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.
Parking: There are several parking lots and metered street parking in the area
Summary: Dozens of bricks representing people, places and things related to Boston (and some of the surrounding areas such as Cambridge) are installed on the ground of the alley way on Winthrop St.
Watch where you’re stepping on Winthrop St in Boston, MA! You may be stepping on history.
The roughly 100 bricks scattered along Winthrop St (don’t worry, I won’t include them all), which were created by sculptors Kate Burke and Gregg LeFevre in 1985, depict something related to Boston. The alleyway is easy to miss. So, you do have to pay close attention. It is located between Otis and Arch Streets
One of the bricks, which were funded by the Edward Ingersoll Browne Fund, is something any Boston driver can relate to. In fact, I think he cut me off the other day.
Yes, Boston drivers can be animals at times. At least he’s using the “10 and 2” steering wheel method.
Like them or hate them, Boston is also known for its sports teams and sports in general. These bricks represent everything from the Boston Marathon (the longest active marathon in the United States) to the oldest Major League Baseball park in the states (Fenway Park) as well as some rowers and the most winning team (in terms of championships); the Boston Celtics.
This Boston Bruin logo was included in this brick which also contains logos of the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, or more commonly known as “the T” in Boston) as well as the logo for the New England Sea Aquarium in the left hand corner. “I can walk like a penguin.” If you got that reference your AARP card is in the mail.
Of course, Boston is a city of firsts. These bricks show off some of the firsts the city may or may not be known for. For instance, did you know the first wooden golf tee was invented in 1899 by Dr. George Franklin Grant in Boston, MA?
Another sports first is the claim to the use of the first baseball glove. Although it is debated (one historical reference states the first “buckskin” gloves, which were more like actual gloves, were worn as early as the 1860s). But, the first gloves that resemble what we use now are said to have been worn by first baseman Charles Waitt in Boston.
One more first represented by the bricks on Brick Alley is the first First Night which should really be called “First Morning” or “Last Night”. But I digress.
Boston held its first (and the country’s first) First Night December 31, 1976. I guess people just went to bed at a reasonable hour before then.
Another first in Boston is the first resident. After all, it had to be someone. And that someone was Rev. William Blaxton (also spelled Blackstone). He moved to what would later to Shawmut Peninsula which would later become known as Boston in 1625.
Since it is an area so rich in history, there were also several bricks dedicated to the history of the city.
This brick could signify a few different battles or clashes in Boston or were part of the “Boston Campaign” of the American Revolutionary War. But, I am assuming this brick pays tribute to the “shot heard around the world” and the subsequent Battle of Lexington and Concord just outside of Boston. I’m not saying who shot first, though.
The first public park is indeed in Boston. Boston Common was established in 1634 by the Puritans to serve as meeting place for public, military and recreational purposes. A lot of effort and care were used to show all of the paths in the park.
These swan boats which are in use every summer in the public garden adjacent to the Boston Commons,. They have been in operation in one form or another since 1877 when Robert Paget, a ship builder in Boston started making them.
Another first is the Boston subway system. The subway system in Boston is the first in this country (the first subway stops were Boylston and Park Street). The first trains began operating in 1898 and I think they’re still in use today. At least it feels that way,
The Boston Latin School, which was founded in Boston in 1635, is the first public school in the country. It has been in continuous operation since it formed on April 23, 1635. And, no, I wasn’t in attendance. I’m not that old.
While the sewing machine is in its earliest forms was not invented in Boston, the inventor of the first practical and commonly used sewing machine was a mechanic from Boston named Elias Howe. Elias invented the first modern lockstitch sewing machine in 1845. The underlying lockstitch design Elias invented became the foundation for most modern day sewing machines and is still used to this day in most sewing machines.
Boston is also known for its many arts and entertainment. These bricks include the POPS (the Boston Pops). Although they’re most famously known for their performances during the 4th of July celebrations on the Charles River Esplanade, they perform on many other occasions at many other venues.
This brick is a tribute to the ballet dancers that perform at the many events throughout the year. But, I will always get Nutcracker vibes when I see them.
The opera is also a staple of the art which is plentiful in the area.
This brass instrument is commonly used in the Boston Pops concerts and at other concerts throughout the city.
The Franklin Park Zoo in Boston, MA, is one of the oldest continuously running zoos. But, not the oldest in the country. The 72 acre zoo opened on October 4, 1912.
Boston is proud of its history and accomplishments. One of those accomplishments championed by President Kennedy, from Boston, was sending astronauts to the moon by the end of the decade, although he was not alive to see it to fruition. This brick shows both the moon and the approximate distance to the moon.
This brick shows some of the most famous people from Boston in their final resting places.
Speaking of final resting places, many of these newspapers no longer exist. A few, like the Boston Herald, the Boston Globe and Christian Science Monitor are still in operation, though.
