BARRYVILLE, NY — When my husband and I bought our house in Sullivan County in 2015, I was so excited to have my own pottery studio in the house. 

However, I was a little nervous that I would miss the creative atmosphere that I was used to at the community studio in Manhattan and in the shared space at the Old Can Factory in Brooklyn, which was transformed into an amazing space for all creatives, artists and makers. 

I was afraid that I would develop some sort of creative gap, because I might not find decent galleries or creative places to gather. 

Since 2015, I have learned so much about this community. I have met so many creative people and I’ve even “discovered” more than a few very nice galleries. 

In 2019, I decided to open my own space in Barryville, where I could provide a gallery for my new and old creative friends to show their work, to share their experiences, and to teach some creative workshops. It’s also a space where I can teach pottery classes and display my own work. 

I named it Nonneta and Friends Creative—a community place where people can learn and admire visual art and ceramics. 

I’m proud to show work by outstanding artists—some local, some from different states and some from different countries. Most of them are very established. 

I curate our shows very carefully, always search for unique work, and so far we haven’t had any shortage of amazing art. All our visitors are impressed to see the type and quality of work we have at the gallery, as most people say we’re “in the middle of nowhere.” 

I feel that recently, but especially during the pandemic, our little community has grown so much. Droves of creative minds have moved to our neck of the woods and have decided to contribute their energy and ideas to help our hamlet flourish.

I love that Barryville and Eldred have become a destination for people who visit and are looking for places that they can’t find anywhere else. I’m so proud of our community, not just for focusing on business but also for making sure that we have places that fill our souls and minds with beauty and creativity. 

Nonna Hall runs Nonneta and Friends Creative, 16 Old Brook Rd. in Barryville, NY. Call 845/456-0320 or visit www.nonnetaandfriends.com.