The Definitive 2014 Holiday Show Round-Up for Boston and Beyond

The official start of the 2014 holiday season is upon us! Our members have been feverishly handcrafting objects, art, wearables, and housewares for your gift giving joy!

Many of our friends and fans have been writing to ask about our semi-annual, pop-up, Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery, and we're sorry to tell you that we will not be producing a gallery this year. We were saddened to come to that conclusion but we were unable to find a suitable venue, and without a home, a gallery we could not make.

The 2014 Boston Handmade Holiday Card designed by The Patterned Peacock

BUT FEAR NOT! The vibrant and talented members of Boston Handmade are showing and selling original, one-of-a-kind, and limited edition handmade work all over Massachusetts from now through the end of December. And when we say, we've got you covered, we really mean it. Between all of our individual holiday show schedules we have a show that will fit any date and location that you seek including shows in 20 different local towns. There is guaranteed to be an opportunity near you to find us and shop handmade this holiday season:

Loomination by Leanne Tremblay

13th Annual Craftland Show
Friday, November 28 - Wednesday, December 31.
Mondays - Saturdays, 10am - 6pm, Sundays 11am - 5pm
212 Westminster Street, Providence, RI
Loomination by Leanne Tremblay

Small Business Saturday at Cristina Hurley Jewelry
Saturday, November 29, 12 - 5pm
Cristina Hurley Jewelry
554 Washington Street, Canton, MA 02021
Cristina Hurley
 
Holiday Festival of Crafts
Friday, November 28, 10am - 5pm
Saturday, November 29, 10am-5pm
Sunday, November 30, 10am - 4pm
Worcester Center for Crafts
25 Sagamore Road, Worcester, MA
Loomination by Leanne Tremblay

Enchanted Hue by Susanne Guirakhoo

Artopia!
Sunday, November 30, from 1-8 pm
Marriott Custom House
3 McKinley Square, Boston, MA 02109
Hacker Creations by Melissa Glick
Linkouture by Bev Feldman
Enchanted Hue by Susanne Guirakhoo

Methuen Festival of Trees
Tuesday, December 2, 5 - 9pm
13 Branch Street, Methuen, MA
Loomination by Leanne Tremblay

The Cup Show
December 4 - 24, Tuesdays - Saturdays, 10am - 5pm
Worcester Center for Crafts, Krikorian Gallery
25 Sagamore Road, Worcester, MA 01605
Early Bird Designs by Jill J. Burns

Art by Jessica Burko

ART 100 BOSTON
December 5 through 22, Opening Reception: Friday, December 5, 6 - 10pm
Piano Craft Gallery
793 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02118 
Jessica Burko

Concord Giftopolis
Friday, December 5, 6:30 - 11pm
7 Eagle Square, Concord, NH
Loomination by Leanne Tremblay

Beryllina by Laurie Lynn Berezin

ArtSpace Maynard Holiday Sale
Friday, December 5, 5-8pm
Saturday, December 6, 10am-5pm
Sunday, December 7, 12-5pm
ArtSpace Maynard
63 Summer St, Maynard, MA 01754
Beryllina by Laurie Lynn Berezin

Early Bird Designs by Jill J. Burns

Fire Works Open Studio
Friday, December 5, 4 - 8pm
Saturday, December 6, 10am - 8pm
Sunday, December 7, 10am - 3pm
The Fire Works Pottery Studio
38 Harlow Street, Worcester, MA 01605
Early Bird Designs by Jill J. Burns

Stray Notions by Sharon Fischer

17th Annual JP Crafts Fair
Saturday, December 6, 11am - 5pm
First Church Jamaica Plain
6 Eliot Street, Jamaica Plain, MA
Loomination by Leanne Tremblay
Jon Barrows
Stray Notions by Sharon Fischer
The Patterned Peacock by Dana Garczewski
Linkouture by Bev Feldman
Enchanted Hue by Susanne Guirakhoo

