Netty Lacroix – Folk Artist

Artists Name: Netty Lacroix
Address: Route 22 Box 10329 Granville, NY 12832
Website: http://www.picturetrail.com/nettylacroix
Telephone: 518-642-2817

Q&W:
Please describe your art?

Netty:
Folk Art in a lot of mediums. Right now I am really interested in paper.

Q&W:
How long have you been making your product?

Netty:
30 yrs.

Q&W:
How did you get started?

Netty:
I designed toys and clothes for my son.

Q&W:
How did you let people know about you & your product?

Netty:
My art has been in many magazines like Country Home, Early American Life, Victoria and Country Living to name a few. I have also done many art shows in Vermont and New York.

Q&W:
Do you have a guiding philosophy?

Netty:
Yes…to always sell a quality product and always be fair to my customers.

Q&W:
Do you sell to retail shop owners? (Do you sell Wholesale)?

Netty:
I sell some papers wholesale but most other products are sold retail because there is so much work that goes into what I do.

Q&W:
Can you explain why you choose to or not choose to sell wholesale?

Netty:
I hope to be selling some paper products wholesale in the future. It is something that everyone would use and then buy more of.

Q&W:
Do you have any advice to other vendors/artists on working with shop owners?

Netty:
Yes, always get their orders sent on time and get paid before your work leaves the shop. Also, if there is something that the customer is not happy about try to fix the problem right away.

Q&W:
Do you educate your buyers on your product?

Netty:
I make many things with natural products like cloth, chalkware and beeswax. I like to tell them my customers about it and most of my materials are made in America.

Q&W:
If so, how do you educate them?

Netty:
Many of the things I make have to do with early American life. I find that people are much more interested in what you have to offer if you know about the history behind the art. I live on a farm built by General William Buckley.  He lived here for 89 years and made hats. The post and beam house we live in was built in 1812. It still has the original slate roof and does not leak. We raise our own chickens and grow a lot of our own heirloom organic food.  Pesticide free. Most people can’t imagine this when I explain it to them. My art clearly represents who I am. In the last 20 years my art has supported my lifestyle. I recently purchased another home which will be tranformed into a living history museum where I can teach my art from the perspective of the 1700’s to the 1800’s. I will be teaching hearth cooking as well as early American homesteading. Sadly, I am selling the Generals home and moving to the new house which is actually 30 years older. It is there that the museum is being set up. 

Q&W:
Why is it important?

Netty:
I find this important because this is the way we became Americans. By doing, inventing and bartering our way out of poverty we had a fair exchange even if money was not part of the process. This also kept the sense of community alive and thriving. Today we have lost much of this way of life.

Q&W:
Have you ever participated in a trade show?

Netty:
Many of them.

Q&W:
If so, please tell us about your experience?

Netty:
Ten years ago it was a wonderful experience. Now we watch as the imports have taken over because our dollar has lost so much value. There is no gold behind our money so we are always looking for ways to keep what we have and that means buying things for less. This leaves the hand made artist looking for new ways to keep showing what they have at a fair price.

Q&W:
Do you have any advice to fellow artists on how to prepare for a show?

Netty:
Stay warm in winter and bring some beer to bribe the parking guys off and then yell at them for not letting you in line before the big riggs come in.

Q&W:
Tips on displaying products?

Netty:
I like to create a space that becomes another world. The customer is surrounded by all things hand made.

Q&W:
Some artists do not sell wholesale because they believe they cannot get fair value for their product. Can you describe benefits to selling wholesale, especially in a struggling economy?

Netty:
I think it depends on the product. I think paper things are good because they will be given away and then the person has to buy more. Plus the price is affordable.

Q&W:
If you sell to shop owners, is it important to be discriminative on whom you sell to?

Netty:
My work would determine what shops would buy. I would never discriminate or question anyone that would want to buy my products.

Q&W:
Would you sell to Brick & Mortar Shops only or to Internet Based shops, a person doing craft shows and home-shows… as well?

Netty:
I would sell to whomever wants what I have.

Q&W:
If you sell retail as well as wholesale, do you see any competitive conflicts with your shops that carry your items?

Netty:
In some cases yes but if you sell it for the same price people don’t seem to mind. Also with handmade things one can only make so many of any one item.

Q&W:
Do you have any advice for artisans on weathering a poor economy?

Netty:
Only buy quality and don’t charge anything you can’t afford.

Q&W:
Do you advertise?

Netty:
Very little. I have had many of the same customers for years.

Q&W:
Is it important to love what you do?

Netty:
Yes.

Q&W:
Where do you find inspiration for new designs?

Netty:
Everywhere.

Q&W:
How can customers can view and order your merchandise?

Netty:
I have a picture trail at this time www.picturetrail.com/nettylacroix. My work is also on The Primitive Gathering every 15th of the month. Next year I hope to be published in a few magazines.

Q&W:
Describe what constitutes customer service to you and Give examples of how you provide excellent customer service:

Netty:
I always try to be on time and if not I call the customer. I send my work priority mail for a speedy delivery.