Dates Of Event: March 4 – March 19, 2017 (photos taken March 4)
Location: The Botanic Garden of Smith College, 16 College Lane, Northampton, MA
Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday extended hours 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (members get in earlier at 9 .a.m)
Cost: Free ( a $5 donation is suggested)
Parking: unmetered parking is available on College Lane and additional parking is available throughout Northampton
Handicapped Accessible: Yes, from their website: There is one designated handicapped parking space in front of the Lyman Plant House. Two of the three front entrances to the Lyman Plant House and Conservatory are wheelchair accessible and the restrooms are accessible. There is a lift in the front of the building that goes between the lower level Church Exhibition Gallery and the Reception area. All but one of the greenhouses (the Fern House) are accessible.
Highlights: Avariety of flowers such as crocuses, hyacinths, narcissi, irises, lilies and tulips in full bloom or nearly in bloom at the Botanic garden of Smith College
Believe it or not, spring, for most if us, is right around the corner. Soon enough, drab, colorless soil and grass and dead flowers and plant life will be replaced with the vibrant colors of spring and summer.
As an early celebration of the spring season, the Botanic Garden of Smith College is showcasing a colorful array of flowers as part of their Spring Bulb Show (which ironically ends the day before the Vernal Spring buds, get it?) .
There were a wide variety of flowers of display and I won’t even try to name or describe all of them, except to sayy they were very pretty.
The gaarden used works of art such as paintings and statues to highlight the beauty of the flowers. It was very well done and it brought out the colors of the flowers.
The people at the Botanic garden were kind enough to open the rest of the garden to us which showcased an impressive field of flowers and trees.
I also spotted a frog, fish and some other mysterious faces at the garden.
We also saw Kaezli, a beautiful 4 year old Burnese Mountain Dog, outside the Botanic garden.
Below is a video of a plant that closes when it feels pressure or weight and a video of a waterfall at the garden.
Dates Of Event: February 10-12, 2017 – usually the second weekend in February of each year (photos taken February 11)
Locations: Throughout the city of Salem
Hours:Visible 24 hours a day, until they melt
Cost: Free
Parking:Metered street parking is available and there are two big parking garages on New Liberty St and Congress St
The Downtown Garage (New Liberty St) costs $0.75 per hour.
The Waterfront Garage (Congress St) costs $0.25 per hour.
Both garages operate from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM Sunday through Wednesday and from 7:00 AM to 2:00 AM Thursday through Saturday.
Public Transportation: The MBTA’s Commuter Rail has a stop which deposits its passengers right at Washington St. $15 for a round trip ticket from North Station (fares vary depending upon where you leave from and where you are going)
Handicapped Accessible: Yes, but some roads and sidewalks are not shoveled well
Dog Friendly: Yes
Highlights: 26 Ice Sculptures scattered throughout the city of Salem, many sculptures are lit up at night, some shops and businesses offer discounts as part of the event
Proving once again they are not exclusively a Fall destination, Salem Massachusetts has outdone itself with a sweet display of ice sculptures.
Widely known for their Halloween festivities, Salem has been trying to make their city a year round attraction for some time. In fact, this weekend’s festivities were the 15th annual “Salem’s So Sweet” event.
The Salem’s So Sweet festivities began Friday night, February 10, with a chocolate and wine tasting at Colonial Hall at Rockafellas ($30 tickets). Yum!
The sculptures look so much better when they are illuminated. This was only the second year they illuminated the sculptures (at 5 p.m.) and not all of them were illuminated during my visit. I was able to photograph all of the sculptures (except for the Han Solo sculpture which was not completed when I visited) and I photographed almost half off the illuminated sculptures.
The illuminated sculptures look better the later and darker it gets. So, I stayed as late as I could to capture the beauty of the lighting against the dark background. I also thought the holiday lights (still up in February) and of course the snow gave the photos a nice touch.
Since we had some inclement weather and the roads were snowy and icy, I elected to take the train into Salem. It took a little longer than driving (not taking into account any accidents that may occur) but the transfers can be a hassle, especially having to cross the street from Park Street to get the train at North Station.
In any event, the train ride is comfortable and there are some pretty views along the way.
