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Get Drawn Into “The Big Draw” Mash-Up

Salem Event, Salem Festivals No Responses »

Oct 082015

How often can you be drawn into an international good-will event by merely stepping into your downtown area? At least once a year if you live in Salem MA; this year, The Big Draw takes place Oct. 10 from 10am to 4pm at the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM).

What is The Big Draw?

The Big Draw, billed as the world’s biggest drawing festival, is for anyone who loves to draw— as well as for those who think they can’t. It began in 2000; this is PEM’s third year producing the festival in Salem. In 2014, The Big Draw involved 26 countries, with 414,000 people attending more than 1,800 events by more than 1,000 organizers.

In other words, a lot of fun and creativity!

According to the international organizers at TheBigDraw.org, “Our key message has always been that everybody can draw given the opportunity, and that drawing can bring excitement and fresh thinking to any context. Our aim is to encourage people of all ages to explore ideas and express their creativity.”

Almost as if taking a cue or challenge from that statement, PEM has gone one step further. The Peabody Essex Museum will be combining (the mash-up) this annual Big Draw Festival with— the opening of the museum’s newest exhibition, Sizing It Up: Scale in Nature and Art, for a very lively day of art and investigation.

Joel Robison, Little Wonders, 2014. Photo courtesy of the artist

If you aren’t aware of the new exhibition, Sizing It Up: Scale in Nature and Art features 35 works by contemporary artists, who are either investigating scale in nature, or manipulating scale as a deliberate device to prompt new ways of looking.

Through out the day you will enjoy interactive events designed to showcase the importance of magnitude, visual scale and perspective in unique ways that will inspire a new outlook on the world. Guests can doodle in 3-D, tinker with special tools to make drawings big and small and explore the unseen world of marine microbes. Artist demonstrations and screenings of the film Mysteries of the Unseen World are also among the activities planned.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

10 AM-4 PM | Collaborative Art Making | Mega Heart Meets Mini Heartbeats | Atrium
Explore a giant abstract heart created by sculptor Marilu Swett, a featured artist in Sizing It Up. Then add your own drawing of a heartbeat to the inside of the sculpture, where it will join drawings by people from around the world who have participated in Swett’s “Heartbeats Project.” The artist’s global initiative to collect 1.5 billion drawings is her attempt to come to grips with the astounding number of times a mammal’s heart beats over its lifetime, regardless of size.

10 AM-4 PM | Studio Discovery | Tiny Giants: Marine Microbes at a Grand Scale | Create Space
Discover why marine microbes are called tiny giants as you investigate live organisms and create your own scale-warping art. A scientist from Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences and artists from the ART + BIO Collaborative are on hand to share ideas, answer questions and help with your artistic creation.

10 AM-12:30 PM and 1-3:15 PM | Artist Demonstration | Nail Scale Art | Atrium
Pick a nail for master nail artist Nina Park to use as the canvas for one of her mini-scenes. Or just watch her in action. Animal face nail stickers are available for younger guests.

10 AM-2 PM | Outdoor Art Making | Temporary Canvas | Axelrod Walkway
Create a larger-than-life hummingbird with artist Emily Larsen. Experiment with CelloGraff, a new type of temporary street art that combines stretched cellophane and paint. Weather permitting.

10 AM-4 PM | Drop-in Making | Tinkering with Scale | Maker Lounge
Doodle in 3-D, make a pattern with a pantograph and tinker with tools and techniques for making drawings big and small!

11 AM-4 PM, runs hourly | Film| Mysteries of the Unseen World | Morse Auditorium
Discover events in nature that are not visible to the human eye. From microscopic creatures to actions that occur in only a millisecond, this film gives us a peek into the unseen. 39 minutes, 2013.

Whether you ever thought you had any artistic skill or not, the Peabody Essex Museum is offering you an opportunity to connect and feel connected with people across the world and across the room through the expression of art. Take advantage of this free event. PEM is located at 161 Essex Street, Salem MA.

What’s Halloween Without A Haunted Bazaar?

Salem Event, Salem Festivals 1 Response »

Oct 012015

Looking for that special gift that you just can’t find in a department store? Perhaps even hand-crafted? With a touch of the weird? Then, let us tell you about the Haunted Biz Baz, Saturday, Oct. 3rd & Sunday, Oct. 4th (weather permitting).