Totally Bazaar II
Saturday, December 6, 12 - 6pm
Mill No. 5
250 Jackson Street, Lowell, MA
Loomination by Leanne Tremblay

Hacker Creations by Melissa Glick

Craftershock 
Saturday, December 6, 11am - 5pm
Worcester Roller Derby
34 Suffolk Street, Worcester, MA
Hacker Creations by Melissa Glick

StART at the Station
Sunday, December 7, 9am - 5pm
Worcester’s Union Station
2 Washington Square, Worcester, MA 01604
Early Bird Designs by Jill J. Burns

Loomination by Leanne Tremblay

Brookline Arts Center Artist Marketplace
Sunday, December 7, 12 - 4pm
86 Monmouth St, Brookline, MA
Loomination by Leanne Tremblay

Asylum Winter Open House
Sunday, December 7, 12pm - 4pm
Artisan's Asylum
10 Tyler Street, Somerville MA 02143
Hacker Creations by Melissa Glick

Holiday Trunk Show at Cristina Hurley Jewelry
Sunday, December 7, 12 - 5pm
Cristina Hurley Jewelry
554 Washington Street, Canton, MA 02021
Prunella's Workshop by Lynn and Duane Mohney

Linkouture by Bev Feldman

Holiday Trunk Show at Cristina Hurley Jewelry
Saturday, December 13, 12 - 5pm
Cristina Hurley Jewelry
554 Washington Street, Canton, MA 02021
Linkouture by Bev Feldman

Union Square Pop Up Holiday Sale
Saturday, December 13, 11am - 6 pm
Sunday, December 14, 11am - 6 pm
11 Sanborn Court, Somerville MA 02143
Hacker Creations by Melissa Glick

Brookline Arts Center Artist Marketplace
Saturday, December 13, 12 - 4pm
Sunday, December 14, 12 - 4pm
86 Monmouth St, Brookline, MA
Loomination by Leanne Tremblay
http://www.loomination.net/
Early Bird Designs by Jill J. Burns

Holly Fair
Saturday, December 13, 10am - 6pm
Sunday, December 14, 12 - 5pm
See Linkouture by Bev Feldman
in the metalsmithing studio: 42 Brattle Street, Cambridge, 02138 basement level

Handmade Holidaze
Saturday, December 20, 12 - 5pm
Moose Lodge
67 Fitchburg St, Marlborough, MA
Loomination by Leanne Tremblay

The Patterned Peacock by Dana Garczewski

Etsy Artists of Boston Winter Bazaar
Saturday, December 20 10am – 5pm
Sunday, December 21, 10am – 5pm
Arsenal Mall 485 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA.
Hacker Creations by Melissa Glick
The Patterned Peacock by Dana Garczewski

Make 2014 the Year of Handmade and shop locally, handcrafted, one-of-a-kind for your friends and family!

Local Art Where it All Began: Fort Point, Boston

This weekend, October 17-19, is the 35th annual Fort Point Open Studios. That's right, 35 years strong. The Fort Point neighborhood of Boston is widely recognized as one of New England’s largest and oldest arts communities. The Fort Point Arts Community (FPAC) pioneered the concept of Open Studios in Boston in the 1980's and the non-profit community organization continues to be run by neighborhood artists and volunteers. 

Studio of Amy Baxter MacDonald, showing at 319 A Street, 2nd floor

The FPAC Open Studios weekend is a chance for the public to visit more than 150 local artists showing in 10 buildings throughout the Fort Point neighborhood, as well as galleries and pop-up exhibit venues, where original art and fine craft will be available for sale. The weekend schedule is packed with special events, demonstrations, and participatory art-making activities. If that's not enough art and creativity for you, the neighborhood itself becomes a show space with four temporary public art projects viewable morning, noon, and night. 

