Paper Quilts in the South End

By Jessica Burko of Reclaimed To You

The 2010 South End Open Studios: The Art of Boston will take place Saturday, September 25th and Sunday, September 26th, from 11am - 6pm both days

Visit my studio during the weekend for art demonstrations and to see new original artwork: 35 Wareham Street (between Harrison and Albany), 2nd floor

New for 2010 is, Made in the South End: Artists Making Art. As part of this new series I will be demonstrating my paper quilt techniques throughout the Open Studios weekend:
Saturday & Sunday @ 12:30, 2:30 & 4:30 pm

Stop by and see non-linear narratives come to life as I stitch paper quilts made from original photos, found paper, vintage clippings, and recycled ephemera. These one-of-a-kind collages build stories from seemingly unrelated elements, and create art with only paper and thread.

This is THE ONLY TIME during the year when ALL of the major art buildings in the South End are open to the public---from the Boston Center for the Arts, Laconia Lofts, the SOWA buildings, the studios on Wareham and Albany Streets, the newly opened Art Block and the Piano Factory over 250 of Boston's most exciting artists open their doors so you can experience art in a profoundly personal way. Painting, photography, printmaking, jewelry, fiber, glass, metal, wood, ceramics, mixed media, and art incorporating cutting edge technology is all here for you to take in and take home.

For directions, parking, and more information about this event visit: www.useaboston.com

I'm Open!

by Brooke Pickering of Bancroft Studios

It was a whirlwind of activity but I finally got the doors open for the Labor Day weekend! My first week has been full of well-wishers and curious passers by and thankfully quite a few spenders! I’m slowly settling in to my new role as shop owner but am having to slice in early mornings and late nights at my production space to keep my wholesale customers happy. Thankfully with an “empty nest” I can totally burn the candle at both ends!

The store is not quite where I see it being but better to work out the kinks and continue to fill the shelves with wonderful handmade goodies while making a little money too! Check out the beautiful products offered by our very own BHers Amy of Bumble Belly Designs and Kiki of All the Numbers-

I am having an “opening reception” Friday September 17th from 6-9pm so if your available please stop by and say hi!

Book Recommendation: Moving Pictures

by Jaye of Thirteenth Story

Stuart Immonen is a well-known Canadian comic artist, responsible for the art behind such great titles such as Nextwave: Agents of H.A.T.E. and Ultimate Spider-Man. Recently he teamed up with his wife, Kathryn Immonen, to create graphic novel called Moving Pictures.

Moving Pictures is a story that takes place during World War II, when French and German museum workers were both pushing the effort to catalog and hide the major collectons of their art galleries. The main characters are a woman who is a French curator, and a man who is a German official charged with getting information about the location of specific works of art from her. The unlikely pair falls in love. I won't give away the ending, but if you like art and history, this book is highly recomended.

Making a Big Change

by Cristina of Cristina Hurley Jewelry Design

Well, this past Friday was a memorable day for me; I moved my home studio to a retail location right down the street from my house. I decided to do this over the summer, and have already learned a lot about what it involves to open a "brick and mortar" business.

The packing seems so far to have been the hardest part. It was very difficult for me to decide what to keep and take and what to get rid of, similar to moving to a new home! I had accumulated just as many memories and messes in my small work space as in the rest of my home, only all jewelry and inspiration related. I took some final pictures of my old space before moving everything out.This is probably the cleanest you will ever see my bench...

Moving day went pretty smoothly, although we had decided to move everything by hand, just walking it down the street to the new place, so needless to say, I was very sore the next day.

However, the day after that, after a good rest, I was ready to go again! I have this new sense of purpose, I get up and "go to work" again. I feel responsible to get there on time.

It is now Monday as I am writing this. It has been three days since the move, and I have the studio set up.

The benches...

I'm making custom tablecloths too!

I am able to make jewelry again, and am now trying to get the display space together in order to open the store as soon as possible.

Wish me luck!

Next chapter: Making the Display space!

Monday Mosaic - Hip to Be Square

1. Art Nouveau Heat Bookplates by Cricicis Design
2. Square Tray by City By the Sea Ceramics
3. Morning Cup 6x6 Mixed Media by Lucie Wicker Photography
4. Cherry Blossom Pendant by Nancy Rosetta
5. Who Who Pillow by Bumble Belly Designs
6. Sterling Falling Water Pendant by Cristina Hurley

A Sneak Peek

by Brooke of Bancroft Studios

Since February I have been working on finding a retail location for my products in my hometown of Marblehead. Although there were countless empty spaces, I had a hard time finding a situation that would work for me. I had put the “word” out and several sources pointed me in the direction of 11 Pleasant St that housed a co-op gallery. Luckily the business/building owner was ready to take a break from her space/business and willing to give me an opportunity to try my hand at retail.

Here is the space before

Here’s where it's at currently….not much to look at yet but filled with beautiful products I think it might be nice...

My hope is to do a “soft” opening this weekend to work out all the kinks and a grand opening the following weekend…..or maybe the next…….. Along with my full line of ceramic dinnerware and wall plaques I will be featuring several BH’ers . Joining me currently will be Bumble Belly, All the Numbers and Kerry Hawkins Photography ,Vintage by Crystal and Sea Glass Things to follow.

Stay tuned!

We Remember

"Red Wind" by Thirteenth Story

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

-Laurence Binyon

Scenes from the Road

by Sharon of Stray Notions

This summer has seemed like an endless road trip to me ... some of it great fun, some not so much. Here are some pictures of a fun discovery along the way --- all work by Nathan Nicholls of Waldoboro, Maine (More and large images from this road stop are in my flickr stream here).