Initiatives in Arts & Culture (IAC) held their 27th Annual Arts & Crafts Conference in Syracuse, NY September 17-25, 2025. Attendees from across the US and Canada participated in lectures, exhibits, hands on demonstrations and visited numerous institutions learning about the regions’ important role in the American Arts & Crafts Movement.
On Saturday, attendees visited the Gustav Stickley House. Greeted by members of the GSHF Board, participants enjoyed a presentation about the restoration project from project supervisor, Beth Crawford of Crawford & Sterns Architects and had a chance to peek inside. In addition, Mark Bell, DeBlois Renovate & Remodel, was on hand to discuss his carpentry work restoring the Inglenook walls and fireplace mantel with precious salvaged American Chestnut. Attendees also visited Dalton’s American Decorative Arts to see furniture pieces from Gustav Stickley and other original Arts & Crafts makers and artisans.
The ambitious itinerary took attendees across Central NY to multiple locations including the Everson Museum of Art, Onondaga Historical Association, Stickley Museum, the Estabrook Mansion, Landmark Theater, Barnes-Hiscock Mansion, Marriott Hotel Syracuse, Oneida House Community Mansion and Willard Chapel. This was the conference’s first but hopefully not last visit to our remarkable region.
Initiatives in Arts and Culture (IAC) is a nonprofit organization based in New York, NY. It works to educate diverse audiences across the globe in the fine, decorative, and visual arts.
Beth Crawford of Crawford & Stearns Architects provides an overview of the restoration project to conference attendees.
Board Members Amy Shook-Perez & David Michel welcome conference attendees to the Gustav Stickley House.
Mark Bell, carpenter with DeBlois Renovate & Remodel discusses his work to restore the Ingelnook Fireplace mantel.
Garth Johnson, Ceramics Curator at the Everson Museum of Art discussed Adelaide Alsop Robinaeu and her masterpiece the Scrab Vase.
David Rudd from Dalton’s American Decorative Arts and the GSH Board president discusses one of Gustav Stickley’s impressive sideboards in the Everson Museum’s collection.
Garth Johnson shows attendees the original Robineau Scarab Vase.
AIC President & Founder Lisa Koenigsberg interviews local Arts & Crafts scholar and Ward expert Cleota Reed at the Ward Wellington Ward Estabrook Mansion in Fayetteville, NY.
Stickley Museum Director Amanda Clifford provides attendees some insight to the legacy of the L.&J.G. Furniture Company based in Manlius, NY.
