C2 / Craft Chemistry is a multi-functional art space: retail shop, gallery, shared studio lab and design & craft research lab. C2 provides an opportunity for small local independent art and design businesses to showcase and sell their unique handmade goods. This store will feature a collective of several diverse indie artists, designers and crafters on a two-month rotating basis. It will give the greater Syracuse, NY community an opportunity to discover handmade goods that are funky, fresh, and fun. C2 is the alternative shopping experience from mega-store / mall shopping and supports local consumerism. In addition to a store, C2 will provide artists and designers the opportunity to connect with each other and help foster an environment of artistic collaboration.
There is a large wall reserved to feature a local artist on a monthly rotating basis. The artist can curate the wall and design a window installation as well. There is an opening party for each new show and sometimes correlates with a bigger event hosted in the neighborhood.
Creator, Briana Kohlbrenner, is an artist and crafter, creating robot-art designs on clothing and more, and remakes home goods from recycled materials. Briana, originally from Brooklyn, NY, settled in Syracuse with her husband (originally from Syracuse) in 2003. For many years Briana day-dreamed about opening up a store that would sell handmade creative goods. She also wanted to be a contribute to making Syracuse a more appealing place to live, so naturally the two fit. Through believing in herself, lots of hard work, sharing her ideas to as many people as possible, and a splash of right-place-at-the-right-time magic – Briana opened Craft Chemistry in November 2009!
Briana is also co-chair of the Public Arts Task Force of 40 Below and co-producer of the Salt City Urban Art & Craft Market with her friend Vanessa Rose that successfully debuted in October 2009.
Briana C. Kohlbrenner
C2 shop and gallery space-
If you are looking for a unique gift or want to treat yourself to a one-of a-kind item, then C2 where you should shop. C2 offers creative goods that you cant find anywhere else-
hand-screened prints and t-shirts, hand-bound books, paper goods such as stationary, indie comic books, clothing, jewelry, soaps, recycled home-goods, printed bags, organic seeds, etched glasses, and much more. All the artwork is handmade and locally produced by small independent artists that reside in or are from Central New York. C2 encourages the relationship between artist and consumer by providing contact information online and at the shop. There are special days where you can meet an artist during select shop hours.
Featured Artist – There is a large wall reserved for an artist to curate along with the option of installing a street-level window. The featured artist will rotate monthly / bimonthly and is welcome to sell artwork / commercial goods. For each featured artist there will be an opening celebration introducing the new artist and there artwork to the greater community of Syracuse..
Unique opportunity- There is a street -level window which is open for creative installations that reflect the concept and aesthetic of C2 which is do-it-yourself creations using recycled and found materials.
Shared Studio Lab-
C2 offers the use of a studio space for individual or group projects, craft circles and small workshops. There is a double slop sink, a small kitchenette, a large counter, tables and chairs. The space can be rented out for special events, parties and art exhibits in the back spaces.
C3’s (Craft Chemistry Circles) will be held regularly every 3rd Sunday of the month from 1-3pm. We can choose to work on individual projects, themed projects or one project combined.
There will be a monthly workshop held on every 1st Sunday of the month from 1-3pm. The type of workshop will vary and may just surprise you. The space is available for other activities during the week (wed-fri) or weekend hours. The space can hold workshops up to 8-10 people (depending on the type of workshop, the other rooms are available to instruct larger workshops). More details can be discussed on a one-by-one basis.
Instruct a workshop application
Research Lab-
The Research Lab functions to inspire you with do-it-yourself projects that you can discover from the Design and Craft Library. There is a growing collection of books and magazines to assist you in finding that perfect project. C2 is also equipped with internet access to further your research using design and craft websites- which a growing list is also provided.
All of these spaces can be also be used outside of regular retail hours. Please schedule ahead of time.
The back rooms can also be rented out for an evening party, small temporary installations, etc.