The 26 ice sculptures (25 not including the missing sculpture) are scattered around Salem although many of them are located in about a mile or two mile radius (on Essex, Washington and Hawthorn streets/boulevard). The trickiest part is trying to get to the sculptures that are located on the outskirts (such as Bridge St and Derby St. A trolley was planned to transport visitors to each of the sculptures but due to the inclement weather that plan was scrapped this year.
It’s a great activity for families and I saw quite a few parents and children looking for each sculpture and excitedly checking the sculpture off their list. The children especially seemed to like hunting for each one. Each sculpture is clearly marked and pretty easy to find if you use the map. The Visitor Center also has bigger maps than the one on the web site and they are of course very helpful.
While they are generally located near each other by number, sometimes it’s easier to map out your own route and find them on your own regardless of the number of the sculpture which is what I did. I have included photos of the sculptures lit up as well if I was able to see them illuminated. They look so much better when they are lit up!
The first set of photographs were located at or near Lappin Park, near the Bewitched Statue. The first ice sculpture is Globe, sponsored by The Journeymasters
Han Solo is the second sculpture on their list. Unfortunately, Han’s Falcon got stuck in traffic so his sculpture was not available to be photographed.
As if you haven’t seen enough of them yet, the third sculpture is a snowflake sponsored by Laura Lanes Skin Care.
Some of the lighted sculptures changed colors like this one sponsored by Salem State University; Opening of Sophia Gordon Center.
Accross from Lappin Park, on Washington St, is the ice sculpture at Rockafella’s. The Rockafella’s Ice Bar is like a frozen patio. The cold weather and icy bar didn’t stop them from grilling and enjoying the fresh air. At least you didn’t have to worry about your beer getting warm.
Farther down Washington St is Champagne sponsored by Adriaatic Restaurant & Bar.
Sponsored by Creative Salem, Hawthorne Hotel and Retonica and located on Front St is the ice sculpture Reflections. This one was cool because you could stand behind the sculpture and act as though you are the reflection.
Next to the Reflections sculpture is Cinderella’s Carriage, also on Front St,sponsored by Maria’s Sweet Somethings. From a distance, if you look at a certain angle, you can almost see some driving the carriage with a top hat on. Go on, let me know if you see it too.
The next ice sculpture on the list is Fish sponsored by Koto and located on Washington St.
The next ice sculpture is Lobster Love located at Turner’s Seafood on Church St. This sculpture also changes colors when illuminated.
This sculpture is located by the Salem Cinema. It is called Salem Film Fest 2017.
On St Peter St at Bit Bar is Arcade.
The next group of sculptures are all located on the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall and one on Central St which is an alley off the pedestrian mall walkway.
Green Tara, sponsored by Coon’s Card and Gift Shop, Penelope’s Pet Boutique and Tibet’s Art & Healing.
On the other side of the walkway, very close to Tara is Bella The Goat sponsored by Bella Research Group. Bella’s sculpture also changed colors while it was lit.
Off Essex St on Central St is the Steampunk Heart ice sculpture.
The next two sculptures are both back on Essex St Pedestrian Mall. This ice sculpture is located in front of the Peabody Essex Museum. It is called Red Stiletto with Honda Engine and it was sculpted by David Crow.
On the other side of the walkway in front of the Museum Mall Place and very close to the red stiletto sculpture is the Winnie The Pooh ice sculpture. Winnie doesn’t look very happy!
The next sculptures are located on Hawthorne Blvd and Essex St. Sweet Jane’s Sweet Savings is located on Hawthorne Blvd.
Queen Of Hearts is located across the street on Essex St.
The following ice sculptures are located on or off Derby and New Derby St. Mug is located at the Notch Brewery and Tap Room.
These two sculptures are located at the Waterfront Hotel and Regata Ice Bar. t first glance, it looks like one sculpture but they are actually two separate sculptures.
Across the street from the Waterfron Hotel is the Rumson’s Rum ice sculpture.
Candy is located in front of the House Of The Seven Gables and, aptly, across the street from Ye Olde Pepper Company (America’s oldest candy company). Yes, those are real candies. No, I did not eat any of them.
From Derby St, you would have to backtrack towards N. Washington St, near the Salem Commons to find Ruby Slippers located at the Salem Witch Museum. And, yes, I agree.
The next ice sculpture is a little bit of a walk. Bakery is located in the parking lot of Coffee Time Bake Shop (96 Bridge St). In fact, you may want to drive to this sculpture.
And, yes, of course, there were lots of dogs in Salem checking out the sculptures.
