Individual artists must act as independent business owners, provide displays, merchandise and inventory their own wares in accordance to The HodgePodgery’s guidelines.
There is limited membership in the collective and once that is met, applicants will be placed on a waiting list. Physical space allotment will vary according to product and display type and is considered movable on the sales floor as we see fit.
Also available early 2012 is semi-private studio space for rent on a daily and/or monthly basis. Pricing varies.
If you are an artist or crafter in the Harrisburg area, willing and committed to investing in growing your business we welcome you to apply to our collective. Our goal is to create a retail outlet and cooperative work space, and to support creators of local arts and handmade wares in building their independent business  to continue to enrich our community.
Please contact dawn@thehodgepodgery.com for your application.

Yesterday, I signed our new lease and we are hoping to begin HodgePodge-ifying the new digs Dec 15th. Of course, that is HOPING TO. One never knows what will come up in a building rehab.

Artists and crafters interested in working with us should get in touch by email dawn@thehodgepodgery.com with the subject “Info Please” so I can find it easily.  PLEASE, we have  lot going on so give me some time to respond. We are restructuring our business plan and updating software. We have inventory and inputting, along with a bazillion other physical moving things to get done over the next few weeks. We would like to be open by the beginning of 2012.

Lessons learned: Just because we WANT to do something and TRY to do it, does not always make it happen. For example: We really wanted to do the online shop thing. It seems simple enough, right? WRONG. Didn’t happen, and no longer on our list of priorities.

You all know that we are pretty transparent. Probably to a fault, but that’s just the way it is. My life is an open book, and I reflect that in writing for the HoPo.

I’ve missed being in Midtown daily and I am looking forward to getting back in the swing of things.  I personally have some life organizing to do in order to make a living as well as get the shop back up and rolling. Anyone know the best way to juggle cats??

Peace, Love, HoPo Karma!

~~~Dawn

Seems we will be back sooner than we thought!  Watch for us to open a new retail space in Midtown for the New Year (and if all goes according to plan a sneak peek before Christmas!)

Yes.  A new space.  Thanks to our friend and neighbor, Eric Papenfuse of Midtown Scholar we will have a new, more affordable building on the 1300 block of 3rd St. It’s a long story…but that my friends,  is a post for another day!

How do we feel??   Loved, and absolutely thankful for everyone’s support!  We don’t have a solid date, much depends on how the renovations go. The building needs a good deal of work, and when our new digs are ready to move into, we’ll be giving The HoPo a fresh look and feel. I’m also excited that there is space for Dawn’s Escapades and the gals will have studio room.
Well, we just wanted to give you a head’s up so you don’t become TOO distraught over missing us! In the mean time find us:

Oct 8th: Willow Valley Resort Fall Fest, Lancaster

Nov 12 and 13: Midtown Scholar Book and Craft Fair.  3rd and Verbeke Sts, Harrisburg

Nov 30 through Dec 4: PA Christmas Show, booth 1014 Farm Show Building, Harrisburg

…and who knows where else!!

Peace, Love,and above all, KARMA!

~~~Dawn and the HoPo Gals

We will be open:

Thursdays 11-7 (closed Thursday Sept 8th)

Fridays 11-7

Saturdays 11-5

We will also be open SUNDAY SEPT 11TH for GALLERY WALK

Be sure to get in ASAP for your Holiday shopping and to use your gift certificates. Come September consignors will be picking up their wares as we reduce our offerings to accommodate our mobile shop.

Finally, my friends, the day for gainful employment has come and I have moved full-swing (and full-time) into my new gig as a travel agent.  Dawn’s Escapades specializes in group tours and travel for family, friends, businesses and other associations. Be sure to check it out and follow me on twitter and facebook as well. BTW, I’m on the look out for people to “host” a group and earn some deeply discounted travel from helping out! Watch for great travel opportunities and fun trips developing along the way via your HodgePodgery email.

See you soon!

