Tag Archives: Massachusetts

February 4, 2018

MASS MoCA (North Adams, MA) Part V

By New England Nomad

Date of Visits: July 8 & 15, 2017

Location: 1040 MASS MoCA WAY, North Adams, MA

Hours:

Fall/Winter/Spring Hours

11am–5pm, closed Tuesdays

Open January 1, 2018

Fall/Winter/Spring Tours

Wed.-Mon.: Two museum highlights tours: B6: The Robert W. Wilson Building and Buildings 4, 5, and 7 at 2pm
Summer Hours (begin June 2018)
10am—6pm Sundays—Wednesdays
10am—7pm Thursdays—Saturdays

Cost:

Admission

Adults $20
Seniors / Veterans $18
Students with ID $12
Kids (6–16) $8
EBT/WIC Cardholder $2

They also offer 2 day and 3 day admission tickets

Parking: There are four parking lots in the museum parking area

MASS MoCA Parking Map

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Website: MASS MoCA

Not all of the art at MASS MoCa is indoors.

This pole with mirrors on it is just one of the unusual work of art on the grounds of the museum. This work of art is part of the Totally Totem exhibit by Marko Remec that was on the grounds of the museum in 2016. Marko attached ready-made objects such as mops, brooms, safety mirrors, and rear-view mirrors to utility poles, transforming them into contemporary totems.

It’s a bird. It’s a plane. Oh, never mind, it’s just a trailer on top of a bridge.

This work of art, part of a three part art piece titled, “All Utopias Fell”, was created by Michael Oatman. The trailer, called The Shining, is a 1970’s era Airstream mobile home that Oatman bought online from a dealer in Ohio.

The worst part of the exhibit for some may be the walk along some narrow steps inside a creepy boiler house, more on that later, and then a short jaunt along a bridge to the Airstream.

““The Library of the Sun”, the decorative interior of the Airstream is the second part of the exhibit. Decorations, prints as well as a variety of other vintage and novelty items line the walls and shelves of the trailer. Many of the items inside the Airstream are humorous relics of the past. A rotary phone, a sewing machine, a workbench, books held into place with leather safety belts and even a photo of Guy Lombardo and real jars of preserved food. are just a few of the vintage memorabilia inside the mobile home.

The third and final part of the exhibit is “Codex Solis” which is a a solar panel project that Oatman has worked to create with the museum for the past 3 years. The solar panels Every task light and video screen on the Airstream is powered by the solar panels according to Oatman. According to their website, roughly 25% of MASS MoCA’s energy is produced on-site through solar panels on these roofs

The views from the exhibit are stunning.

The work of art is inspired by vintage era pulp aeronauts such as Buck Rogers, Tom Swift, and Tom Corbett: Space Cadet, as well as the works of Giotto, Jules Verne, NASA, and Chris Marker’s 1962 film La Jetée. Slightly larger than my apartment, The Shining does seem like it could be a little cramped for most people.

These cans were strategically placed to form some artistic displays.

“All Those Vanished Engines” is an audio and visual exhibit by Stephen Vitiello. Inspired by a commissioned text by novelist Paul Park, the exhibit uses both sound and visual arts to entertain its viewers.

The Boiler House was commissioned by Sprague Electric Company in 1947. It was preserved by the museum as a relic of the great industrial age of carbon. There are three boiler hoppers, coal hoppers, steam fittings and ash disposal conveyors. Especially after viewing the solar panels on the roofs of some of the buildings, it is a reminder of how far we have come in our technology. I couldn’t help but think Freddy Krueger was lurking around one of the corners.

There are a lot of strange works of art on th emuseum grounds. I’m not sure what these are supposed to be.

Remind me to never bring my camera to MASS MoCA. There is so much more art to share from this museum. But, I may be taking a break from posting the art from this haven for art lovers.

I have some other interesting photos from places and events I have visited recently. So, I am taking a short break from my MASS MoCA posts. But, I will resume my MASS MoCA series after I post some photos of winter in New England!

2 Comments | tags: art, Boiler Room, MASS MoCA, Massachusetts, Michael Oatman, New England, north adams, photographs, Photography, photos, The Shining | posted in art, MASS MoCA, Massachusetts, New England, north adams, photographs, photography, photos, The Shining, Uncategorized

January 25, 2018

MASS MoCA (North Adams, MA) – Part IV

By New England Nomad

Date of Visits: July 8 & 15, 2017

Location: 1040 MASS MoCA WAY, North Adams, MA

Hours:

Fall/Winter/Spring Hours

11am–5pm, closed Tuesdays

Open January 1, 2018

Fall/Winter/Spring Tours

Cost:

Admission

Adults $20
Seniors / Veterans $18
Students with ID $12
Kids (6–16) $8
EBT/WIC Cardholder $2

They also offer 2 day and 3 day admission tickets

Parking: There are four parking lots in the museum parking area

MASS MoCA Parking Map

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Website: MASS MoCA

One of the featured artists at MASS MoCA is artist, musician, composer, film producer and entertainer Laurie Anderson. All of the art posted below was made by Laurie with charcoal. These drawings feature dog Lollabelle and visions of the Tibetan afterlife as her inspirations.

Many of the exhibits at MASS MoCA have a social, political or other type of message. This exhibit showcased some of the different aspects of the criminal justice system. The scanner like devices in the pink and blue lights had text that looked like police chatter on it. Along the walls are fingerprints taken from people who have been arrested and reports that have been blocked out.

The exhibit also included a collection of documents from prisoners in Guantanamo Bay and some of the other holding facilities overseas. Many of them, but not all were blacked out. Some were entirely blacked out. What struck me is how some things, like how an inmate injured himself or some other traumatic event, were explained so matter of fact.

This mural has the lyrics to the Graham Koxon song, “Fame And Fortune” in it.

Resist the temptation to sit on this bench created by Jenny Holzer.

