Schenectady, N.Y, July 14, 2008 -- Metroplex today joined with Proctors and the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation (DSIC) to announce that Mohawk Valley Guitars will relocate to 160 Jay Street in the heart of downtown Schenectady’s arts, entertainment and technology district.
Mohawk Valley Guitars is currently located in Round Lake, N.Y. The company is owned and operated by Mark Pelkey and Eric Marczak, both with more than 20 years of experience in lutherie - the art of designing and building fine stringed instruments.
Metroplex Chair Ray Gillen said, “It is very exciting to see us the success of the Jay Studios initiative which has now helped bring 17 working artists to downtown Schenectady.”
The company will utilize its new location at 160 Jay Street to custom build guitars, do repairs, restorations and offer lutherie classes. The new business will work cooperatively with Jay Street Music, which offers music lessons through a staff of four to more than 50 students in various musical fields including guitar. The two businesses collectively will be able to offer the full guitar experience from building fine instruments to playing and performing. Both Mohawk Valley Guitars and Jay Street Music will provide occasional performances on Jay Street and at other downtown venues.
Mark Pelkey, co-owner of Mohawk Valley Guitars said, “Jay Street has a wonderful, creative atmosphere. We are excited about this opportunity to contribute to Schenectady’s growing arts district.”
George Suror III, who owns and operates Jay Street Music said, “This store will add to the growing number of unique locally-owned businesses and will give people another reason to visit downtown.
”Mohawk Valley Guitars has signed a five-year lease with Proctors and the ElectriCity Arts District. Proctors provides space for working artists on Jay Street in both the Center City complex and in the first floor of buildings at 166, 164, 160 and 158 Jay Street. The program has been very successful with 17 artists now leasing space from Proctors in the core of downtown.
Proctors and Metroplex are currently looking for more space for working artists to accommodate growing interest in the downtown area.
Metroplex will provide a $7,200 grant to support improvements to 160 Jay Street to accommodate Mohawk Valley Guitars. DSIC will provide up to a $2,000 matching grant toward façade improvements and signage.
Jim Salengo, Executive Director of DSIC said, “Mohawk Valley Guitars will be a fantastic new destination for lovers of music and fine craftsmanship. Its location on the popular Jay Street Marketplace will help introduce many more people to the remarkable improvements taking place in the heart of downtown Schenectady.”
Philip Morris, Executive Director of Proctors said, “The vibrancy of artists working has been at the core of many downtown renewal stories. For us in Schenectady, the artist studios here and at 440 State Street represent the kind of place that the new downtown is striving to be.”
For more information, see www.mohawkvalleyguitars,com, www.jaystreetmusic.com, www.schenectadymetroplex.org, www.downtownschenectady.com, www.proctors.org.
