of Technology, etc. And if you look at their web sites or contact them, they might have some info on jewelry design.

Also - without knowing what you mother is interested in it's hard to make any specific recos.

Many thanks NY...I guess I was wondering if there was a conglomeration of artists studios or any such thing that people might know of - we have a couple of places like that here in Manchester UK. I guess Mum would be into culture, theatre, good food - we are vegetarians. She has diabetes and arthritis so I can't challenge her too much activity-wise, which is why I opted for such a long stay. Really appreciate your time and trouble in answering, thank you.

There's no one "arty" hangout area. Edgeny.com is some place you might check out since it's got a lot of designers that sell their stuff and a lot of jewelry booths. There's a new museum of art and design that's just opened with studio demonstrations. http://www.madmuseum.org/

Check the jewelry cases at Barney's dept. store.

I'm not sure but could these type of "stands" be found in front of the Metropolitan Museum and the Museum of Modern Art?

There are many galleries in the West 20's from 10th Avenue to the river. Some are on the street level and others in buildings. There are a numebr of buildings where you can satrt at the stop and just go floor to floor visting galleries.

One with many galleries is:
529 West 20th Street

There is compendium of galleries in:

The Complete Guide to New York Art Galleries, Sixth Edition (Paperback)
by Renee Phillips

Then when you are in NY you pick up Time Out NY or the Village Voice for what is occuring at the time of your visit.

If you want to hang out with artists go to openings. Not only can you hang with artists but you can get cheap wine and impaled cheese cubes.

Hi felini,

I sure hope you read this.

For top of the line work, go to the craft show at the Pennsylania convention center. it is starting today and ends on the 16th. It is about 2 hours from NYC. The ride is interesting. it's like taking a trip out of London.

You will see the best jewellry, ceramics, weavings to name a few. You can meet lots of different artists selling their work, if they are not busy, they might talk to you.

As far as how to get there, someone else can do a much better job in directing. All I can say is the work is greeeeeeeaaaaaaat!!!!!!!!!!!! Absolutely the best. It's a juried show. One has to be real good to be invited in.

http://pmacraftshow.org/artists/

have fun

ps if you don't mind, report back. it would be interesting to see how you like the work in this country.

And, oh, yes, there is a Lincoln Center
Crafts Fair I think 2x a year, one around labor day.

google Lincoln Center Crafts Fair