Tag Archives: Photography

September 10, 2024

Great Elephant Migration (Newport, RI)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: July through August, 2024

Location: Cliff Walk, Newport, RI

Cost: Free

Summary: 100 elephants were placed along the Cliff Walk in Newport, RI.

The elephants have come to Rhode Island.

No, these isn’t a tagline for the next Hollywood blockbuster. The Great Elephant Migration was a display of 100 elephants made from lantana, a plant common in the southern and northeast part of India. It’s truly incredible to think the artists could make such incredible artistic renderings of elephants.

The 100 Indian elephants, which have since been transported to New York City, were displayed at 3 locations along the Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island; The Breaker’s Mansions, Salve Regina University, Doris Duke/Rough Point Mansion and there was a solitary elephant on display a little farther away from the Cliff Walk at the Great Friend’s Meeting House at 21 Farewell Street, Newport, RI, which is posted below.

The elephants were made in the shape of actual elephants. The herd consists of replicas of real-life elephants personally known to The Coexistence Collective. The Coexistence Collective is a community of around 200 artisans in southern India who made them. And, most of the elephants had names and, in some instance a matriarch twin. For instance, Sarah, the Duchess of York, is the matriarchal twin of Mayflower, who had a darker shade than most other elephants because she is a darker shade in real life.

It took 6 to 7 years for the artists to complete each elephant. So, a lot of care was taken to get all of the details right for each elephant.

The first place I visited to photograph the displays was The Breaker’s Mansion. It is a beautiful mansion inside and out. There were 28 elephants at this location. Initially, I was going to photograph every elephant and include their name for each of them. However, that seemed like pure drudgery and not necessarily much fun for people to look at. So I scrapped that idea. I did, however, photograph all of the elephants. Very often, I think I shouldn’t photograph something. Then, after looking at it a second time, I am glad I did. That is one thing I’ve learned from taking so many photographs. There are no shortcuts and you really shouldn’t always go with your gut instinct. Something that looks like a dull or “mid” photo can actually look very nice after a second look.

The elephants were on sale! The sales would go to raise funds for the 22 conservation organizations around the country. The prices ranged from $8,000 for a baby elephant to $22,000 for the largest tusked elephant. I heard from a volunteer that almost all have already been sold.

I particularly liked how they kept the parents and babies together in some of the displays.

They also seemed to show the elephants smiling or possibly talking. As though they were happy to be there.

I couldn’t help myself from taking a few photos of the architecture and art at The Breaker’s. I hope to get more photos another time when I go on a tour.

I made several trips to the exhibits, particularly the elephant display at Salve Regina University because it was easily accessible off the Cliff Walk. My favorite photos were from when I visited just after sunrise. I particularly liked how the sun shone on the elephants. Plus, there were less people there to get in the way of the photos. And, that was the most difficult part of the photo shoot. It was a very popular display and some of the elephants were located at mansions that didn’t open until 10 am. So it was almost impossible to photograph those elephants without people being there. I noticed in many of my photos some of the elephants had a few extra legs and feet. And human at that!

However, my favorite place to photograph the elephants was at The Doris Duje Estate (aka Rough Point). The wide open lawn and scenic background was very pretty. It almost made you feel like you were in India photographing them. Well, sort of.

Elephants weren’t the only animals on display at the Rough Point Mansion. Flowery depictions of Princess and Baby were also on display on the front lawn. Princess and Baby were Doris Duke’s pet camels.

The displays at Salve Regina University were pet friendly. Fiona a 4 year old mixed breed, got in the shade under this elephant.

As I mentioned above, the elephants are now in New York City. They will eventually go on to Miami South Beach, the Buffalo Pastures in Browning, Montana, and Los Angeles. 

28 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , | posted in great elephant migration, New England, Newport, photography, photos, Rhode Island

August 26, 2024

Dancing On The Greenway (Rose Kennedy Greenway, Boston, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: August 6, 2024

Location: Rose Kennedy Greenway, Boston, MA

Summary: For the past 2 years, Facone has been holding dancing events along the Greenway.

