SoFLX Living

Cruz Newman is a Venezuelan artist who discovered inspiration and the courage to pursue her craft after moving to the lakeside town of Hector, NY.

Cruz was born and raised In Merida, Venezuela. She grew up playing outside, eating unprocessed food, and secretly wishing she was a boy as it seemed they had it easier, were more important, and had more freedom. When she was 17, Cruz enrolled at Los Andes University to study Industrial Design; when she graduated, she didn’t know exactly what she wanted to do career-wise, but she knew she wanted to travel. “I moved to London to learn English and see a little more of the world,” Cruz said. “Living in London as a young adult was an eye-opening experience that helped me evolve and grow.”

In 2014, Cruz moved to the US after meeting Wes, an American man with whom she had fallen in love. “We got married after a year of knowing each other,” Cruz recalls, “and are still happily married. We have two cats, Oscar and Pepe, who are our kids.”

Cruz and Wes moved to Hector, NY, a small town on the east side of Seneca Lake, in the fall of 2021 from Washington, Pennsylvania, outside of Pittsburgh.

“My husband used to work sailing boats in Hector as a young adult,” Cruz said. “He built a very loving community of friends in this area whom he would visit regularly.” She added, “When I moved to the US, he would bring me to Hector for mini vacations, and I always loved our time here – the scenery, the lake, the community.” She was also impressed by all the beautiful wine. “I worried I would drink too much of it!”

Cruz loves having access to her favorite things: nature, good humans, and inspiration for her art. That inspiration propelled her full-time career as an artist. “When I moved to Hector, I was working remotely for a bank, and as you can imagine, I hated that job, but it paid the bills,” she said. “I was doing some commissions here and there and was curious about selling reproductions of my illustrations, but I wasn’t confident about that idea.”

Frustration with her bank job led to a better opportunity working at a friend’s winery – Hector Wine Company. While working there, her friend, who knew she liked painting, asked about hanging her work at the winery. She had a few originals ready the next month. “I hunted for frames at thrift stores, framed a few pieces, and had my first art exhibit! The pieces at the winery were selling well, and I started feeling like I could make this happen,” she said.

That support from her community further motivated Cruz. “I started researching, reached out to a couple of artists I knew, bought a printer, and started making small reproductions of some old illustrations I had,” she said. “Then, I applied to the Ithaca Handwork Artisans Co-op to become a member, and they accepted me! That was my introduction to the Ithaca community.”

Cruz said, “I used to live in a little town where art wasn’t present, and people weren’t too open-minded. When I moved here, I immediately felt more accepted (as an immigrant), more supported, and freer to be the person I am.”

When Cruz is not out selling her artwork at art fairs and markets across the region, she prints and works on new art pieces (you can follow her on her Instagram: Cruz Illustrations). Cruz and her husband also spend a lot of time renovating their house lately. But she most enjoys the moments she can get outside. “I try to include some outdoor time in my days, that could be going hiking, swimming, going for a bike ride, doing yoga outside, or going for a little walk. Any outdoor time makes a huge difference in my day.”

Cruz offers this insight for anyone thinking about life in Southern Finger Lakes: “If you are a country kind of person who loves quiet, space, and nature, this is a place for you. If you enjoy wine, even better.” She notes, “If you want to move to Hector, NY, and are a business person, please consider opening a coffee shop with nice pastries!”

Thank you, Cruz, for sharing your story! Read more SoFLX stories to learn about life, work, and play in the Southern Finger Lakes.

Nithya Krishnan moved to the Southern Finger Lakes from the teeming metropolis of Mumbai, India, in June 2001.

“A leap of love brought me here,” she said. I was engaged to my now-husband and planned to join him in Boston, where he had planned to pursue studies at MIT. But he got a job at Corning, Inc.” At that point, Nithya’s only Corning frame of reference was Corning, NY, as the home of Corningware and Pyrex and a stop for travelers on their way to Niagara Falls.

“I was told that it was a small town nestled in a picturesque valley with lakes and that it was the stark opposite of Mumbai,” she said, a point no one can argue. “As a city girl, my only concern was how I would cope in a town without consistent public transport access. But I was attracted by the notion of moving to a place free of urban pollution and high cost of living,” she recalls.

However, Nithya recalls her first two years here as challenging as she tried to embrace a whole new culture. Leaving family, friends, and familiar city life was tough, she remembers, but she found excitement in starting a new life to set up with someone who had the makings of a good life partner, an aspect that made it easier for her to make the move.

