Category Archives: photography

June 23, 2024

2024 Hampton Beach Sand Sculpting Classic (Hampton Beach, Hampton, NH)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event” June 20-22, 2024

Location: Hampton Beach, Hampton, NH (1 hour northeast of Boston, MA or 1 hour southeast of Concord, NH)

Cost: Free

Parking: There is metered parking and several parking lots in the Hampton Beach area. See below for specific details about parking at Hampton Beach

Parking At Hampton Beach

Universally Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Summary: Some of the most renown sand sculptures from around the world competed at Hampton Beach in the 24th annual Sand Sculpting Classic event.

“Sand Wars” have come to Hampton Beach! At least that is the theme of this year’s Sand Sculpting Classic.

The center sand sculpture at the Sand Sculpting Classic event has a different theme each year. And, as you may have guessed, the “sand Wars” theme is a play on “Star Wars.” All of the sand sculptors work together to make these impressive sand sculptures. Oddly, the Sand People were not included in these sand sculptures.

While “Sand Wars” was the theme for the center sculptures, the sculptors could make sculptures for any topic or subject.

Battling both a heat wave earlier in the contest to rain on the last day (it is New England after all), the sand sculptors had to work through some difficult conditions. But, as you will see below, the weather didn’t deter them from creating some spectacular works of art.

I am posting the sand sculptures in the order they are located at the beach (from left to right)

“Skin Deep” by Andy Dailey (Sarasota, FL)

The first sand sculpture “Skin Deep” by Andrew Dailey is a sculpture in the form of a mermaid. He said his piece was a statement on the many limitations on what some put on beauty.

“A Step Beyond” – Dmitry Klimenko (St. Petersburg, Russia) Second Place

Dmitry Klimenko’s sculpture won second place with his sculpture for “A Step Beyond.”

Inception – Melineige Beauregard (Captain Cook, HI) Third Place

Beauregard, who won first place in the competition last year, took third place with “Inception.” She said her sculpture was inspired by how life is “linked through DNA and all of nature.”

“Sofia’s Cradle” – David Ducharme (British Columbia, Canada) First Place

In his debut appearance at the Sand Sculpting Classic, Ducharme won first place. His inspiration for this sculpture came in a dream. Recently, Ducharme had a dream about Sofia, the Greek goddess of wisdom. The nest or “cradle” under the goddess is meant to be the nest where wisdom is nurtured.

“Orphan” – Carl D Jara (Lyndhurst, OH) Sculptor’s Choice Award Winner

Carl, who has participated in all 24 sand sculpting events, said this sculpture which depicts a woman surrounded by two extinguished candles was influenced by the loss of both of his parents. His sculpture won the Sculptor’s Choice Award which is voted on by the competing sculptors. Since it is voted by their peers, it is a highly coveted award.

“Imprisoned” – Bruce Phillips (San Diego, CA)

Bruce said his sculpture is about people trapped in mental health issues. The panels surrounding the skull represent the barriers of mental illness.

“Artio” – Karen Fralich (Ontario, Canada) People’s Choice Award Winner & The Governor’s Award Winner

Karen said her sculpture was a tribute to the Celtic bear goddess. She also said it represents the strength of a mother bear who protects the Earth. Karen won the People’s Choice Award which is voted on by the people who visit the event as well as the Governor’s Award which was voted on by New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu.

“Neptune Rising” – Justin Gordon (Groveland, MA)

“Open Your Mind & Awaken Your Inner Child” – Karlis Ile (Riga, Latvia)

Ile, another newcomer to the event, said this sculpture was inspired by his 20 month old son. Ile jokingly said his son is a “nice troublemaker.” He said he wanted to portray the child as being both playful and happy while the man is very serious, much like himself. He said it is kind of like a self portrait.

“We All Fall Down” – Abe Waterman (Prince Edward Island)

There was also a sand sculpture dedicated to the Boston Celtics because of their recent NBA Finals Championship. It is their 18th championship in the team’s history.

As you may have noticed, the inspirations and explanations of the sculptures are just as interesting and moving as the sculptures. Finding about the background of these sculptures adds so much to the artistic value of them.

I wasn’t sure when to go to the beach because of the various, changing weather forecasts predicting scattered showers. Lucky for me, I happened to wake up early enough to get there before the rain started. But, the threat of rain kept a lot of people from going to the beach which allowed me to get photos without many people in the background. As I was finishing the photo shoot it just began to rain. And, if you zoom in and look closely, you may see the rain and even some rain drops on the sculptures.

These sculptures will be up until Wednesday, June 26. They will also be lit up for night time viewing.

