Just across the street from the Arts Center, in the back of Village Drug in Penn Yan, is a small, eclectic arts studio run by Arts Center board member and workshop instructor Crissy McGinness. The Art Studio at 126, run by McGinness and her friend and fellow artist Macy Hall, is a showcase for the wide range of art that both women produce.
Crissy always loved art but it wasn’t until college that she decided perhaps she could pursue a career in the arts. Radford University in Virginia offered a wide array of artistic mediums.
“I wasn’t sure where to begin or what classes would help me decide what I had a passion for,” says Crissy, “so I took them all.” She studied oil, acrylic and watercolor painting, jewelry making, art history, American architecture, graphic design, charcoal drawing and ceramics.
“I really fell in love with ceramics,” Crissy says. “I could throw all day, so I did!”
While juggling all the demands of school, family, work and art, Crissy did manage to graduate with a BS in Art Education. She then promptly got a job in a restaurant and spent most of her career in food services and hospitality.
Working in food services at a local college in Williamsport, PA, Crissy enjoyed spending time at the college’s “quite amazing gallery.” At one point the featured exhibiting artist made glass mosaics. He offered a workshop, which Crissy quickly registered for—and became hooked. She started selling her glass mosaics at an art gallery in Eales Mere, PA.
After retiring from the college, Crissy and her husband moved full time to a house they had in Dundee. As she tried to decide what to do with the 30 or so glass mosaics she’d brought with her, Crissy’s husband suggested opening an art studio. Long-time friend and fellow artist Macy Hall was all in on the idea and the Art Studio at 126 Main opened in 2021.
In addition to Crissy’s glass mosaics and Macy’s whimsical polymer clay figurines you can find drawings, paintings, needle-felted sculptures, ornaments and more. Both women do individual art tutoring and teach small classes. Crissy is particularly fond of the special needs students who come regularly to enjoy creating with her.
In addition to all her work in her own studio, Crissy offers an array of workshops at the Arts Center, depending on the season and what interests her at the moment. She’s offered classes in painting with red wine, making ornaments with alcohol inks, watercolor painting, needle felting and, of course, glass mosaics.
“My favorite thing to do is grab unique items at stores like the Once Again Shoppe in Penn Yan and use my imagination,” Crissy says. “My favorite thing about teaching is meeting people. I love to hear stories, share a laugh, listen and get to know the community and the people in it!”
Watch for Crissy’s workshops at the Arts Center on our website and stop by and see her at Arts Studio 126!
