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I wish they would tweak their production in an effort to attract new (read younger) buyers. A lamp they offer is the same style and color lamp my grandmother bought... in 1950.
Not that there is anything wrong with that, but geez, you've got to adapt and attract to survive.
But Parkersburg is a nice place. Wasn't it jokingly called the city that goes to bed at 9p.m. or something like that?
50's retro style was in. So was victorian (and I think that's still quite popular- sort of like a classic black dress).
They were following market trends. I think the limits to their market are those who can afford craftsmanship vs those who have a walmart budget. Having had both pairs of shoes on in my life, I've come to see craftsmanship as the better value in the long run. Hard to justify a purchase like that when living hand to mouth, though.
From what I understand, their production hasn't really variated that much over the years (nor their marketing efforts).
I mean if the VanDykes resotoration crowd is what you're after, then fine, but you can't expect to support a facility like that with that kind of concentration.
It's sad they had to contract, but it is smart. Hopefully they can adjust and make it work. There's a lot of people pulling for them.
Three commerce is a reflection of what people value, and sometimes they fail to recognize what is valuable. This economy is contracting, they had to be realistic, and I too am pulling for them.
Artistry cannot compete with cheap glass manufacturers, nor should it try. If it were my business, in current economic climate, I think I'd approach this by making smaller more affordable accent pieces or find a way to incorporate utility into the aesthetics (fenton glass with a proprietary logo- drawer knob pulls for cabinetry, increasing value of a home as example). Cheap knock offs will always come around, and limiting editions will reward those who purchased.
Hello, I was reading alot of the posts and found them very interesting. I am from NW Iowa and am tired of all of the flat ground and no trees or wildlife anywhere anymore. Would like to find a place to explore. I am use to living on a farm so living outside of a small town isn't a big thing. I own my own painting business and was wondering if there is a call for painters. Any other information anyone can give would be great.
Thank you
Hello, I was reading alot of the posts and found them very interesting. I am from NW Iowa and am tired of all of the flat ground and no trees or wildlife anywhere anymore. Would like to find a place to explore. I am use to living on a farm so living outside of a small town isn't a big thing. I own my own painting business and was wondering if there is a call for painters. Any other information anyone can give would be great.
Thank you
Depends what you want. WV is full of small towns, is there any other criteria you have?
I dont think there is great demand for painters, WV has plenty of people who dont mind blue collar work, or do you mean you are artist? In the latter case I would either recommend Morgantown, the biggest city in WV by people actually residing there, since it is the most cultural and artsy place in WV, although it is not a small town, or some smaller tourist oriented areas.
Some smaller tourist towns are known for being artsy too, like Berkley Springs or Lewisburg. Places like Canaan also offer lots of tourist and stores that will sell local art. There is also Tamarack in Southern WV which is a big facility for local artisans to sell wares, but I am not sure how you get a spot there.
I do house painting interior and exterior. I also do powerwashing. I am looking to live either in a small town or outside of a bigger city. I love hikking, hunting, fishing and camping. So there should be plenty of availability for things like that for me.
I do house painting interior and exterior. I also do powerwashing. I am looking to live either in a small town or outside of a bigger city. I love hikking, hunting, fishing and camping. So there should be plenty of availability for things like that for me.
Ok, but still given your criteria that is 99% of WV.
I believe the job market in WV is doing pretty well. I imagine painters arent in high demand though. If I were you I would focus on an area with low unemployment, and high job growth and population growth as you would have more opportunities for work.
You can hunt, hike, hunt, fish, and camp all over WV. So the only thing I can think of to narrow it down is job prospects.
Best bet would probably be to live in Charles Town or Martinsburg areas and commute for painting work in Northern Virginia. You'll be competing, to some degree, with the huge hispanic community in Northern VA which has a lot of painters, but there's quite a wealthy population in Loudoun County, VA who will hire a good painter for their house. Of course, Jefferson County is probably the most expensive part of WV to live in and it also doesn't really give you the same feeling as the more isolated parts of WV.
I do house painting interior and exterior. I also do powerwashing. I am looking to live either in a small town or outside of a bigger city. I love hikking, hunting, fishing and camping. So there should be plenty of availability for things like that for me.
A painter could be fine in any town/city in WV. I suppose it just depends on the lifestyle you'd like to live. In my opinion living around the Charleston area is the best place in the state. It is the largest city, but its not huge by any stretch of imagination. There are alot of great restaurants, shopping, and other things to do here, plus you are so close to prime time outdoor venues like New River Gorge, Hawks Nest, and more. The suburbs around the city are nice, plus everything is easy to get to here. hope this helps!
In the past it has been named the 28th Coolest Town in America, 28th Coolest Arts Town in America as well. As well as being one of the 3 certified West Virginia Arts Cities in West Virginia.
It is a Preserve America City, Tree City, and OnTrak Main Street USA Candidate.
The Randolph County Community Arts Center is located here and offers classes, workshops in painting, sculpting, writing, and opportunity to take in an art gallery from time to time.
The Old Brick Playhouse located in downtown has several plays throughout the year as well tours the local schools. The American Mountain Theater and Gandy Dancer are new to the area and provide Branson, Missouri and Dinner theater type entertainment.
The Mountain State Forest Festival is here and literally the City Park and the old D&E gymnasium as well as several downtown churches fill up with arts and crafts and galleries. If nothing its worth a trip to visit that alone. Downtown is bustling with coffee shops, book stores, banks, restaurants, bars, and even a natural food and herbal medicine store as well as many other things an artistically inclined person may enjoy.
Oh, and not to mention the location is beautiful and within an hours drive of Snowshoe Resort, Canaan Valley Resort, Timberline Resort, Blackwater Falls State Park, Seneca Rocks State Park, and is the headquarters of the Monongahela National Forest with countless hiking, camping, swimming, rock climbing, kayaking, etc.
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