Martin Berinstein's studio, showing at 249 A Street Coop, 3rd floor
photo credit: S. Darsch

The weekend begins early with a celebration TONIGHT, Thursday, October 16th from 5-7:30pm at The Fort Point Arts Community Gallery at 300 Summer Street featuring The Annual Members Group Show, with individual works in all media by more than 75 Fort Point artists. The festivities continue with the Friday Preview Evening of selected studios and group spaces, from 4-7pm on October 17th. These events culminate with the Open Studios weekend, Saturday and Sunday, October 18 and 19, from 12-6pm each day.

Nicole Aquillano Ceramics, Porcelain tableware with inlaid architectural drawings,
showing at Midway Studios, 15 Channel Center, 2nd floor

The mission of FPAC is "to promote the work of our artists to a broad and diverse audience; to preserve the artists' community in Fort Point area; to maintain and expand access to affordable studio space; and to increase the visibility of the arts in Fort Point." These efforts take many forms including original artwork created by artists in live/work and work-only studios, two Open Studios events produced annually in Fall and Spring, advocacy for the development and preservation of permanent studio space, organization of art lending programs, the running of galleries and a community store, the creation of temporary public art, and FPAC actively participates in decisions that affect the overall neighborhood. The fall Open Studios is a big part of what Fort Point is known for, but it is only one aspect of the activity from these vibrant local artists.

Boston Handmade Director, Jessica Burko will be showing her one-of-a-kind encaustic collage
at the FPAC Open Studios Group Space, 319 A Street, first floor.

If you've never been to this historic artist neighborhood, or even if you are a veteran of the many events and shows held in Fort Point, take this opportunity to explore Boston's historic waterfront warehouses that are home to painters, sculptors, ceramicists, jewelers, performance artists, printmakers, book artists, photographers, and more. Meet local artists and craftspeople, and get a behind the scenes look at where Boston artists create their work. Find established artists, and discover new emerging talents. Stroll, ponder, and browse. Buy original art directly from the people who make it.

Fort Point Open Studios THIS weekend:

Dates and hours:

Thursday, October 16, 5:30-7:30pm, Fort Point Open Studios Group Show Reception
Location: FPAC Gallery, 300 Summer Street, M1, Boston MA 02210

Friday October 17, 4-7pm, selected studios open
Locations: Preview artists will be marked with a * on FPAC web listing and directories

Saturday and Sunday October 18 and 19, 12-6pm, studios open
Locations: Channel Center Street, 249 A Street, 319 A Street, 63 Melcher Street, 300 Summer Street, 346 Congress Street, and more

Also on view during Open Studios weekend:
Atlantic Wharf Gallery, Big Picture, a group show featuring large works by FPAC members.

Location: 290 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210

Guest juror: Randi Hopkins, Associate Director of Visual Arts at the Boston Center for the Arts
Works by: Dirk Ahlgrim, Domingo Barreres, Brian Bishop, Denise Bosco, Jessica Burko, Don Eyles, Dylan Hurwitz, Helen Lee, Amy Baxter MacDonald, Stephen McMillan, Maria Molteni, Andrew Neumann, Pamela Reynolds, Jonathan Sahula, Dorothea Van Camp, Floor van de Velde, Charles Win

Free Parking all weekend: Channel Side Parking Lot, accessible from Binford Street off of A Street

For more information visit: www.fortpointarts.org

Why Handmade: Stephanie Cave Studio

by Lynn Mohney of Prunella’s Workshop

Stephanie Cave Studio is located right in the heart of JP Centre/South Main Streets First Thursdays Art Walk. I had the pleasure of holding a trunk show in Stephanie’s studio for September’s First Thursday, along with two other of Boston Handmade’s artists, Chris Lang of Chris Lang Photography, and Melissa Glick of Hacker Junk Creations. It was a lovely night complete with lively conversation, wine, and light refreshments.