Thank you for stopping by and checking out part IV of my blog post series on the art at MASS MoCA. Believe it or not, yes, there’s more. Part V of my series will include some of the outdoor art and some very interesting art from some unusual places at the museum. Stay tuned.

11 Comments | tags: art, MASS MoCA, Massachusetts, New England, north adams, photographs, Photography, photos | posted in art, MASS MoCA, Massachusetts, New England, north adams, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized

January 13, 2018

MASS MoCA (North Adams, MA) Part II

By New England Nomad

Date of Visits: July 8 & 15, 2017

Location: 1040 MASS MoCA WAY, North Adams, MA

Hours:

Fall/Winter/Spring Hours

11am–5pm, closed Tuesdays

Open January 1, 2018

Fall/Winter/Spring Tours

Cost:

Admission

Adults $20
Seniors / Veterans $18
Students with ID $12
Kids (6–16) $8
EBT/WIC Cardholder $2

They also offer 2 day and 3 day admission tickets

Parking: There are four parking lots in the museum parking area

MASS MoCA Parking Map

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Website: MASS MoCA

As I mentioned in part I of my MASS MoCA post which can you find here, MASS MoCA has such a vast collection of art and creative works, you could spend an entire weekend there taking in all of the art in the various buildings. In fact, I had to make two trips myself to be able to see everything.

In the previous post, we saw some of the incredible works of Sol Levitt. But, there are many more creative exhibits at the museum. One of the more unique works in a display by Nick Cave.

Located in Building #5 at the museum, Nick Cave’s exhibit, “Until”, is, in part, a collection of 16,000 aluminum wind spinners hung from the ceiling. This exhibit is the creation of Chicago artist, Nick Cave (not to be confused with the singer by the same name). As you may see from the photos and videos below, the spinners seem to change colors and design as they spin. As you may notice in the photos and videos of the spinners, guns seem to play an integral role in the designs of the spinners. Spinning guns. Nothing good could come from that. I especially like looking at people’s expressions as they look at them.

For those who aren’t afraid of heights, in the midst of the various spinners are ladders that you can climb to look at another part of the exhibit. Statues, figurines and other types of decor are strewn on top of chandeliers.

The items on the chandeliers are meant to represent the days of the past.

Also part of Nick Cave’s exhibit, is a tent structure made of quilts. The quilts have some creative designs to them and they are sure to get the attention of curiosity seekers, both young and old.

Ad you walk through the hallways to all of the different exhibits , there are lots of art that can catch your eye.

This exhibit, also in Building Number 5, is called, “A Quake In Paradise (Labyrinth).” The maze-like exhibit includes a group of panels printed with the artist’s signature that layers mechanically reproduced imagery.

Believe it or not, there are many, many more exhibits and works of art I am going to showcase in future posts. Below, are two videos from Nick Cave’s “Until” exhibit. I took the first two videos. The last video posted is from the account of jay sarajevo.

5 Comments | tags: art, MASS MoCA, Massachusetts, New England, Nick Cave, north adams, photographs, photohgraphy, photos, Until | posted in art, MASS MoCA, Massachusetts, New England, Nick Cave, photographs, photography, photos, Uncategorized, Until

January 6, 2018

MASS MoCA (North Adams, MA) Part I

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Visit: July 8, 2017 & July 15, 2017

Location: 1040 MASS MoCA WAY, North Adams, MA

Hours:

Fall/Winter/Spring Hours

11am–5pm, closed Tuesdays

Open January 1, 2018

Fall/Winter/Spring Tours

Cost:

Admission

Adults $20
Seniors / Veterans $18
Students with ID $12
Kids (6–16) $8
EBT/WIC Cardholder $2

They also offer 2 day and 3 day admission tickets

Parking: There are four parking lots in the museum parking area

MASS MoCA Parking Map

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Website: MASS MoCA

As I was looking through my photos from last year, I came across some photos I took at MASS MoCA last summer. Since there are so many photos of many different exhibits, I am planning on posting my photos in several parts. I hope you enjoy this trip through the many art works and creative exhibits at this very unique museum.

Once the site of a factory building complex, MASS MoCA (Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art) is now home to a variety of art from a variety of artists and styles.

Formerly the Arnold Print Building which operated there from 1860 to 1942 and the Sprague Electric Company, MASS MoCA consists of several buildings, some of which are connected by bridges and walk ways.

MASS MoCA has both permanent exhibits (or at least semi permanent exhibits) as well as many temporary exhibits.

Decorated walls are a constant theme at the museum. One of the permanent exhibits on display at the museum are these walls with stylized designs on them.

This work of art by Barbara Takenaga called Nebraska (2015) is composed of acrylic on digitally printed wallpaper. The wallpaper was translated from her handcrafted easel work. The 120 foot mural represents the open plain of Nebraska, Takenaga’s home state. The design is meant to represent the corn and stars that are evident on an evening in her home state. The work of art is meant to show the “blue hour” when the earth and sky begin to merge.

On the second floor of the museum, there are several walls with different designs painted on them.

The following art is part of Sol Lewitt’s A Wall Drawing Retro-spective exhibit.

This exhibit comprises 105 of LeWitt’s large-scale wall drawings, spanning the artist’s career from 1969 to 2007. These works of art take up nearly an acre of specially built interior walls that have been installed, per LeWitt’s own specification. They span over three stories of a historic mill building situated at the heart of MASS MoCA’s campus. The 27,000-square-foot structure, known as Building #7, has been fully restored for the exhibition by Bruner/Cott & Associates architects.

“Wall Drawing 439” – May, 1985, asymmetrical pyramid with color ink washes superimposed. Color ink wash.

“Wall Drawing 527” – April, 1987, two flat-topped pyramids with color ink washes superimposed. Color ink wash.

