4 APRIL 8, 2021 RIDGEWOOD TIMES WWW.QNS.COM
New arts shop opens in Ridgewood
there’s one there, you can take it, or
if you really want to try pastels, you
can take it,” America said.
And if customers can’t find what
they’re looking for, America can
help them source the item or point
them to one of the neighborhood
hardware stores or dollar stores that
may have it immediately available.
“I really wanted to open a business
that would enhance the neighborhood
and not take away from
anyone’s business,” America said,
adding that fellow business owners
have been a great help as she
embarks on her first business.
America, who’s lived in Ridgewood
for 12 years, felt the neighborhood
was in need of a dedicated arts
supply store. The idea came about
when a friend and fellow artist said
she walked all the way to Rego Park
to shop at Michael’s for watercolors
and crochet hooks.
“She is a personal trainer so she
does like to walk, but it’s just absurd!”
America said.
America used to work as a bartender
at several different locations
but lost her job last year due to the
pandemic. Following months of fulltime
volunteer work at local food
pantries and organizations like the
Hungry Monk Rescue Truck, she
decided it was time to make the idea
a reality.
“It’s a huge risk,” America said,
adding that she’ll be a one-woman
show as she launches the business.
“I’m confident that this will do well.
I have the tenacity and the passion
to make this work.”
America also hopes to host free
workshops and other community
events once she’s settled in.
While the shop’s name is indicative
of its intimate space, it’s also
a tribute to an artist friend, Jane
Sandlin, who passed away several
years ago. America said Jane, who
she grew up with in Ohio, remains
a source of inspiration.
“She called everyone ‘tiny’ when
she would call them cute,” America
said. “Instead of using the word ‘cute’
she would say, ‘You’re so tiny.'”
Interior of Tiny Arts Supply in
Ridgewood. (Photo courtesy of
Vanessa America)
Jane had multiple sclerosis, and
although she endured strokes and
used a wheelchair, she didn’t let
it stop her from creating art and
community.
“During her first stroke, she lost
the ability to use her hands, so she
taught herself how to draw with her
mouth,” America remembered. “She
was such a powerhouse; nothing
could stop her. She lived her life to
the fullest, which is so cool. That’s
what I want to do with this space.”
Tiny Arts Supply will be open
Thursday through Sunday from
noon to 6 p.m.
For more informat ion,
find the store on Instagram
@tinyartssupply.
BY ANGÉLICA ACEVEDO
AACEVEDO@SCHNEPSMEDIA.COM
@QNS
A new arts shop by the name
of Tiny Arts Supply has
opened in Ridgewood, and
owner Vanessa America hopes to
make it accessible for all community
members.
The store, located at 58-42A Catalpa
Ave., had its soft opening on
April 1.
“I did that so that I could say it was
a big joke if I wasn’t ready,” America
laughed, noting that the ongoing
COVID-19 pandemic and the temporary
yet impactful ship blockage
at the Suez Canal, the major trade
route, could cause some delays to
product shipments.
Delays or not — Tiny Arts Supply
is stocked with a variety of items in
different mediums and price points,
so that anyone, whether they’re children
or fine artists, will be able to
find something for their projects.
The store will also have a free section,
where people can donate new
or used supplies and take any they
see there too.
“This will encourage people to
try different mediums, so if you’ve
never used a watercolor palette and Vanessa America is the owner of newly opened Tiny Arts Supply in Ridgewood. Photo courtesy of Vanessa America
68years
ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIPS
NOW AVAILABLE
Each year, the Kiwanis Club of Glendale awards over $10,000 in scholarships to
students in the 11385 area. This program was instituted to recognize and promote
good citizenship, community service and academic excellence. Students preparing
to enter their first year of high school, or entering their freshman year at a
recognized college by September 2021, are eligible to apply.
Winners will be selected by a committee of Glendale Kiwanis members, based on
which nominees best meet the criteria. A nominee will be evaluated on scholastic
achievement, community service and career goals, each weighed individually and
equally. All applications must be in the hands of the selection committee by the
deadline stated. Any applications received after that date will not be considered,
NO EXCEPTIONS.
Either pick up application at 67-13 Myrtle Ave. Glendale
or go online to www.GlendaleNYKiwanis.org
Email completed applications to dakueber@gmail.com
or mail to 67-13 Myrtle Ave. Glendale
DEADLINE TO RETURN APPLICATIONS IS MAY 21, 2021.
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