“Eventually, I found my rhythm,” she said. “What has changed for me is my outlook on life, and I’m ready for any new adventure that may come my way no matter how old I get!”

Today, Nithya lives in Painted Post, NY. “I married my childhood friend and was blessed with two unique teenage boys, 19 and 13.”

Nithya found work as a caregiver at a daycare and then chose to be a stay-at-home mom for eight years. “Being in a small town with close-knit communities has been a blessing in helping me find my niche and purpose, be it in my professional or personal life.”

She is an avid foodie. In the 1980s and 90s, she traveled with her parents, trying out new places to eat and experiencing local fare. “I recently got into creating food-related content on social media,” she said.

Nithya now works as an independent contractor teaching cooking and Zumba classes. “I recently entered the food service industry with a catering permit to offer pop-up dinners, which I prep from a local commercial kitchen space,” Nithya said. “My specialty is fresh homestyle Indian cuisine.” She added, “My current career choices resulted from friends encouraging me to follow my passion for food and enthusiasm for life itself.” (You can get updates about Nithya’s upcoming pop-ups and reserve your dish by following Cool Desi Aunty Kitchen.)

She describes finding it more liberating to be herself here, much more so than she did growing up, which she describes as a bubble of Indian culture in India and Nigeria, where she spent her younger years. “I lived in a cutthroat urban jungle where it was survival of the fittest,” she said. “Here in this small community, I feel there is more of a focus on success for being passionate about something that you are willing to take seriously versus in Indian culture where your success is measured on how much money you make or how affluent you are.”

Nithya enjoys the four seasons of the Southern Finger Lakes, especially after growing up in places where she only experienced two seasons, which she described as summer and monsoon. “I try my best to get outdoors and revel in nature with walks in the spring and summer,” she said, adding, “When we aren’t traveling visiting family or friends, I enjoy spending my days at home.”

A normal day for her is never the same. Between managing her family, class schedules, and food business, Nithya finds herself pretty busy. “Still,” she said, “I like to keep my day flexible to allow small moments where I can sit and slow down.”

Nithya advises anyone considering relocating to FLX to be ready to go with the flow but keep their mind and heart open to what they may find living here. “I’d also like them to know that there is a very diverse and vibrant community of people from many cultures here and that they have to seek out the opportunities to explore rather than wait for them to come forth.”

She also encourages anyone considering this region as a potential place to live and work to engage with the local landscape by visiting and scoping out what it has to offer.

Thank you, Nithya, for sharing your story! Read more SoFLX stories to learn about life, work, and play in the Southern Finger Lakes.

Meet Erik Lundberg

Erik Lundberg is a preservationist, architectural professional, and project manager at Johnson-Schmidt Architect PC.

He was born in Minnesota and grew up on the South Shore of Massachusetts near Plymouth, the “birthplace of America,” according to many. Erik developed a love for history, our collective story, and beautiful early vernacular architecture from there. This led him to pursue architecture and design courses in high school and eventually receive college and graduate degrees in architecture and Historic Preservation. “I stayed in Massachusetts to attend Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston before moving to NYC for grad school at the Pratt Institute,” Erik said.

Erik worked primarily on commercial real estate projects during the first summer of the pandemic. As the architecture and construction industry slowed, he was interested in returning to preservation work. “I found myself looking at jobs all over the region and when a listing at Johnson Schmidt Architect PC came up, Elise Johnson-Schmidt and I got to talking and hit it off.”

The position took a few years to become a reality, but when the time came, Elise reached out to Erik to discuss visiting, and Erik and his wife Anne were all about it. He remembers, “We knew about the glass industry in Corning and that it was cabin country but not much else. When we came to Corning last summer, we knew we wanted to move here.”

Not having been to the area before, they thought it would be small, “and that’s not wrong compared to NYC,” he said, adding, “We see the same people in the neighborhood, the gym, and the store, but it’s not a bad thing. It has been a welcome change to befriend neighbors and locals while doing things in town.”

Though they were initially concerned that it might be hard to meet new people if everyone in the area was established or had been here a long time (and they admit it’s still a process for them), they are grateful for the kindness they’ve experienced from the people they’ve met so far.

Another concern they had was winter, and they wondered if they would find it tough after experiencing milder seasons in NYC. “This past winter was not so bad,” Erik admitted, “especially compared to Minnesota!”

