Creating an Arts Center: Peekskill Business Spotlight

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. The plan behind this series at Patch is to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

This is as much about supporting local businesses as it is about celebrating the places and faces that make our community special. Click here to get to a simple form where local business owners can answer a few quick questions to be part of this ongoing feature.

Our spotlight today is on Sol Miranda and Katie Schmidt Feder.

Business: EMBARK Peekskill
Owners: Katie Schmidt Feder & Sol Miranda
Website: http://www.embarkpeekskill.com
Address: 925 South Street, Floor 1, Peekskill NY 10566

How did you come up with the name?
Our mission is to develop a Performing and Literary Arts Center in which artists and community members can experience and participate in the arts via classes, performances and cultural gatherings. We knew this would be a long “journey” and we wanted to set off with gusto and good energy - thus EMBARK! This word also symbolizes the journey individuals or collaborators might take as they pursue their own artistic journeys in our space with our support.

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?
This is the first floor of ENERGY MOVEMENT CENTER which was founded by Darby Melnik. EMBARK had rented the first floor for a poetry project and arts camps. Darby felt our mission would be well served in the space full-time. She worked with us and continues to work with us to make it financially possible. Since we moved into the space in Fall 2012 we have had well over 50 performances in the space, hundreds of classes and other community events. We wanted to start this organization in Peekskill because we love the diversity of Peekskill, the artist community as well as the long time Peekskillians, the newly arrived and everyone in between! The vibe in Peekskill at the moment is so exciting. We are so happy to be part of it.

Briefly, what business are you in?
Performing and Literary Arts Organization: Studio and Performance Space, Artist Service Organization

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?
This summer our Co-founder and Outreach Director Sol Miranda took on the awesome task of coordinating the Restaurant Row Summer Block Party Series on North Division Street. This meant booking and marketing talent every weekend, along with fine art and craft venders and other activities. Our staff is very small and we have other major summer activities like our Annual Midsummer Night’s Firefly and Fairy Festival in Depew Park. With the help of amazing volunteers and Sol’s sheer tenacity, the Summer Block Party Series has been successful, growing each week in awareness and participation! The sense of community and coolness this event has generated is awe inspiring! Another challenge has been waiting for our 501c3 to be approved. Our application was 14 months with the IRS, but this summer it was approved. We are excited to now be able to apply for more grants and begin fundraising for our “Big Vision” Space!

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?
With the exception of our teachers, some of our performers and occasional graphic design, EMBARK has not yet been able to pay its staff, including our two Co-founders who wear many hats as Executive Director and Outreach Director, production publicity, marketing, custodial, accounting, etc. This has also meant time away from family and other endeavors. When class enrollment, or an event or performance does not live up to our expectations, we might have momentary frustrations and regrets, but as soon as we get great feedback from artists and audience or watch a little kid happy to be taking dance or guitar or capoeira when his or her family could not afford such classes in the past, it is all worth while!

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?
As mentioned before, getting the 501c3 was a success because it took such a long time. There have been many successful nights and performances in the space. One that shines is the night we had a CD release party for musician, composter and EMBARK board member Brian Delma Taylor. The place was packed with community members who came out so support Brian. EMBARK was happy to provide a space for Brian to celebrate his lastest achievement. The house was rocked with special professional guest artists who just happen to also be Peekskillians such as Alexis Cole, Daisy Joplin and Margaret Steele. It was one AMAZING night!

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?
Sol Miranda put together an amazing Artist Member “Retreat” last year in which our members shared their knowledge, food and performances. it was a great day for sharing and collaboration.
Two of our literary members curated a fun Halloween Event last year - a Spooktacular telling of Scary Tales! We even added some Dias de la Morte into the Mix with Spanish and English fun for the kids!

How do you deal with difficult customers?
Not really. There have been performances that are not to the quality and genre of some person’s likings, but that is bound to happen. As we are trying to provide space and opportunities to ALL community members, not just those who are professionals or well-trained in the arts, not every performance or class will please everyone.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?
By providing low cost teaching and performance space, our classes and performances are more affordable. We have also rented our space low cost for community events such as the JoAnn Fabrics job fair and private parties. Our Summer Block Party which is free to all has been an amazing way to get the community out together in the summer. We have also participated in the V-Day - awareness for women’s issues project - via One Billion Rising and the V Monologues which raise money for Victims Services of Peekskill.