Janna Ugone & Co. to Take Part in the 28th Annual December Open Studio and Sale at Cottage Street Studios
Roughly 40 artists to open their spaces on Dec. 7, 8, and 14
EASTHAMPTON—Artist Janna Ugone of Janna Ugone & Co. will take part in the 28th annual December Open Studio and Sale at Cottage Street Studios the first two weekends of December and is excited to unveil a new product as well as enhancements to her space.
Open Studios will take place this year on Dec. 7, 8, and 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1 Cottage St.
During the event, which features deep discounts on handmade products and a festive atmosphere, roughly 40 artist’s spaces will be open.
“Some people wait all year for this event,” said Ugone, noting that her showroom will be transformed into a pop-up shop decorated with an 8-foot-long tree—gnawed upon by a beaver—that’s hanging from the beams overhead, adorned with creative objects.
“We inspire peoples’ creativity. It’s not just a space. It’s not just a store. It’s a creative lab,” Ugone said.
During the event, Ugone will have over 75 lamps on sale, including limited editions, and she will debut a new item, which she calls a glow lamp, a free-standing, acorn-shaped piece that casts light through a series of decorative cutouts.
The studio’s year-old lamp bar—in which people can try various shades and finials on a lamp base they already own—will also be open, as will the shade room, where roughly 200 different, handmade lamp shades are displayed.
In addition to all styles of lamps and lighting fixtures, Ugone’s own work includes handmade steel accent tables, lazy Susans, clocks and prints; they are sold in over 250 galleries across the country.
Items that Ugone and her staff curate—such as Alpaca wool scarves, jewelry, and handmade wooden utensils, all made by other well-known artists—will also be available during Open Studios.
Ugone began to develop her line over 30 years ago, after debuting at a prestigious show in New York City. She also sells her products through well-respected catalogs, such as Sundance and Artful Home.
Since the studio is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., customers have the opportunity to have one-on-one consults, during which they can problem-solve lighting issues.
“Opening on a daily basis has given us more opportunities to work directly with the public to help people resolve lighting issues and be creative for something unique,” Ugone said.
Customers can walk in and browse through dozens of shades and patterns or bring swatches of fabrics, paint, or tile featured in their homes, photos of their fixtures or interiors, as well as measurements and other information needed to help them make choices.
“The studio’s wooden walls and handmade shades offer a warm, artful glow,” Ugone said. “When folks come in, they love the creative displays and get ideas for their own homes. There’s always something new. They are looking for something unique and what makes their home feel special. They also love the fact that we collaborate with over 53 local businesses.”
Ugone has recently opened a lending library of sorts, in which customers can borrow hanging fixtures or sconces to view in their own spaces; Ugone knows it is difficult for people to imagine what might look good at home and said, “Take it home, try it where you want it, choose the pattern and a color that resonates, and now you know for certain.”
Ugone’s showroom, outlet space, lamp bar, and shade room opened last September.
Customers can bring their existing lamp bases and shades, and give them a makeover. “Who doesn’t have a base in the closet or a plain shaded lamp that could use a fun refresh?” Ugone said, noting adaptors are available for unusual shade attachments.
“Customers get involved and have creatively up-cycled lamps—from meaningful keepsakes to items from Target, Pier One, or flea market finds, totally transforming them,” she added. “What inspires us, inspires others”
During the week, Ugone said visitors to the studio can also often get a look at how things are made. “The studio is right here. It’s a great hub of community. You’ll see us painting shades, casting ceramics, our welder delivering custom parts, or meet family businesses we work with who mill stone or turn wood,” she said. “You’ll see other artisans coming and going.”
Ugone lives in Northampton. She graduated from Mass College of Art, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in ceramics and design. Learn more about her and her work at https://jannaugoneandco.com/.
To learn more about Open Studios, visit http://www.cottagestreetstudios.com/events/category/open-studios/.