Emmett is a 4 year old Cockapoo. Look at those cute shoes!
Mattie is 7 years old. She was bundled up for the cold weather! She is also very well trained.
All of the dogs in Salem were prepared for the cold weather. These dogs had some beautiful sweaters on keeping them both warm and fashionable.
I am not sure how long the sculptures are being displayed. Between our erratic weather and hooligans who seem to get their kicks smashing ice art, I would suggest going soon to check them out before they’re gone!
Below is a video of the Bella The Goat ice sculpture changes colors.
Location: Next to Dunkin’ Donuts, 330 Congress St, Boston, MA
Hours: Accessible everyday, 24 hours a day
Dog Friendly: Yes
Handicapped Accessible: Yes
Highlights: Art display of Lego tiles in a brick wall
You never know what you’ll see while you walk along our city streets. Statues, dog, lego walls. Yes, you read that correctly. A Lego Wall! But, this is not the first work of art to appear on a brick wall on Congress St.
Well, the display doesn’t look like a Lego display but more like a wooden cut out. The “Lego Wall” name is actually a holdover from an earlier display on Congress St.
After noticing a hole in a section of the wall on Congress St, a artist took notice and decided to do something about it. Nate Swain, a former landscape architect, stealthily filled in the gap in the wall at 342 Congress St one Sunday night with a rather unusual material, Legos.
Weeks, months passed by while people stared, pointed, giggled and maybe weven shook their heads a few times at the work of art by an anonymous artist. Until recently.
Nate Swain finally publicly came forward as the artist who created the first Lego Wall. Imagine the joy he got as he walked past the display as other passersby scratched their heads or had a chuckle. There’s nothing like being in on an inside joke.
Unfortunately, the parking lot which stood next to the Lego Wall has been closed to make way for “affordable luxury housing.” Oxymoron aside, it also meant the Lego Wall had to go.
For some time, the brick walls of Congress St laid bare without a Lego Wall or any other work of art to admire or photograph for that magtter. However, in December of 2016 a different artist decided to put her own work of art on display on Congress St.
Boston artist and writer Daisy Razor (not her real name), decided to put her own brand of art on the walls of Congress St (next to the Dunkin’ Donuts at 330 Congress St to be exact).
The art is still there as of post. But, with our weather elements and other “forces of nature” (the original Lego Wall had been vandalized at least on one occasion) it’s unclear how long it will stay there.
Fun fact: this trend of fixing up walls with Legos is not limited to the United States. German artist Jan Vormann has also used Legos to dress up some architecture he has come across in his travels.
Who would ever think there would be so much history and background to Lego art?
Parking: There is on street parking and several parking garages in the area
Handicapped Accessible: Yes
Dog Friendly: Yes
Highlight: concrete obelisk constructed with over 1,000 real guns embedded in the concrete of the structure
I found this group of photos from a visit to Providence, Rhode Island last summer. I was originally going to post it on my Facebook page. But, since not everyone has liked my Facebook page (you really should), I decided to post it here. But, I do periodically post additional photos, videos and other fun stuff on my Facebook page that I don’t post on WordPress. So, think about joining it. OK, enough shameless self-promoting.
Built from 1,000 reclaimed guns from the Guns For Goods gun buy back program, the Gun Totem is a 12 foot obelisk made of concrete and 1,000 guns. Perhaps not coincidentally, the totem is located across the courthouse in Providence, Rhode Island.
Award winning artist Boris Bally created the monument in 2001. The concrete was chipped away to reveal the guns giving the guns a fossilized look. Or, as Bailey is quoted and saying:
“All aboriginal cultures, including this country’s own native American culture, build totemic structures to serve as venerated symbols of a clan or family… It will act as a monolithic, metallic warning and ‘mojo’ to ward off evil and violence so prevalent in today’s society. A crew of volunteer ‘archaeologists’ aided me in carefully chipping away areas of the concrete skin to reveal the ‘fossilized’ handguns beneath.”
(Mon-Fri, in after 4 p.m., out by 10 a.m.; Weekends & Holidays, all day)
There is sometimes metered street parking available or other parking garges in the area.
Also, the Boston Convention Center is within walking distance ( 1 mile) from the South Station MBTA stop on the Red line and about half a milr from the World Trade Center Green Line stop)
It’s amazing how the ordinary things in life can bring us so much joy and make us content. But, such is the art exhibit now being displayed at the Boston Convention Center in South Boston, MA.