He and Anne found a home in South Corning in the fall of 2023 after living in New York City for 14 years. “We had been in the Bronx for six years after having been in Brooklyn before that,” Erik said. Their scenery is very different today from the concrete haven they used to know. “We live on a lovely hillside with our two vintage Honda motorcycles and the animals in our yard who regularly try to break into our house. Our current favorite is the chubby groundhog we have yet to name.”

Luckily, Erik didn’t find the move too difficult, especially with a new position in the wait. Anne is able to work remotely editing copy for a medical communications agency based in Manhattan. “We didn’t have a chance to look for homes between our visit and our move, so we found a spot on a whim,” Erik said. “The rental market did not seem as robust as the buyers’ market, but our rental has provided us with a convenient home thus far as we look to purchase a historic home to restore in the future.”

Erik also felt that this area has many unique historic structures and properties that are worth saving and investing in. “I really want to be a part of that conversation, as well as other stories yet to be written,” he said.

As nature lovers, they enjoy that they can drive ten minutes in any direction, and there are dense woods, rivers, and hills every which way. “We were and are still very excited at the prospect of making discoveries, meeting new people, and experiencing all that life has to offer outside the metropolis.”

They relish the beauty of their surrounding landscape and how quaint and inviting the town of Corning is. “Also, as a preservationist, I’m inspired by the level of care the city and community have taken to maintain it,” he said. “The access to the outdoors and different towns has been great. I love taking my motorcycle up to any lake in the area and am looking forward to learning more about what’s out here.”

Today, Erik and Anne love their daily routine, which includes motorcycle maintenance, yoga, morning walks, and regularly swimming at the local YMCA. “We love going for a ride and finding a new hike, restaurant (we’re always looking for a good vegan spot), or place to swim outside,” Erik said.

“I recently received a membership to the Rockwell Museum for my birthday, which was such a nice surprise! We are also members at Tanglewood Nature Center and Museum, and we’ve attended a couple of shows at CMoG.” Erik and Anne also enjoy weekend architectural heritage tours, exploring local villages, beautiful buildings, and rich history.

Now that it’s warm out, they have been taking the motorcycle cafe racing and exploring the northern and western parts of the state. “We look forward to some great hiking and swimming this summer!”

In terms of what has changed since their move, Erik said, “My stress level. I love waking up to the birds chirping and watching the sunrise as the light hits the steep hill behind our house. I walk or drive to work, and it’s a peaceful experience without the headache of traffic or the overly crowded and sweaty subway.” He added, “We see so much more wildlife, which helps us feel connected to nature.”

He admitted, “In the city, you really had to seek out community. It’s easy to feel like you’re not alone because you’re surrounded by people, but you are not necessarily connecting with anyone or building relationships. You can hide in plain sight.”

“Here, you can’t do that,” Erik continued. “You connect more with people just by showing up and being present at any community event. In the city, you’ll show up, but you’re just another face in a crowd. I feel closer to the people and community when attending any event or meeting.”

Erik said being involved and open to smaller community events and engagement helps him feel they can take action more readily. “Whether on work projects or connecting with local artisans and makers, it feels more accessible to connect and work together to build something new and exchange ideas.”

When it isn’t too wet, Erik enjoys his walk to work. “Our office is located in Corning’s historic Gaffer District, so traveling along Market Street in the morning is an incredible way to start the day,” he said, adding, “As a preservationist and architectural professional, I love being immersed in one of the nation’s premier preservation initiatives. For the rest of my day, I work closely with our team to help bring creative and affordable design solutions to our clients.” Much of the work Erik and his colleagues do focuses on rehabilitating and repositioning historic structures, seeking to take advantage of state and federal tax credit programs. “I have met many great people here looking to invest in and revitalize this community,” he shared.

To anyone who might be looking to the Southern Finger Lakes as a place to relocate to, Erik says, “Don’t hesitate to get out, find some common interests with people in the community, and be open to seeing what can happen!” Erik also recommends joining the YMCA, as he finds it’s a great place to exercise, meet people, and connect with community members. “Not only does the Corning Family YMCA have great events and initiatives, but there is also the Watson Woods YMCA, which has fun monthly programs that are not just for families! It’s inclusive, and the team puts much love and work into what they do.”