This historical event was a real mess. The Molasses Flood of 1919 was just that; a flood of molasses. On January 15, 1919, a 58 foot tall and 98 foot diameter molasses storage tank in Boston’s North End burst, releasing 2.3 millions of molasses into the streets. The dark brown syrup is said to have reached speeds of 35 miles per hour and left a 10 foot deep, 100 yard tidal wave that destroyed everything in its path. Twenty one people were killed and 150 more people were injured. Wen the air is just so and the breeze is just right, it’s said you can still smell the thick scent of molasses.
These bricks are representative of the protests and how we have worked to make the world a little bit better.
I never liked tea anyway.
“Yes”. “No.” I wish they’d make up their minds.
The Underground Railroad did include parts of Boston, specifically the north slope of Beacon Hill and other areas in Boston.
The Stamp Act was another political issue that was hotly debated and protested. If only things were still so simple today.
We have a lot of famous landmarks and buildings. A few of them were represented in the alley.
As it is stated clearly on it, this brick is a depiction of the State House in Boston, MA. Yes, the dome is really covered in real gold leaf. And you wonder why we’re so grumpy.
This brick is an artful design of the Old North Church in Boston, MA
The Custom House Tower, also located in Boston, MA, is also on one of the bricks.
Some of the bricks would need a little explaining. So, what’s a “Smoot”!?
A “smoot” is a non-standard unit of measurement (defined as 5 ft 7 inches). This measurement perfectly fits Oliver Smoot, an MIT fraternity pledge from 1958. The fraternity members used poor Oliver to measure the Harvard Bridge in Cambridge, MA (it measured 364.4 smoots long). The fraternity brothers measured him, made him lie on the bridge, marked his full body length and continued the process until they had covered the entire length of the bridge. And I thought I had a lot of free time. The “smoot” has remained a tradition at MIT and a well known landmark (by locals at least). And each year the fraternity repaints the yellow markings.
Another brick that may need some explaining is this brick that has “George or Paul?” No, not those George and Paul. There are two statues in Boston of two pretty famous people. One statue with George Washington on a horse is in the Boston Public Garden. The other statue is of Paul Revere, undoubtedly on his ride to warn us all about the British, is located in Paul Revere Mall in Boston’s North End.
This may seem like a pretty straightforward design on the brick below. It is the Longfellow Bridge which spans the Charles River and connects Boston’s Beacon Hill to the Kendall Square area of Cambridge, MA (or vice versa). The bridge has an interesting history and background. The S and the P are meant to represent “salt” and “pepper” as it is also known as the “Salt” and “Pepper” bridge because the shape of the central towers on the bridge resemble salt and pepper shakers. Great. Now I’m hungry.
When it was originally built in 1845, the bridge was named the West Bridge. It was rebuilt in 1906 and eventually it was named the Longfellow Bridge after a certain writer penned a poem about the original bridge (West Bridge) entitled “The Bridge.”
These two seemingly random creatures actually have a very close connection to our history. They are both located on a very old and important historical building; the Old State House. Located on Washington St in Boston, the original State House is also near the site of the Boston Massacre. In any event, this lion and unicorn are located on the exterior of the building near the roof. These are the same figures used in the coat of arms for the United Kingdom which are reminders of its past.
These are only roughly half of the bricks on the alleyway. So, there are many more for you to find on your own! Just don’t forget to look down!
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: Kate Gould Park, Main St, Chatham, MA (1.5 hours southeast of Boston, MA)
Hours: Park is open sunrise to sunset
Cost: Free
Parking: there is metered parking as well as parking lots on Main St.
Dog Friendly: Yes
Cape Cod, or better known simply as the “Cape”, has been known for shark sightings. But, this is getting ridiculous.
But, it’s not just sharks that are in Kate Gould Park. A variety of artistically decorated whales are also in the park!
The “Art In The Park” event which began in 2013, displays dozens of whales and sharks (over 30 after I lost count). Each whale and shark has a unique design and many of the designs incorporate something relevant to the Cape Cod area such as beaches, lighthouses and traffic. Sailboat traffic that is.
But, some of the best artwork were the sharks and whales that were made of unusual materials or had creative designs.
One of my biggest pet peeves regarding photography is photographing people or other obstructions in my photos. But, this exhibit is so popular it was almost impossible to get photographs without people in them. But, I did my best.
Some of the sharks and whales had artwork on both sides of them. So, make sure to look at both sides of them if you do check them out!
Although it’s hard to pick a favorite, these were some more of my favorites.
As the saying for the event goes, “the art is in the park and the oars are in the stores.” Artists made works of art on oars as part of the artistic event. I didn’t have much time to see all of the oars associated with the event. But, I did see this one in a window of a realtor.
Although it may be a long drive (Chatham is located along the coast at the “elbow” of the Cape Cod region), it’s definitely worth the drive! But, don’t wait too long. The art in the park exhibit will only be around another week!
Location: Revere Beach, Revere Beach Blvd, Revere, MA (20 minutes northeast of Boston, MA)
Cost: Free
Parking: parking is limited during the festival as the city shuts down the main roadway (Revere Beach Blvd). Visitors are encourage to take public or rideshare services. I arrived early so I was able to find a spot just before the road closures began.
