Summary: On Essex St in Salem, MA, there is a hidden gem; a special, hidden gnome village on Essex St.
If you’re not looking for it you could easily miss a special village in Salem, MA. But, this place is not any city, town or hamlet in the city. In fact, sometimes it doesn’t even stay in one area!
While the village does indeed stay in one area, figurines, homes and other parts of the village are moved from time to time. Or, maybe they move on their own!
The villagers like to relax with their instruments.
But, it’s not all fun and relaxation at the village. Keeping up the village takes a lot of work. So, the gnomes are hard at work watering plants and flowers and doing other upkeep!
Although I’m not exactly sure, I think these gnomes began appearing a few years ago when the city had a gnome or fairy trail. Small displays were placed in various locations around the city and people were encouraged to find them all. It appears this village has lived on from that earlier display.
Sometimes, the gnomes get up to some questionable behaviors! But, we all like to cut loose sometimes.
The gnomes have a simple, happy life except for one luxury. They do like their castles and specialty homes! These may look like simple, small dwellings. But, with the price of rent these days, I’m sure they are not so cheap!
I am not sure how long the gnomes will remain in their present location. So, you may want to see them before they go south for the winter!
Parking: There is both metered parking and parking garages and lots in the area.
Summary: 17 new works of art adorn the walls on Peabody St in the “punto” area of Salem, MA
Salem, MA, is a diverse community . And the “El Punto” (“The Point”) neighborhood is proof of this diversity. Comprised largely of Latinx and other new immigrants, El Punto is the sight of many art projects by the Punto Urban Art Museum (PUAM), a program of North Shore Community Development Coalition.
The Roots/Raices mural art project is meant to reflect on the layered histories of place and people. The aim of the project is to honor both the original inhabitants and the newer generations who have made Salem home.
The project, which is presented in partnership with Salem 400+, Salem Maritime National Historic Site, and the Peabody Essex Museum, unites arts, history, and community to honor Salem’s past while envisioning its future. Selected artists received a $1,000 stipend to create 8-by-8-foot mural works that will become part of PUAM’s semi-permanent outdoor collection. Artists were asked to share their stories and to seek out and bring together their different experiences and beliefs.
These murals are usually painted every year or few years. In fact, I photographed the last group of murals there which were part of a project called A Dream Called Home. The works of art do not have titles. But, most of the artists left their Instagram or other contact info in the artwork.
From the Old Salem Depot, the old Salem train that used to run through the center of the city, to the famous lighthouse (Fort Pickering Light) and the trolley which takes its passengers past all of the historical sites in Salem, some of the works of art pay tribute to parts of Salem and its history.
Location: Salem Commons, N, Washington Square, Salem, MA (about 40 mins northeast of Boston)
Cost: Free
Dog Friendly: Yes
Summary: People enjoyed dancing, music, lawn games, classic cars and a vintage marketplace at Salem Commons earlier this month.
The annual Salem Lawn Party was the tops! People celebrated in their best vintage clothing and dusted off their dancing shoes! In fact, if you didn’t know any better, you might think it was the 1920s. But, the biggest attraction wasn’t the dancing nor was it the other activities such as the lawn games. No, one other thing took center stage.
The cars are always a popular attraction at the event! People love to walk around the cars, sometimes even being able to sit in them. So, it took me a long while to be able to take this photo without people being in the way.
What would a vintage lawn party be without some swinging music? Annie and the Fur Trappers provided the musical entertainment and kept the party going.
People were dressed to the nines in their finest vintage wear.
One of the more nattily dressed people at the party was Moustache Mike. Mike’s suit was slightly different than most suits, though. People could write on his suit. In fact, he encouraged it!
In addition to all of the positive and fun messages on his suit, there was some signatures from some very popular with ties to Salem. The famous Addams Family of Salem signed his suit!
Of course, there was also dancing! As someone with two left feet, I’m always impressed with their agility, grace and talent.
Even dogs like to dance!
There were also lawn games such as Cornhole, bocce and outdoor bowling!