From left to right: “Wall Drawing 583H” : rectangles with color ink washes superimposed. Each is bordered by a 10-inch band with color ink washes superimposed, a 1/2 inch white band and a 4 inch black band – color ink wash, December, 1988

Center: “Wall Drawing 584 H”: squares, divided horizontally and vertically into four equal parts. Within each part, color ink washes superimposed. The squares are bordered by a 1/2 inch white band and a 4 inch black band – color ink wash, January, 1989

Right: “Wall Drawing 583F”” rectangles, with color ink washes superimposed. Each is bordered by a 10 inch band with color ink washes superimposed, a 1/2 inch white band and a 4 inch black band – color ink wash, December, 1988

In the far right corner of this display by itself is “Wall Drawing 725” – On a blue wall, a black square within a white border. India ink, color ink wash, gouache. April, 1993.

“Wall Drawing 343 A-F”: On a black wall, nine geometric figures (including right triangle, cross, X) in squares. The backgrounds are filled in solid white.

December 1980

White crayon on black wall

“Wall Drawing 340”

Six-part drawing. The wall is divided horizontally and vertically into six equal parts. 1st part: On red, blue horizontal parallel lines, and in the center, a circle within which are yellow vertical parallel lines; 2nd part: On yellow, red horizontal parallel lines, and in the center, a square within which are blue vertical parallel lines; 3rd part: On blue, yellow horizontal parallel lines, and in the center, a triangle within which are red vertical parallel lines; 4th part: On red, yellow horizontal parallel lines, and in the center, a rectangle within which are blue vertical parallel lines; 5th part: On yellow, blue horizontal parallel lines, and in the center, a trapezoid within which are red vertical parallel lines; 6th part: On blue, red horizontal parallel lines, and in the center, a parallelogram within which are yellow vertical parallel lines. The horizontal lines do not enter the figures.

July 1980

Red, yellow, blue crayon on red, yellow and blue wall

“Wall Drawing 335”:

On four black walls, white vertical parallel lines, and in the center of the walls, eight geometric figures (including cross, X) within which are white horizontal parallel lines. The vertical lines do not enter the figures.

May 1980

White crayon on black wall

I found myself mesmerized by these works of art. It seemed like the colors and shapes were busy, as if staring at some of them too long can give you a headache. Yet, I couldn’t stop looking at them. Some of them, especially the lines on the wall with the circles and rectangles on the grey wall seemed to change shapes and direction based on which direction you looked at it from.

“Wall Drawing 681C”: a wall divided vertically into four equal squares separated and bordered by black bands. Within each square bands in one of four bands in one of four directions each with color ink superimposed. Color ink wash, August, 1993

“Wall Drawing 414”

Drawing Series IV (A) with India ink washes. (24 Drawings.)

March 1984

India ink wash

“Wall Drawing 391”

Two-part drawing. The two walls are each divided horizontally and vertically into four equal parts. First wall: 12-inch (30 cm) bands of lines in four directions, one direction in each part, drawn in black India ink. Second wall: Same, but with four colors drawn in India ink and color ink washes.

April 1983

India ink and color ink wash

I especially liked how the walls were displayed throughout the room. The aisles between the walls made for good photo opportunities.

Across from “Wall Drawing 414” was the color version of the same work of art

“Wall Drawing 413”

Drawing Series IV (A) with color ink washes. (24 drawings.)

March 1984

Color ink wash

“Wall Drawing 692”

Continuous forms with color ink washes superimposed.

October 1991

Color ink wash

“Wall Drawing 610”

Isometric figure with color ink washes superimposed.

June 1989

Color ink wash

“Wall Drawing 422”

The room (or wall) is divided vertically into fifteen parts. All one-, two-, three-, and four-part combinations of four colors, using color ink washes.

November 1984

Color ink wash

“Wall Drawing 614”

Rectangles formed by 3-inch (8 cm) wide India ink bands, meeting at right angles.

July 1989

India ink

“Wall Drawing 684A”

Squares bordered and divided horizontally and vertically into four equal squares, each with bands in one of four directions.

June 1999

Color ink wash

“Wall Drawing 630” & “Wall Drawing 631”

“Wall Drawing 630”

A wall is divided horizontally into two equal parts. Top: alternating horizontal black and white 8-inch (20 cm) bands. Bottom: alternating vertical black and white 8-inch (20 cm) bands.

January 1990

India ink

“Wall Drawing 631”

A wall is divided into two equal parts by a line drawn from corner to corner. Left: alternating diagonal black and white 8-inch (20 cm) bands from the lower left. Right: alternating diagonal black and white 8-inch (20 cm) bands from the upper right.

January 1990

India ink

“Wall Drawing 766”

Twenty-one isometric cubes of varying sizes, each with color ink washes superimposed.

September 1994

Color ink wash

“Wall Drawing 415D”

Double Drawing. Right: Isometric Figure (Cube) with progressively darker graduations of gray on each of three planes; Left: Isometric figure with red, yellow, and blue superimposed progressively on each of the three planes. The background is gray.

March 1993

Color ink wash

“Wall Drawing 522D” (to the right in the photo)

Tilted forms with color ink washes superimposed.

December 1987

Color ink wash

“Wall Drawing 793B”

Irregular wavy color bands.

January 1996

Color ink wash

“Wall Drawing 792”

Black rectangles and squares.

June 1995

Dispersion paint

“Wall Drawing 579”

Three concentric arches. The outside one is blue; the middle red; and the inside one is yellow.

November 1988

Color ink wash

“Wall Drawing 766”

Twenty-one isometric cubes of varying sizes, each with color ink washes superimposed.

September 1994

Color ink wash

“Wall Drawing 386”

Stars with three, four, five, six, seven, eight, and nine points, drawn with a light tone India ink wash inside, an India ink wash outside, separated by a 6-inch (15 cm) white band.