Dog Friendly: Yes
Summary: 10 sand sculptors showed off their talent at the 21st International Sand Sculpture Festival
The sculptors are coming to the Revere Beach Sand Sculpture Festival. Well, they actually already arrived, But, what a fitting place to celebrate this year’s sand sculpture festival.
The first public beach in America hosted 10 sand sculptors from all over the world.
Since it is the 250th anniversary of the beginning of the American Revolution, there were sand sculptures representing the revolution. Fittingly, one of the sculptures, which was lighted up for my early morning visit.
There was also a sculpture of the minutemen from that era.
There were some familiar names at the event. Many of the sand sculptors who participated in the event in previous years competed again this year. And, some of the sculptors who participated in the 2025 Hampton Beach International Sand Sculpture Festival participated in this year’s sand sculpture festival in Revere.
One of those familiar names and faces in this year’s competition was Abe Waterman. Abe, a resident of Canada, earned a hat trick in hockey parlance, for his sculpture “Delicate Balance.” Abe won first place as well as the Sculptor’s Choice award which is voted on by the other contestants and the people’s choice award which is voted on by the visitors at the festival.
Slavian Borecki of Poland earned second place for “Deep Sleep.”
Hanneke Supply of Belgium won third place with “Eye See You.”
Although the rest of the sculptures did not place in the competition, they all deserve recognition for the beauty of their works and the hard work they put into them.
One of these contestants who deserves recognition is Jimmy Bejko of Boston, for his sculpture “I Want To Break Free.” Bejko moved to Boston from Albania recently. This was his second year in the competition.
Despite not winning an award, “Intrepid Innocence (Boop!)” by Damon Meri of Florida, USA, was a fan favorite.
It was hard to find resources or information regarding the inspiration for these sculptures. But, a photographer who spoke to the sculptor told me the sculpture was inspired by Damon’s young niece who is not afraid of anything and would most likely pet a dragon rather than run away if she saw one.
Bruce Phillips of San Diego, California, sculpted “Inner Prison” a sculpture with quite a bit of intricate detail.
Although, it’s not clear, this sculpture may be a nod to mental health and the prison it can create in people as this is similar to a work he created at the Hampton sand sculpture festival called “Imprisoned” which was about mental health and the barriers it can cause.
“Catch Your Dreams” by Jobi Bouchard of Canada also had a lot of intricate details. It also shows how the backs of the sculptures can be as detailed and pretty as the front.
This sculpture depicts something that has been in the news lately. “The Rise of AI” by Matt Deibert of New Jersey, USA, says a lot without being too direct. The face of the sculpture reminded me of C-3PO. For those of you born after 2000, C-3PO was a droid in a really old movie. Oh, never mind.
“Beneath The Flesh” by Joon Park of California, USA, showed off a lot of craftmanship and creativity.
“Ink” by Bouke Atemi pays homage to the squid or octopus who produce ink.
The festival, which ran from July 25-27, also included food stands, a Ferris wheel and other forms of entertainment.
Not all of the “favorites” win a prize. Yet, they all show a tremendous amount of skill and creativity. Do you have a favorite?
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).
John Bertram, a wealthy merchant and philanthropist in Salem, built this house as an investment for his three daughters: Jennie, Annie and Clara. Upon his death in 1863, his own mansion was donated to the city of Salem. The building was donated as the future Salem Public Library. However, after the sisters showed interest in the home they inherited the house.
It is unlikely that Annie Webb ever lives on Carpenter St. Instead, Annie lived on Chestnut St with her husband, William G. Webb, and used the property on Carpenter St as a rental. Annie sold the house in 1920 to a long time tenant. A succession of owners occupied the house through the years before the current owners acquired it in 2011,
The Bertrams built the house in the Colonial Revival style, an architectural style popular in the 19th century which incorporated an eclectic mixture of stylistic details considered as representing aspects from several earlier historical styles. Ornamental elements typical of the Colonial Revival style used on the exterior of the house include dentilated and bolection moldings at the cornice and elaborate pediments over some of the first floor windows. The roof is an adaptation of the Mansard type popular in France about that time. The house is built in an L-shaped plan with the main entrance at the corner of the L where there is a single story porch.
Speaking of the porch, there was this cute pillow on a chair on the porch to the entrance of the house.
Inside the home there were more Christmas decorations.
This game looked like it would be fun to play!
Meet Belsnickel. A crotchety, fur clad, gift bringer, Belsnickel is a figure in the folklore of Palatanite region of southwestern Germany along the Rhine (think Dwight from the office in the Christmas special). In some traditions, he is said to reward the good children while punishing the bad children. So, you really better be good!
This statue seemed like a kinder Belsnickel.
The sunny living room area gave some light and warmth to the home despite the wintry weather outside.
Of course, I spent a little extra time in my two favorite rooms: the kitchen and dining room.
And, of course, what would a Christmas home tour be without not one, but two Christmas trees!
This concludes the 2024 Christmas In Salem Home Tours posts! I hope you all have enjoyed the Christmas In Salem home tours as much as I enjoyed posting about them!
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!
New England Nomad 