Peace, Love, and above all, KARMA!

~~~Dawn

Dear Friends of the HoPo:
I started this post with the word “metamorphosis” as it is fitting to what is going on at The HodgePodgery.  This year has brought big changes to the company. We started this year out a bit puzzled that holiday sales were not anywhere near our prediction according to the year and months before. We continued to watch in dismay as sales decreased, while  the foot traffic and fans continue to increase. Regardless we moved forward with our growth plans and kept trying to change the tide. Then came Artsfest 2011.  High hopes turned into crushing disappointment when our sales this year were HALF of what we we had in 2010. In commiserating with other retailers and handmade shop owners, we realize we are not alone in this situation.  We watch helplessly as small independent businesses, unable to make ends meet, close their doors. The economy is such that people have not been spending like they had and it has affected us all in many ways.

Believe it or not, last year at this time we were already holding our own as a business and could make our overhead and progressed accordingly. Always the optimist, we increased advertising and business memberships.  As a company we have been continually looking at how to keep on keeping on.   We are working on a kick-butt online shop, and are now turning our focus to classes, shows and markets where we go TO the people. We are preparing for a true HoPo RoadShow.

Now for the sad part. As of October 1st, we will be closing the storefront here in Midtown Harrisburg. Yes, I know.  It breaks our hearts, also. We’ve made so many friends and love our neighborhood, but in order for The HodgePodgery as a business to go on we have to tighten our belts and the biggest expense we have is the overhead to keep the shop running. As awesome as it is, a brick and mortar shop can’t survive on love and fans. It needs cold hard cash to pay the bills.

Remember that word, metamorphosis? Even tho we are closing the physical location, like a butterfly, we are breaking out of our cocoon and GOING MOBILE!  We will set up at fairs, markets, and shows. We are available for classes. We will do private sales and fundraisers.  You will finally be able to shop ONLINE! Please, don’t despair…we aren’t dead, we’re just evolving as something new!

Keep an eye on the website as we add dates and places to our calendar. We plan to frequent area farmers’ markets and special events as well as craft shows.  Our craft show schedule at the moment involves New Cumberland’s Apple Festival Sept 24th, Willow Valley’s Fall Fest Oct 8th and the PA Gift Show at the Farm Show Building Nov 30-Dec4th.

Get in touch for classes, private shows and special events….and get to the shop NOW before everything is packed up and/or gone!

As a very important side note: I do hope that you understand the importance of supporting small business. It is a struggle everyday to keep the bills paid. When you walk through your neighborhood, regularly spend money in the mom and pop shops. Become a true customer. If you don’t spend money in your neighborhood shops, you won’t have neighborhood shops. It is just that simple.
Peace, Love and above all Karma.
~~~Dawn, Jessica, Tara and the HoPo gang

DID YOU REALIZE that ARTSFEST is right around the corner? We’ll be there again thanks to the wonderful Greater Harrisburg Arts Council. Come one out Saturday, Sunday and Monday May 28th-30th and see what we’re up to!  Volunteers are needed and you get a cool t-shirt and some other perks.  Get in touch thru their website and help out. The HoPo will have a bunch of cool make n takes going on. For the kidlings, we’re thinking fairy wands, tiaras, wizard hats. For the teens and young adults, we’re planning on ripping up some tees in creative ways to revamp a wardrobe. A few more things are brewing as well.

Come June, we are hoping to have a few more surprises in store for you…here’s a hint:

fabric by Tara DeLutis, Tea Wallet and Cell Phone case by Avocado

Betcha can’t wait!

Come on aboard with GoTeam HoPo!!

Join us for some crazy cool fundraisers to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!  Dawn is up for Woman of the Year and every penny we raise counts as a vote! The heck with settling for Central PA’s Woman of the Year…The HodgePodgery is shooting  for NATIONAL!!

Our very first event is for you graphically inclined souls.  Chatterbox Marketing is doing a t-shirt contest entries should be in by Friday  March 4th, the top 5 designs chosen March 7th which will be available to order. Grand Prize winner is determined by sales totals as of Thurs MARCH 31st. Proceeds from t-shirt sales/votes benefit LLS.

ENTRIES are now being accepted for The Mantis Gallery’s FIVEbySEVEN event to benefit LLS. Entries must be received by SatMarch 12th. The exhibit begins with an Opening Reception 8-10 pm Fri MARCH 18th (3rd in the Burg) and closes Sun March 27th.

Thursday MARCH 17 – St Patty’s Day “Kegs ‘n Eggs” at Shady McGrady‘s!  7-10 am  $5 a plate eat in or take out. Food donated by John Gross & Co and Delivery Service by Harrisburg Bike Taxi. Call Tuesday or Wednesday for large order delivery! 717-236-0150

SundayAPRIL 3rd  2pm – 10pm Central PA INK-A-THON. With the help of  Ryan Spahr from Black Thorn Gallery we’ve put together a TATTOO event at The Maennerchor . Music provided all day by Cashmere Entertainment.  $5 at the door. Tattoo prices vary. Shops participating at the event and/OR their own studios: 717 tattoos, Redbeard Ink, Brass Monkey, and Dyers Eve CALL INDIVIDUAL SHOPS FOR APPOINTMENTS Please specify “Ink-a-thon” so your donation can be recorded.