They were dancing on the Greenway this summer. Specifically, the Dancing on the Greenway, a series of dancing events along the Rose Kennedy Greenway, took center stage every Tuesday during the summer months.

The event attracted dancers of all capabilities and a few curious onlookers.

The best part of the event was watching everyone just having fun. It didn’t matter if they were good dancers, not so good or somewhere in the middle.

Each dancing event featured a different type of dancing. The theme of the dancing event during my visit was Scottish Ceilidh. Pronounced as kay-lee, Ceilidh is a gaelic word meaning gathering or party. And the dance event seemed more like a gathering and party. While technique and style were a bonus, it was really all about having fun and learning about this Scottish Ceilidh dance genre. A dance instructor and experienced Scottish dancers helped lead the dancers during this event.

Some of the music for these dance events the summer were recordings played on a sound system. But, I made sure to stop by while there was a live band performing. Susie Petrov, Stephen Thomforde and Marnen Laibow-Koser provided the music for the event I attended.

AS darkness fell upon the Greenway, the lights of the city lit up the dance area.

In yet another sign that summer is indeed winding down, the final Dancing on the Greenway event is Tuesday, August 27. But, they may be back again next year! So, don’t forget to stop by next summer! Just don’t forget to bring your dance shoes!

17 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , | posted in Boston, dancers, dancing, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, Uncategorized

August 19, 2024

Redcoats & Rebels (Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Event: August 3 & 4, 2024

Location: Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, MA (1 hour and 30 minutes southwest of Boston, MA)

Hours: Hours and days of operation vary depending on the time of the year

Cost: $30 for adults, $28 for seniors (age 55+), and $15 for youth (ages 4-17). There is a $3 discount if you purchase tickets online. Military families also receive discounts.

Parking: Free parking is provided at the village

Summary: Hundreds of historical reenactors gathered at Old Sturbridge Village to recreate the Revolutionary War era.

Website: Old Sturbridge Village

The largest military re-enactment in New England, Redcoats and Rebels, made its annual appearance at Old Sturbridge Village earlier this month. From cooking demonstrations to the highlight of the event; the battle reenactment, the historical village depicted life in the colonial era. Many of the reenactors showed off their culinary chops and craft making skills.

One of the delicacies served up at the encampment was egg pie (yum). And, it is still considered a popular dish in some parts. The big meal of the day, however, was a turkey dinner with all the fixings.

Horses played an integral part of life during this time and there were many people riding or caring for their horses. I found it heartwarming to see the care and effort they put into caring for these animals.

Some of the items on display were toys from that era. I don’t know about you. But, I’d rather play with my phone!

Tents and soldiers could be found throughout the encampment.

Some of the weapons from that era were also on display. I especially appreciated the fine detail incorporated in these weapons.

Music also played a big part at the event.

These drummers had a unique type of drumming. Not only did they bang on their drums, they also banged their sticks together.

I noticed these musicians practicing before a musical event.

Doctor Newman, with the assistance of a fellow reenactor, explained the process of amputation during the Revolutionary War era. The average amputation at that time took 2 minutes and were done without any anesthesia. And, since liquor thins blood, they could not even take a few sips of whisky to help dull the pain.

For someone with such a gruesome job, Dr. Newman was a rather jovial sort.

The tools of the surgeon were shoddy. The white object that looks like a mitten was used to wrap the area where the amputation took place. It was a grim reminder of the cost of war that we should never forget.

There were many re-enactors I was fortunate enough to photograph at the event.

But, the re-enactors weren’t the only people who dressed up for the event. These visitors also dressed up in their best Colonial era attire.

Finally, after a busy day photographing the re-enactors, it was time for the Redcoats and Rebels battle to begin!

The battle was a realistic reenactment of the Revolutionary War.

As you can see by some of the soldiers in the photo below, the cannons did make a very loud noise.

