Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Boston Handmade Downtown Is On It's Way!

article and photos by, Jessica of Reclaimed To You

It's been a whirlwind of activity for the past couple of weeks as we accepted an invitation from the Boston Redevelopment Authority to utilize an empty storefront space in Downtown Crossing as a retail art and craft gallery during this holiday season. Plans for a major effort to bring people into Downtown Crossing for holiday shopping and seasonal activities was announced on November 12th by Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino. The City has created a web site Called Mayor's Holiday Special which highlights all the great and fun holiday season activities happening in the Downtown Crossing area. Boston Handmade will be participating in the invigoration of the Downtown Crossing district by setting up shop from November 28 through December 28 at 505 Washington Street in an 1800 square foot space that we are converting into Boston Handmade Downtown, a gallery of art and craft from the studios of Massachusetts artists, artisans, and craftspeople. Our space will be set up as a winter wonderland of holiday handmade delights, but it is taking us a lot of elbow grease to make it happen! Our space began as a pretty raw environment but just in the past two days members of Boston Handmade brightened, warmed, and have begun to make our space very inviting indeed. When we first entered however, our gallery looked like this:But then Kiki, Brooke, Nancy, Betsy, Chris, and Kim got a hold of it and the painting began! It's amazing what a nice coat of Boston Handmade Blue can do for a few walls.It's been a tremendous group effort, and I keep having to remind myself that it's only been two days! We have a lot ahead of us, but so far the group spirit of neighbor helping neighbor is alive and well, pulling down wall paper, and getting the job done!One improvement of the space that we were struggling with was how to make the big fluorescent ceiling lights warmer and more attractive. Then Kim had a brainstorm of draping fabric down the entire length of the ceiling billowing over each bank of lights, and today Brooke and Betsy tackled it and triumphed! The lights look amazing and it really improves the entire feel of the whole gallery. So as of tonight the space is fully painted, the lights are covered, the floor is vacuumed and tomorrow we receive our carpeting and from there we can begin really moving in! LinkFor information on Boston Handmade Downtown and all of the exhibiting artists check out our web site, and also take a look at Nancy's blog post about the renovations yesterday. And stay tuned, I will post again here as we continue to create our holiday handmade home away from home.

Check out part two of our renovations HERE

13 comments :

  1. AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH! I'm so excited. Thanks for the post Jess. I love seeing the transformation. The space looks great. Thank you ladies for all your hard work. See you guys at the store on Saturday.

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  2. It looks great all cleaned up! Can't wait to see the new carpet and fixtures...and product of course!

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  3. You guys did a great job preparing it! Wowowowowow. Wow.

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  4. OMG! You guys did an amazing job today! I hardly recognize it! I am so stoked to get in there tomorrow morning. Thanks for an awesome update Jess!

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  5. This is going to be SO great. Thanks to everyone for their hard work so far!

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  6. Wow, I am so impressed with all the work you ladies have done! I'm VERY excited to be a part of your shop!

    -Monica
    AbbaDabbaBags

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  7. Looks great! Thanks everyone who has been there to do it.

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  8. Looks wonderful! Thanks you to everyone involded in the renovations - I can't wait to see it on Friday!

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  9. Go, go, go!! Everything is looking really great! Thanks to all those who've been able to help fix up the place. So far it looks FANTASTIC!

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  10. Oh Wow! It looks fabulous! I love the fabric under the lights, that was a great idea! I'm so excited!!

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  11. Lots of work for you all now, but I'm sure it will end up being a great shop! Best wishes to you all,
    Sophie

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  12. Congrats - I just popped in and everything looks amazing! What a bright shop in Downtown Crossing. Hope you all did well!

    I would love to be a part of your next event (although I am sure you are at max for jewelry designers) - please convo me on etsy and let me know!

    adjewelry.etsy.com

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