Gallery 54 Adds a Glaze to Winterfest

Thousands of people are expected to visit Skaneateles for the 2019 edition of the Skaneateles Winterfest and they are going to find the doors of local businesses wide open and the invitations WRIT LARGE.

Gallery 54 ice sculpture from Winterfest past

One good example will be Gallery 54. The art and fine craft retail business operated by local artists is directly across the street from the Skaneateles Library in the heart of the village. Its local artists will be even more welcoming than usual (if that's even possible) with a selection of its unique, often one-of-a-kind art and fine craft items discounted 20 percent.

Sallie Thompson pottery awaiting glazing.

As if that's not enough, local pottery artist Sallie Thompson will be demonstrating the various steps she employs to glaze her popular pottery. Thompson's demonstration is schedule for 1 to 3 pm, Saturday,

Sallie Thompson Pottery after being glazed.

January 26. Thompson will be demonstrating techniques for decorating of green ware (pieces that haven't gone in the kiln yet). The decorating of green ware will be on terra cotta clay. She will also demonstrated the glazing of bisque ware (pieces that have been bisque fired). This glazing will be on stoneware. Visitors to Gallery 54 will be able to see materials and the techniques she uses.

Another interesting feature of the Skaneateles Winterfest is always the many ice sculptures that decorate the village. No one knows what to expect until the sculptures, sponsored by individual Skaneateles businesses, appear on the sidewalks for the opening of the annual festival.

Gallery 54 is an upscale gallery of art and fine craft located at 54 E. Genesee Street in Skaneateles. It is open from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. daily.