32 Comments   |  tags: , , , | posted in Hampton Beach, new hampshire, photographs, photography, photos, sand sculpting, sand sculptures

April 7, 2024

Winteractive (Boston, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date of Event Currently on display (Jan 17 – Apr 15)

Location: Downtown Boston (MA)

Cost: Free

Parking: There are several parking garages in the downtown Boston area.

Universally Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Website: Winteractive

Summary: 16 art exhibits are located throughout downtown Boston.

While this winter weather may have been a difficult one for many of us, there was a bright spot in the downtown Boston area. The walkable art exhibit known as Winteractive brought some color and fun to what can be a dreary and frigid Boston winter.

The exhibits, which were inspired by the winter art festivals in Quebec, Canada, are located throughout the downtown Boston area. However, they are mainly located near Downtown Crossing train station, City Hall Plaza and High Street as well as Summer St. near the South Station train station. You can view the locations on this map. While it is possible to walk to all of the exhibits, it may be a good idea to use public transportation or rideshare services to view some of the exhibits off the beaten path.

As you will see, some of the exhibits are interactive. Whenever possible, I got some friendly people to help use the interactive devices for filming. I am listing these exhibits in the order of their locations. Eleven exhibits are are located in or near the Downtown Crossing area. Two more are located in or near City Hall Plaza and the last 2 are located in the Financial District on or near Summer St. Consult the map on the attached link above if you plan on visiting these exhibits.

Echoes: A Voice From Unchartered Waters

1 Franklin St

Mathias Gmachl (United Kingdom)

Steel structure on base

As you emerge from the Downtown Crossing train station, the first exhibit you will see ifs Echoes: A Voice From Unchartered Waters. This exhibit in the shape of a whale is meant to ask us to consider our everyday activities on nature and the environment and to make us be more aware of its fragility. The exhibit not only lights up. It also makes sounds that you can only hear if you’re very close to it.

The artist Mathias Gmachl said he wanted to create a space for people to discuss the future of our planet.

The next 5 works of art were all completed by the same artist; Mark Jenkins. These are all listed below. Mark uses common household or personal items such as tape, wigs, fabrics, fishing rods (yes fishing rods) and rope among other items in his work. Although there is not ,more information available for all of these exhibits, I have included some info when I can find it. Since some of the exhibits relied on their lighting to add to their artistic value, I only went either at night or just before night time. I did like how the sunset or pre sunset light reflected on some of the installations.

Fisherman (Untitled #1)

Summer St at Chauncy St

It is not fish, but love, this person is trying to catch. Good luck, there!

The Swing (Untitled # 2)

Winter St at Tremont St

Woman Suspended (Untitled #3)

Temple Pl

*this exhibit is temporarily unavailable

Stairwalker (Untitled # 4)

31 Bromfield St

Clothesline (Untitled #5)

9 West St (the site of the outdoor lot at Brattle Book Shop)

Blissful Rendezvous

Summer Street Pedestrian Plaza

Kezna Dalz

Vinyl digital print

This exhibit was meant to show the commonalities between the Boston and Quebec provinces by including the flora and fauna of both locations and using Boston as its backdrop. You may notice some of the more notable landmarks and things common in Massachusetts and New England such as lobsters, deer and colorful flowers.

There are also 5 “play feature” exhibits made by LeMonde Studio. They make sounds, light up or do some other fun things based on user interaction.

Light Lane Bikes

Summer Street Pedestrian Plaza

I tried to get someone to ride these bikes so I could display the way the lights change but I had no takers. The colored lines on the bikes light up and moved as people pedal. That’s it!

Guitar Slide

City Hall Plaza

As the name suggests, there is a slide on the neck of this guitar

Music Box

High Street Place Entrance

Photo Frame

Summer Street Pedestrian Plaza

I was able to persuade someone to crank the lever on the device next to the frame and light up this picture frame!

Bird House

Hyatt Regency, One Avenue De Lafayette

This is another interactive exhibit. You simply crank the lever on the box and the bird makes some interesting sounds!

“End Game” (Nagg & Nell)

Max Streicher

Recycled vinyl signs, fans, steel cable

This was certainly my, and many other people’s, favorite exhibit. There were always a group of people stopping by to photograph it whenever I passed by the area. However, the back story of the characters in this exhibit is pretty grim. The inflatable heads are based on characters in the play by Irish novelist Samuel Beckett; End Game. In this play, the characters Nell and Nagg are forced to live out their lives in a dumpster after losing their legs. Yikes.

Myth And Evidence

Washing St and Court St

Mathieu Valade

Urethane animal shape, faux fur, metal, polycarbonate, plywood, wood

The mythical unicorn stands behind a frosted glass display. This was a tricky photo to take. I wanted to photograph it at night to show off the light in the display. Yet, the display did tend to reflect the glare from the street lights and lights from the storefronts. In retrospect, I should have photographed it from the other side.