The vintage market sold items that were popular during the olden days!
The party isn’t just for humans. Dogs like Penelope, a 5 year old pit mix, had fun at the party!
Cats also liked the event! Sal, a 2 and a half year old Maine Coon cat, had a fun time, while still keeping an eye out for the dogs!
While this year’s party is over, there’s plenty of time to work on your dance moves for next year’s party!
Location: Palmer Cove Park, 38 Leavitt St, Salem, MA (about 40 minutes northeast of Boston, MA)
Cost: Free
Universally Accessible: Yes
Dog Friendly: Yes
Parking: There is a small parking lot at the park for about 7 cars. There is also local on street parking and several parking lots and garages in the area.
Summary: 7 “faceless dolls” (Muñeca Sin Rostro) have been installed at Palmer Cove Park and Pioneer Terrace, Salem, MA. And, a special path has been installed to view the statues and reflect.
The Punto Urban Art Museum (PUAM) have found a way to mix art with an education. The seven 12 foot fiberglass statues were painted by a group of artists who used the statues for expression and storytelling.
The ceramic Muñeca Sin Rostro (“faceless dolls”) were originally created by Liliana Mera Lime in 1981. Liliana, a pottery worker in the town of Moca, a province in the Dominican Republic, wanted to depict a small figure of a woman. However, she lacked the tools and molds to make a small ceramic figure. This would prove to be a blessing in disguise. The doll was handcrafted by hand on a potter’s wheel with elements like ruffles, baskets and hats and one distinct feature, or lack of a feature. The dolls all had a head with no facial features. These full-sized dolls, which were originally smaller figurines, have been replicated with each artist’s interpretation and messages.
There are 7 statues at Palmer Cove Park. I did have a hard time finding the 7th one on my list. In fact, I had to make 2 visits to find them all. So, don’t forget to go to the area by the public garden to find them all!
Another special part of the park is a walkway that was installed earlier this year as a memorial to those lost from Covid-19.
Salem
The first Muñeca Sin Rostro is fittingly called “Salem.” Created by painter and sculptor Ramon Santiago, a native of the city of Moca, Espaillat province in the Dominican Republic, “Salem” is a representation of the city bearing the statue’s name. Ramon said his work of art is dedicated to the hardworking people of Salem. Examples of the hardworking people of Salem can be found not only in elements of people working at a job, in their yards and, most importantly, with their families. The various bold colors are meant to represent how diverse and vibrant the city is.
Los Ninos Y El Carnaval
“Los Ninos La Carnaval” represents children and their participation in the Dominican Republic’s carnival. The statue, made by Luis Rivera, a native of San Cristobal, displays the most representative costumes from different regions of the country: the Lechones of Santiago, the Ecol Devils of San Cristóbal, the Devils of La Vega, the Plátanus of Cotuí, and the Taimácaros of Puerto Plata, among others. The flowers represent the joy of the Dominican people. The flowers symbolize the diversity and racial mix that define us as a nation which is a fusion of Indigenous, African, and Spanish heritage. A graduate of the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo and the Escuela de Diseño de Altos de Chavón, Luis has developed a versatile artistic style that spans sculpture, stained glass, jewelry, and carnival costumes. Luis is the co-creator of Urbelconica, a project that has helped reimagine the traditional Muñeca sin Rostro, beloved Dominican symbol of resilience and shared heritage, into large-scale public sculptures brought to life through the talent of many Dominican artists.
Oswald’s Ocean
“Oswald’s Ocean” was created, or at least conceived, by a 4 year old; Oswald. The artist, Yixuan Zeng, was captivated while reading Oswald’s design for the doll. Yixuan said the faceless doll designs reminded him of Chinese porcelain figures. Yixuan was inspired by Oswald’s passion for the color blue and sea life. He enjoyed making the sea creatures Oswald had described and envisioned the dress as being a dynamic sea scene beneath the waves.
Oswald said he is 4 years old and loves the color blue and sea life. Oswald did contribute beyond designing it. He added blue glitter to the hat.
