The Artisans Guild of America Sets Sights on Keeping Decorative Arts Alive in Western Queens With Special Fundraiser

    ASTORIA, NY, June 27, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- "'This mansion could be the spark to revitalize the surrounding area -- as the Astoria-Kaufman Studios did for the Broadway section of Astoria" - Greater Astoria Historical Society

With a growing artisan community comes the need for a place to call home and The Artisans Guild of America (AGA), comprised of several artisan companies based in Long Island City and Astoria, Queens, is setting its sights on making the iconic New York landmark Steinway Mansion its new base of operations. This landmark building is an ideal location for the Artisans Guild of America, a group dedicated to educating and perpetuating the tradition of the artisan workshop. Artisans Guild of America President, Ernie Smith announced the initial fundraising event has been planned for June 28, 2012 at The Aurora Gallery, set to begin at 6:00pm ET.

In an article published earlier this year by Irving DeJohn titled "Deep discount on Steinway Mansion in Astoria" in The Daily News, a statement was given by the board of directors of the Greater Astoria Historical Society that said "'This mansion could be the spark to revitalize the surrounding area -- as the Astoria-Kaufman Studios did for the Broadway section of Astoria."

"The Artisans Guild of America was formed as a means to address issues confronting the future of artisan workrooms' in Western Queens, and to provide education and resources for the next generation of artisans who currently work and call Long Island City and Astoria home," said Eli Rios of ECR Antique Conservation and Restoration Inc., and Vice President of the Artisans Guild of America.

The need for a central location has become a main priority, and the Artisans Guild of America looks forward to creating a communal space that will be open to all artisans in Western Queens, furthering the commitment of providing resources and continuing education for those in the decorative arts.

LIC Market will cater the fundraiser, which has a $25 base entrance fee, and live jazz will be filling the gallery as attendees will have the chance to participate in a special raffle and silent auction to be hosted that night. Artisans Guild of America members and associates will have their work displayed for guests on hand for the fundraiser.

Location:
The Aurora Gallery (http://www.theauroragallery.com/)
35-18 37th Street (R,M to Steinway St.)
2nd Floor
Long Island City, NY 11101

About The Artisans Guild of America: Over the past two years, several important artisan companies in Long Island City and Astoria formed the Artisans Guild of America to address the issues confronting the future of artisan workrooms and the education of the next generation of artisans. All members and associates of the Artisans Guild of America perform hand crafted services for the home furnishings industry in the highest quality. The Artisans Guild of America is a non-profit corporation and has an active board of directors. The Artisans Guild of America is supported by over 30 established artisan firms along with the support of designers, collectors, and patrons.

For more information about The Artisan's Guild of America and its mission, please visit: http://www.artisansguildofamerica.org/

About ECR Antique Conservation & Restoration Inc.:
ECR Antique Conservation & Restoration Inc. was established in 1989. Professor Eli Rios, Owner and Principal Conservator, has amassed more than 30 years of experience and is considered one of the country's leading experts on fine antique conservation and restoration. With clients, ranging from Keno Brothers and Martha Stewart to Christie's Auction House and Private Collectors'; Professor Rios is an expert in a vast array of historic materials and conservative and restorative techniques.

To learn more about Eli and ECR Antique Conservation & Restoration Inc., please visit:
http://www.ecrios.com/

About LIC Market:
LIC Market is a restaurant and market located in the heart of Long Island City's business district. LIC Market serves full breakfast and lunch menus with daily specials, and also serves dinner on select nights. Weekend brunch is offered as well. LIC Market's vision is to bring great food, service and atmosphere to the neighborhood we love. Chef and owner Alex Schindler has created menus focused on all things seasonal, local and delicious! Our marketplace offers a selection of house made items and gourmet ingredients found throughout the menu.

Please visit http://licmarket.com/ for information and daily specials, or follow on Twitter (@licmarket).

About The Aurora Gallery:
The Aurora Gallery opened its doors in 2002 in Chelsea, New York's Art District. The Gallery was started to provide the under-represented artists of New York with a location to showcase their works. The Gallery has been the venue of choice for a wide range of art related events, from big movie productions like "The Interview" with Steve Buschemi and Sienna Miller to world renowned muralists the Tats Cru.

Now located in Long Island City, Queens The Aurora Gallery has found a new home and new voice. The goal of the Gallery is to be a cultural Mecca for all types of artists to show their works. From painters to dancers, videographers to musicians and everything in between - all are welcome.

For more information about The Aurora Gallery, please visit:
http://www.theauroragallery.com/

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