Island Of Warmth

125 Summer St

ATOMIC3

Steel and light elements

Two hundred and twenty bulbs light up intermittently on this visual, musical and luminous display. The Island of Warmth is a tribute to Montreal’s festive tradition. But, despite the name, it’s not going to keep you warm. So, don’t try to warm up by it!

Territories 2.0

175 Federal St

Olivier Roberge

Steel, polycarbonate, paint, miniature models, LED lighting

Described as a “true narrative microcosm”, this walk in exhibit is a diorama which depicts a natural environment that has been abundantly transformed by human intervention and climate change.

Although it’s more like Springactive at this point, this exhibit is a must see if you’re in the Boston area! But, don’t wait. The displays will only be up until April 15!

18 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , | posted in art, Boston, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, sculptures, Uncategorized, Winteractive

March 23, 2024

Irish Festival (Foxborough, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: March 16, 2024 (11 am – 4 pm)

Location: Patriot Place, Foxborough Place (about 30 minutes southwest of Boston, MA and 30 minutes northeast of Providence, RI)

Cost: Free

Parking: Free parking was available at Patriot Place

Universally Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Website Irish Festival

Summary: The family friendly Irish Festival at Patriot Place included Irish step dancers, musical acts, face painting and many people dressed in their best Irish themed attire!

Everyone was Irish at the Irish Festival at Patriot Place!

Music, dancing and colorful costumes were in abundance last weekend at the 13th annual Irish Festival at Patriot Place in Foxborough, MA.

The festival included Irish musical acts such as Fenian Sons. I especially like how the musician in the background made sure he got in the photo!

But, the highlight of the Irish Festival for most of visitors were the Irish Step Dancers. The festival featured dancers the Sullivan-Stewart School of Irish Dance, Greene-O’Leary School of Irish Dance, Keane O’Brien Academy of Irish Dance and Harney Academy of Irish Dance.

The lighting at the event was challenging. But, at least at the beginning of the event, the lighting gave some great color and highlights to the dancers. I especially like how the rays of sun hit off the dancer’s hair.

The pure joy and concentration the dancers expressed was great to see and photograph.

The acrobatics, twirls and other dance moves were very impressive.

The dancers gave the event quite a kick. The Rockettes have nothing on them!

In between the dancing schools performances, some of the visitors took to the dance floor.

There were also special guests at the event such as Blades, the official mascot of the Boston Bruins.

And Nauset, named after the popular beach in Orleans, MA, also made an appearance.

Perhaps the most fun part of the event to photograph were the visitors. Some of the visitors dressed up for the event. While others decided to wear fancy headwear and get their faces painted!

Although I didn’t partake, there were many restaurants and bars to rest and fuel up at during the event. However, I don’t know if corned beef was on their menus.

26 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , | posted in Foxboro, Irish, Irish Festival, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos

March 16, 2024

2024 Salem’s So Sweet (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: February 10, 2024 (event is held annually the weekend of or before Valentine’s Day)

Location: Salem, MA (about 30 mins northeast from Boston, MA)

Cost: Free

Parking: There are 2 main parking garages and several other parking lots and metered parking available throughout the city. See below for parking information in Salem, MA.

Parking in Salem

Website: Salem’s So Sweet

Summary: 26 ice sculptures were placed throughout Salem, MA for the Salem’s So Sweet annual event.

Love and a little bit of ice was in the air in Salem, MA, last month. In celebration of the Salem’s So Sweet event, held each year around Valentine’s Day, 28 ice sculptures were unveiled for the Salem’s So Sweet annual event.

Due to the mild temperatures and some clumsy pedestrians, some of the ice sculptures did not fare well . But, of the 28 ice sculptures only only two sculptures were completely demolished.

I am listing the sculptures numerically as they are listed on the map for the event (which is attached in the link at the top). I stayed the entire day so I could photograph the ice sculptures before and after they were lighted. Looking through the photos, I am glad I photographed the ice sculptures before they were lighted because they did melt considerably throughout the day.

Each time I post photos of these events, a feeling of nostalgia sweeps over me and it makes me miss and want to visit Salem. So, posting these photos, although at times time consuming, can actually be fun.

1 Blackcraft Coffee – this ice sculpture was not available

2 One Piece Flag

3 Crystal Snowflake

4 Viking. A lot of people came by to take their photo in the opening of the Viking sculpture. Fun fact: the name of the sports teams for Salem State College is The Vikings.

5 Moon

6 Salem Loves Architecture.

7 Dog (only one of those dogs is a sculpture). Banks, a 3 year old Cream Golden Retriever, was nice enough to pose for the photo on the left.

8 Gummy Bear

9 Keith Haring, Untitled with Heart and Two Figures

10 Coraline

11 Witch. One of the things I appreciate about the Salem’s So Sweet event, and really any event in Salem, is they always keep a Halloween or historical element to their sculptures or other art. Because, as I and other notables have said, “it’s always Halloween in Salem.”

