TaSA Trading Company Opens in Granby Commons Shopping Center

The following was submitted by Steve Kanaras

The TaSA Trading Company which recently opened, in the Granby Commons Shopping Center on Salmon Brook Street, is the fulfillment of a dream for Andrea Siana.

The store offers and eclectic mix of gifts and artwork, as well as, an array of art classes for all ages.

"After working as a visual arts teacher for 25 years, I've always had the desire to open a shop like this. My mother had a clothing consignment shop, and for years, I have been refinishing furniture, repurposing items and creating art; its always been my dream and a hobby," Siana said.

The TaSA design philosophy is a blend of the unique with the functional.

"It's unique, it's different," said Siana. "We like to promote individuality and self-expression. We emphasize re-purposing of items, and selling artistic, unique, functional pieces for your home, dorm or business, that cannot be found in your typical retail store or possibly nowhere else, for that matter.”

Besides the retail store, the TaSA Trading Company will be offering many opportunities for classes and workshops in a number of artistic media in the Design Studio. A three workshop course on illustration is being offered in the fall for adults and teens looking to improve their skills and produce works for their portfolios. There is also a class called "Sign Language" for children, where they create unique signs for their rooms.

TaSA Trading Company is also an exclusive sales outlet for the Miss Mustard Seed brand of Milk Paint and supplies, for refinishing furniture. The paint is an environmentally friendly, non-toxic, brand of chalk paint that comes in a variety of colors and finishes for giving old furniture a new, yet vintage look and feel.

"We are going to offer workshops demonstrating the techniques used to achieve the various finishes that are possible with Miss Mustard Seed brand of Milk Paint; instruction will be offered both in scheduled courses, and private or semi-private lessons. People will learn to use the paint, and can bring in a piece of furniture of their own or choose one from our Shabby to Fab collection of old furniture to re-finish,” Siana said.

“We are all about recycling and selling Eco friendly products. We'll even let you organize a painting party for you and your friends in our studio," Siana said. “If you book a Miss Mustard Seeds painting party of 6 or more the hostess receives the new book 'Inspired by You.'”

The showroom features hundreds of pieces of artwork on consignment from artists, all over the region. In addition to the many styles of artwork, from wrought iron vases, to painted birdhouses, and origianl photography, the store features many items suitable for gifts. From the opening of the showroom on July 10, Siana said “people have been very supportive”.

A customer on the first day proclaimed, "this is just what Granby needs, now I don't have to go to Avon to get gifts."

Siana and her husband Tony Toland have spent the last several months signing up artists to feature in the showroom. Traveling to shows, advertising in the newspaper, and most especially word of mouth have yielded over a  dozen featured artists whose work is for sale in the showroom. The styles and media of the artists cover a broad spectrum.

Porcelein sculptures, glassware, jewelry, furniture, home décor, original paintings and a unique combination of pottery splashed with poetry are among the types of artwork a visitor will find waiting for them at TaSA Trading Company. Siana and her husband share the motto “We Love Our Stuff”.  “If we wouldn’t have it in our home, you probably won’t see it here” Siana said.

Jillian Barber, one of the artists featured in the showroom, produces porcelain sculptures of whimsical dragons, animals and masks of mythical figures such as the Green Man. There are also several post-impressionist style paintings by local painter Kate Tortland.

Painter Linda Jacque transforms everyday objects into stunning pieces of POP Art, with lazy susans, light switch covers, and stools among her creations on display at TaSA Trading Company. Zpots, a husband and wife team of artists create pottery inscribed with original poetry.

TaSA Trading Company even offers a selection of jewelry. Working with glass, artist Melinda Morrissette whom creates dozens of unique earrings and pendants in a variety of styles and colors.

"There's something for everybody here," said Siana, "whether you want a card for a special occasion, an artistic centerpiece for a room, or a gift for friends and family." Items can be purchased for as low as $3.50 to More than $1000.00

Beginning in August, TaSA Trading Company will host "Coffee and Conversation" on Saturday and Sunday mornings at 10 am until noon. The public is invited to come to the showroom and meet with some of the featured artists and casually discuss art, life, and anything else over a free cup of coffee.

Visitors are always welcome during store hours, which run in the summer from Wednesday to Sunday. The TaSA Design website is located at http://www.tasadesign.com/"www.tasadesign.com, and features many galleries of the work of the talented featured artists.

Andrea Siana is also available by appointment for consignment opportunities. She can be reached at 860-670-7930.