Valley Emporium showcases art, talent
VERNON — Author Jim Schmitt will be at the new Valley Emporium in Vernon, this Saturday, May 10, to answer questions about New York City and sign copies of his new book, "Knowing Where You're Going: New York City."
Schmitt is an author and vendor at Valley Emporium, a place where artists can display and sell their goods created by Jon and Maureen Lasslett.
Valley Emporium
As owner of Perfect Timing Sewing Machine Repair Company in Vernon, Jon Lasslett is no stranger to art and artistry. He regularly crosses paths with area artists proficient in all realms of handicraft.
In the spring of 2013, Jon opened Valley Emporium to showcase his clients' work.
His wife Maureen, former owner of Pieceful Choices Quilt Shop, is a renowned quilter herself, and lends her expertise along with some of her quilted items to this new venture as well.
Valley Emporium is a “unique boutique that features only handcrafted items from regional artists," Jon Lasslett said, "It's not your typical consignment shop, (where the shop leases space and also takes a percentage of sales), at Valley Emporium, artists pay only a small monthly lease fee and receive the full value of their sales." Lasslett added, "We feature crafts and a step above from soaps to tie dye artists to wool items to.... well, come and see... there's so much."
Valley Emporium officially opened its doors in October 2013. Located in the heart of Vernon Valley, it offers one-of-a-kind gift items while at the same time promoting and encouraging local artisans.
The Emporium features an artist of the month on its Facebook page, and this month it's artist Cheryl Sanchez, of Nothing Hidden Artisan Soaps, who sells her creations at the Emporium.
Book signing
"Valley Emporium is proud to welcome our newest vendor, Tinfoil Rose Design, and feature Schmitt this weekend," Laslett said. "The book, 'Knowing Where You're Going: New York City,' a unique and colorful New York City guidebook that takes a modern approach with a highly visual map-based format. Every neighborhood in Manhattan is covered in detail, with maps that feature key streets to visit as well as shopping, dining, and nightlife districts highlighted in full color. Along with each map is informative information about neighborhood attractions and seasonal events. A great buy for NYC day-trippers — now you'll be able to navigate the NYC neighborhoods like a native."
Schmitt did all of the maps and text himself and he and his wife took most of the pictures.
"It's just very impressive," Lasslett said.
With the book only out for two months, the Lassletts were very happy to set up the signing.
"This is our first meet-the-author," Jon Laslett said. "And we plan on doing more events of this type in the future."