12 Camera

13 Candy Picture Frame. The sculpture has “It’s not the chocolate that matters, it’s the people you share it with” written on the banner. I agree wholeheartedly! As an added treat, Charlie stopped by the sculpture for a few photos!

14 Dragon. It’s the year of the Dragon (technically the Wood Dragon) and the Peabody Essex Museum, which is where this sculpture was located, held a Lunar New Year Festival earlier that day (which I attended). So, this was a particularly appropriate sculpture.

The Lunar New Year Festival at PEM (Peabody Essex Museum – isn’t weird I wrote it out anyway – why didn’t I just type Peabody Essex Museum in the first place?) was wonderful. But I didn’t get too many great photos (except for the back of the person’s head in front of me). I did, however, get this photo from the event.

15 Cat – The Witch House (aka the Jonathan Corwin House). They always have a cat sculpture here. But, it’s shape, type and posture of the cat does change. But, like some of the other places on the list, they have always placed a similar sculpture at their location ever since I’ve been photographing the event.

16 Crystal Ball. This crystal ball had melted quite a bit by the time I got to photograph it. But, I think I saw an eye in the sculpture if you look close and enlarge the photo.

17 World. This sculpture, sponsored by the Journeymasters, is much like the sculpture outside the Witch Bouse in that it is usually in the shape of a globe and only varies slightly over the years I have been lucky enough to photograph it. Like some of the other sculptures on this list, the lights for this sculpture changed colors

18 Lobster, This sculpture located outside of Turner’s Seafood is another sculpture that keeps a certain theme each year. It usually bears a resemblance to a lobster or some other seafood fare.

19 Skull.

20 Curly Girl. This sculpture always makes me smile. Located outside of Curly Girl Candy Shop, the Curly Girl sculpture changed some funky colors!

21 Fairy. It may be hard to see since this sculpture did melt quite a bit. But it looks like a fairy may be playing a harp.

22 Gayle The Snail. I think I was driving behind this sculpture on the way to the event.

23 Whale Tail

24 Cauldron

25 Anchor – this sculpture was not available.

26 Rocking Horse

27 Fall In Love With Salem

28 Bakery

There was also this bonus ice sculpture located outside Re-find which wasn’t part of the official Salem So Sweet ice sculpture event.

I also enjoyed the tasteful decor of the windows at Re-find and some of the other stores in Salem.

At the visitor center, guests could write their own valentine’s and post them for all to see. It was good to see people getting into the spirit of the event!

I now know whenever I go to Salem I’m not just photographing the event or display that is my main purpose of going there. There are always interesting things to photograph in Salem. Besides the ice sculptures, there were also light displays, decorations and even an interesting guest at the event.

This house on Derby St is always decorated for the various holidays and other special days throughout the year and I always make sure to stop by to see the new decorations. However, this photography session was different than my usual shoots. While taking photographs behind the fence at the residence, the owner and decorator of the display invited me on to the property to get a closer look and take some photos. So, I was able to get some photos of things most people don’t get to see, at least not up close. Again, like some of the ice sculptures, I appreciate the nods to Halloween and the darker side of things, especially during this romantic time of the year.

The pumpkins at Stardust kept with the Halloween theme seen throughout the city.

There was also some new art at The Point section of Salem.

And, of course it is Salem, so people don’t wait until October to dress up for Halloween.

Lastly, there was one special visitor at the event. Lucifer, the official cat of Salem, took in the sculptures.

11 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , | posted in Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Salems So Sweet, Uncategorized

March 2, 2024

Barbie Night (401 Park, Boston, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: February 9, 2024

Location: The Rink 401, Boston, MA

Summary: A diverse group of skaters took to the pink rink at 401 Park to celebrate The Barbie movie!

Barbie on ice. Those are three words I thought I’d never type. But, that is exactly what took place in February at the 401 Park “Pink Rink” in Boston, MA.

The inclusive skating event at the Skate Kenway (aka Skate Fenway) featured some of the characters from the Barbie movie and pink. A lot of pink.

The inclusive group of skaters included some of the cast from the movie including Barbie who came out of her box and had to loosen up a bit.

There were some pretty aerobatic performers.

There were also some impressive feats of strength!

One of the things that stood out were there colorful costumes that seemed to make the skaters seem faster and certainly more flamboyant.

The family friendly event was a great way to celebrate the winter season at 401 Rink. And, when I’m sure the sequel will be made, hopefully there will be another Barbie skating event there to photograph!

Below is a video of all the participants skating in the final act of the show!