Ordinary Matter is an art exhibit that celebrates the history of still life. Still life art is said to have began in ancient Egypt and later became popularized by Dutch still life painters. Now, it is a big hit in Boston.
The exhibit featured 9 the works of nine Massachusetts artists whose works were hung in the lobby area of the Boston “Convention Center.
“Still Life” (2011) by Patricia Busso is an acrylic on wood painting. According to the placard next to the painting, Patricia says that painting reminds her to take time to absorb the natural world. She hopes her work is evocative of the unassuming beauty she seeks in the natural world.
Brett X Gamache’s “Fish On A Yellow Plate” (2010) is a photographic reproduction of oil on canvas. Brett, who lives and works in Salem (MA), has a MFA from the University of New Hampshire and a BFA from Mass Art.
“Britton Gyre” (2012) by Nicole Duennebier is a photographic reproduction of acrylic on wood panel. A Hartford, CT native, Nicole received her Bachelor in Fine Arts at Maine College of Art with a major in painting. She says she saw a natural connection between the darkness and the intricacy of undersea regions and the aesthetic of 16th century Dutch still life painting.
From a distance, this looked like a real shelf with mugs and other beverageware. But, “Still Life With Seven Objects” (2010) is a photographic reproduction of oil on canvas painted by David Harrison. He received his BFA in fine arts/painting from Maryland Institute College of Art.
“Hidden Window” (2015) by Michael Zachary is a photographic reproduction of hand-drawn marks. He holds a BA from Bowdoin College and an MFA from Massachusetts College of Art. His work has been featured in many exhibitions such as the Lux Eros Gallery in Los Angeles.
Why am I hungry all of a sudden? “Checkout” (2015) is an ink and digital work of art by Corey Corcoran. Corey earned a BA at Massachusetts College of Art and he completed a residency at Vermont Studio Center in Johnson, VT. His work has been displayed at a variety of venues nation wide.
“Wherever You Rest Your Head” (2015) is a photographic reproduction of crayon, ink, gouache, oil pastel and acrylic on paper by Elisa H. Hamilton. Elisa is a graduate of Massachusetts College of Art and Design where she earned a BFA in Painting. Her work has been shown in a varieety of exhibitions.
“Sunflowers In Mason Jar” (2005) by Maureen O’Connor is a photographic reproduction of oil on wood panel. She earned a BFA from Massachusetts College of Art And Design. Her work has been shown extensively throughout the country.
This reminds me, where did I leave my keys? I know they’re somewhere around here. Anyways, “Clink” (2008) by J.B. Jones is an oil on canvas painting. An architect by profession, J.B.’s works can be found in private and corpofrate collections throughout New England. He says his goal is to “create paintings from which the viewer might bring back one small pearl of real feeling.”
Parking: There are about a dozen or so parking spots right in front of the store, and, in a pinch, parking is available on the front left hand side of the store as well as on the grounds.
Handicapped Friendly: The outside area is. The aisles in the store are a bit too narrow for wheelchairs unfortunately.
Dog Friendly: The outside area probably is
Highlights: Memorabilia, outdoor attractions, clothing, toys, games and other items from the past available for purchase
While the flag signifying the entrance to Wild Bill’s Nostalgia may seem plain, the store and grounds is anything but.
“Relive memories and take lots of photographs”, “Wild” Bill Zeigler told us as we entered his unique shop. So, I did.
Even as you walk in the front door, you are bombarded with unusual items and nostalgia.
The shop is so unique and , at times bizarre, that I stopped at the register expecting to have to pay an entrance fee. But, despite it’s museum like feel, there is no fee to enter Wild Bill’s. You’ll still end up leaving with your pockets a little lighter, though, after you browse the items inside.
One of the first things that caught my eye and sent me walking down memory lane immediately were the trading cards (love love love the trading cards for the old t.v. shows) and “cigarette candies” in the glass case by the register. And who could forget the pins we all used to wear our denim jackets? C’mon I wasn’t the only one. Of course, what is a grown man doing buying trading cards and candy cigarettes, or the real ones for that matter? But, that is the theme of this store; relive your youth and be a kid again for a little while.
“Wild” Bill Zeigler has run his business for 34 years. Over the years, the shop has changed somewhat but he has always specialized in the unusual.
