Jay Shapiro Arts Legacy Foundation Logo

Well, it has been a good weekend. I've been sick! And while healing, I finished up the logo I was working on for the Jay Shapiro Arts Legacy Foundation. I felt his presence every step of the way. He was the first person to nudge me toward nourishing an entrepreneurial spirit and he was a dear, dear man. I miss him.

Here is the mission of the Foundation: Removing barriers to those in the visual arts community in endeavors to explore and achieve their creative potential.

I was asked to consider incorporating one of Jay's most charming physical attributes (his mustache) into the logotype. I did and had SO much fun with it. The hand has serious nods to copperplate and italic and beneath his stache is his beautiful smile - his business savvy - the Arts Legacy Foundation.

When you walk into a place a business, it doesn't take long to feel what it must be like to work there. The entire staff treats its customers as they themselves are treated by their employers. It's why I choose Publix over Kroger, Fidelity Bank over Bank of America, and it's why I choose Binders over Sam Flax. Jay Shapiro and Howard Krinsky have created something fun and beautiful. I am lucky to be a part of it.

End of The Line (It's alllllll right.)

Anton's been fascinated recently with the Traveling Wilbury's. One of his favorite videos is the one on the train, End Of The Line.

A little back story, so I'm told, is that the recording of this song was finished first. But the time they were ready to shoot the video, the oldest icon of the group, Roy Orbison, had died. In tribute to him, the group filmed anyway and during his solo, shot a rocking chair an in it, Roy's guitar. I cry every time I watch it.

So here are all these amazing iconic musicians, each on their own celebrated paths, grouping together, in movement to create a song about the fact that we're all on that train and that it's gonna stop, we'll all die when it's our time and DAMN, it's alright. Live now, love now, be true to yourself, give your best gifts and don't fret.

I thought of Jay who, like it or not, left when his time came, though it was startling to everyone because there was no warm-up. No time to say goodbye. I feel Jay speaking to me in this video, "It's alright. End of the line. It's alright." I gotta know that he's okay. And I do. I'm happy to be on that train.

More of Jay

This sweet man passed the night before last - you can read about him below. The internet has been shimmering with searches for more information about him - who he was, what he did, his character, countenance, business philosophy, etc. I found a little Binders video of Jay and Howard out on the floor. Did my heart good to see him again.

Oh, and Howard? You're totally cute. :) Both of you are.

Jay's funeral will be Monday morning at 11:00AM and is open to the public. Here's what his sweet family said about the arrangements:

Dear Family and Friends,
We wanted to share with you the details of Jay's funeral.
It will be Monday morning at 11 am at Arlington Cemetery in Sandy Springs.
With great respect for Jay,we just could not have it on Sunday for that day is reserved for golf.

We thank you one and all for your friendship and prayers.
Andee, Scott & Abby, Stuart & Michele and Max

Sad News About Jay from Binders

To all Our Friends, Customers, Business Acquaintances and the entire Art Community of Atlanta:

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we regret to inform you of the sudden passing of our dear friend, leader, mentor, BINDERS colleague and owner: Jay Shapiro.

Jay was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma brain tumor a mere five weeks ago. The tumor's aggressive and rapid growth took Jay from all of us way before his time. More importantly, Jay was gone before any of us had a chance to say good-bye. Our entire extended BINDERS family has been shaken to the core. No words can possibly express how much we will miss our beloved Jay.

We are proud to have worked by Jay's side as he helped build this dream of his and ours: BINDERS, as we know it today. This beautiful store is a vision shared by Jay with all of us. We will continue to honor Jay in the days and years to come by sharing that vision with all of you.

With deepest sorrow,
All of us at BINDERS

Jay Shapiro

I have a good friend who is very sick, currently battling two brain tumors. He is a wonderful man, who I was destined (to be sure) to have crossed paths with, because his philosophy was so drastically different from mine and MAN, did I need to change direction.

His name is Jay Shapiro and is one of the owners at Binders Art Supply, where I teach Calligraphy and Bookbinding classes.

Shortly after I began teaching at Binders, Jay and I were casually talking right before a class and I drew a little sketch on the table of a wooden inkwell I wished were available for my calligraphy students. Most inkwells you see are just plain and round or unimaginative OR totally beautiful yet breakable because they're vintage.

Hrrrrm. So Jay took that sketch and said he'd give it to his wood guy, who took my schematics and returned the next day with the first existing Petal Pod. He e-mailed me this note: "Our little venture is off and running." And just like that ssszzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzing! I was in business.

My previous understanding of any kind of entrepreneurial venture was that is was too much of a hassle to commit to and to keep going - and that it would suck the life right out of me. I'd be wealthier but unhappier. I was just plain scared. And the truth is, is that if you love what you're doing and making and you're open to the path(s) it takes you, then you're in for the ride of your life, which really IS your life. One thing leads to another, your life begins to unfold and you realize that everything is working for your good. REALLY.

Back to Jay.
When you walk into Binders, and if Jay is there, he stops what he's doing and greets you with a hug. His partner, Howard, does the exact same thing. And everyone there really loves and respects one another. It's amazing to be a part of that community. I just love it there.

Jay had been having a lot of sinus headaches suddenly and poof, he's diagnosed with brain cancer - two invasions inside his lovely, light-infused head. Everyone aches for him. He is one of the most loved men I know. His approach to running an art store is SO drastically different from anything I've ever seen. And trust me, I've been a fan of art stores for a lonnnnng time.

Jay creates community. He makes a place for everyone to meet. Jay makes good things happen. He's a dear, dear man.

He's still up at Duke in NC getting treatment. He is being strong and is surrounded by family and love.

If you'd like to hear the story of how Jay and Howard began their business careers, go here to a delightful retelling at the Binders art Blog article: From Beer To Paint.

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If you know Jay and would like to send him a message, click here.