12 Comments   |  tags: , , , , | posted in Barbie, Boston, ice skating, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos

February 8, 2024

Beyond Walls – Holyoke (Holyoke, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Visit: December 23, 2023

Locations: Throughout the city of Holyoke, MA

Cost: Free

Hours: The murals are available to view throughout the day

Parking: There is metered street parking available in the city. There are also two municipal parking lots in the city (see link below for more information)

Parking Information for Holyoke, MA

There always seems to be new works of art popping up throughout the various cities and towns all over New England. These works of art often have a special meaning or purpose behind them. The Beyond Walls mural project has been a big contributor to both exhibiting art and spreading their messages of heritage, pride and other important messages.

The Beyond Walls project features murals in several cities such as Massachusetts including Lynn, Haverhill, Lowell, Chicopee and the murals displayed in this post in Holyoke.

These murals are part of the El Corazon – The Heart of Holyoke from 2022 which I photographed and posted on my blog. But, the artists keep adding to the mural project or changing the murals over time. These murals were not made until after the initial murals were created. Some of the murals have a special meaning or message about the community or people from the community. Others are the free expression of art by the artist.

All of the locations for these murals are in Holyoke. I tried to list them in the order they can best be seen in case you want to make a trip to see them for yourself!

Holyoke Community College

303 Homestead Ave

While most of the murals are located near each other in the downtown Holyoke or South Holyoke area, this mural was located further away in the main campus at Holyoke Community College. Betsy Cananas was surprised and impressed with the diversity of the student population of Holyoke Community College, particularly the Latinx, particularly the Puerto Rican, population of the students. In this vein, she decided to create a mural depicting a bomba classroom. Betsy payed homage to the cultural roots of the audience as well as creating a visual narrative that resonates deeply with their experiences. There is more info about the mural and artist at the following link

Holyoke Health Center

230 Maple St

This mural is a mixture of many people and things that depict Holyoke. From the gorilla arms meant to show the strength of the community to the coquí, to old San Juan, to coconuts, jíbaro (farmer), salsa, plena, congas, food and tropical flowers there are many tributes to Holyoke and it’s people of Puerto Rican descent. The mural also gives a nod to the world famous Puerto Rican singer Hector LaVoe and, perhaps surprisingly, the Irish population of the area. To the right of the mural there is a portrait of John F Kennedy with the colors of the flag of Ireland. It really shouldn’t be a surprise, though. For over 70 years, they have held one of the most popular Irish Pride parades and Grand Colleen events in Massachusetts.

You can find out more about the mural and artist here.

284 Maple Street North Wall

No, this isn’t a mural of Abraham Lincoln, although the similarity may be uncanny. German artist, Case Maclaim painted this mural in honor of a former Pioneer Valley resident and well known abolitionist John Brown.

You can find out more about the mural here

284 Maple Street – South Wall

This mural by Alexis Diaz is a tribute to Boricuas and Latinos outside their homeland. Boricuas is a spirit, flavor, and rhythm that you’ll feel in every part of Puerto Rico. It is meant to honor all of those who left their homeland of Puerto Rico to seek a better future. According to the 2010 census, Holyoke, Massachusetts had the largest Puerto Rican population per capita of any city in the United States outside of Puerto Rico. So, Puerto Rico plays a central role in much of the art in of the city. There is more information about this mural and artist here.

100 Appleton St

The Amazing Ske painted this mural to emphasize the importance of preserving the marine environment and the harmony generated among the different beings that inhabit it. The sharks, depicted with armor ,are portrayed as protectors of the ocean and their ability to maintain balance within it is reflected in the mural. The mural also reflects the message that all species are important and the need to work together to preserve the environment. Click here to find out more about the artist and mural.

South Shore YMCA

171 Pine St

Repoe9 created this work of art to display the spirit of hope and resilience. The colors of the hands, reaching for the sky, are meant to express the hope of optimism and an uplifting energy. There is more information about the mural and artist here.

Lawler Insurance Agency

1 Main St

There was no information available for this mural.

Battleship Block

648 S. Summer St

and

660 S. Bridge St

Built in 1910, this housing complex and compound was built by German immigrant workers and sold to French-Canadian developers. The housing development was largely comprised of Yiddish-speaking Russians, Greeks, German-speaking Poles, and Germans, as well as native-born and French Canadian residents. Nearly all of the occupants were employees of paper, woolen, or thread mills. These murals were created by BKFoxx and CP1. Follow the link for more information and photos of the mural here.

University Products

517 Main St

While originally disappointed to have to take a photo of this mural behind a fence, I later thought the chain link fence gave the mural an added artistic value and perhaps even an unintended social commentary.

Created by GoFive and TakeOne, this mural, “Yo Soy…” or “I am…” is a mesage meant to extend out into this community, and all who see it, is a form of self affirmation. Yo Soy! I am anything and everything. The following poem was posted on the website for the mural:

I am a powerful force. 

