CAZENOVIA — On March 16, Stone Quarry Hill Art Park (SQHAP) announced that Sarah Tietje-Mietz will be leaving her post as Hilltop House director to take over a new position at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Deer Isle, Maine.
“During the past four years, I have worked alongside some truly extraordinary people, engaged with visionary artists, and have been able to greet each workday with the most stunning views in our region,” said Tietje-Mietz.
During her time at SQHAP, Tietje-Mietz led several initiatives for the Dorothy Riester House and Studio (Hilltop House).
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Hilltop House is the former home of ceramicist, sculptor, author, preservation activist, and SQHAP founder Dorothy Riester (1916-2017).
An advocate for mid-century modern architecture and design, Tietje-Mietz is responsible for the site’s inclusion in the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios program (HAHS), a coalition of 48 museums that were once the homes and working studios of American artists.
Tietje-Mietz described the multi-year process of securing Hilltop House’s acceptance to the HAHS as one of her finest efforts at SQHAP.
“Every minute spent on the application was worth it to have Dorothy, [along with] the unique world she created here in the hills of Cazenovia, recognized [for] her work as an important and innovative woman artist by such an esteemed program,” she said. “I also hold a huge sense of pride for the connections and community I created around the Hilltop House and Studio. There are so many incredible people who have become involved in our work here, and they each bring an energy, passion, and expertise that is unmatched to the table. Everyone — interns, volunteers, committee members, family, and friends — helped make the work I did here possible and helped build the momentum that I know will continue after I leave.”
Tietje-Mietz also secured several grants for preservation work on Hilltop House, and amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, she developed a unique tour that allowed visitors to view the building’s interior while remaining safely outside and socially distanced.
She started as Hilltop House director about two years ago when SQHAP CEO Emily Zaengle created the position.
“We will miss Sarah,” said Zaengle in a SQHAP press release announcing Tietje-Mietz’s departure. “Sarah contributed so much to the Stone Quarry community, the surrounding region, and her hometown of Cazenovia, NY. An artist, preservationist, journalist, and consummate professional, Sarah brought the Hilltop House and Studio into the spotlight it so deserves. Sarah serves on several boards and is always looking for new ways to engage and build community. While it is hard to say goodbye, we are so excited for Sarah and look forward to all she will accomplish at Haystack.”
As Hilltop House director, Tietje-Mietz also led efforts to open the historic home to artistic engagement. These initiatives include collaborations with miniaturist and prop designer ChelseaMakes; the student-run digital artist showcase and production team Culture Cauldron; and Cazenovia College’s student-run advocacy program, The Safe Place at Cazenovia.
Additionally, out of dedication to Hilltop House, Tietje-Mietz transformed herself from “plant-adverse” to “plant-expert” by learning to care for Riester’s historic and eclectic collection of house plants.
“We are grateful for Sarah’s many contributions to Stone Quarry, especially her efforts to preserve and celebrate the Hilltop House and Studio,” said SQHAP Board President Joan Brooks in the SQHAP press release. “Stone Quarry’s Board of Directors wishes Sarah the very best in her next adventure.”
In April, Tietje-Mietz will take over as Haystack’s digital content editor.
“I am in the rare circumstance where I am leaving one dream job for another, and there are of course bittersweet emotions tied up in leaving the Art Park and my community here in Cazenovia, but I am absolutely bubbling to the brim with excitement for this next chapter in my life,” Tietje-Mietz said. “I am eager to get settled out on that iconic, craggy Maine coast and delve into my work of creating meaningful connections through sharing stories of artists, craft, community, history, and architecture at Haystack.”
SQHAP is inviting anyone interested in honoring Tietje-Mietz to make a tax-deductible donation for the continued preservation of Hilltop House to Stone Quarry Art Park, PO Box 251, Cazenovia, NY 13035 or online at sqhap.org/support.
To learn more about SQHAP, visit sqhap.org.