January 1983

India ink wash

Based on the museum’s website, there appears to be many more walls with Lewitt’s work on them in the building, many of which seem to have been added since my visit.

Cosmic Latte is an exhibit designed by famed artist Seymour Finch. The 350 lights are meant to represent a constellation. The name Cosmic Latte refers to the official name given to the color of our universe. A 2009 study of the light emitted by 200,000 galaxies proved the light of our universe is more of a beige color than the blue color it is usually described. The spacing of the fixtures is meant to model the atomic of powdered pigments that Finch used to emulate the specific Cosmic Latte color. He used the following colors to achieve this Cosmic Latte hue: titanium white, Mars Yellow, chrome yellow and cadium red.

The fixtures are arranged in a similar pattern to that of the Milky Way as it is observed in the Northern Hemisphere in March. The undulating swathe of the lights relates to the nearby Hoosic River which is visible through the windows.

Art is everywhere at MASS MoCA. These benches with cubby hole storage were located just outside of Kidland, where the Cavernous display was located.

During my visit, there was a special, temporary exhibit on display for children. Inspired by the Hoosac Tunnel which, in 1974, was built to be part of a rail system that connects Albany NY to Boston, MA, Cavernous: The Inner Life of Courage is an interactive work of art in which visitors can walk inside and play inside. The exhibit is meant to teach visitors what it takes to be courageous and persevere in the face of mountain-sized obstacles. Visitors are invited to play in a tunnel-like structure built specifically for the museum. Designs and words are written on the floors and walls. There are also cushioned seating for children to sit on inside the work of art. Good luck getting the kiddies to leave!

Children and other visitors were encouraged to leave little notes in the cavern.

The tunnel system that was built was meant to be a metaphor for courage.

This exhibit was part of the Kidspace area of the museum.

This is part one of a multiple series post. I am not sure how many posts will be involved in the MASS MoCA serries. But, stayed tuned for more creative works of art!

Below are some videos of the work involved in creating some of the art at MASS MoCA

8 Comments | tags: art, MASS MoCA, Massachusetts, museum, New England, north adams, photographs, Photography, photos | posted in art, MASS MoCA, museum, New England, north adams, Uncategorized

December 31, 2017

Gingerbread In Space (Springfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: December 27, 2017 (the annual display is up during the last week of each year)

Location: Springfield Museums, 21 Edwin St, Springfield, MA

Parking: There is free parking in the main parking area for about 50 cars and an overflow lot across the street

Website: Gingerbread In Space

Highlights: Gingerbread houses with a twist

Tips:

Today, December 31, 2017, is the last day to view these mouth watering homes

Gingerbread and sci-fi. Sounds like a pretty good combination to me.

Gingerbread houses, a staple of the holiday season in New England, were mixed with sci-fi themes to put a new twist on holiday decor.

The gingerbread competition was broken up into three categories: Professional Division: Bake Shops, Caterers, Restaurants, or Professional Bakers, Adult Division: Individual or group adult, age 18 & up and Youth Division: Individual or group youth, age 8-17. Although the artists could use non-food items in their displays, all of the exteriors of the displays were made entirely out of gingerbread or some other food or food substance.

Christmas trees and sci-fi themed murals lined the walls of the room where the gingerbread houses were kept.

The gingerbread house competition is an annual event the museum holds. They will be on display until December 31. Although there are a few displays that were created by participants outside of the area, almost all of the displays were created by people in the western MA area from places such as Wilbraham, Springfield and Feeding Hills.

One thing I noticed about the displays were how hard it would be able to tell the adult and youth displays apart. The youth division participants (perhaps with a little help from mom and dad) did a great job!

The first group of gingerbread houses on display are the gingerbread houses from the youth division .

“The Gingerbread in Space” depicts a gingerbread rice krispies moon with a gingerbread rocket and a floating gingerbread man with a star background. The artist used crispies, wafers, gum drops, peach rings, Nerds, Smarties, M&M’s, candy corn, sugar, rice, cinnamon sticks, life savers and candy canes.

“Moonwalk” is an astronomy themed display. The American flag is made out of Twizzlers with a pretzel stick holding up the flag. The planet Earth is held up by a pretzel stick and is made out of Airheads.

The moon and its base are made out of gingerbread cake mix. A home made gingerbread house is on the moon with a glass-dome covering over the gingerbread house. Outside the house, the gingerbread man is taking his god for a walk and the gingerbread son is in the space car.

“Imagine” was inspired by the magic of imagination and the power of literature to evoke it.

The gingerbread planets were made by using globe pans. Cotton candy, food coloring, frosting with food coloring were used as paint, gum paste and modeling chocolate were used for decorating. The tower is made of gingerbread.

“Blast Off” was inspired by the artist’s love of space. The main body of the rocket is made of gingerbread with fondant accents and red hots rivets. The top of the rocket has a peach ring and two gummy candies. The smoke from the blast off is made from cotton candy and the rocket is flying in a universe full of giant Jawbreaker planets and candy stars. The universe is made of fondant.

“Somewhere Out There” was inspired, in part, by the movie Avatar.

The display is mostly made of gingerbread or royal icing coated with silver edible food coloring. Modeling chocolate and Rice Krispies treats were used to make the mountains. Fondant was used to create some of the colorful alien forms. Isomalt and modeling chocolate were used to create waterways and tubes. Special icing was used to create the flowers. Silver sprinkles and candies were used to accent the buildings.

As you might expect, “The Star Destroyer” was largely inspired by the movie Star Wars

The planet was made from spherical section of fondant, covered in a gingerbread shell and painted in frosting. triangular sections of gingerbread, glued together with frosting, make up the ships.

“Forest Moon Of Endor (Yub Nub!)” is a nod to the Ewoks home from Return Of The Jedi. Subtitled as, “Yub nub, eboka chu toota!” (roughly translated in Ewok to “This is the home of the Ewoks”), this display is made of Mentos, gingerbread, chocolate Teddy Grahams, Twizzlers, fondant, icing, pretzel rods.