MariposaCibaeña
Angela Gonzalez, a Dominican artist, wanted to highlight Las Hermanas Mirabal (more commonly known as the “Butterfly Sisters”), the sisters who fought for women’s rights. They were the only women who stood up to the last Dominican dictator. Angela chose to feature the Dominican flag as the main background design. She also added the national plants and, of course, a butterfly.
Angela said her doll represents the flavors, music and nature of the Dominican Republic, The bottom of the dress is made from plantain leaves which were used to make pasteles en hojas, a leaf-wrapped plantain pocket. You may have to look closely, particularly at the bottom of the statue, to see other objects that represent the Dominican Republic such as tropical plants such as coconut, bananas, sugar cane and eggplant. Musical instruments and other foods are also included.
Harmony
The artist for this statue, Vicky Ortega, said her doll was meant to serve as a celebration of those who represent the multiple cultures and as an homage to the strength of our multicultural community. The statue illustrates her own cultural blend by combining traditional Mexican dress embroidery with features of the American flag. Vicky wanted to express the strength of a new identity that draws from multiple traditions.
As a Mexican-American, Vicky often felt she didn’t belong in either culture. However, over time she learned to embrace both her heritage and nationality which helped shape who she is.
Lift Each Other Up
Created by Sheila Farren Billings, My Muñeca, “Lift Each Other Up”, is meant to express how language can either divide us or bring us together. Sheila says it is up to us to use language wisely and well. Sheila included quotes from remarks that neighbors made at a meeting about the project, with translations of course.
La Reyna De La Cosecha
The artists for this statue (Rigo Peralta and Melanio Guzman), said this sculpture honors the deep roots of agricultural labor as well as the cultural legacy of muñecas de tusa, traditional Honduran corn husk dolls. They said the corn husk dolls, which Melanio’s grandmother used to make and sell at Honduras flower festivals, is a reminder of the hard worker of the field laborers. It was fittingly located by the community garden.
Along the newly paved walkway, there is a memorial remembering the 140 Salem residents who lost their lives from Covid-19. The walkway is meant to give people a space to wander, reflect and enjoy the statues and park. It also gives people an easier and more accessible way to enjoy the park. It’s hard to imagine the park was just all grass without paths to allow people an easier access to move around. Benches give visitors a chance to sit and reflect while they enjoy the scenic views of Palmer Bay Cove.
Location: Salem, MA (about 30 mins northeast of Boston, MA)
Summary: Artists from the Salem, MA, area showed off their talents at the 2025 Salem Arts Festival.
Welcome to part 2 of my blog post about the Salem Arts Festival!
One of the more interesting parts of the Salem Arts Fair was the art from local artists that were on display in the Old Town Hall. Yes, that town hall. The Old Town Hall in Salem, MA, is the very same building that was used in the filming of Hocus Pocus.
Yes, this very same building was the home to the works of dozens of artists in the Salem, MA area.
Everything from paintings and sculptures to photographs were on display during the festival. These are some of my favorites from the event!
After viewing the art in the Town Hall, I was surprised to see a group of acrobats setting up on the lawn of the visitor’s center! The acrobats entertained the crowd with gravity defying tricks!
During a break in the action, one of the performers picked a spectator from the crowd to challenge him to a contest. Although it was pretty obvious her “random choice” was not very random at all, it was still fun to watch, especially when she acted like she thought everyone was clapping for her and not him! It was very cute and entertaining! In fact, watching the spectators’ reactions were just as fun to watch as the young juggler was to watch.
What a way to end the festival! The Salem Arts Festival definitely didn’t disappoint, although I do wish the weather was nicer, particularly since it was in June! But, that’s New England for you!
Summary: Artists from all over the Salem (MA) area showed off their artistic abilities at the 17th annual Salem Arts Festival.
As summer is winding down, sadly, it’s true, I thought it was the perfect time to post photos from the annual Salem Arts Festival in June of this year! Ok, I should have posted them earlier. But, it’s been a busy summer! And I plan to show off more photos from my busy summer soon!