Speaking of the unusual and hard to find, items from the dust bin of yesterday overflow the shelves and aisles at Wild Bill’s. Whether it is a Terminator statue, vintage shirts and posters, G.I. Joe and Barbie figures or a weird horseshoe tree, you’re sure to find something you will like. I still am kicking myself for not buying that Luke Skywalker poster.
Wild Bill’s even has items hanging from, and on the ceiling. Not sure if some of those posters on the ceiling are for sale.
Another favorite part of the store for me was the selection of media, including old school video games. And, there is a voliumnous collection of vinyl.
There is even an “adult section.” Yes, I did check it out. Strictly for research purposes. Old beer cans, a few Playboys and other jokey gifts line the shelves. I did spot these really cool old cameras and police detectors there.
While shopping there, I couldn’t resist buying this cool KISS lunchbox and a Grease poster.
If you think that is all there is to Wild Bill’s, then you’re sadly mistaken. Even before you enter the store, attractions are visible. So, the shopping experience is only the beginning of your Wild Bill experience.
A variety of exhibits, artistic displays and even a few abandoned haunted houses, which made them seem even creepier, occupy the grounds of Wild Bill’s. Who knew Michael Jordan was a zombie basketball player! Rumor has it the amusemtnpark rea may be open during the warmer seasons at some point.
This orange and yellow “Rube Goldberg” looking contraption is actually a mailbox.
These cars are, keeping with the nostalgia theme, are Yugos.
Those aren’t the only cars on the grounds of Wild Bill’s. Love the hippie mobile.
Cars aren’t the only vehicles on display at Wild Bill’s. These boats are also on display. If you do try to get close to these boats, as I did, be warned, it is very muddy in this section. At least I hope it was mud. I think they use a special chemical or add something to the soil to make sure the boats stand up and so I sort of sunk into the soil a bit and tracked muddy soil around the grounds.
There is also an assortment of artistic renderings and statues.
There are also some sheds or other enclosed huts on the grounds. The first one looks kind of cozy.
It’s hard to say which is more fun; the inside or outside of Wild Bill’s. But, whichever your preference, Wild Bill’s is sure to grab your attention and take you down memory lane!
Nothing may say Americana like the work of Norman Rockwell. And, in a small town in the Berkshires you can still view this idyllic vision of America from so long ago.
But, even before you enter the museum, there is art abound. Along the walk way to the museum there are these unique sculptures and works of art.
Since it was the middle of October during our visit, the grounds of the museum were bursting with colors.
Rockwell was a prolific artist and his work is widely regarded as being some of the finest art in modern American history. Virtually every home, office or school has at one point hung a Rockwell painting, or more accurately somewhere in their building. In fact, I remember seeing this one in my doctor’s office.
The museum allows photograpy, just not flash photography. So, make sure to grab your DSLR or make sure your camera phone is fully charged before you go.
It’s so hard to choose the best Rockwell painting, especially since everyone has different tastes. But, here are a few of the paintings at the museum.
Throughout the day, a curator or other staff member gives a brief lecture on the life and works of Norman Rockwell.
There are also works of art by other artists at the museum. They range from more traditional works of art to modern works of art. There wa also a special tribute to cartoonist and satirist Thomas Nast during our visit.
Behind the museum is an open area with sculptures, some of who were sculpted by Norman Rockwell’s son, Peter Rockwell. The art work is very creative.
“Monster” made from fiberglass resin by Peter Rockwell, 2014
Sculpture by Peter Rockwell
“Junkyard Baby Buggie” made of license plates, tools, hubcaps, antique bottle and miscellaneous articles by Thomas Fiorini listed at $11,000.
Sculpture by Peter Rockwell
“Birdy Buggy” by Erika Crofut. Made of steel, vines and trash treasures. Listed at $2,200.
“Nuclear Family Totem” by Angelo J Sinisi, made of steel and bronze. For the low low price of $4,000.
“Christmas Buggy On Main” by Dee Moretto, made from wood, bondo, metal, fabric and paint.
“Bedrock Carriage” made of gypsum cement, copper and mocha moss, made by Thomas Mesquita. It’s all yours for $3,000.
“Bachelor” by Nicole Peskin made of found objects and welded steel. Listed at $9,000. Maybe I need one of these for my bachelor pad.