“Hopper And Eleven;s Cabin” was inspired by the hit Netflix show, Stranger Things. (I’m so glad the names and descriptions on this displays explained where some of these phrases came from) This display is made of gingerbread, pretzels, ice cream cones, royal icing, green sprinkles, Wilton spray icing, licorice, mini Shredded Wheats.

“Santa’s Elves” is a display based on a holiday scene featuring Santa’s elves in their workshop.

The display is made of gingerbread, pretzel sticks, Sour Patch Kids, Nerds, Tootsie Pops and royal icing.

“Silver 6” is based on a novel about a giant robot attack.

This display is made of gingerbread, fondant, licorice, Hershey bars, Sour Patch Kids, marshmallow and Royal icing.

“Main Street, Mars Christmas Morning” depicts a Mars town on Christmas day. Since no one has been to Mars, the creators of this display imagined what Christmas would look like on Mars.

This display, which was a group youth effort by the Girl Scout Troop 11248 in Feeding Hills, MA, is made of gingerbread, royal icing, Jolly Rancher’s and leftover Halloween candy. The alien residents are made of Rice Krispie treats. The ground cover is made of flour. The roads are paved with Starlight mints.

“The Battle Of Endoe” was inspired by the movie, Return Of The Jedi.

The shelter and the trees are made of gingerbread. The tops of the trees are made of chocolate covered with fruit stems and green colored Rice Krispies, modeling chocolate, gum paste and assorted candies. The platforms and roof are made from fondant. The vines are made of green candy apple licorice.

“Stary Seuss Night By Grinch Van Gogh” was inspired by astronomy, art, the stars and sky and of course, Springfield native, Dr. Seuss.

This display is made of gingerbread, frosting, fondant, fudge and other food ingredients.

“My Life As A Teenage Robot” was based on a science fiction story, XJ-9.

This display is made of fondant, gingerbread, purple Nerds, Mike And Ikes and Royal icing.

“Empire Strikes NASA” was created by eight members of Girl Scout Troop 20559 from Feeding Hills, MA. The back story to this display is that the Empire has learned of water bears, which NASA has created. These “water bears” are able to exist in space. Will NASA be able to defend these creatures? Or, will they fall into the evil clutches of the Empire?

The buildings are made out of gingerbread using various cookie cutters for gingerbread decorations. Darth Vader is made out of fondant. Various candies and frosting were used to create the parking lot and the decorations. Marshmallow Stormtroopers were decorated with an edible decorating pen.

“Yoda’s Hut” was inspired by the Star Wars series of films, particularly The Empire Strikes Back, and by some friends of the artist who had submitted a display last year.

This display is made out of gingerbread, fondant, poured sugar, candy canes, brownie brittle, caramel bits and Rice Krispie treats.

“Elf Of The North” was inspired by a fantasy movie.

The display is made out of candy canes, taffy, maple syrup, sugar, pretzels, gumdrops, ice cream cones, fondant and other candy.

Adult division:

“UFO Rest Stop” is made of a gingerbread UFO that was painted with a colored sugar glaze. The leg supports are made out of Cow Tales candy. The asteroid landscape is hand-sculpted gingerbread. The aliens were made out of fondant. In the cockpit are computers made out of Chicklit gum.

The artist of this gingerbread house said, “UFO sightings have always been a part of science fiction culture.”

“Wall-E and Eve” is made out of structural gingerbread. Frosting, fondant and various candies were used for details and coloring.

The artist said the idea of this gingerbread house display was inspired by the movie WALL-E but more importantly by the theme of WALL-E and EVE looking out for each other and that, “taking care of each other is the most important thing we can do.”

“Papa, Please Get The Moon For Me” is made of frosting, edible paint, glitter, pretzels, mints, M&M’s, sprinkles, Frosted Mini Wheat cereal, peppermint and cookies.

“Alien Spaceship” was inspired by the artists’ overall love of anything sci-fi and the show The Orville. This display was created by a mother and son team.

The spaceship is made of gingerbread over Rice Krispies treats which were coated with vanilla frosting and silver cake gems. The windows striping on the ship and the sky were all made with icing and food coloring. The candies on the ship are Skittles, Sixlets, Mini Starbursts and Gobstoppers. The lights on the ship are made of citrus gummies and the aliens are Sour Patch Kids. Edible cake decorations were used for the stars and Necco Wafers with Pixie Stick powder comprise the comets.

“WALL-E and EVE’s First Christmas Together.” WALL-E is constructed from gingerbread, icing, fondant and sugar work. Eve is made out of Rice Krispy treats and fondant.

The name of this display, “Don’t Panic”, came from the Douglas Adams book The Hitch-Hikers Guide To The Universe. The characters are made of gum paste. The roofs are made of black licorice. Gingerbread, candy canes, rock candy, fabric, edible paper, sour apple strings, colored sprinkles, decogel, Starlight candies, gum drops, ice cream cones and other foods make up the rest of the display.

“Signs Of Christmas” is largely based on the movie Signs and a science fiction story with a holiday twist.

The ingredients used to make the display are Graham Crackers, Royal icing, fondant, buttercream frosting, coconut flakes, gumdrops, spiral mints and sugar sprinkles.

“The Time Machine” is based on the book and film(s) of the same name.

The display is made of gingerbread, pasta, fondant, Rice Krispy treats, coconut, gum paste, gumballs, sprinkles and Mike And Ikes.

The vision of “Magical Moments” was to create “stained glass” windows and shining sugar creations.

This display is made of sugar, corn syrup, marshmallows, candy corn, candy canes, Halloween chocolates, lollipops, sprinkles, Tootsie Rolls and gingerbread.