First Thursday refreshments

I have long been fascinated with artist workspace, and Stephanie’s is no exception. Located on Green Street, right around the corner from the famous J.P. Licks, it appears a hole in the wall at first, with an attractive green sign that invites you right in. Her studio is bright and well lit, and buzzes with creative energy. Stephanie is very orderly, and her studio is well organized. Bolts of brightly colored textiles stand upright around the room in such a way, one cannot help but want to start color matching and designing with the different available patterns. Spools and bobbins in a myriad of hues of thread are neatly together, ready to stitch the fabrics together to create anything from a stuffed owl to a fan, to a skirt. Quilts in progress are draped in the back, almost ready to keep someone’s bed warm and cozy. I’ll bet you can’t guess what Stephanie’s favorite dog breed!

While sewing may be an art that has been around for centuries, do not doubt Stephanie has embraced the technology of the modern world. You cannot miss the antique Singer sewing machine sitting next to the large monitor of her computer. The combination embraces the domestic arts of the seamstresses of the past with a very modern thinking woman.

While my medium of choice has become metal, I grew up in the fabric stores across Massachusetts. My mother is a seamstress, and I learned how to sew at a young age. During the hours I was present in Stephanie’s studio, I had a mad desire to create something with the beautiful yards of cotton throughout the room. The fact I managed to refrain is a sign of great restraint on my part!

Stephanie Cave and Chris Lang

First Thursdays are continuing! We hope you will stop by, check out Stephanie’s studio, and see what other trunk shows will be showing up in the months to come! I also hope you will take the time to check out the works of Chris Lang Photography and Hacker Junk Creations. Chris has a keen eye for the perfect shot, capturing the beauty of the everyday world around us. Melissa’s work is fun and vibrant. Instead of creating computer digital art, She brings us art made from the actual computer parts. Melissa notes she wasn’t aware how interesting the inner workings of a computer were until someone opened one up and showed her what was inside!

Hacker Junk Creations by Melissa Glick

Stephanie Cave’s Studio can be found at 7 Green Street, Jamaica Plain. Hope I’ll see you there!

We Need Some Space: Help us find a home

by Jessica Burko

2013 Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery in Brookline Village

With temperatures diving, everyone planning end of summer getaways and BBQs for Labor Day, we at Boston Handmade are getting serious about our plans for our 2014 Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery, open annually from Black Friday through Christmas Eve. Each year we share the handmade love and create a temporary home for all things unique, locally made and handcrafted. We provide a high quality selection of goods for your holiday gift giving, host events and workshops throughout the season, and provide you with opportunities to learn about how and why creative professionals do what we do. Our pop-up holiday gallery has been an annual tradition since 2008 and we are committed to making it happen again this year. This year, we are asking for YOUR help.

2012 Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery in Canton, MA

The first item on our to-do list is the most important element of producing our pop-up gallery: finding a space. This year we are asking our fans and friends to lend a hand in our search for temporary gallery space. In gratitude for finding a space for our gallery we will honor our Handmade Hero with a bevy of gifts and awards of recognition plus a private preview party before our gallery opening day. Ever yearn to make a difference in your community? Becoming our Handmade Hero is an ideal way to help 30+ artists sustain their small businesses and take one more step towards achieving their professional and creative goals.

2009 Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery in Downtown Crossing

Here's the wish list of what we're looking for:

1000-2000sqft

Vacant retail space at street level
High level of foot-traffic
Convenience to public transportation
Availability from November 15th through New Years Eve

Target neighborhoods:

Belmont, Leonard Street or Cushing Square

Brookline, Coolidge Corner

Downtown Crossing, Washington Street

Jamaica Plain, Centre Street

Waltham, Moody Street

Our first Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery in 2008, in Downtown Crossing

For the Property owner/Management Company/Realty Company who supplies the space we will give our eternal gratitude plus they will become the primary sponsor for our 2014 gallery which means they will receive a wide variety of publicity and perks from us including:

Publicity via our blog, website, through all of our social networking

Promotional signage in the gallery space and at gallery events

Featured blog post (our blog received approximately 8,000 page views per month)

Publicity through our social media vehicles (at current count we have 1720 Facebook fans, 4,500 Twitter followers, 760 Pinterest followers)

Their logo and hyperlink will be added to our website

Their logo will be included in print and online marketing materials

They will receive acknowledgement and logo on a poster in our 2014 gallery space

and more!