I am light. 

I am beauty, undefined.  

I am capable. 

I am resilient.

I am, You are, We are

ENOUGH!

You can find out more about the mural and artist here.

Baustein Building

523 Main St

This vibrant tapestry of this mural by the artist Golden celebrates the rich history and enduring legacy of the American Thread Company which was a central part of Holyoke, Massachusetts. Each part of the mural represents artistic expression and the spirit that flourished within those walls. You can find out more about the mural, the artist and the the history of this building here.

Yellow Brick Management

346 Race St

This mural created on the the former Boy’s Club of Holyoke by Gleo and aptly titled “Child Flower” is meant to celebrate the youthful energy of the building’s history. Click here to find out more about the mural and the artist.

Battleship Block

648 S. Summer St – East Wall

This mural “The Master of Masks” by Don Raúl Ayala Carrasquillo, Loizeño, who learned his craft from his father Don Castor Ayala, is meant to show the very same masks he learned to make from his dad. Don Raul added more color and additional horns to his masks and has passed down this art to his own children to preserve the tradition.

These murals are only a few of the works of art in the Beyond Walls mural project. Many of these murals either had been painted over older ones or were new additions to the El Corazon/The Heart Of Holyoke Mural Project that I posted about in 2022. If you do want to see these murals, and I highly suggest you do, do try to get there before they may be painted over again in the future!

18 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , | posted in art, Beyond Walls, Holyoke, Massachusetts, murals, New England, photographs, photography, photos, travel, Uncategorized

February 3, 2024

A Dream Called Home (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: August 19, 2023

Location: The Point, 30 Peabody St, Salem, MA

Cost: Free

Hours: The murals are accessible 24 hours a day

Parking: There is metered parking and several parking garages in the Salem area. See the link below for more information about parking in Salem, MA

Parking In Salem.

Dog Friendly: Yes

Summary: A group of artists have created a variety of murals depicting their dreams of home.

Website: A Dream Called Home

Home can mean different things to different people, especially to people who may have immigrated to this country. The A Dream Called Home mural exhibit in Salem’s The Point district gives a voice to those who are striving to have a stable home. The murals were inspired by the award winning memoir by Mexican-American Reyna Grande. Reyna’s book is about daring to dream about having a stable home. The Punto Art Museum, who sponsored these 20 murals, provides a platform for creative individuals to share stories that reflect the culture of its residents.

It’s interesting to see what each artist drew to symbolize their dream home or what would make for a happy home life. From Teenage Migrant Dominicans to people cooking and picking fruits and vegetables, there are many different ways of expressing your home or path to a happy home.

I took these photos while I waited for the Salem Merry Time Festival to begin. It was a good precursor to the maritime event.

I took these photos with my Canon 5D Mark IV camera with 50 mm lens. I’ve been trying to use prime lenses more often when I take photos of murals, art and other things that don’t move. Generally, prime lenses produce sharper images than zoom lenses because they don’t have extra glass or mechanics inside that moves in order to zoom. This results in better quality photographs due to less diffraction, which increases with higher number of lens elements inside a lens as in the case of zoom lenses. Plus they can be more fun to use and more lightweight. But, the highest quality photo is always paramount. And that is what prime lenses can help deliver.

Some of the murals may have the names of the artists on the mural. However, I could not find more information about these murals.

The murals on this street do change periodically. So, I’m confident there will be new murals with a new theme later this year.

14 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , | posted in art, diversity, Massachusetts, murals, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, salem,\

January 27, 2024

Christmas In Salem Part 10 – The Andrew-Safford House (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: December 2, 2023 (event is held annually the first weekend of Dec)

Location: 13 Washington Square West, Salem, MA

Cost: Tickets for Christmas in Salem are available online at www.historicsalem.org at a cost of $40 for non-Historic Salem, Inc. members and $35 for HSI members.  Tickets purchased the day of the tour are $45.  Tour tickets including the Friday night candle-lit preview are $120 for non-HSI members and $100 for members of Historic Salem, Inc.  Christmas in Salem proceeds support the preservation mission of Historic Salem, Inc. 

Hours: Sat & Sun 10-4

Parking: there are several parking lots and metered street parking throughout the city.

Website: Christmas In Salem

Summary: The Christmas In Salem event consists of a tour of historic homes and buildings in Salem, MA. Each year, home owners and building management open their doors to visitors to get a glimpse into what these historic homes look like and what stories they may have.

Well, we made it ot the 10th and final house in the Christmas In Salem tour. This house was decorated a little different than the other houses on the tour as you will see later in this post. But, the house does have a rich history, just like the other homes in this tour.