“When Worlds Collide” is an homage to Star Wars and the famous parody of Star Wars, Space Balls. In an attempt to evade the evil Dark Helmet, The Eagle 5 Space RV hyper spaced to the wrong destination and ended up in the atmosphere of Tatooine where C3PO, R2D2 and BB8 were there to greet them.

The display is made of gingerbread and an assortment of candies.

“Merry Droidmas” is a homage to the Star Wars characters R2D2 and BBB8.

This display was made out of sugar sheets, modeling chocolate, royal icing, licorice and chocolate candies.

Professional division:

“Baking Up Galactic Fun” was created by Chef Janice Desmarais. It is made of fondant, crushed, candies, crackers, cereals, royal icing and gingerbread. And, yes, as the photos suggest, the lights do blink. Janice is the head chef at Japonaise Bakery in Brookline, MA.

“Out Of This World Magical Christmas” is a message of joy and peace and love. The monster and friends are shining light of Christmas on the world.

This display is made of gingerbread, frosting, candies and lights.

“Winter Wizards Magic Corn Farm They Came From Outer Space” is the creme de la cream (pun very much intended) of the competition.

The artist said he was inspired the movies The Day The Earth Stood Still and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. He wanted to included a farm setting, replete with a crop circle which was left behind by the spaceship in the display.

lThis display was made by a participant who creates gingerbread displays every year for the competition. One of the staff workers at the museum told me it took several people to carry it carefully to the room (up a flight of stairs mind you). The artist, Eric Hirsh from Mystic, CT, makes the general shape of the gingerbread display. Then, when the museum tells him the particular theme each year, he tailors his display to the particular theme.

The display is made out of Mike And Ikes, Twizzlers, Kit-Kat, black sesame seed, Skittles, black licorice, Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, gummy bears, candy corn, Harvest Mix, Mini Oreos, gumballs, candy canes, Hershey bars, Jolly Rancher lollipops, ice cream cones, frosting and gingerbread.

You could vote for a display from each division and there was a sheet for children, or anyone really I suppose, to look for and check off different aspects from all of the displays. For instance, one of the questions asks how many WALL-E’s are in the exhibit. It’s a great way to get children more involved and make the exhibit even more fun!

2017 has been a great year blogging! I have met some very interesting and amazing people, and, of course, dogs! I wanted to thank everyone who has read my posts, allowed me to photograph them and their dogs and for all of the support this year! I look forward to sharing many more of my adventures and experiences in the upcoming year! Here’s to a happy, healthy and successful 2018!

A great way to start of the new year would be to check out my Facebook page and consider joining my page!

4 Comments | tags: Gingerbread Houses, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Springfield, Springfield Museum | posted in Gingerbread Houses, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Springfield, Springfield Museum, Uncategorized

December 29, 2017

History On The Homefront: The Power Of The Poster (Springfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: September 5, 2017

Location: Springfield Museums, 21 Edwin St, Springfield, MA

Parking: There is free parking in the main parking area for about 50 cars and an overflow lot across the street

Website: History On The Homefront

Highlights: posters from the World War I era

Tips:

The exhibit is no longer on display (it ran during the summer of 2017

War and propaganda have gone together for as far back as America itself. In fact, the currently prevalent “Don’t Tread On Me” flags you may often notice at rallies and on bumper stickers was originally a propaganda piece created by Benjamin Franklin and adopted by the Continental some 240 years.

Propaganda, as a weapon, may be just as an important tool as any bomb or bullet.

Springfield (MA) Museum’s “History On The Homefront” exhibit, on display during the summer of this year are evidence of the importance and the effect of propaganda.

The posters, on loan from some museum patrons, do not just to promote America’s efforts in the war, they were also meant to promote helping the soldiers abroad.

What struck me most while I researched this post was just how connected people were at this time with not only the military but also the government. Not only did just about every fit male of service age serve, if they did not serve, everyone seemed to know someone who was serving. And those that could not or would not serve often volunteered in other ways. Their service, “voluntary rationing” and volunteerism for the war effort is very impressive.

The posters were created by such artists as James Montgomery Flagg, Marie D. Page and, in the photo below, Charles Buckles Falls.

Book Wanted For Our Men In Camp And Over There by Charles Buckles Falls.

Hey Fellows by John E Sheridan.

The call to donate books was met by the public. According to the literature from the exhibit, the American Library Association (ALA) distributed 7 to 10 million books and magazines that were generously donated by the public to more than 500 locations including military hospitals.

You can still donate books to soldiers by visiting the aptly named website, Books For Soldiers. Or at the website Operation Paperback.

Food Is Ammunition by John E Sheridan.

Save…, Wheat… by Frederic G. Cooper

With many of the people who would have worked on farms away overseas and food shortages becoming prevalent, it was evident that people needed to cut back on their food intake. In what is for many of us a “world of plenty”, it is often hard to realize just how much a food shortage could affect a country. We often take this way too much for granted.

Instead of implementing food rationing, which President Roosevelt thought would lower morale, President Roosevelt decided to work with the Division of Pictorial Publicity to encourage people to voluntarily cut back to help with food shortages. Themes like “Meatless Monday” (some of us still do this) and “Wheatless Wednesdays” (yum) were announced. People were also encouraged to eat local and even grow their own food. Many people followed this suggestion and created their own “Victory Garden.” One of the rallying cries from the effort was “Food Will Win The War.”

Eat More Corn, Oats and Rye Products by L.E. Britton

He Can Win by Dan Smith.

This poster by Dan Smith was a tribute to the Red Cross. Looking for a way to help those fighting overseas, people turned to the Red Cross to make donations and volunteer. President Wilson appointed a War Council to help raise funds and expand the organization and people responded. It is estimated that at its height 22 million women joined the American Red Cross during the war. The most popular means for helping the red Cross was by knitting goods.

The American Red Cross still helps people in the military and military families to this day.

