THE POWER OF CHOICE

Each point at which Tom and I have made major decisions about our work in the craft world,
we ask each other if we really want to be doing this. One does have options/choices: starting
Mackerel Sky, renewing our first ten year lease, looking for a new location when the first 20
years were coming to an end.

A long term lease in downtown East Lansing was what we chose, and in finding a space
at 211 M.A.C. Avenue, began the exciting/daunting adventure of creating a new space.
We chose to be as green as possible. Recycling and conservation are a way of life for us,
but now many products are available to assist with that. Tandus carpet was chosen for its
trademarked "Leave No Trace" philosophy and its closed loop recycling program. Lighting
consultant Jean Halloin, helped us to chose energy efficient lighting. We installed extra
double paned windowsfor more daylight. An energy efficient hand dryer in the restroom has
already reduced paper towel waste significantly. An experiment with washable microfiber
towels for cleaning windows and dusting is underway here. We also thank our landlord,
Kris Metzger, for installing a new efficient heating and cooling system.

Recycling packing material arriving at the gallery was always a given: cardboard, etc. to
the recycling center and styrofoam popcorn and bubblewrap to Mark Chatterley for packing
his sculpture. Rented dumpster space has never been needed as only one large
bag of garbage is landfilled each week. Our flower arrangements are generally composted
at home.

Throughout the first 20 years, Charlie Finkel built custom display units for us as they were
needed. Using solid cherry or cherry plywood, they were constructed as pieces of furniture
on which to display beautiful crafts. All of those units are being used at the new location
Charlie used the butcher block top from the original front counter, built by Tom, for display
shelves in the new front windows and for two large nesting tables in the gallery. That's
recycling for you. Charlie built the new front counter this time, using the same type of long
lasting materials chosen by Tom for the original counter.

But beyond the choices involved in preparing the physical space of Mackerel Sky, other
important choices were made regarding why there is a Mackerel Sky Gallery. A reading
of our mission statement on the website relates our continuing philosophy. More now than
ever before, we choose to showcase the hand made to help maintain its availability and to
assure that a livelihood is possible for artisans in the United States and Canada, though we
do carry a small percentage of products from artisans around the world. It is important to our
culture, as well as our economy. Each of the small choiceswe make (Eat good food, Be kind,
Tell the truth) do indeed make an impact.

Fine craft is intended to be timeless. The choice of quality materials and quality time
in the making intends the product be long lasting and of heirloom quality. Reuse is a
recycling choice.