Apple Comes To Hudson via Studio-C

Is an Apple store actually coming to Hudson, NY - where one can learn about the latest Apple software, presentations and all?

Well, yes and no.

The owners of Olivia On Warren are transforming their 435 Warren Street space into Studio-C as of March 1, 2009.

Studio-C will offer free and fee-based training and presentations on all things Mac. In addition, their design company, Hudson Design (see link at right), will have its studio at the address, offering graphic design, and print and web design services. Ruth Beattie Jewelry, currently occupying the space, plans to find a new home on Warren Street and beyond, including its website, ruthbeattie.com (link at right).

The Studio-C free presentations are a test tube of sorts, says partner Brian Branigan. We plan to hone our presentation skills, and then perhaps, to take the show on the road, introducing Mac technology and Apple workshops from Claverack to Key West, and places in between. The plan is to offer presentations similar to the Apple store, but in this case, we bring them to you. They will be on a smaller scale, but still very current and top notch. Ideally, Apple will one day invite us to represent them. 

We like that we're starting out in Hudson because the idea is to bring the presentations to areas where no Apple store exists.  We're excited about this stuff and we want to share it. We also want to do our part to help Hudson remain a creative and unique place, especially during difficult times. And, we like that it's a cool way to offer community service, making workshops available for free.

The community service end comes in the form of showing young and old alike how to navigate their way around a Macintosh computer and Apple specific applications; everything from introduction to computers and the Internet, to iPhoto, iMovie, Garage Band, iDVD and iWeb. Soon after, digital photography, digital video and design workshops will be made available. Private fee-based "hands on" training will be available most days from 9AM to 1PM. 

We have a screen, projector, speakers, mixer, microphones, camera equipment and music. If we're well received, we hope to keep a base here in Hudson. The goal is that we'll eventually have the need for additional instructors, and grow to a bigger location. 

We also want to spread out to communities all over. If a chamber of commerce, tourism department, resort, organization, school or city wants us to bring our presentations to them, we would gladly do so. Our fees are reasonable. Perhaps the interest is that of a digital arts curriculum for a school, organization or business. Or, just training? We do that too.

We sort of look at the Hudson start, as a band rehearsing in preparation of a tour, says Brian Branigan. It can't go wrong, we're practicing. The focus is not on making money initially. It's more important to get good at our delivery. That said, if people hire out our design and multimedia services, or take private instruction, it will certainly help. We'd appreciate it and we stand behind our work.

If things go the way that we expect, before too long, you'll have to reserve a spot to get in. In addition to the Apple based workshops, we have plans for guest performers and speakers, various films and an upcoming Hudson River montage in celebration for the Hudson River 400th anniversary.

Please see the schedule in the workshop section of our website. For more information, please email us or call 518.828.0004 and 917.647.3597.

Quotes For Thought

"we like to shoot with purpose,
like doing a community service
and making a video about it."

"The design party workshop
is like a tupperware party,
but without the plastic.
We learn."

We love to place a set of headphones

on a young persons ears,
and then watch the world
through their eyes."

"It may sound selfish
but with each workshop
I gain new friends. I almost
feel guilty when they pay."

"Success means happy.
Happy means fulfilled.
fulfilled means creative.
creative with pay means...
... you've figured things out."

"A client of our once stated ...

that the video we created for her

made her cry. That made us smile."

A New Sense Of Hope And Purpose

Studio-C greets 2009 with a new sense of hope and purpose. What started out as a vehicle for screening films, has transformed into a full blown digital training and services partnership. It is joined with a fuller sense of purpose with community service as a parallel goal. Studio-C looks forward to share its passion for; digital video, photography, nonlinear editing, design, and music and screening presentations. We have sewed together a new cloth of ideas. And, although still untested, it is a cloth that we hope to wear in style, and even hand down. But, enough of this philosophical mumbo jumbo. Let me get to the point. Studio-C is using the winter months to fatten up a workshops and services strategy. In no uncertain terms, Studio-C looks forward to teach workshops and offer various services. Specifically, Studio-C will begin with digital video and nonlinear editing workshops, photography and retouching workshops and web design related workshops. At the same time, Studio-C will offer similar professional services; video, editing, photography and design. But, we also look forward to the community service aspect to Studio-C. In this case, the C does sand for community service. We look forward to offering some pro bono workshops and several free Apple iLife presentations. Studio-C hopes to champion and sponsor several different community service projects in 2009. The pay off is more than any money will bring. We do all have to make a living, but we also need a balance. Creativity takes on a whole new definition when it comes to making a living from the arts. But, with a good plan, a solid body of work, confidence and perseverance, it can happen. That's our story anyway. And, we're sticking to it. So, thanks for taking a look at the Studio-C website, our work and related links. We appreciate your spreading the word about us, and for having faith that we will deliver the goods. See you at the next installment.

Studio C Press Release

We're here! Studio-C officially makes its arrival with this email and press release. And, with it, we hope for your participation in celebrating creative collaboration and networking. Networking is not a bad word if it means a sincere get-together with likeminded people. And, supporting one another's creativity and businesses. That is our intention. The Summer film series stated below is where we will celebrate some incredible classic filmmaking while being reminded how beautiful the Hudson River is. We look forward to joining forces and to spreading the word. We mean it when we say that we want this to be inclusive. We look forward to keeping this blog up to date and to sharing news with you about our and other organizations. Thanks for your feedback and support.

PRESS RELEASE

March 3, 2008
Arts Coalition To Host Hudson River Film Festival
For Immediate Release

The Catskill, NY based Studio-C arts coalition is to host a sponsor supported open-air film festival weekends between June and October of 2008. The non-competitive festival is a traveling theater of sorts, screening select classic films in parks along the Hudson River between New York City and Troy, NY. The purpose of the festival, says co-founder, Brian Branigan is to promote small business, to celebrate creative collaboration and to network. Funds raised through the Summer 2008 sponsorship will go toward the making of a 501(C)(3) Hudson River documentary. In addition to the film presentation, local talent such as poets, musicians and filmmakers will be invited to participate. Selected crafts people and artists are also invited to display and sell their goods. Studio-C is a creative arts coalition currently consisting of; Hudson Design, Brian Branigan Photography, Ruth Beattie Jewelry and Halfmoon Productions. Studio-C is seeking sponsors, members and additional locations. For more information, contact info@studio-c.us. For those interested in having Studio-C visit your community, or if wish to learn how to become a sponsor or member, please visit www.studio-c.us. All tax deductible donations should be made payable to Greene County Council On The Arts / Halfmoon. Private and weekday screenings are also available.