Please forward this plea and help us share our search for space. If you have any leads for us comment here or email us directly at bostonhandmade@gmail.com

Thank you to everyone who helps us realize our vision and pays it forward with this contribution to our Boston arts community!

3rd Annual Boston Handmade Trunk Show Series

If you live or play in Jamaica Plain, then you're probably no stranger to First Thursdays, a monthly art stroll sponsored by JP Centre South Main Streets. This long standing tradition of showcasing artists in businesses along Centre and South streets in JP has been given new life; and with that Boston Handmade has launched its 3rd Annual Trunk Show Series. Previously held at Lush Beads in Lowell and at Cristina Hurley Jewelry in Canton, this series provides Boston Handmade with an opportunity to connect with the community, inspire creativity and enrich the lives of others with our passion of all things handmade. 

View of Stephanie Cave Design Studio

The Boston Handmade Trunk Show Series is held every First Thursday at Stephanie Cave Design Studio, located at 7 Green Street, from 5 – 8 pm. Stephanie Cave Design Studio is a stitch salon, specializing in handmade home and baby accessories and necessities; custom home décor and sewing classes. 

Our next group trunk show is taking place August 7th, featuring the work of Jessica Burko, Linkouture and Enchanted Hue. Meet our talented artists and enjoy refreshments at the studio!

Jessica Burko works in mixed media and encaustic collage. She uses original, found, recycled and reclaimed objects to create one of a kind pieces of work. 

Big doll family. by Jessica Burko

Bev Feldman of Linkouture specializes in crafting modern and elegant jewelry, with a love of making chainmaille pieces. When she is not making jewelry, you can find her musings on the creative side of life on her blog. 

Freshwater pearl earrings by Linkouture

Susanne Guirakhoo of Enchanted Hue makes the most beautiful Shibori and handpainted silk scarves and home accessories. She is fascinated and inspired by organic beauty, which is clearly evident in her work. 

Shibori Silk Scarf by Enchanted Hue

Boston Handmade Trunk Show Series Upcoming Lineup

August 7th:
Jessica Burko
Linkouture
Enchanted Hue

September 4th:
Chris Lang Photography
Hacker Junk Creations

October 2nd:
Jon Barrows Photography
loomination
Early Bird Designs

December 4th:
Lucie Wicker Photography
Stray Notions

Why Handmade: Last Minute Holiday Shopping

by Lynn Mohney of Prunella’s Workshop

Are you one of those people who wait until the last minute to do your holiday shopping? Just can’t be bothered until it is almost too late? No judging here! I am right along with you, still trying to figure out if I have all of the gifts I need for my family. However, we are there! This is the last minute to find the perfect gift for the people who matter to you most.

The department store shelves are nearly barren of anything you may have planned to purchase, or they are congested with all of the other people who forgot to do their holiday shopping early. (Which is amazing really, when you remember this happens every single year at the same time!) Besides,
nothing they are selling is special or unique. You want something one-of-a-kind for that one-of-a-kind special someone. Hmmm…what to do?

I know! Come to the 2013 Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery! We have a plethora of unique one-of-a-kind pieces in our inventory still. The gallery is perfectly sized so that you will not feel crowded from swarms of people. You have already been by? We have new items coming in regularly, and the shop is as full today as it was on the first day. You can shop in a warm inviting atmosphere completely stress-free. Whether you are looking for a handmade candle, a silk scarf, baby shoes that won’t fall off, or a piece of jewelry for a special woman in your life, we have it, and so much more.

Join us Saturday, December 21st from 3-7pm for:

Under The Wire: An 11th hour Extravaganza!