The British proved to be a formidable opponent.

But, in the end, the Rebels were able to keep them at bay and eventually the Redcoats retreated.

Both armies made sure to not leave their wounded behind.

As I was leaving, I passed by the “Field Of Flags.” Each flag represents a person who had died serving their country. It was a moving display to never forget those who have sacrificed for their country.

12 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , | posted in historical, Massachusetts, New England, Old Sturbridge Village, photographs, photography, photos, Sturbridge, Uncategorized

July 8, 2024

2024 Donna Summer Disco Party (Boston, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: June 27, 2024

Location: Boston City Hall, Boston, MA

Cost: Free

Summary: Boston City Hall Plaza hosted a family friendly, free celebration of Boston native Donna Summer and all things disco!

Disco lives on! At least for one night Boston, MA!

For the past 10 years, Boston has kept Donna’s legacy alive with their Donna Summer Disco Party, A native of Boston, MA, Donna Summer, a 5 time Grammy winner and inductee in the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame, has left an indelible mark on the music industry and the city.

The event included dancing, roller skating and, of course, music!

People came to the party dressed to impress!

Some of the accessories from their outfits lit up! This nice lady showed off her earrings. Yes, they change colors!

And this tierra lit up!

People even got dressed up to go roller skating! (more roller skating photos later)

Hundreds of people attended the event which made for a crowded dance floor. But, people still found a way to get their groove on!

And, of course, what would a dance party be without a “Love Train?”

The event, which took place between 5 and pm provided some great lighting, I especially like how the setting sun shone off people’s hair.

There was also hula hooping and jump rope for people to enjoy!

The highlight of the evening was the roller skating, especially for the photo opportunities! I try to catch people in their natural state. But, everyone seems to want to smile whenever they see a camera!

The event was pet friendly and I saw quite a few different pets at the disco party.

From left to right is Millie and Walter

And from left to right are Bandit Amadeus and Whitey Bulger. Walter is giving them some serious side eye!

The event was topped off with a musical performance by Donna Summer’s sister, Mary Gaines Bernard and her nephew O’Mega Red.

It was really fun and refreshing to see so many people come together and have fun while expressing themselves freely.

If you missed the event, don’t worry! The Donna Summer Disco Party is an annual event! So, I’ll see you next year. Just don’t forget to bring your roller skates!

Please see below for videos from the event!

8 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Boston, dancing, disco, donna summer, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, roller skating

June 30, 2024

British Encampment (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Event: June 15 & 16, 2024

Location: Salem Maritime National Historic Site, 160 Derby St, Salem, MA

It’s 1774 in Salem, MA. The British military governor of Massachusetts General Thomas Gage moved the state General Court and capital of Massachusetts from Boston to Salem. This was done for a variety of reasons but stemmed from something having to do with tea.

After the little dustup also known as the Boston Tea Party, the British Parliament, in an effort to punish Massachusetts colonists, passed the Coercive Acts (aka as the Intolerable Acts by the colonists). These acts were not just “coercive”. They were also divisive. While some Salem colonists supported them, others not so much. So, things were somewhat contentious. Sounds familiar.

To celebrate the 250th anniversary of this historic decision, the National Park Service at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site and a variety of historical actors held a 2 day event to educate and entertain guests.

The day started with a mass at St Peter’s Episcopal Church on St Peter’s St. Since this was 1774, the mass and messages were slightly different from things you might hear today at a religious ceremony.

The pastor railed against “speaking out against the government” and for loyalty to the crown.

From exclaiming “Huzzah” when the Governor was announced to dressing to the nines, the congregation was eager to show their respect to the crown. Respect for the crown was the common theme of the sermon and mass. In fact, when the donation plate was brought to each person the collector said the money would go to the government. Not to those in need but rather the government.

People at the ceremony were dressed in their Sunday Bests.

General Thomas Gage (on the right in the photo below) and a fellow officer sat in a pew specially designated for him.

Tributes to the king and the crown could be found inside the church.