Building For Health by Marie D Page

At the Sign of the red Triangle – the YMCA keeps the home ties from breaking by John F. Butler.

The last evidence that anybody cares by John F. Butler

To maintain morale and keep the men serving overseas mentally and emotionally stable, the Department of War asked 7 community organizations such as the Knights of Columbus, the YWCA and the YMCA to provide social, health and welfare services to the people serving overseas.

During World War I, the YMCA provided 90 percent of all welfare work to the troops of the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe. They operated rest and recreation leave centers. They also served 8,000 troop trains, provided 4,000 huts for recreation and 1,500 canteens and post exchanges. At their centers, the YMCA volunteers offered religious support, entertainment and miscellaneous items such as trading cards and books.

The Soldiers by Harold J Rabinovitz

The World Cannot Live Half Slave, Half Free by an unknown artist.

This poster (above) was made by the Committee of Public Information which was headed by (in)famous muckraker George Creel. The committee was tasked with “selling” the war. The committee created posters and other propaganda related items to portray the kaiser as a barbarian and spread sensational stories of German soldiers committing atrocities against innocent civilians. These stories of atrocities would later be discredited. Yet, the committee proved to be effective in their efforts.

I want you for U.S. Army – Nearest recruiting station by James Montgomery Flagg.

While this image may be the most recognizable image of Uncle Sam, it is not the first. In fact, legend has it the first use of the Uncle Sam personality was during the War Of 1812 and the first use of Uncle Sam in formal literature was in a book written by Frederick Augustus Fidfaddy, Esq in 1816. Nevertheless, this remains the most popular use of the Uncle Sam character.

He is Getting Our Country’s Signal – Are You? Join The Navy by an unknown artist

And they thought we couldn’t fight – Victory Liberty Loan by Vic Forsythe.

There was also a display of items from World War I

The helmet in the photo is a U.S. Army Helmet Model 1917. This helmbet was modeled after the British Army Helmet (called a “soup bowl” helmet). The binoculars to the right in the photo were used by the Troops of the 104th during World War I. In the middle of the photo are a prayer book, personal information card and holy medal which were carried by Francis Lynch. Lynch is the man shown in the photo to the left. Lynch’s photos may have been chosen because he was a Springfield (MA) native (the same city as the museum’s location). Francis lied about his age and joined the U.S. Army in 1917 at the age of 16 using his older brother Daniel’s name.

6 Comments | tags: Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, propaganda, Springfield, Springfield Museum, war posters | posted in Massachusetts, New England, photograph, photographs, photography, photos, Springfield, Uncategorized, war posters

December 18, 2017

Murals (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: October 7, 2017

Location: Congress St, Harbor St, Ward St, Lafayette St, Salem, MA

Cost: Free

Hours: Accessible every day 24 hours

Parking: Street parking is available or you can park at the parking garage at 10 Congress St

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Websites: Belin Mural

Medicine Man Mural

Highlights:murals

Tips:

most of the murals are on Wards St and Harbor St
some of these murals are in residential areas or painted on apartment complexes

Sometimes poor judgment can lead to good outcomes. Such was the case when I decided, against my better judgment, to visit Salem, MA (the Halloween headquarter of America) on a Saturday afternoon in October. Parking was sparse (all of the main parking lots and parking spaces were taken or full). But, because I had to park farther away from the downtown area, we spotted another hidden treasure in the city.

These murals were found on Congress St

But, most of the murals are located on Harbor St and Ward St.

These murals were all located along a wall on Harbor St. Some of them were so well done they actually looked like photographs.

As these murals show, Salem is so much more than scary monsters and witchcraft lore.

So, the next time you’re in Salem, don’t just spend your time looking for ghosts and goblins, make sure to stop by and take a look at these works of art!

10 Comments | tags: art, Massachusetts, murals, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Salem | posted in art, Massachusetts, murals, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized

December 16, 2017

Artists’ Row (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates of Visits: Throughout October, 2017

Location: Artists’ Row is located off Derby and Essex St

Hours: open daily

Cost: Free

Parking: There is street parking available throughout Salem and parking garages are available as well

Handicapped Accessble: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Website: Artists’ Row

Highlights: Art displays, shops, restaurant, holiday displays

A haven for artists, art lovers or just people looking for unique works of art, Atists’ Row is another area which showcases the art and creativity of Salem.

I photographed Artists’ Row during my many excursions to Salem during the month of October.

As the name suggests, art is evident throughout the row.

From time to time, Artist Row has different art on display throughout the alley. This particular art display was on exhibit during my visits. The lettering and images bumped out so you can feel the images even if you couldn’t see them. I especially like the references to Salem that are portrayed throughout the work of art.

Art is abundant along the Row.

You can not only view art on Artists’ Row. You can create you own art as well.Artists of all ages and backgrounds have the chance to create their own or just sit and enjoy the art around them. The tables with the plants growing out off them are one of the favorites of the visitors at Arrtists’ Row.

These rocks with words and quotes painted on them are piled on the side of the row for anyone in need of some inspiration.

These helpful signs show you which direction to go if you are lost.

The shops along the row offer a variety of handmade crafts and other creative works of art.

The shops on Artists Row have to sign leases each year and, due to the weather conditions, some of the shops are not open year round. So it is possible that some of the shops listed below may not be there when you visit.

Grace & Diggs has a variety of handmade, items all made by the owner Linda. Many of the goods there have a very Halloween in Salem theme.

There is also a stand with hats on them that you can take a selfie with and post on Facebook (don’t forget to hashtag Grace&Diggs when you post the photo)!

Ceramics By Sibel also has a variety of arts and crafts, all hand made by Sibel. Many of her works are made using clay. On her website, Sibel says she is “made of clay. It is in my DNA.” When she is not operating her business, Sibel sells her art at fairs and other markets (she is only by appointment only in Nov and Dec and her business is closed after Dec until May)

Sibel was busy working on a new piece of art during my visit.

