What’s New
What’s New
Once Productive Factory Moves into the Future
Fellows Gear Shaper, now known as One-Hundred River Street, formerly one of the largest and best known of the precision tool industry buildings in Springfield gets 
major transformation thanks to new owners who want to honor Springfield’s development in direct relation to its heritage. Their commitment to integrity of place is evident in both the 1950’s and 1900’s wings.
The multi-million dollar renovation includes a medical center, retail, restaurants and a wonderful new venue for the arts, the “Great Hall.” With a soaring 25ft ceiling and atrium windows the hanging space for art and sculpture is dramatic with the walls lending themselves to extra large artwork. The Great Hall’s Public Art Space gives contemporary form to the founders’ legacy of innovation. Exhibitions will be on display for 5 to 6 months. The first show, Emergence, a group show, is scheduled for mid-April. Shows are now being planned through fall of 2013. One of America’s most accomplished printmakers, Sabra Field, is scheduled for an exhibition of her larger work in October, 2012. After that other diverse topics will be explored such as recycling as a theme for artwork in October of 2013. For business information: Springfield Regional Development Corp., bobf@springfielddevelopment.or
Renaissance Fine Jewelry Purchases Jewel of a Building
Renaissance Fine Jewelry has moved to the former Trust Company of Vermont 
building in downtown Brattleboro and is opening an antique store in its former space. Caitlyn Wilkinson, owner of Renaissance Fine Jewelry manages one of the largest collections of antique jewelry in New England, as well as contemporary rings, pendants, bracelets and other adornments. Her expertise includes gemological testing, appraisals, buying and selling, and trading and identifying vintage pieces. Despite the global recession, which has put a strain on so many small businesses, Renaissance Fine Jewelry has prospered, enjoying steady growth every year since its founding. According to Wilkinson, the business has grown 40% in just the past year. vermontjewel.com
VTC Buck$ A New Way to Pay for the Theater
Now it is easier than ever to share the wonderful gift of theater with others. Vermont Theatre Company’s Gift Certificates can be used as gift for your family and friends or for you. One dollar buys you one VTC Buck. Tickets for all VTC productions (except Shakespeare-in-the-Park) are $12 for adults, and $10 for children and seniors. All tickets for Shakespeare are $5. You can purchase VTC Bucks for any amount by simply sending a check (write “VTC Bucks” in the Memo line) to VTC, P.O. Box 11, Brattleboro, VT 05302. At the end of the season (August 31), you keep any unused VTC Bucks you might have for next season—they don’t expire.
vermonttheatrecompany.com
Three’s Company: The Butcher, The Baker and the Wine Purveyor
North End Butchers has a new look and unique new business plan the center of 
which is collaboration across three separate businesses — Jasmine’s Bakery, Windham Wines and North End Butchers. Seems to be a great idea for one-stop shopping (afterall what else do you need?) and a unique business plan. They’re inviting folks to celebrate at a grand reopening event on Friday, January 27 from 3-6p. Charcuterie, flatbreads, other choice meats, delectable desserts and, …wine, of course, will be available for sampling. 972 Putney Rd., 802-246-1125
New Gallery Opens in Chester
Internationally successful sculptor, curator and performance artist Bryce LeVan Cushing opens new art gallery called BLCARTGRP. Located at 297 Main Street at the back of the MoonDog Café Building, the first show to open in the space is titled: Contempo-Take-O and features polaroid transfer prints by Rik (Wave) Kapler (Provincetown, Ma.) and mixed media sculptures of curator Bryce LeVan Cushing. Grand opening is Sunday, January 22,
3-9p with live performances. brycelevancushing.com.
Furthering The Creative Economy
Joe Bookchin has been named the new director of the Office of the Creative 
Economy. The OCE was created this year by Gov. Peter Shumlin and the Vermont Legislature in recognition of this growing sector of the Vermont economy. Creative enterprises—from web designers and software game programmers to architecture, e-commerce, graphic design, publishing and film and new media companies, among others—provide high-paying, skilled jobs that are critical to the state’s economic future. The office will work with local businesses and other partners to identify specific regional needs and prioritize initiatives for future economic growth. In addition, it will cultivate public-private partnerships among businesses and cultural organizations and assist business start-ups with networking opportunities. Bookchin is a graduate of the New York University Tisch School for the Arts film program, and spent 12 years as director of the Film Production Program at Burlington College. Previously he was Director of the Vermont Film Commission. dca.state.vt.us