The Andrew Safford House was commissioned in 1818 by John Andrew. Andrew made his fortune trading with Russia. He was also a partner with Samuel Archer in the merchant firm Archer and Andrew. For many years it was unclear who designed the house until The Peabody Essex Museum (who we will discuss later in thsi post) confirmed it was designed by Joseph True. True was a master carver and protege of famed Salem architect Samuel McIntire. The home features 4 large pine columns on the southern side of the house. The front parlor has a marble mantlepiece, a plaster -work ceiling and woodwork by Joseph True. One of the most prominent features of the house is the early nineteenth-century French wallpaper which depicts scenes of Cupid and Pysche (I had to Google that too).

After Andrew died in 1829, the house was divided between his widow Catherine and his son John Forrester Andrew. After John Forrester Andrew died in 1845 his widow, Louisa, owned the house until 1860. Over the next decade, the house was owned first by Edmund Smith, treasurer of the Naumkeag Steam Cotton Company, and a merchant named Frederic M. Creamer. In 1871 the house was purchased by James O. Safford, a leather manufacturer. The house then passed through several generations of the Safford family before being acquired by the Essex Institute in 1947. The Andrew-Safford House is still maintained by its current organization, the Peabody Essex Museum.

The Andrew-Safford House showcased both Christmas and Moby Dick decor. While that may seem like an unusual combination, it makes perfect sense.

Since the Peabody Essex Museum maintains the house, they decided to include elements of their upcoming exhibit Draw Me Ishmael: The Book Arts of Moby Dick which will feature artistic depictions of the novel. According to the museum, Moby Dick is the most continuously, frequently and diversely depicted American work of literature. So, take that 50 Shades of Grey.

This was by far the most uniquely decorated home on the tour. The decor didn’t just include whale decorations (although there were some). There were also a penguin, jellyfish and whatever that pink thing is.

However, the main decor of the house was still Christmas and, of course, whale decor.

If you look closely at the Christmas trees (I know you must be thinking “my eyes” when you look at that blue tree) but you may see some marine life in the decorations such as sea horses and whales.

Another thing that I’ve mentioned in previous posts is how much I love the design, architecture and lighting fixtures of these historic homes.

The Call Me Ishmael exhibit will be on display at the Peabody Essex Museum from June 1, 2024 to January 4, 2026. You can find out more about the exhibit here

Thank you all for checking out my posts from this tour! I learned a lot about both these homes and how to photograph these beautiful homes in low light environments which can be challenging. I hope you join me later this year when I photograph this event again! And, of course, follow me here throughout the year on my many travels!

Don’t forget to check out my Facebook page for more content

You can follow me on Instagram at new.england.nomad_

And view my videos on YouTube

13 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , | posted in Christmas In Salem, Massachusetts, New England, Peabody Essex Museum, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, travel

January 22, 2024

Christmas in Salem Part 9 – The Daniels House (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: December 2, 2023 (event is held annually the first weekend of Dec)

Location: 1 Daniels St, Salem, MA

Cost: Tickets for Christmas in Salem are available online at www.historicsalem.org at a cost of $40 for non-Historic Salem, Inc. members and $35 for HSI members.  Tickets purchased the day of the tour are $45.  Tour tickets including the Friday night candle-lit preview are $120 for non-HSI members and $100 for members of Historic Salem, Inc.  Christmas in Salem proceeds support the preservation mission of Historic Salem, Inc. 

Hours: Sat & Sun 10-4

Parking: there are several parking lots and metered street parking throughout the city.

Website: Christmas In Salem

Summary: The Christmas In Salem event consists of a tour of historic homes and buildings in Salem, MA. Each year, home owners and building management open their doors to visitors to get a glimpse into what these historic homes look like and what stories they may have.

The ninth house, and really the *last* historic home on the tour (more on this later) is the Daniels House.

One of the oldest homes in Salem, MA, the Daniels House was constructed by Stephen Daniels I or Stephen Daniels II between 1667 and 1693. The home was occupied by mariners and shipbuilders until the mid 1800s. In the mid 1700s Stephen Daniel’s daughter Mary married into the Silsbee family and lived in the house until 1803. Mary’s son, Samuel Silsbee (who was a carpenter), remodeled and enlarged the house around the time of his marriage to Martha Prince in 1756

Silsbee’s heirs divided the house into two properties listed as numbers 1 and 3 Daniels Street in the mid 1800s. When Samuel’s daughters died in the 1860s, the properties were sold to other families. For about a century after the sale, the house went through what Samuel Chamberlain, a photographer who spent some of his life in Massachusetts, said was a period of “many vicissitudes. The house was subdivided into a double house of at least 4 apartments, served as a day nursery and boarding house. There was an ever rotating group of laborers, widows, railroad and shoe workers living in the house for the better part of 50 years. The house then went into foreclosure after the Great Depression and was vacant for almost 20 years. Eventually, the house was owned by Theodore Perry and Winifred Halter. They operated a historic tea room in the first floor. In 1962, the Halters sold the house to Thomas and Catherine Gill. Catherine “Kay” Gill operated the house first as a bed and breakfast and then an inn for 55 years until her death in 2018.