After the mass, the event continued onto the Salem Maritime National Historic Site on Derby St. This particular flag included symbols for Scotland who were part of the British empire.

At the encampment, actors displayed what life was like in Salem, MA, during 1744. From knitting their own uniforms to cook and starting fires, life was certainly much different 250 years ago.

The British Encampment event was family friendly. In fact, they even had some rifles (wooden toy rifles) for people of all ages to enjoy.

And, some real rifles used by the historical actors.

There were also historical experts who showed off some of the foods, fashion and medicine that were common for that time.

The food in these photos were common for most meals during 1774.

And, after eating all that food. Tea was a common beverage.

Fashion was another big part of Salem in 1774. This hat was considered not only very fashionable but very expensive for its time.

Knitting was a big part of life in Salem in 1774.

Musicians kept the guests entertained with music from that era.

I don’t want to give it all away. But, the Coercive Acts didn’t go over very well and something happened a year later. But, that’s a topic for another day!

10 Comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , | posted in British Encampment, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem

April 7, 2024

Winteractive (Boston, MA)

By New England Nomad

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

Location: Downtown Boston (MA)

Cost: Free

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

Universally Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Website: Winteractive

Summary: 16 art exhibits are located throughout downtown Boston.

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

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

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

Echoes: A Voice From Unchartered Waters

1 Franklin St

Mathias Gmachl (United Kingdom)

Steel structure on base

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

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

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

Fisherman (Untitled #1)

Summer St at Chauncy St

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

The Swing (Untitled # 2)

Winter St at Tremont St

Woman Suspended (Untitled #3)

Temple Pl

*this exhibit is temporarily unavailable

Stairwalker (Untitled # 4)

31 Bromfield St

Clothesline (Untitled #5)

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

Blissful Rendezvous

Summer Street Pedestrian Plaza

Kezna Dalz

Vinyl digital print

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

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

Light Lane Bikes

Summer Street Pedestrian Plaza

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

Guitar Slide

City Hall Plaza

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

Music Box

High Street Place Entrance

Photo Frame

Summer Street Pedestrian Plaza

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

Bird House

Hyatt Regency, One Avenue De Lafayette

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

“End Game” (Nagg & Nell)

Max Streicher

Recycled vinyl signs, fans, steel cable

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

Myth And Evidence

Washing St and Court St

Mathieu Valade

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

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

Island Of Warmth

125 Summer St

ATOMIC3

Steel and light elements

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

Territories 2.0

175 Federal St

Olivier Roberge

Steel, polycarbonate, paint, miniature models, LED lighting

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

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

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

March 23, 2024

Irish Festival (Foxborough, MA)

By New England Nomad

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

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

Cost: Free

Parking: Free parking was available at Patriot Place

Universally Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Website Irish Festival

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

Everyone was Irish at the Irish Festival at Patriot Place!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

March 16, 2024

2024 Salem’s So Sweet (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

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

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

Cost: Free

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

Parking in Salem

Website: Salem’s So Sweet

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

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

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

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

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

1 Blackcraft Coffee – this ice sculpture was not available

2 One Piece Flag

3 Crystal Snowflake

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

5 Moon

6 Salem Loves Architecture.

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

8 Gummy Bear

9 Keith Haring, Untitled with Heart and Two Figures

10 Coraline

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

12 Camera

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

19 Skull.

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

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

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

23 Whale Tail

24 Cauldron

25 Anchor – this sculpture was not available.

26 Rocking Horse

27 Fall In Love With Salem

28 Bakery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

February 3, 2024

A Dream Called Home (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: August 19, 2023

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

Cost: Free

Hours: The murals are accessible 24 hours a day

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

Parking In Salem.

Dog Friendly: Yes

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

Website: A Dream Called Home

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

January 27, 2024

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

By New England Nomad

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

Location: 13 Washington Square West, Salem, MA

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

Hours: Sat & Sun 10-4

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

Website: Christmas In Salem

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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