James Antonie”™s new bookstore, Utopian Direction, is no threat to Barnes & Noble, but he may make others who are pondering a niche for the written word to take notice.
Antonie retired from the Museum of Modern Art after 22 years as its security supervisor. He made sure every work of art was in its place, uncrated and re-crated properly and placed exactly where it needed to be to achieve the desired look.
“I loved what I did and wanted to create something unique and fun,” he said. He”™s done just that with his unique bookstore/gallery/gathering place in the heart of the village of Warwick.
Antonie inherited much of the former booksellers”™ collection, along with some first editions, but the focus is not just on the written word. With a baby grand piano, comfortable chairs and his own creative contribution, The Micro Gallery, Antonie and his wife, Monica, offer more than just an opportunity to browse the rows of books ”“ they”™ve prepared a feast for the eyes and ears.
There”™s also some edibles to soothe the palate:Â afternoon tea on Sunday, where Monica Antonie serves up hot herbal delights and finger foods, along with music and discussion.
Utopian Direction comes complete with a pull down movie screen.
“We can use it to show a film or a documentary, whatever we decide,” Antonie said. “The main thing is, we are more than just a bookstore, we”™re a gathering place. More and more people are discovering we”™re here, and I”™m sure by the time the weather warms up, we”™ll be seeing even more people coming in.”
Those who visit will be amazed and amused by Antonie”™s collection of games and his unique Micro Gallery, which plays a part in what Antonie lovingly calls his University of Utopian Direction.
“It complements the store, because my goal was to create an atmosphere that isn”™t just about books, or art, or music, but a combination of all those mediums, a sort of multimedia cultural center for the community,” Antonie said.
“Warwick has the perfect atmosphere for what I hope to accomplish. We are not Barnes and Noble, nor are we trying to be. But what we want to be is a place where people can get together, relax, have conversation, listen to music, share ideas, and yes, browse and buy books that interest them,” he said.
“More ex-urbanites are moving to the Hudson Valley looking for places and events that spark creativity and conversation. I think we”™re achieving that and will continue to work to build on our  ”˜utopia”™ ”“ that”™s how I perceive the bookstore and gallery. It”™s bringing people together for some positive thinking. We”™re going to have something for everyone,” said Antonie. “And yes, we”™ll be carrying those bestsellers, too.”
Utopian Direction will be hosting a multimedia exhibit by Jan Swaka, who designed the stage sets for the Grateful Dead, from April 16 through the end of May.