Highlights: Sculpture of a pyramid in Boston’s Fort Point Channel
If you’re hoping to view pyramids, you don’t have to book that trip to Egypt quite just yet. You only need to make a visit to Boston, MA, to see a pyramid of grand dimensions. The pyramid located in Boston named PYR 2014, which was sculpted by Boston-based sculptor Don Eyles, is said to be a sculpture that marks the past and future history.
The pyramid is made of plastic blocks which have been painted to look like the paving stones of the streets of Boston. It is more of a white shade. But, with the sun and the shade it threw that day, Mother Nature made it look a much darker color in some photos.
But how did they get this sculpture in the channel? Did they use some complicated contraption? A pulley system? Was there a helicopter drop? No. Nothing so elaborate was necessary. This link show how they did it.
Cormorants like the pyramid also.
The pyramid is 10 feet high and 16 feet wide and built from polystyrene, a synthetic aromatic polymer made from the monomer styrene.
The pyramid was slated to be on display until November 15 of 2014. But, as of the time I took the photos in November of 2016 it was still there.
Although Salem is known for the witch hysteria of 1692 and the commercialism that is largely based on this tragic part of their history, Salem has so much more. It really is a shame that is what people focus on. In fact with such programs as Creative Salem and the Salem Beautification Committee – who created this art program, Salem has seen a resurgence of the arts and entertainment that has always been a part of the city.
One of the exhibits recently in Salem is the Lady Of Salem figureheads located throughout the city. The nautical inspired art is meant to celebrate Salem’s rich maritime history. These figureheads are meant to closely resemble the decorated ornaments that used to be attached the front of ships.
While some artists have created more than one figureheads, they were mostly created by different artists.
Unfortunately, not all of the figureheads are on Essex St (the last in the group of photos below is on Derby St and one is inside the Salem Old Town Hall) and some have been either vandalized or removed for some other reason. Also, many of the figureheads almost seem hidden and very hard to find without the help of the map, and, even then, I still had a hard time finding them all. Add in the massive crowds this weekend and it made it very difficult to find them all. In fact, I only found about half of them. It does seem like a fun activity to do with your family.
The Lady Of Salem art display began in June of 2013 and they are brought out periodically. This past year it was on display frpm Juen until October. The figureheads are beautifully crafted and, if you look at them closely enough, you can imagine seeing them on the front of a ship, bobbing up and down.
Salem is an old city and some of the streets are cobble stone or not in the best condition. While Essex St is pedestrian friendly, some of the sidewalks in the city, such as Derby St where one of the figureheads is located, can be hard to navigaate.
Figureheads on ships have an interesting background. Figureheads on ships were all different in design and name, but they do have many similarities, particularly in their significance. Figureheads were said to embody the spirit of their ship. They were believed to placate the gods of the sea and ensure a safe voyage. Almost every prow had a carved figurehead on them. The figureheads replaced heads of animals and, at times, people that used to be placed at the front of ships in the hopes of looking out ahead for the ship’ss safety. Eventually, eyes were painted on the ships and then figureheads became the standard decorative piece. It was the best choice by far.
The figureheads vary in some respects. While they are all shapely females (it must be lonely off at sea), some are scarier than others while others seem more wholesome. There’s even a KISS-like figurehead (you’ll get this when you see them below). All of the figureheads were either sponsored by or loacted near local businesses which would explain why some figureheads have some unusual artwork on them, such as the phrase “I heart pizza.” I am not sure sea-faring people of that day even knew pizza was a thing.
The figureheads are not scheduled to be on display any longer (although I haven’t been there to confirm this). But, I am sure they will most likely be on display again in the future. They were, for a limited time, on display in the Peabody Essex Museum in Sale, MA (also on Essex St). The link at the top of the post has photos of all of the figureheads.
The figureheads below were all displayed on Essext St. during my visit.
Artist: Nick Papadimitriou.
Artist: Jean Pare
Artist: Alicia Irick Cohen
Artists: Mr. Bleckley’s 5th grade art students (Bates Elementary School, Salem MA)
Hours: Every Sunday, May 1 – October 31, 10-4 with special events throughout the year
Cost: Admission is free
Parking: There is limited free parking on Thayer St for up to 90 minutes. There is also metered on street parking and garages on Albany and Harrison streets and other garages in the area.
