When the artists of the California Building decided to hold public open studio events at the building, there was only one problem: the freight elevator. The building still functions with its original freight elevator, which is not altogether accessible to the public. So two artists, Patricia Canney and Susan Frame, decided to collect money to pay someone to operate the elevator during the new Second Saturdays event. Frame put the word out, Canney became the treasurer, and a fund was established.
From there, they expanded into marketing. As more artists pitched in, the group ramped up promotion, got up to speed with Instagram, Facebook, and the California Building website. Doug Lissick helped out with yard signs, Rich Fleischman contributed photography and reels, Liz Elfstrand kept the building’s chalkboard up to date with news. And around 2020, Abigail Barrett gave the group its official name: the Buzz Club.
For many artists who make and sell their work for a living, the marketing is their least favorite part of the job. The Buzz Club not only helped by marketing building-wide events, they also held “skill sharing” sessions to help folks improve their own marketing skills.
Others who contributed over the years include: Madison Rubenstein, Hilary Greenstein, Justin Hossle, Lisa Roy, Remo Campopiano, Kendall Bohn, Judith Yourman, Holly Tappen, and Rich Fleischman.
Patricia Canney has remained the accountant the whole way through, keeping money, records, and graphics organized. She said they hold social events once or twice a year to encourage community, and the meetings are open to everyone. “We encourage more involvement whenever we can. We can always use more help.”
Many hands have made light work; Canney said that people’s involvement has ebbed and flowed over the years, due to life circumstances, but someone else steps in to contribute. And every Saturday, the public can count on a paid professional to operate the freight elevator!