The 17th annual arts festival featured art and artists from all over the Salem, MA, area.
The theme for this year’s festival was Hissstory. As the sign below states, the hissstory project repurposed banners from previous events in the city. These repurposed parts were used to form a very long snake! Citizens of Salem were encouraged to create their segments of the snake which was displayed on Front St; the staging area for the performers. Recycling, or repurposing, at its finest.
The festival ran from June 6th to 8th. But, because of the rainy weather, I only attended on the 8th of June.
Since there was so much art and entertainment at the festival, I have decided to post this blog post in 2 parts. This post will include the popular “Mural Slam” as well as some of the dancers and musicians at the festival.
Without a doubt, the main event of the festival is the mural slam. Twelve artists painted uniquely creative works of art.
The murals weren’t finished until later in the day after I left. So, I stopped by the next weekend to photograph them when they were done. Plus it’s fun seeing how some of the murals evolved. At least it’s fun for me. Maybe I need to get out more.
Paige Doyle-Elwell
Howie Green
Colomba Klenner
Jess “Pickles” Clark
Max Pro
Daphne Powers
Bruce Orr
Naijah Nine
Caoin O’Durgy
Sarah Egan
Jennifer Wackerle
Bobbie Smith
There were additional murals and other works of art that were not part of the mural slam. The elephant was made by Polyvios Christoforos for the 2018 Salem, MA, mural slam. Bonus points if you can name all of the 4 buildings in the painting with the homes.
But, the art wasn’t just the murals and in the old town hall. There were also musicians and dancers. Matt Savage Groove Experiment kicked off the festivities on the second day of the festival. Matt is the keyboard player and composer for the band.
One of the more interesting and creative parts of the festival were the dancers. There were tap dancers.
But, the most interesting dancers were the interpretative dancers.
I hope you join me in part 2 of my blog post from this event which I will post soon!
Location: 107 Boston St, Salem, MA (30 minutes northeast of Boston, MA, 1.5 hours southeast of Concord, MA)
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-6pm.
Parking: Free, unmetered parking is available across the street from the museum on Boston St. Do not park in the parking lot behind the museum as this is reserved residency parking.
Summary: The Salem Cat Museum in Salem, MA, has a variety of works of art and activities involving all things cat for people of all ages to enjoy!
Cats and witches have always been connected to each other. So, it makes perfect sense that a new cat museum would open just steps away from the heart of Witch city.
The main feature of the Salem Cat Museum, which opened in November, 2024, is a gallery of artwork, all cat related of course.
The art gallery changes periodically (new pieces will be installed Aug 7). But, not all of the works of art changed. Some works of art are part of their permanent collection.
The gallery includes everything from portraits of cats to some more lighthearted works of art and even some bizarre pieces. And, some of the works of art include familiar Salem landmarks such as the Salem Witch Museum in the background of one of the pieces.
“Cheers” by Diane Teeter (Queens, NY)
Acrylic on paper
“Frolic” by Lauren Barbieri (Newburyport, MA)
India ink on paper
“Brunnhilde II” by Stacie Dolin (Peabody, MA)
Linocut print
Cat Vase by an unknown artist
Porcelain ceramic
“Attack of the 50 Foot Kitty” by Kameko Branchaud “Fu’una” (Providence, RI)
Acrylic on canvas
“Cat With Butterfly” by Jacqueline Sokol (Beverly, MA)
Acrylic on Canvas
“The Monarch Guides” by Diane Teeter (Queens, NY)
Acrylic on wood
“Ghost Kitty” by Kameko Branchaud “Fu’una” (Providence, RI)
Acrylic on canvas
“Dumpling!” by Emily Kwong (Beverly, MA)
Acrylic on canvas
“Salem’s Black Cat: My New Toy” by Wendy Snow Land (Salem, MA)
Acrylic on canvas board
This work of art did not have a sign with any information.
