Creating Community Through Arts: The Stoney Shire Journey

Where and how to start a creative journey is the guiding question Stoney Shire asks, an organization devoted to community and craft. Intending to answer that question, Stoney Shire’s journey begins in a Victorian Italianate style home on Post Street in Boonville, New York adorned with historical documents and posters, various local ephemera, some artifacts, and art. Wood banisters and tall ceilings fill the house with old-school charm as do the occupants: Cory, Tim, Tim’s wife and children, and his mother-in-law. Although far from over and five years into their journey, Cory Williamson and Tim Sturdevant have made ardent strides toward bringing an integrated artistic community into the Tug Hill Area.

In between Lowville and Utica, perched on the southeast edge of the Tug Hill, Boonville is a motivated village. It has several festivals, arts events, and venues that support live music. Stoney Shire’s Post Street house is not only home to the Stoney Shire crew but also to the merchandise and spirit that is Stoney Shire. It houses all aspects of their organization in a labyrinth of rooms filled with antiques, collectibles, art, memorabilia, historical artifacts, and a studio for podcasts called SOAP an acronym for Shire’s Observations of Advanced Perceptions, “where passion gains a voice . . . [for] artisan insights, community stories, and creativity in motion.”

With over 3,000 items on eBay, the for-profit venture fuels their philanthropy. Their love of craftsmanship and old-world design is apparent in their finds. In the process, they handle estate cleanouts and sales where they find the most unique items and rescue them firsthand. They capitalize on collector markets to fund enterprises like Porchfest, Battle of the Bands, Santa’s workshop and toy drive, the Snow Sculpture contest, and other community events in the Boonville area. They see themselves as “Architects of opportunity,” helping “artists and collectors to enthusiasts and entrepreneurs” find their place within their community.

Looking through Stoney Shire’s (or the Shire’s) website is a treasure hunt. They are involved in many endeavors, and with each click, there is more to discover. Tim said it has been difficult to capture everything on their site, and it is a work in progress. Over $10,000 later, having wasted time and not being satisfied with the work, they think they have found their direction. The site is in progress but offers much information about the Shire. They must update it consistently and between the two of them, they spend an enormous amount of time each week keeping items flowing through the system so they can fund their dream.

The Shire provides a unique staged approach to the sale of arts and collections. There are several ways for artists to sell their items, either directly, through auctions, or through the Shire itself. Most require only a 10% charge for handling. Artists can even link to their store through the site if they are interested and can become a vendor here. The options solve many problems for artists and crafters in that they can stop learning how to create and manage their own websites and instead focus on creating their art! Artists can join their Talent Guild here as well free of charge.

Tim credits his brother, Michael, with influencing his Stoney Shire concept. Michael, a graduate of Munson College of Art and Design, is the man behind the roadside attraction on route 46 in Boonville known as the Cobbled Stone Castle— a hodgepodge of buildings using leftover building supplies, trash, and found materials. It is a unique attraction that draws in curious motorists along the way. Helping his brother with the project is what gave Tim the idea of creating a real community where people can build and create a space that is available to all and where their imagination can grow and their talents can shine. Where people connect and build together. Where “empowering dreams” is a reality.

Tim and Cory’s 15-year plan includes what they call a community center, but it is much more than that. Their goal is to create a type of intentional community based on creativity, history, arts, and craftsmanship. The concept is a lesson in small-town design. The idea is to create a location with all the benefits of an agricultural community that blends arts and entrepreneurship into a town center. The real geographical shire will have a pumpkin patch, haunted attractions, Christmas Village, Christmas tree farm, drive-in theatre, artisan workshops, a ranch, event fields, tent camping, a day care center, a ghost town, walking paths, cabins, and of course a market area with stages. What else can a community ask for? Tim and Cory have an exhaustive to-do list to make it to their “in real life” community. And with Tim working an outside full-time job, the task is daunting. Luckily, Cory is there to keep things running smoothly.

In January, the Shire had the first SnowFest and Snow Sculpture Contest that drew artists who created some masterful snow sculptures.

This year is the first year they have organized Porchfest, which is a two-day event that celebrates the community with live music, local talent, arts, food, and unique vendors (on Aug. 16 and 17). Porchfest originated in Ithaca, New York and cities are duplicating the successful model all over as a grassroots celebration of music, art, and community. Tim saw an opportunity in pairing it with the Woodman’s Field Days because of the people already in attendance; thereby, being able to offer a different level of connection to attendees through front porches and in community spaces. He got buy-in quickly from Phyllis White, the organizer of Woodman’s Field Days. Many other community members and Lion’s Club members soon followed. From the time it occurred to Tim to organize a Porchfest until the time it will happen this summer is not even one year. This is an amazing feat even using the backbone already created by the Woodman ‘s Field Day’s. Tim and Cory are willing to help anyone else organize a Porchfest in adjoining towns. Just reach out to them. In the meantime, you can find the guidelines here.

This year, Porchfest acoustic sets fill the morning air from 10 to 11:30am. Various Porch music runs from then until 6pm. During the day, street performers and buskers will rove around and entertain the crowds. Then, there is a post-parade Marching Band Battle.

In conjunction with Porchfest, they also host a Battle of the Bands. They are calling “all local and regional bands to bring their best sound, stage presence, and raw talent” to compete for the prize of a professional recording session and $800.00 cash. The event starts at 3 pm in the Village Green both days of the festival. Sign up here.

As a teaser, events are happening already. Check out Jess Novak, a powerhouse singer-songwriter known across the region for her soulful vocals, high-energy shows, and genre-blending style. She will be Live on the Green, Friday, June 13, from 4–7 PM. There will be food trucks and other activities, and it is a free event. The Shire invites community groups or event organizers interested in sharing what they are planning for Porchfest to come out. Anyone can bring a chair, a friend, and enjoy a great night out in the heart of Boonville. Follow the Facebook page for updates and more shows!