You meant to start shopping earlier this year, you wrote your list and checked it twice, but somehow something got in the way and YIKES! It's almost Christmas! Well come on over to the Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery and let us solve all your last minute shopping dilemmas with a shopping party! Live Music from local musicians, treats from our sponsor Whole Foods Market, free giveaways, and more! This will be an end-of-season night to remember.

Coming Soon: The 2013 Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery

The 2013 Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery is coming soon to a storefront near you! Our hands are busy making art and objects for you and your loved ones to give and receive this holiday season. Visit us between Thanksgiving and Christmas at 2 Brookline Place, Brookline, MA 02445. We'll be open for business Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11am to 7pm each day.

Pet collars and accessories by Cody's Creations

Our Holiday Gallery will carry high quality handmade gifts for everyone on your shopping list. Boston Handmade has invited local artists to showcase their limited edition and one of a kind kids toys and apparel, bath and body products, jewelry, clothing, and accessories for people of all ages, home decor and fine art, functional and decorative glassware and ceramics, and much more to satisfy even the most challenging recipient on your list!
 

Fine Silver Jewelry by Cristina Hurley

In addition to a robust display of unique selections, the Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery is presenting a series of craft workshops throughout the month of December. Workshop topics include making a 3D Patterned Christmas Tree with Dana Garczewski of The Patterned Peacock, an Introduction to Shibori with Susanne Guirakhoo of Enchanted Hue textile studio, Fun with Recyclables with Boston Handmade director Jessica Burko, and How to Make Needle Felted Coasters with Diane Ivey of Lady Dye Yarns. Dates and times will be announced soon! Stay tuned to this blog or sign up for our email list for all the details.
 

Modern softies and quilted goods by Kitty Kitty Crafts

We are so excited to have our pop-up gallery this year and we are delighted for the opportunity to connect directly with the community. To further celebrate all things handmade and our wonderful, dedicated, and talented exhibitors, we will be having a gallery party on Thursday, December 5th from 5-9pm. There will be refreshments, live music, craft activities, and many of the gallery exhibitors will be on-hand to answer questions about their work. This event will be held in tandem with the opening party of the Feet of Clay Pottery's annual show and sale. Feet of Clay is a cooperative ceramics studio located at 21 Station Street, just on the other side of the Brookline Village T station from the Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery. Make it a night, and head out to support local artists and shop handmade for the holidays!

Print, design, and paper goods by The Patterned Peacock

The 2013 Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery is deeply grateful for the support of our sponsors:
PopUp Republic, Whole Foods Market, Abeille, JP Knit and Stitch, and Etsy. Check back in to our blog for updates on all of our holiday programming, gallery exhibitor spotlights, and how our sponsors are supporting our efforts as well as the larger creative community in Massachusetts.

Why Handmade: Cristina Hurley Gallery

by Lynn Mohney of Prunella’s Workshop

In the heart of Canton, Massachusetts there is an unassuming storefront called the Cristina Hurley Gallery. If you are not careful, you might drive or walk right by, but if you dare to enter you will find absolute magic.

photo by Cristina Hurley

That was what I experienced this last past weekend, when I had the joy of having a trunk show in Cristina’s shop. Potential customers would enter, and begin perusing the various handmade merchandise, created by artists and craftspeople in Massachusetts. They were always quiet at first, but by the time they made their purchase they were part of the family. It seemed near impossible to not get roped in to the infectious laughter permeating through the room. Whether the important topic of conversation was the Muppets or Pandora’s music selection, it seemed customers had something to add and felt comfortable joining in on the fun.

Lynn Mohney getting a little silly at the Cristina Hurley Gallery; photo by Cristina Hurley

Cristina Hurley Gallery may be the dream of one woman, the feeling of family and community was. Cristina’s mother and sister stopped in frequently, and with them a feeling of warmth and happiness. Cristina’s employee is the mother of a mutual friend and member of Boston Handmade. Members of Boston Handmade created the majority of the work showcased in Cristina’s shop.

photo by Cristina Hurley

Cristina’s jeweler’s bench is located right in the store, in the back corner, where anyone could walk in off the street and actually watch her own work come to life. This, of course, was a natural place for me to gravitate, being a metal smith myself. Cristina immediately apologizes that her work area is messy, but it was anything but chaos. Everything had its reason for being right where it was, and what was more fascinating, their reasons for being where they were was similar to my own organization!

