Writer: Amy Modesti

Hello there! To those who are new to reading Around Town With Amy Modesti and want to learn about what’s happening in the Capital Region area and beyond, welcome aboard!

For those who do and don’t know me, my name is Amy Modesti. I’m a Capital Region-based visual artist, photographer, writer, arts manager, and a hobbyist musician. I’m also the business owner of my arts-based business, ALM Fine Art & Photography, and news site, Around Town With Amy Modesti.

Here’s several fun facts about me:

1. I’m an Art and Arts Management major. I am an alumnus from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) in North Adams, MA.
2. I enjoy playing the piano and singing for fun. I got the musical talents from my father, who’s also a guitarist and singer in the band, A Poor Man’s Brother.
3. I love attending concerts, checking out art exhibits, enjoy traveling to new places and checking out new eateries.
4. I’m a published photojournalist. My writings, photographs, and videos have been featured on television, newsprint, and online publications, most notably in Mirth Films, TheSpot518, The Eastwick Press, and on the news stations, NEWS 10 ABC and WNYT 13.
5. I’m related to an Oscar-winning hair and makeup artist whom I’m proud to call my cousin.I’m an exhibited artist. I’ve exhibited and sold artwork and digital photography at music venues, art galleries, senior center, libraries, and Capital Region stores.

 

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Welcome Aboard to Mirth Films

Since my departure from Spotlight Newspapers, my professional career has been put on hold. I’m continuing my search for employment in the arts and arts management sector. I’ve painted several Christmas wooden cutout pieces to sell for a future exhibit, and took part in an art exhibit at the Berne Public Library. I also spent three weeks overcoming mono (I’m very much better now). I’ve been getting productive work done at home and recently, going back out into the community to hear some live music.

For almost two months, I’ve put my reporting duties on pause. Although being let go was disappointing, at the same time, it has also been a blessing in disguise. I’ve learned over time that friends, family members, and members of my local community in The Town of Brunswick, read my articles, viewed my photos, and found value and appreciation in my work. Even clients whom I’ve covered work for have been supportive and helpful, and even provided me with job search leads, photo opportunities, and writing opportunities. For a period of time, my piano lessons were on hold..until I became the current recipient of the Frank Daley Memorial Scholarship, and I can continue my music lessons.

I’ve learned that help will always be given to those who truly deserve it in their good and dark moments. Throughout many ups and downs, you realize within a short period of time who your true friends are, who truly has your back, and wants to give you an opportunity to be a team player in the creative world, and succeed in life professionally and personally.

Within days of stepping away from the newspaper world, I informed a friend of mine about my then situation at the Vanessa Carlton show and within moments, I joined the Mirth Films crew and became an official “Mirthling” (as a photographer and writer). Two years ago, I previously contributed to Mirth Films with a review of Jimmie Vaughan and The Steve Miller Band’s concert at SPAC and I was interviewed for a Mirth Films feature outside the River Street Beat Shop. And now I’m officially a Mirthling.

Everyone on the Mirth Films team are friendly, supportive, treats you with respect, and includes you as a member of their “family”. They also give you the creative freedom to write the things you would like to write and photograph the events you would like to cover. The founder has always been supportive and appreciative of what I’ve brought to the scene and to now be able to work alongside my friend and his team who has been achieving great things in the scene is an honor, and a positive opportunity for greater things to come.

Mirth Films and Around Town With Amy Modesti Become One

I’m happy to announce that Around Town With Amy Modesti and Mirth Films have teamed up to bring a weekly “Around Town” blog to Mirth Films!! I’m excited to continue my reporting duties and share what’s happening on Mirth Films and help get Around Town With Amy Modesti known to new followers as the brand continues to develop.

Around Town With Amy Modesti can also be read on SubStack, Threads, Instagram, and Facebook, in addition to Mirth Films.

Readers can now keep up with what I’m up to within the week or past week, and learn about any events that are going to happen on the horizon. I am always open to story ideas and suggestions. If you have suggestions, feel free to share them with either myself (Amy Modesti) or Frankie Cavone (Mirth Films).

Thank You…

Thank you Mirth Films for the opportunity to join your team and for teaming up to share Around Town With Amy Modesti to a wider audience.Thank you again to my family, boyfriend, my close friends, and many others for being by my side through the past several months and more. Most importantly, thank you for the help, job tips/opportunities, the positive vibes of support, and the feeling of belonging and acceptance. Let’s see what the future brings.

-Amy L. Modesti (8/13/2024) – 1st post.