We’re chatting with Caitlin Stedman this week! Read on to find out about the films (yes - plural!) she has in the works, her go-to spot in the city to relax (you know, when she’s not producing films), and a couple of her favorite hidden gems.
Tell us about yourself!
My name is Caitlin Stedman. I live a few minutes outside of downtown with my dog Vinny. I am Operations & Communications at the graphic/web design and marketing firm Advokate. I am also a screenwriter and filmmaker with my production company Snarky Aardvark Films. I have two feature films in the works right now. One is a narrative family drama called Forget-Me-Nots and the other is a documentary titled Charles Evans Hughes & The Adirondacks.
On Life in Glens Falls
I was born and raised in the area but moved around a lot in my twenties. Nowhere felt quite like Glens Falls. The arts scene here embraced me with open arms at a time when I needed it most. I’m so happy I decided to move back and stay!
Some Glens Falls Favorites
Sunny mornings in the city are idyllic. It is absolutely my favorite time to be downtown. Families are off to work or school, people are walking their dogs, tai chi might be happening in the park, everyone has their morning coffee and a smile.
Glens Falls has many hidden gems but I’m going to mention two favorites. The first is Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council or LARAC. A lot of people are familiar with the LARAC June Arts Festival but they have a beautifully curated art gallery and gift shop that is open year-round at 7 Lapham Place (tucked behind the library). LARAC is also an amazing resource for artists of any medium. They will go out of their way to support your projects and answer any questions you may have, as well as providing grant funding and workshops. They have been an integral part of my filmmaking journey.
The second hidden gem is The Chapman Museum. I’m a history buff and have spent hours combing through their website. Specifically in The Corners Collaborative Community History Project. Here you can find a historic timeline of Glens Falls starting in 1642 along with biographies, maps, photos and more!
A Perfect Glens Falls Day
My perfect Glens Falls day would start with going for a walk with my Dad and my dog in either Crandall Park or Cole’s Woods. Afterwards I would pop into Spot Coffee for an iced green tea. For lunch I would head to The Exchange for a grown-up grilled cheese and soup (their vegan split pea is the BEST). In the evening I may head to Art In The Public Eye’s Outdoor Cinema, stroll City Park or go to an art opening before stopping at Downtown City Tavern for wine (Malbec please) and a margherita pizza.
On the Past
As a kid I loved spending rainy days in The Crandall Library. I remember curling up in their window seats and looking out at the people below walking with their umbrellas. The Library is still a very relaxing place for me. A place I really miss is the North Country Coffee Cafe on South Street. Their Chai tea and Whiteface wrap... I still have dreams about that wasabi-mayo!
On the Future
I echo Amanda Blanton’s answers that I would love to see the return of a bookstore, the addition of a rooftop bar or restaurant and also a dog park. I also think a cat cafe or dog diner where the animals are up for adoption would be amazing!
Thanks Caitlin!
P.S. Check out more of our My Glens Falls series here.