“Candy Cat Girlfriend” by Jane Tardo (New Orleans, LA)
Collage quilt
“Cat Temple” by Matthew Crumpton (Los Angeles, CA)
Arcylic on birch panel
“The Halloween King” by Wendy Snow Land (Salem, MA)
Colored pencil on paper
“Little Devil” by Wendy Snow Lang (Salem, MA)
Colored pencil on paper
“Rainbow Cats” by Elise Towle Snow (Salem, MA)
“Meows” by Michelle Dumas (Salem, MA)
Sequin art on upcycled image
“Secret Keepers (Lynx)” by Andrea Guzzetta (los Angeles, CA)
Oil on panel
“Surf Cats” by Zuly Palomino (Providence, RI)
Mixed media retablo collage
“Cat With Flowers” by Feliz Camille Tu (Brooklyn, NY)
Risograph print on paper
Rainbow Cats by J Morrison (Brooklyn, NY)
Screenprint on paper
“Ella” by Kameko Branchaud “Fu’una” (Providence, RI)
Acrylic on canvas
“Cat Cross” by J. Morrison (Brooklyn, NY)
Screenprint on paper
“Sunbeams” by Laura Casazza (Southbury, CT)
Print on paper
The museum also showcased some ceramics, trinkets (particularly Hello Kitty! merchandise) and other cat-related decor throughout the museum!
Located next to some of the art was a cat doll with some treats in it! Visitors were encouraged to take one home for their kitty. I know from personal experiences, cats do like to chase the springs and (sometimes) return them for you to throw over and over! I haven’t tried the corks before though.
And there are many more amazing works of art in the gallery part of the museum!
The museum has a reading area with comfy chairs to sit and peruse the books in the library.
There is also a mirror for visitors to write their names, the names of their cats or messages on. Drawings of cats, “hiss” and “meow meow” are just some of the things written on the mirror when I visited.
The museum also includes an activity area for visitors of all ages to make cat faces!
This is one of the “must see” Salem attractions off the beaten path to see while still avoiding the throngs of Halloween revelers which are sure to overwhelm Salem in the upcoming weeks, especially since Halloween season seems to be starting earlier and earlier each year there (more on this in a later post).
The Nancy Courtis house (the house on the right side of the duplex in this photo) was built for Nancy around 1846. The double house was built in the Greek Revival style. Nancy purchased the property on May 26, 1843 and later had the house built there.
In 1850, the property was worth $5,000 in todays dollars. Nancy had a brother, William Courtis, and a sister Hannah Courtis. She never married and no occupation was ever listed for her. Nancy died in 1875. Since she did not have children to leave her property to, he property was left to her nephew, Ambrose Saunders.
As I entered the Nancy Courtis House, I noticed this mistletoe. The tour guide told us 16 couples had already smooched under it! And that was only a few hours into the tour!
For some reason, this Christmas tree seemed more “full” than the other trees on the tour. The decorations. lights and ribbons gave some heft to the tree!
But, one tree was not enough for these folks. This “bird tree” has a variety of different birds in it. You may have to enlarge the photo to see them.
There were also wreaths and other Christmas decor in the home.
On the way out of the home, the tour guide explained how the paint used for the doorway was not a random choice or a fancy passing. The owners of the home, transplants from Louisiana, brought over their superstitions and beliefs with themselves. One of those beliefs is to paint your doorways, particularly the doorway to your porch, in Haint blue. The superstition holds that evil spirits won’t cross water and the blue color represents the barrier to these spirits. It seemed very appropriate for this superstition to be brought to a city known for its superstitions and beliefs in the paranormal.
I know. Christmas posts in April? But, I feel a certain feeling of nostalgia and cheer posting these photos and retelling these stories. I’m just glad I took copious notes during the tours! For those who may be sick of these posts, only one more home left on the tour!
As you may have noticed by the title, this home has a long history of not only being a business but also a lucrative business.
