Posted by Sue Huang '25
Four years ago, a group of six artists moved into the small guest cottage of 73 Beekman Street and founded the Cottage of Art and Design and rejuvenated the space. This project was similar to twenty years ago when a group of artists came to the dilapidated West Side neighborhood and founded the Beekman Street Arts District that we see today. This transformation serves a preservation agenda, aiming to recreate a similar sense of close-knitted community with small businesses.
Amejo—one of the six artists and a founder of the Arts District and an active member of the Saratoga Springs Arts District, Inc.(SSADI)—talked to me about her admiration and appreciation for the early Irish and Italian immigrants neighborhood here at Beekman street. A hundred years ago, the Adinolfi’s family opened their Barber shop using the small guest cottage next to their house in the lively neighborhood. The Adinolfi shop provided the cheapest haircut in the neighborhood, and people would come and hangout in the space. This is the same space used today to display art and hold small gatherings and workshops.
When I visited the Cottage of Art and Design during the fall of 2023, the space showcased six artists’ artworks. From the front door to the left was a wall hanging fiber arts by the artist Amejo. Below the wall of the fiber arts was a small shelf with sculptures made by Meg. Further inside to the back left wall was a big shelf displaying Don’s tiles. At the other corner, Susan’s fiber arts and part of Amejo’s paintings were on display on the wall, and Susan’s fiber arts include prints, quilts, and pillow cases. Another section has a table in front of the right wall, with jewelry and accessories such as necklaces and earrings as well as mosaic and glass art done by Meryl. Next to it is a big shelf at the end of the right wall, close to the shop window, displaying all the sculptures and potteries done by Nancy.
This space stands as a testament to the profound relationship between artistic endeavors and the commitment to preserving the district's cultural and social heritage. The Cottage of Art and design contributes both financially and ideologically to the economic and political facets that underscore the Art District’s preservation.
This space stands as a testament to the profound relationship between artistic endeavors and the commitment to preserving the district's cultural and social heritage. The Cottage of Art and design contributes both financially and ideologically to the economic and political facets that underscore the Art District’s preservation.