“It’s great living here. If you’re concerned about living in a small town, Ithaca is only an hour’s drive from Corning (and even closer, depending on your town). There’s awesome food there, and something fun is always happening.” He added, “If you get homesick for cities, head to Ithaca, Rochester, Syracuse, or Buffalo. There’s great food everywhere, but each of the larger cities near us is accessible enough by car or bus and can help cater to those cravings. Be open to the possibilities. I’m happy we came out here. We’re happy we came out here and wouldn’t change the story for any reason.”

Thank you, Erik, for sharing your story! Read more SoFLX stories to learn about life, work, and play in the Southern Finger Lakes.

Meet Mark Schmidt

Mark Schmidt is a movement-based artist, performance curator, and house dancer.

He occasionally teaches dance techniques and lectures on house culture history as a guest artist for online platforms and colleges. He recently moved from Brooklyn, NY (January 2024), to Monterey, a small rural town located between Corning and Watkins Glen.

“I moved here due to some health-related issues my mother was having,” Mark said. “But I am familiar with the area for two reasons. First, I grew up here until age 20, when I moved to New York City to attend the New School for Social Research. Also, as an artist, I have worked on a few dance-related projects locally, including an artist residency in 2019 through the American Dance Asylum (hosted by 171 Cedar Arts), activating the Nasser Civic Center Ice Rink with fourteen dancers in 2022 as part of IMAGINE, and co-choreographing a piece with four dancers and a DJ for the Southern Finger Lakes Pride Festival in 2023.”

Mark said he was very excited to make the move back. “I had already laid down some roots with many local artists and the Pride Council from the two projects I mentioned before, and I was ready for a life change, and this seemed like the right timing.” He added, “New York is great, but I am enjoying life’s slower pace and finding more time and space to work on creative projects. That, for me, is very important and the biggest change in my life.”

We wondered what Mark felt had changed since he left and what he was rediscovering about his home region. “In terms of the small town I grew up in, there remains this sense of neighbors looking out for each other or feeling comfortable asking for help if you need it,” he shared. “I value that. Regarding change, Market Street (in Corning) strikes me the most. Compared to when I left in the 90s, it has many more restaurant choices and interesting spaces to grab a drink and socialize. I also see more artists moving to the area, and the visibility of LGBTQ folks and the SoFLX Pride festival are big changes.”

Mark credits his adaptability with making the transition into small-town living easy, not too difficult. He has also found that having a network of diverse friends and artists here has made all the difference. “I have felt an immense amount of support and excitement from them, and this has made the transition easier.”

Since moving back, Mark has kept very busy! “This is the New Yorker in me!” He is currently working on the Southern Finger Lakes Pride Council, helping design and curate the 2024 festival (happening in June). He also works as an editor of social media videos for the New York State Choreographers Initiative, a New York State DanceForce program. He is a certified personal trainer specializing in functional movement and awareness, primarily online. Lastly, he is working on several event collaborations for Spring 2024 with an anarchist publishing warehouse (PM Press) out of Binghamton.

Despite everything he is involved in, Mark feels he is far less overstretched here. “The one thing that stands out most is I work less, but I can do more creatively,” he said. “New York City is a very work/hustle/time driven city. People are always on the go. I don’t feel that pressure here. I think I have more potential to impact culturally here than in the city.”

A typical day for Mark in his new life consists of 7 am wake-ups to have coffee with his parents, or even earlier, he starts to enjoy meditation walks around their property around sunrise. “Stepping into nature is a luxury; I appreciate it more now.” This kicks off his work day, often consisting of administrative tasks for the Pride Council or video editing for the New York State Choreographers Initiative. “If my mother has any doctor appointments or my parents need me to run errands, I’ll do that,” he added. Mark joined HealthWorks and tries to get three workouts weekly, usually in the early afternoon. If there are any arts events in Corning in the evening, he’ll end his day with that. “I enjoy exploring the area for restaurants, bars, or wineries. I am also a fan of live music,” he added.

To another creative looking to relocate to the area, Mark says, “The landscape in the arts is very open, even for dance. You have to be proactive about it. There is a supportive community of artists here that is diverse and ready to welcome you.” He added, “This is still an affordable place to live. There is something unique about being able to access nature so readily, do country things like have a garden, and yet enjoy culture and art all within a small region.”

Thank you, Mark, for sharing your story! Read more SoFLX stories to learn about life, work, and play in the Southern Finger Lakes.