Boston Woodturning is another shop on the row. Boston Woodturning creates crafts out of wood at their shop. They also held a fun event in October in which they helped create and design little ghosts and scarecrows out of recycled materials for the children who stopped by their store.

The one mainstay throughout the year is the Lobster Shanty.

Sounds like my kind of place!

Now that the huge crowds of the Halloween season have long since dispersed and the area is tastefully decorated for the holiday season, it may be a great time to visit Artists’ Row.

Dogs like to walk among the art on Artist’ Row. Must be because of all of the trees there.

Bernie is a 10 year old Rat Terrier. His mom said he thinks he is the “Mayor Of Salem”. Take that, Kim Driscoil!

Hugo is a 9 year old Great Pyrenees. You can follow him on Instagram at hugoofsalem

6 Comments | tags: art, Artists' Row, dogs, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Salem | posted in art, dogs, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized

December 7, 2017

Veterans Mall (Greenfield, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: October 14, 2017

Location: Main St, Greenfield, MA (next to the Town Hall Annex at 253 Main St) (45 minutes north of Springfield, MA)

Hours: open daily, 24 hours a day

Cost: Free

Parking: There is a good amount of metered street parking near the memorial park

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: memorials, mural, sculptures

It would be easy to miss the grand memorial at Veterans Memorial. Couched in between the busy downtown business district, the memorial is almost an after thought, if you’re not expecting to see it. I had to make a quick stop and scramble for parking at the last moment as I had already driven by it when my passenger brought it to my attention.

Located in the bustling Main St in downtown Greenfield, Veterans Mall is truly a hidden gem.Tucked away between the various retailers in the busy business district, Veterans Mall includes a mural and numerous war and veteran memorials.

The mural located at Veterans Mall includes images and symbols of Greenfield and the surrounding area such as Poets Tower and Greenfield Covered Bridge.

One of the cool aspects of the mural are the symbols around the border and in the mural that are indicative of the area such as the corn that is planted and farmed at the local farms. There are also symbols that are common in any area across the area, the crazy weather we have(symbolized by the wind blowing its cold air) and symbols that are common across the nation such as children trick-or-treating.

The mural was repainted April 28, 2017 after 27 years. Below is a photo of what it looked like before it was painted over.

See the source image

As if this wasn’t enough, there are several other war memorials at Veterans Mall.

This monument, dedicated to the people of Greenfield who served their country during the Vietnam War, has the name of every person from Greenfield who was killed in this war. It’s hard not to tear up or take a deep breath while reading all of those names. It will stop you cold and ground you to see the list of all of those lives cut short.

The Greenfield War Memorial, sculpted by Homer Gunn in 1965, sits in the center of the memorial park. The sculpture is meant to give a message of peace

Apparently, it also acts as a home for some of the residents of the area.

A lot has changed since these memorials were first installed in the area. Below is a photo of the two memorials from an earlier time, presumably when it was first dedicated over some 50 years ago.

War Memorial Greenfield Massachusetts

The memorial located next to the Vietnam War Memorial is a memorial to the veterans of World War I

Where there was once a pool of water stands a pine tree dedicated to the all of the women veterans of all wars.

Directly across from the War Memorial is another memorial by Homer Gunn. This serpentine memorial is meant to chronicle the history of warfare during the 20th century. The memorial shows soldiers, airmen, sailors and marines in an array of different activities and using a variety of different weapons, machines and vehicles from different eras. There are also shapes of geographic regions where they fought.

The park is a wonderful destination for all, even four legged visitors. Watson is a 12 year old mixed breed rescue.

4 Comments | tags: dogs, Greenfield, Massachusetts, memorials, murals, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, sculptures, Vietnam Memorial | posted in dogs, Greenfield, Massachusetts, memorials, New England, park, photographs, photography, photos, sculptures, Uncategorized

December 3, 2017

High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary (Shelburne, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: October 14, 2017

Location: Patten Road, Shelburne, MA

Hours: Trails are open dawn until dusk

Cost: Free

Parking: there are 2 parking lots. The first parking lot (called the “overflow parking lot”) which has room for about 10 cars is at the beginning of the entrance. The other parking area is about a quarter of a mile down the main entrance road. On the left of the road is room for about a dozen cars.

Trail Size/Difficulty: 782 acres, 5 miles/easy with some moderate inclines

Handicapped Accessible: No

Dog Friendly: No

Website: High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary

Trail Map: High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary Trail Map

Highlights: scenic, “high ledge”, wildlife, easy trails, vernal pool, flowers, foliage during the fall

Known for its pretty views of the Deerfield River Valley and Mount Greylock area, its variety of flowers along its trails and its various wildlife, High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place for a quick hike to some beautiful views.

The sanctuary is a mixture of 5 miles of paved and dirt trails with a few boardwalks over some marshy areas.

Even though it was near the end of the foliage season, there was still lots of foliage on the trees during my visit. The leaves on the ground added to the beauty of the sanctuary.

Rumor has it wolves roamed the High Ledges. The Wolves’ Den Loop Trail leads to a geologic feature where local lore has it that the last wolf in the region was exterminated.

The highlight of the sanctuary is the overlook, or “high ledge” along the (wait for it…)…Ledges Trail. The rolling hills and colorful trees offer a picturesque vista.

It’s said you can see Mount Greylock from the ledge on a clear day. See it? It’s right there…

Well, it’s somewhere there.

The trails at High Ledges are easy overall. But there are some strenuous areas. My advice would be to stay on the main trails and to basically back track or follow the trail you took to the vista since that is the most direct route back and the trail is the easiest to travel, unless you’re looking for a challenge. I felt the urge for a challenge that day and I usually do try the various trails so I can get a good feel of the park. However, there really wasn’t, save for a few chipmunks and trees, along the side trails.