SundayAPRIL 3rd  8-10pm  CABARET of Talent! MC’d by our friend Bailey and graciously hosted by Stage on Herr you’ll have your chance to BUY FAME! A minimum $20 donation gets you 5-10 minutes on stage. Of course, if you simply want to watch while others have all the fun it’s $5 at the door! Register by calling The HoPo 717-236-0150 Doors open at 7pm.

Saturday APRIL 9th and 16th. Parent & Kid Class! Kid.Art.Love This two part class is an intro to Photo Collage. Ages 3-7 11apm-1pm and ages 8-12 2pm to 4pm.  The price is $40 bring your own camera. SPACES LIMITED to 6 kid/parent couples per age group. Presented by Riverside PD and Fusion Photography. Call 717-236-0150 to reserve your spots!

Sunday April 10th noon til 4 pm on City Island is the 2nd annual Paws for a Cure Petwalk hosted by Abrams and Weakley Thanks to last year’s winner Kristen Zellner for continuing this puppy filled fundraising extravaganza!!

Sunday April 10th 3-6:30 Wordsmiths from all around register NOW at goteamhopo@gmail.com for our Poetry SLAM in The Gallery at ABC . $10 registration and $5 door fee benefits LLC. Registration starts at 3. Verbosity limited to 3 min. Silent Auction for Recycled Art during event. goteamhopo@gmail.com for registration

Last but never least on SUNDAY APRIL 17th, 3-9pm the culmination of our fundraising events is the First Everrrr Bacon & Brew Ha Ha at the Abbey Bar !! “Jersey” Mike of Greenbelt Events is busy plotting  our “Everything’s Better with Bacon” recipe  and Home Brew contest.  Area chefs will be doing the judging. Not only will we honor bacon and all it’s glory, but we will also be honoring BEER!  Yessireeee! Home brewers are invited to enter a Sixtel or six pack of HOME BREWED Beer, hard cider or rootbeer.  Jersey promises to have brew masters from several area microbrews here to judge the contest.   $10 registration fee for contestants for each event. $10 door fee to benefit LLS. Register at GoTeamHoPo@gmail.com or call 717-236-0150

No matter what, when asked, our people always step up to help out and with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Woman of the Year fundraising campaign it’s no different.  There are so many things too choose from on the Donation table and more to come! (more pics and info on Flickr )

3/5/2010 THIS JUST IN!!!  BUY  ANY  ROSIE’S WHIMSY SKIRT, TUNIC or HANDBAG and the ENTIRE PURCHASE PRICE IS DONATED TO LLS!!!  Get in NOW!  THIS IS ON HER ENTIRE INVENTORY! Thank you Rosie & John Nevius for your generosity!!!

3/8/2011 Oh My!!  Weezawear has donated her entire line of WEEZIEBANDS head bands! $10 a piece.

3/8/2011 Cynsible Creations has donated her line of fun fabric lanyards…only $5 a piece!

b.b. bibs

Donation Table

Can’t make it in to the shop? Please donate online. It’s simple.

I have also commissioned a special necklace series with a new consignor, Gretchen Enrietti of Just Beachy Jewelry.  It’s inspired by my friend David Pringle’s suggestion that our GoTeam HoPo  theme should be “The Art of Determination”  Gretchen has bottled some determination for you or even  for you to give to someone else who may need some added OOOoomphh in what they are trying to achieve. Stop in, call or email us for your own message of determination! You choose between the leather cord or silver chain for only $20, $10 of which goes to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Determination on Leather

Be sure to slide on over to The GoTeam HoPo website to get details of events, or better yet, step up to the Social Media Challenge. We have a LOT going on in the next 7 weeks and welcome your support!

Again, thank you to all our volunteers, our friends and our wonderfully tallented HoPoCo!

Giving is good Karma!

So friends, it is time.  Donations are being accepted NOW!

ALL DETAILS FOR GOTEAM HOPO’S WOMAN OF THE YEAR CAMPAIGN IS AT: www.goteamhopo.wordpress.com

Fan us at http://www.facebook.com/pages/GoTeam-HoPo/186085748095967

Follow us on twitter @goteamhopo