SoWa, South of Washington (Street), is an outdoor entertainment/shopping/food festival held in Boston on every Sunday from May until October (weather permitting). I made it to the last SoWa of the season on October 30. There will be another SoWa Winter festival scheduled for the weekend of Dec 2-4 at the Harrison Ave venue.
Before I entered the venue, I saw lots of graffiti on the exterior of the area and on some nearby buildings.
SoWa was held in an empty lot off Harrison Blvd, a busy side street in Boston. You could see views of the skyline from the parking lot.
For a small area, they had a lot to do there from pumpkin decorating, a costume contest and a dj with dancing. Bon Me, Sante and Chik Chak had food trucks there, providing a variety of food choices.
As a side note, it is really so much more than a shopping festival. I really had alot more fun than I had expected. The people are very friendly and the entertainment, as you will see, was very, well,…entertaining.
People,as well as dogs, came dressed up on costume to SoWa.
The great thing about SoWa and other local shopping and entertainment festivals is that you get to promoted and support local artisans. I found a few interesting shops there.
Another thing that really stood out to me was how it is such a family friendly atmosphere. I didn’t hear one person swear or do or say anything unruly. In fact, many of the artists had their children stop by and spend time with them as they worked on their piece.
Also, the camaraderie they have for each other was noticeable. It didn’t seem like they were competing against each other, even though they took a great deal of pride in their work. Artists shared spray cans, complimented each other and jokes with each other.
The artists worked on blank canvases and started with their own sketches from pictures or diagrams they had on sheets of paper. I am not sure but I think they added their own flavor to some of the artwork.
The tools of the trade.
As they kept working, you could see the art coming together. They worked fast. Most started at 11 and were done by 4. I appreciated how they kept adding tone and contrast too the art in an effort to perfect their piece. They weren’t satisfied until every piece was just so. In fact, I had to leave a little after 4, after being there for several hours. So, some of the pieces may not have been completely finished by the time I left.
As they kept working, you could see their art come together. it’s very cool how they seem to work so casually and yet, at the same time, so deliberately.
The completed versions of their art works contrasted sharply from the begining of their art or the way it looked half way through.
SoWa is a pet friendly event. Since this particular event took place the day before Halloween there were quite a few dogs in costume at the event.
I actually met a few cute dogs before the event started.
Eloise is a 2 year old YorkieTerrier rescue dog with an Instagram account! You can follow her on her travels at @eloisethedog (https://www.instagram.com/eloisethedog/).
Penny is French bulldog. I had to stand next to her mommy so she would look at me!
At the actual event, I met a variety of dogs.
Fitz, a Yorkie, looked very patriotic in his red, white and blue outfit.
Otis, a 9 month old and 90 pound bullmastiff/bulldog mix, was helping his mom sell collars. You can check out his mom’s store at Wiggle Collars.
Lyla is a 7.5 month shark, I mean mixed breed. I like how everyone stood around her as I photographed her as though it was a real photo shoot.
Twain, dressed as a pumpkin, is a 4 year old terrier mix.
Gus, dressed as Tootsie Roll, is a one and half year old Lagotto Romagnolo. There, say that three times fast. Lagotto Romagnolos are better known as Italian Waterdogs.
Sissy (the dog on the left) and Lilly (on the right) are 10 month old Yorkies.
Zoey, a 7 month old chihuahua, wore her spider outfit to the festival. Her pet parents, Kyle and Jessica, were working at Intrinsic Journeys when I saw her.
Birdie, a golden retriever, was one hot dog!
Rogue, a 1 year old Shih Tzu mix, wore a very creative costume.
And there was this wonder dog whose name and breed I did not get.
Below are two videos. The first video is of the artists working on their art. The second video is a video of the works of art in their final or near their final stages.
Please connect with me on Facebook to view photos, videos and other content not included in this blog. Here is a sneak peak at something that I posted from my Facebook page:
Creepy or cool? You be the judge.
Periodically, the Fort Point area in Boston by the Congress St Bridge will host different floating art works. Last year, there were (floating) sheep in the water. Now, there are orange people in the water.
Created by Ann Hirsch and Jeremy Angier (known as A+J Art + Design), “S.O.S.” (“Save Our Swimmers”) is a statement on the immigration and refugee crisis. The 22 orange “people” are said to be refugees clinging on for dear life.
Most seem creeped out by it, except the cormorant who found a nice place to rest.
New England Nomad 