Two brothers, Jacob and Elijah Sanderson, both cabinetmakers, constructed a building on this site in 1793 to be used as a shop. Considered two of the most prominent cabinet makers, the brothers established a firm by the name of E & J Sanderson Co in 1799. The business was a cooperative business venture in which cabinet makers, carvers, gliders, turners, upholsterers and other craftsmen collaborated to produce furniture for local, regional and foreign export or wherever the cargo could be sold for profit. Renowned Salem carver Samuel McIntire supplied piecework to the firm. Following the deaths of two brothers, the property was acquired in 1814 by Joseph Edwards, housewright, who built the house that stands there today.
Joseph Edwards built the house in the Federal style with five bays and an enclosed entrance porch centered on the facade. Fluted pilasters mark the corners of the flat-roofed porch and partial sidelights flank the six panel door. Two pedimented dormers punctuate the roof slope. The house. oriented with the gable and toward the street, sits directly on the sidewalk. A three story angled wing extends behind the main block.
In the 1820s, the owner of the home, Thomas Cole, became proprietor of a school for girls in Salem, the Female School on Marlborough St (now Federal St). This school was said to elevate the learning standards for females to the same level of those that already applied to males.
Glyphs, cornicing, moldings and wainscoting are terms I were not aware of before I went on this tour. Yet, they were in abundance at the Edwards home.
In short, these terms are used to describe decorative designs, dots and other ornamental grooves and patterns. This is one of the great things about these tours. I always learn something new during each house tour.
I especially enjoyed the flowers (real or otherwise) and other colorful decor of the home.
Because of the size and dimensions of some of the rooms, many of the homes had their trees in a corner. I always liked having the tree in the middle of the room when I was a kid. That way, everyone could bump into it and knock it over. And, more importantly, there was more room to put presents under it.
People came to the tours dressed in their festive decor. These young ladies wore their favorite holiday headwear. Funny enough, I had photographed some of these very same people at last year’s tour! I hope to photograph you all again next year!
While the house tours may not officially be dog friendly, you may be able to carry your dog into the homes. Brooklynn, a 6 year old Morkie (Maltese Yorkie mix), had a fun time at the tour!
This clapboard house , built as an early Federal style building, has three bays and a center chimney. The gable end faces the street. The doorway entrance on the south side has Doric-style pilasters on either side supporting a flat entablature ( superstructure of moldings and bands which lies horizontally above columns, resting on their capitals). A rear addition that was added circa 1860 features a one story porch with a railing, along the southside, facing a patio.
Born in 1767, Nathaniel Land was a master silversmith as well as the son and nephew of master silversmiths in Salem, MA. The house was built for Lang in 1783. However, Lang’s and his wife Priscilla’s homestead is believed to be in North Salem. Additionally, it is believed Lang may have bought the home as an investment and never actually lived in the house.
Like the Micah Wild House which I posted about earlier, the Nathaniel Lang house had a side facing front. THis, as I mentioned in the previous post, was often done for tax purposes as the more narrow side of the home would be taxed. Since I only photographed the side of the home I am adding this photo from Zillow to give a better perspective of the home.
Even before you entered the Nathaniel Lang home, you could feel the Christmas spirit.
Inside, the home had a very cheery feel to it with this Christmas tree taking up the corner of the living room area.
There were also Christmas decorations placed throughout home.
This spoon which was used in the home was framed and hung on the wall as a reminder of the history of the home.
There were other reminders of the historic nature of the home.
This flooring is the original wood flooring.
And this wood, which they found during renovations, is also original to the house.
It’s incredible to think this home still has these original features. They just don’t make things like they used to!
This glass of this door was very colorful. I also liked how the portrait of their dog seemed as though it was looking out at everyone. Nice touch!
As I was leaving the home, I noticed one of the more charming aspects of the home. The back porch gave the home a very relaxing and almost country feel despite being located near the busy downtown area. One can imagine sitting on the bench or chairs with some friends and a beverage,
As you can see, this home had so much to offer! It was one of the more interesting homes on the tour thus far!
New England Nomad 