Clayton's Artisans and Delicacies

A New River Experience

There's a new addition to the thriving Arts scene in Clayton, N.Y. In May 2024, 1000 Islands Artisans and Delicacies opened its doors to the community. Located directly across the street from Frink Park, visitors can shop and peer through large picture windows at a wide-screen view of Clayton Bay and the shipping channel on the U.S. side of the River.

It was John Buker who conceived the practical idea of a vendor market for his family-owned building. The concept quickly caught the interest and imagination of his wife Pam Buker. Together, they felt the new store would fit well with the arts community in Clayton. The response to their call for artists and crafters was tremendous, confirming the unmet need for area artisans. Pam noted:

"As we met with artisans, the need to focus on handmade creations became clear. We realized it was important that artists and crafters had a space of their own to show their talents. We also needed to add something that would be a good mix with the artisan market. Food and coffee are always a big draw, and we wanted to offer Clayton an authentic New York-style bagel shop, with the idea that people could sit by the windows to eat, or they could take their sandwiches and coffee/latte over to Frink Park to watch the boats and ships."  

Pam and John's 30 years of experience in retail store management helped with setting up the floor plan, making an attractive and accessible experience for customers. Mindful of the need for balance, they kept an even split between artist and craft vendors. As one wanders and explores, it is easy to see the expression of variety and integration, showing their hard work and attention to detail. Pam's office is directly behind the register area, and so she and John are usually present and available. Visitations from their expanding family are common, and it's not unusual to see Pam engaged in enthusiastic conversation with visitors with her baby grandson on her hip!

The main entrance is open and airy, with simple seating along the windows looking out over the River, and a scallop of art displays and craft vendors as a backdrop. To the right past the register, the bagel shop (Bet's Bagels) stretches with an array of bagels and pastries made daily, and the menu board is easily read on the wall behind the espresso machine. Aisles of local food vendors show their wares nearby, including coffees, maple products, syrups and ciders, organic herb products, soaps and even handmade doggy treats, as well as collections of books from local authors. 

The customer may wander and explore the rows and islands of beautifully handcrafted displays from glassworks, jewelry, clothing, fiber arts, floral arrangements, candles, pottery, artful products made from wood, leather, and much more. 

Deeper into the store, there is a division between the back and front rooms to maximize the use of wall space. Here we see the artists and photographers displaying their paintings, metallic and giclee prints in various sizes and styles, sculptures in wood and metal, as well as image-based products like notecards, coasters and other miscellaneous items. Many store items are River-themed, but many are beautifully crafted for any home. 

The store opened last summer with 35 vendors, and it has grown to top out at 66 vendors. Pam has been very grateful for the two staff members who started with the store. "We could not do any of what we have done without the help of our staff." They all took up the challenge to learn about each vendor. "We like to be able to speak to the customer about each artist, crafter, or food vendor so that they get a feel for what they are looking at. Most people who come in are extremely interested in learning about the artists."

Customers and vendors alike commented repeatedly in the fall that "I can do ALL of my Christmas shopping right here!" Many people have expressed accolades in vendor journals, including "This is the most beautiful store I've ever seen!" The welcoming and knowledgeable staff attending to customers has set the friendly tone for the store. 

It did take a while into the fall for all the kitchen and coffee-making parts to arrive and get set up. When it all came together, it was like a fresh discovery for everyone visiting the store, and traffic has bloomed! This summer, there are nine staff members to attend to shoppers and the folks ordering food and drinks. Pam notes, "It's working just as I envisioned, as people come for a bagel and then are amazed as they explore the store. Conversely, shoppers come in for their home and gift items and end up buying a treat!"

This summer, a special outdoor project is underway. Pam explained, "Years ago, Kelly Curry had painted a mural on the building for my father-in-law, and it needed to be touched up. We decided that, inspired by the Artisans market, we should do something unique. Now Kelly is painting the "Wings of Clayton", two jumping fish in the shape of wings. We hope it will draw attention to the building and also create excitement in the village by inviting people to take pictures there. It is not fully complete, but people are already gathering to have their pictures taken in front of it!"

Every business has its challenges, so Pam listens closely to messages from the community and works to find solutions. One impactful feature of the building is the tinted front windows, preventing passersby from viewing and understanding what is inside. Having spent the time to learn each vendor and their unique artistry, Pam wants to share this knowledge. "I want everyone to experience the beautiful things that our artist/crafters have worked hard to bring to the public."

Her solution: "We hope to install a TV monitor in our entryway that will face the sidewalk, with a revolving video of what is inside the building," to both reveal and entice exploration of the interior of this beautiful space.

Pam and John have additional visions for the future. "I have extra space in the back that I would like to develop. I would love to offer a variety of classes for the public, such as art classes, wreath making, paint and sips and more." The First Friday events that were held over the winter were fun and well-attended. Pam would like to have more special events in the future.

When asked if she has additional comments, Pam said, "I want to thank my husband Johnny who has been my constant voice of reason, my daughters Ariel and Aliceson for their understanding of my work ethic and time spent in the business, my staff for their hard work and love of the market, the vendors who without we wouldn't have this wonderful store, and the Clayton community who have supported us all year around."

Rain or shine, 1000 Islands Artisans and Delicacies in Clayton, NY, is an adventure and a delicious treat. From the Bukor's combined lifelong experience in business, they have created a shining star along the shore of the St. Lawrence River! They warmly welcome visitors to come and experience this for themselves!

By Melanie Hertzog

Melanie and her husband now live year-round in their retirement home on Wellesley Island. She paints with acrylics, oils and occasionally colored pencil and is well known in the art world on the River. Melanie published a book of poetry and essays on River-inspired reflections of nature and family life through the seasons, titled: When I Pause to Listen.