Andrea's Art Boutique on 76 Bush Road

you are looking for that perfect gift for an upcoming wedding or other special occasion, give a special handcrafted gift you can find in your own back yard.Andrea's Art Boutique on 76 Bush Road in Willseyville has unique, handcrafted art done by Andrea Presnell Leonard.

Andrea was born and raised in New England by Virgil and Ellen Sorenson; her father was an artist who delved into photography and carpentry as well. The third of three girls, Andrea was what her Mama called a "special-delivery" child, coming along later in life for her parents. Early in her young life, Andrea would learn to use her natural-born talent to draw and capture the world around her.

Newly married, at the age of 24, Andrea would find herself moving to South Carolina, where she ended up studying at the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art in Augusta, Ga., and would get involved in doing shows of her talent while raising her two children.

From 1995 until 2000, Andrea worked for the Yancy Company out of Charleston, which boasted hand-painted and handcrafted items for the home, all done by artists like Andrea. While working, she also would try new forms of art, such as glass painting and etching, worked on illustrations, decorative boxes and so much more. Always looking into new art forms and new ideas to help keep her shows fresh and interesting, Andrea was able to help support her family with her God-given talents.

Andrea was even one of the artists in the Piccolo Spoleto Art Show, a two-week celebration of performing literary and visual arts that takes over Charleston each year. Andrea was part of the celebration for about eight years. Piccolo Spoleto started in 1979 to accompany the classical music-oriented Spoleto Festival USA, and just keeps growing, bringing in talent from all over the United States, but especially focusing on local talent as well.

For her last five years in South Carolina, she also worked as a dental technician. She got to know the patients and one woman in particular would introduce her to her father; he would end up falling in love and marrying Andrea, bringing her to the Finger Lakes region of New York. Her new husband, George Leonard, has been very supportive, Andrea says, and allows her to work once again on her art work.

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Residents of the area can see some of Andrea's talent at the new business in Candor, Main Street Spirits, right next to the Candor Market. Both businesses are owned by Lloyd and Teresa Twarz.


Examples of her painting talent, as well as custom, handmade crafted wood wine boxes and trays can be seen. Call 659-4534 for pricing or to place orders, and check out examples of her talent at Andrea's Art Boutique at her web site: www.andreasartboutique.net.

Volunteers Needed

The Candor Emergency Squad takes pride in helping the Candor community, responding to more than 500 calls a year, meeting emergency needs 24/7. Currently, the squad has 13 active, responding basic EMT's, three advanced life-support medics, two first-responders, and five drivers, but they need more help.

EMT classes begin the middle of August and are offered for free to Candor Emergency Squad members. There also is a critical need for drivers, and the driver training is free and you don't need a CDL license.

Volunteers do have to reside in the Town or Village of Candor. If you would like to join this needed group, or want more information, please call the EMS business office at 659-5529 and leave a message. Someone will get back to you ASAP.

Happenings

The Candor Fire Company Auxiliary will hold a free-will donation chicken-and-biscuit dinner 3 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 14, at the Candor Fire Station on 74 Owego Road (Route 96B).

A community yard sale is being planned by the Candor Fire Company Auxiliary for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 3-4 at the Candor Fire Station. Inside table rental is $15 per table ($7.50 a day), and outside space for tents is $10 per space ($5 a day). Food vendors are welcome, as well as arts and crafts, antique dealers and more. Call Christina Shaylor at 972-4427, or Nick at 972-5794 to reserve your spot.

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Candor Town Talk appears every other Friday. Submit items to Anne O. Stout at 659-5681 or oakstout@twcny.rr.com.