The house is a three story clapboard and wood frame home. It has a closed in front entrance that is covered by a half hipped roof. Over the years, the home has gone through a constant growth and changing architectural styles.

From the decorated Christmas tree to the tasteful decorations of the fruit bowls (no pun intended), the Daniels House was an especially fun home to photograph.

There was also an assortment of dolls, figurines and other holiday decor throughout the home.

This home had not one but two cozy fireplaces. I really wanted to sit by the fireplace and take in the warmth and history of this home.

As much as I wanted to stay there for a longer visit, I had to hurry off to the next and last home on the tour. Luckily, they did allow people to visit slightly after 4 pm which was the time the tours were supposed to end. In fact, I was one of the last people admitted to the last home on the tour. The tour lasts 2 days (Saturday and Sunday). But, I had plans for the following day. So, it all worked out! But, as I mentioned earlier, the last house on the tour was very…different. Hopefully, you’ll be able to see for yourself in the 10th and final installment of this series of posts!

11 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , | posted in Christmas, Christmas In Salem, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem

January 21, 2024

Christmas In Salem Part 8 – The John Ives House (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: December 2, 2023 (event is held annually the first weekend of Dec)

Location: 1 Forrester St, Salem, MA

Cost: Tickets for Christmas in Salem are available online at www.historicsalem.org at a cost of $40 for non-Historic Salem, Inc. members and $35 for HSI members.  Tickets purchased the day of the tour are $45.  Tour tickets including the Friday night candle-lit preview are $120 for non-HSI members and $100 for members of Historic Salem, Inc.  Christmas in Salem proceeds support the preservation mission of Historic Salem, Inc. 

Hours: Sat & Sun 10-4

Parking: there are several parking lots and metered street parking throughout the city.

Website: Christmas In Salem

Summary: The Christmas In Salem event consists of a tour of historic homes and buildings in Salem, MA. Each year, home owners and building management open their doors to visitors to get a glimpse into what these historic homes look like and what stories they may have.

The eighth house (yes we made it to house number 8) on the Christmas in Salem tour is the the John Ives house. Before I even entered the home, I was struck by the old fashioned style (it is a clapboard style capped by a low hip roof in the “Pre-Federal” style). The John Ives house was constructed circa 1760. A brick walkway leads to a pedimented portico and is flanked by cabled, fluted pilasters. A 3 story-wing is stepped back slightly from the main house on the east side. A barberry hedge runs along the west and south sidewalks.

A tanner by trade, John Ives built the house somewhere between 1750 and 1760. A tan yard was established by the Ives family on land between their house and Collins Cove. Originally, Forrester St began as an access route through the Ives property. Forrester Street would become the official designation after 1860.

Apparently, Ives didn’t want to live there very long, though. By 1764, Ives had sold the “mansion house” and additional land to Captain Samuel Webb who occupied the house with his family until his death in 1808. The house would remain in the Webb family until 1879 when the house was purchased by Stephen Whipple, the owner of a gum copal works (gum copal is a resin used in making varnishes). The home remained in the Whipple family until the 1930s and was often referred to as the “Whipple House.” This is one thing that amazes me. Despite being hundreds of years old, many of these homes only have a few owners.

Not all of the homes on the tour allowed access to all of the floors. This was the case with the John Ives home. However there was plenty to see on just the one floor of this home,

In the kitchen area by the entrance, there were dried up flowers hanging from the ceiling.

These are flowers the wife and husband have bought for each other. They are hung as tokens of their love for each other.

As you may notice from each house on the tour, some homes are decorated more than others (just wait for the last house on the tour). And, even though the more decor can make for better photos, I personally like the less decorated homes. It can feel overwhelming when there are too many decorations. But, that’s just me.

There were cute little figurines and dolls places on the shelves and window sills as well as a beautiful wreath.

This home had some cool and perhaps familiar looking models of some famous Salem homes and attractions. In the first photo (from left to right) is The House of the Seven Gables, not sure what the yellow house is). In the second photo from left to right is the Ropes Mansion, Salem Town Hall (both featured in the movie Hocus Pocus), the bandstand at Salem Commons and the Hawthorne Hotel.

This light fixture located in the dining area caught my attention. Even though it was an electric light fixture, one could easily see a candle in place of that light bulb.

Something I noticed during these tours is that each house really is different. As likely as it may seem that each house would be decorated similarly or the same (unintentionally or otherwise), each house really does have a different feel. Please join me on this tour for the 9th house on the tour!

6 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , | posted in Christmas In Salem, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, travel