History – Page 23 – Salem Main Streets

Mr. Poe Comes to Salem

Sep 082014

While Nathaniel Hawthorne’s writings were well known to be tied to Salem, literary contemporary Edgar Allan Poe also had a connection. It appears that “A Tell-Tale Heart” might have been based on the grisly murder of Capt. Joseph White in 1830 Salem. And in the midst of our Haunted Halloween Happenings next month there will be interactive events fostered by The Scarlet Letter Press & Gallery to honor Mr. Poe.

The first is “Spirits of the Dead” an art show “inspired” by Edgar Allan Poe. The store is seeking Poe-inspired artwork for a Sept. 27 – Nov. 2 gallery show. Deadline for submissions is Sept. 12th.

The gallery at The Scarlet Letter Press will be transformed into a somber state of decay as the worn pages of Edgar Allan Poe’s grim stories are represented in visual artwork. A month-long show featuring artists from around the United States will hang in honor of the late horror master. All artwork is for sale including original paintings, assemblage, jewelry, prints, candles, postcards and much more. The ensemble “1476” has written and produced an original score for the art show which will also be available for sale.

According to the Facebook page “We have accepted a lot of 2D artwork, but would love to see items that are 3D, i.e. jewelry, vintage items, books, clothing, etc.”

The Scarlet Letter Press is also participating in a national month of recognition to support the city of Boston’s installation of its life-sized Poe bronze on Oct. 5th. The Edgar Allan Poe Foundation of Boston had sought to honor Poe in the city where he was born on January 19, 1809.  The installation will be in Poe Square (intersection of Boylston Street and Charles Street South) which was dedicated to the author in 2009.

The store suggests you might absorb some inspiration from the sculpture by Stefanie Rocknak at www.bostonpoe.org.

But to mis-quote the Raven– there is more. There will be an intimate, one-night only experience Oct. 18th from 7:30 – 9:30 pm at Finz restaurant, with the dearly departed Edgar Allan Poe who returns to Salem for an appearance that should not be missed. Amongst macabre music and exquisite morsels and your choice of tantalizing cocktails, Mr. Poe performs dramatic readings of “The Raven” and the earlier mentioned “A Tell-Tale Heart.”

He will also discuss his life and the lasting impact of his work with audience interaction. Each guest receives an exclusive item commemorating the experience. And—- period costumes are welcome!

Another guest speaker, Victoria Price had been planned for Oct. 20th, but details have not been finalized at this point in the schedule.

Tickets will most likely sell quickly, for more information on any of these events, contact The Scarlet Letter Press at 978 -741-1850.

Master of the Mobiles Art Form on Display at PEM

History, Salem Event No Responses »

Sep 022014

Alexander Calder, Southern Cross (maquette), 1963. Calder Foundation, New York; Mary Calder Rower Bequest, 2011.
© 2014 Calder Foundation, New York Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Photo Calder Foundation, New York Art Resource.

No sooner has the vastly popular Turner & the Sea exhibit moved out of the Peabody Essex Museum than another critically interesting one fills the void. This time, PEM is fortunate to be the exclusive East Coast venue for Calder and Abstraction: From Avant-Garde to Iconic. This exhibition brings together 40 sculptures by Alexander Calder, one of the most influential and innovative artists of the 20th century. It will run from Sept. 6 to Jan. 4, 2015.

Organized by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and in collaboration with the Calder Foundation it showcases mobiles, stabiles and maquettes made between the 1930s and the late 1960s, celebrating Calder’s pivotal contributions to modern art and his revolutionary approach to sculpture.

Opening Day Events (9/6/14, free with admission)

11 am – noon Panel Discussion: Redefining Sculpture, Morse Auditorium
Join Lynda Roscoe Hartigan, PEM’s James B. and Mary Lou Hawkes Chief Curator, as she hosts a panel discussion with Stephanie Barron, chief curator of modern and contemporary art at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and curator of the exhibition, and Jed Perl, art critic for The New Republic and author of a forthcoming Calder biography. Reservations by September 5.

Herbert Matter, Calder in his Roxbury Studio, 1950s. Calder Foundation, New York. © 2014 Calder Foundation, New York / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Photo courtesy of Wadsworth Antheneum Archives.

Noon – 4 pm Art Making: The Simple, Expressive Line, Atrium
A master of the simple, expressive line, Calder’s gift is clear in his first book Animal Sketching. Try your hand at creating a character inspired by Aesop’s fables.

12:30 and 3 pm Gallery Tours: Calder and Abstraction, Meet at information desk
Join our docent guides for an in-depth tour of Calder’s mobiles and stabiles. Tickets available day of program.

1 pm Film: Works of Calder, Morse Auditorium
This short film, with music by John Cage, illustrates how the artist drew on nature as a source of inspiration. Tickets available day of program. A Q&A with author Jed Perl follows the film.

2 pm Film: Calder: Sculptor of Air, Morse Auditorium
This film, directed by François Lévy-Kuentz, retraces Calder’s unique artistic quest and explores his masterpieces. For older teens and adults. Tickets available day or program.

This exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities. Carolyn and Peter S. Lynch and The Lynch Foundation provided generous support. The AMG Foundation sponsored the exhibition. Eaton Vance Investment Counsel and the East India Marine Associates of the Peabody Essex Museum provided additional support. In-Kind Media Partner: WBUR, Boston’s NPR news station

Calder and Abstraction: From Avant-Garde to Iconic is to be located in the Dodge Gallery 2. For additional details, contact PEM at 978-745-9500.

Turner & the Sea Hours Extended

History, Salem Event No Responses »

Aug 272014

“Fishermen at Sea” (courtesy Peabody Essex Museum)

The Sea and Salem Mass. have had a rich historical association, thus it comes as no surprise that the current Turner & the Sea exhibit at the Peabody Essex Museum has been critically and publicly acclaimed. And to give everyone a good, last chance to see it for the first time or 2nd or 3rd, viewing hours have been expanded for Wednesday & Thursday nights (August 27 & 28) to 9pm. The showing ends on September 1, 2014

This represents the largest U.S. exhibition of Joseph Mallord William Turner’s maritime paintings. The exhibition features more than 100 works encompassing oils, watercolors, prints and sketches from the 1790s to the mid-1800s.

This first full-scale examination of Turner’s lifelong attraction to the sea follows the artist’s evolution from precocious young painter to one of the most important, controversial and prolific masters of his art.

Here are some comments from attendees:

—The fury, the power, the light!

—What a stunning, powerful exhibit – actually brings me to tears, it is so awe-inspiring. To see the breadth of his work, and in context with the work of other painters, and the sketches…I will be back many times to take it all in. Thank you.

— I can’t help but feel that this is the show PEM was born for…

And one that quite succinctly says it all…

— Feeling soaked and motion sick. I wiped salt from my face.

PEM members, Salem residents and children 16 and under are always admitted for free. For the extended hours of Aug. 27 and 28 there will be a discounted admission of $10 after 5 pm. For more info, call 978-745-9500.

Open House In Salem Has Second Meaning

History No Responses »

Aug 232014

Granted there are several fine homes up for sale in Salem that you can visit on any given Sunday— but we’re talking about the “other” open house, the kind which comes with a guided tour through the history of not only the house, but of the people who lived within as well.

Phillips House

Five generations of Phillips family objects are treasured within the walls of Historic New England’s Phillips House, located at 34 Chestnut Street. This is in fact the only house in this very historic district in Salem which is open to the public.

According to the official website: “The unusual collection on display is representative of the Phillips’ extensive travels and interests. It includes Hawaiian and Polynesian objects, as well as fine examples of early American furniture, Persian carpets, and an extensive collection of export porcelain. In the carriage house, visitors can view the family’s collection of carriages and automobiles that spans nearly a hundred years.”

Tours run from 11am to 4 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. The season ends Nov. 2. For specific admission information for individuals and groups, visit www.historicnewengland.org or call 978-744-0440.

Pickering House

Built in 1651 by John Pickering, it was the home of 10 subsequent generations of Pickerings! It is located at 18 Broad St.

According to the official website: “It is not only Salem’s oldest House, but also America’s oldest Home: home to a single family for over three and a half centuries; home to carpenters, farmers, patriots, military leaders, deacons, diplomats, linguists, and statesmen. And as homes will, it changed with the times.”

It doesn’t taken a historian to imagine the wealth of information almost at your fingertips. The opportunity to not only visit Salem today, but also to see Salem as it was in the beginning awaits you.

Tours operate from 10am to 3pm on Sundays, now through Nov. 30. For specific admission information for individuals and groups, visit www.http://pickeringhouse.org/ or call 978-744-4777.

Playback Time at PEM; Interacting with Games of History

History, Salem Event No Responses »

Aug 182014

Museums are neither boring, nor dreary, nor dark places! At least not the one in the downtown district of Salem, MA. Our very own Peabody Essex Museum is big, bright, and very community oriented. Admission is always free of charge to Salem residents (with ID) and members; it is also free Tuesday-Friday 10am – 5pm for people who work in Salem (with pay stub or other proof) but live elsewhere. Fees for non-members: adults $18, seniors $15, students (with ID) $10, youth (16 and under) free.

Take this week for example. On the 3rd Thursday of every month, the PEM invites the community to come in after hours for a late night fun-themed party. Yes, we said a party in the museum. Throwback Games Night set for this Thursday from 6-9pm will present hands-on interaction with electronic and board games of the 70s and 80s.

Some samples from the shelves of Mud Puddle Toys

Among the games scheduled: (some of which you can actually see on the shelves of Mud Puddle Toys in downtown Salem)

Twister
Rubicks Cube
Uno
Pick up Sticks
Ouija Board
Atari
Operation
Perfection
Sorry!
Trouble
Payday
Arcade Legends
Ms. Pac Man/Galaga
Air Hockey
“Giant” Mouse Trap

These will be available to be looked at, touched, read about, discussed— and played!

And since it would be rude of a host to not provide refreshments, the museum will have (in keeping with the theme of games and quick munchies) mac & cheese, Rice Krispies, Yoo Hoo, and a few other treats.

Cocktails and conversation, art making and music, culinary demonstrations and surprising experiences add up to great night out whether you are a resident or visitor looking to extend a day trip into an evening. And for this special PEM/PM event, non-members pay only $10 admission.

Have further questions? More details available at PEM website or by calling 978-745-9500.

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