Inside Out
Piermont is sporting an interesting new shop at 249 Ferdon Avenue across from Sparkill Creek. Located in Candy and Fred Berardi’s old flower and garden shop, The Outside in Piermont is a gallery of uncommon artifacts for the inside and out. Owners Joe Serra and Bill Walsh who are originally from northern Rockland County moved into the house next door last February. With the flower shop up for sale the two were concerned about what might move in adjacent to them so they purchased that property as well with plans to rent out the building. “We talked to a variety of people,” says Bill, “but we really didn’t want to live next door to a nail salon or dog grooming place so we finally decided to open our own shop.”
“We wanted it to be fun and alive,” Joe adds. “Gardens mean a great deal to us. We considered a number of things but ultimately felt that an environmentally friendly green garden supply and plant store would be our top choice and would continue the tradition of the place.” The team has brought in a variety of organic, eco-friendly products such as a non-toxic pest control and organic mulch and fertilizer. Products are purchased within the area whenever possible.
“We also realized that high quality arts and crafts are not limited to New York City. Our surrounding area is rich in talented people,” Joe recounts. “We wanted to provide a vehicle for the work of these local artists and crafts people.” A number of Palisades residents have work for sale. Jane Herold (pottery), Robert Adzema and Nanette Michelmore (watercolors) and Ellen and Lara Galinsky (photography) are among those represented. The gallery has a potpourri of one-of-a-kind pieces from sculpture, organic mobiles and handmade furniture to handsewn objects like fragrant lavender-filled sachets. The work of recognized local folk artists such as Haverstraw resident Ted Ludwiczak who carves faces in local rock reminiscent of Easter Island and “Driftwood Fred” Rinisland, a retired fireman from Northvale who uses driftwood found at Piermont pier for his brightly colored sculptures, are displayed as well.
“To get started we went to GaGa, the Garnerville Art Center, and to Rockland Center for the Arts but now that word has spread, artists are coming to us,” Bill says. “I never thought it would be what it is. Everything is so unique, I become attached to pieces and hate to see them leave.”
The gallery’s grand opening on September 26th was a celebration of the fall harvest moon. Events included local Native Americans who performed a healing ceremony and meditation, Ira Cohen, a member of the Beat Generation who read poetry, and an artists reception complete with organic food and local wine.
The duo believe it’s important for merchandise to be seasonal and constantly changing. At Christmas they will have organic wreaths and trees. “We’ll do events throughout the year,” says Joe. “We want to do an artist-juried pumpkin carving contest this fall. We are also planning a children’s day with crafts to make and will be hosting shows featuring a specific artist.”
The shop came with a greenhouse behind. Joe and Bill have donated its use to Camp Venture, a Rockland County non-profit agency that provides services to people with disabilities for gardening and crafts projects.
The Outside in Piermont is open Tuesday through Sunday from 1:00pm to 6:00pm but since Joe and Bill live just next door you are liable to find them there at other times as well. Stop in when you are in the neighborhood to welcome these friendly new proprietors. For information on upcoming events call 845-398-0706.