Cristina Hurley's bench - photo by Cristina Hurley

If you are in Canton, you need to stop by. You will be greeted by people with laughter and fun in their hearts. Come see the exceptional art and craftsmanship in Cristina’s jewelry, or view the other creations her shop has to offer, from dog collars to photography to handbags. Cristina is waiting for you!

Cristina Hurley Gallery is located at 554 Washington Street, Canton, MA 02021

Triumphant return of the Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery

We've been giddy with excitement here at Boston Handmade HQ about the unveiling of plans for our 2013 Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery, this year in Brookline Village!

3/8 Wide Collar for Cat or Tiny Puppy by Gallery Exhibitor Cody's Creations

A wide variety of unique items created in a range of media will be available during four action-packed weeks from Black Friday through Christmas Eve (November 29 - December 24), Tuesdays through Saturdays, 11am to 7pm. We've partner with PopUp Republic, a social media marketing company just for pop-up ventures, to create this holiday home for all things unique, high quality, locally made and handcrafted.

Fiber art weather map by Gallery Exhibitor Stray Notions

The 2013 Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery will be located in Brookline Village at 2 Brookline Place, directly across from the Brookline Village Green Line T stop. The Gallery will be brimming with limited edition and one-of-a-kind items including hand crafted jewelry, clothing, accessories, home goods, art, photography, holiday décor, and toys - - perfect for holiday gift giving!

Pleated handbag by Gallery Exhibitor Abigail Leigh Handbags

Gallery exhibitors will be available on a rotating basis to speak with shoppers about their handcrafted items on display and fine art and craft techniques. Our Holiday Gallery, as with all of our programming, promotes local independent businesses and individuals creating handmade works in small studios, and in addition to providing a retail venue for local artists and craftspeople we will also be scheduling hands-on craft activities throughout the month of December. 

Champagne Pearl Pendant on Handwoven Sterling Silver Chain by Gallery Exhibitor Linkouture

 

Let this exciting announcement be your call to make The 2013 Boston Handmade Holiday Gallery the first and last stop for your holiday shopping, and make 2013 the season of handmade!

The Dedham Square Artist Guild, a beginning

By Kerry Hawkins

I am a co-founder of the Dedham Square Artist Guild. I also show my photography in the Guild and also do it's marketing. The Guild is coming up on being open for 2 years in October of this year. A party is now being planned. The Guild sprang out of Dedham Open Studios, now in it's third year and happening October 6th.

I started with placing art from Dedham Open Studios artists in empty store fronts in Dedham. A rare thing in Dedham. One of the spaces I displayed art in became the Guild Gallery. It was a risky venture considering the economy and the reconstruction of Dedham Square. The Guild is also the first gallery in Dedham Square. With the help of artists and the community, we are the little gallery that could.

The gallery is a cooperative of local 24 artists with many from Dedham. Many of the artists take on rolls and put time in helping the gallery run. The gallery is a place to give artists a venue to show their work and enrich the community.  The Guild has many forms of art including jewelry, painting, glass, fabric, monotypes, photography and more... The gallery also has a roving gallery program, where art is on display at local businesses on a rotating basis. It is great to see local art in downtown Dedham.

It has been wonderful to be part of this gallery. Meeting artists and talking with people about art. Since we have started the gallery much more art is happening in Dedham, from the opening of the Mother Brook Art and Community Center to the Dedham Public Art Project.

There are two recent "call to artists" that I would like you to know about.

Call to Artists, The Guild's Artist Challenge, Making Waves, due by Sept 10th. Link here

Call to Artists, Dedham Open Studios, Deadline September 1st to be included on the map. Link here