Seriously, if Salem MA didn’t have a spooky-themed street fair, how else would we kick off the first weekend of our month-long Haunted Happenings celebration of the season of Halloween? And what better way than to provide an additional enticement for visitors to just walk around town than to see the street-side vendors along with the brick and mortar stores.

Presented by the Salem Chamber of Commerce, this annual event, known as the Haunted Biz Baz has attracted tens of thousands of visitors over the last decade. What you’ll discover is a diverse mix of jewelry, crafts, handmade items, and just outright strange stuff, plus the Chamber adds a few street musicians along the way to liven the event even more so.

Past years have averaged 90 vendors, giving the shopping public a really great chance to ‘magically’ uncover some good bargains.

The Haunted Biz Baz can be found all along the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall and adjacent streets Saturday from 10am to 8pm and Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Most vendors take credit cards, but it is advisable to bring cash for the odd item. And we expect there to be a few that might catch your eye.

For more information or if you have questions, please contact the Salem Chamber of Commerce at 978-744-0004 or e-mail at info@salem-chamber.org.

Lovecraft Use of Salem Names Evident in Play at Salem Theatre

Salem Event No Responses »

Sep 182015

Switching personalities holds evil sway over the current production for Salem Theatre; an adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s “The Thing at the Doorstep” will be running now through Oct. 4th, thus ushering in the Halloween season for Salem.

Daniel Upton has shot his best friend, Edward Pickman Derby, six times through the head, yet claims that he is not a murderer. In this tale of dread adapted from the story by H.P. Lovecraft, the eldritch tendrils of cosmic horror creep closer to our civilized world than ever imagined. Is Edward Derby’s wife more than she appears? What secrets is he keeping from his best friend?

Mystery. Suspense. Compelling relationships explored. Something not of this world.

The short story, written by Lovecraft in August 1933 and first published in January 1937 has been re-designed for the stage by Isaiah Plovnik who is also directing.

But few people realize at first the numerous connections to Salem that filter through all of Lovecraft’s work, and especially this one.

According to the site Gothic Horror Stories, “Lovecraft first visited Salem in April, 1923 and came back often. It’s believed that he modeled the fictional town of Arkham on Salem, and was no doubt struck by the staid, colonial architecture, as well as the particularly colorful family names.”

Consider the names of characters in “The Thing at the Doorstep”… Upton, Pickman and Derby are old Salem names.

Also, Richard Upton Pickman is the title character of “Pickman’s Model.”

Plus, it is the Nathaniel Derby Pickman Foundation which underwrites the Antarctic expedition in “At the Mountains of Madness.”

Let’s also point out the Crowninshield House in “The Thing on the Doorstep” was modeled on the real Crowninshield-Bentley House in Salem, MA.

The production will crawl across the stage at 90 Lafayette Street.

September 17 – October 4
Thursdays*, Fridays, Saturdays at 7:30pm
Sundays at 3pm
*No Performance Thursday, September 24

For ticket info, call 978-790-8546 or salemtheatre.com

Release the Beest and Have a Creative Fun Night at PEM/PM

Salem Event, Salem Festivals No Responses »

Sep 162015

Followers of our blog are well aware of the monthly “Night at the Museum-like” parties that take place on the 3rd Thursday of the month at the renowned Peabody Essex Museum. This Thursday is no different as PEM/PM invites you to take part in/and enjoy a sneak peek of the Strandbeests exhibition at PEM; you will explore ideas through action, motion, demonstration and participation.

What are Strandbeests? They have been described as large mechanisms constructed out of PVC that are able to move on their own. What? Move on their own? (Well, this is Salem MA…). They are the creations of Theo Jansen and by clicking the link below, you will see them in action.

Intrigued? You are not alone. And the PEM staff have cleverly woven into the framework of the PM event several activities related to the Beests. Even going so far as extending the evening which usually goes from 6-9pm to 11pm!

ALL NIGHT LONG BUILD YOUR OWN STRANDBEEST
Maker Lounge
Create a mini-beest with everyday materials (while supplies last).

THE BIG REVEAL
Special Exhibition Galleries | Level 2
Enjoy a sneak peek of the Strandbeest exhibition before it opens to the public September 19! PEM staff anticipate a large crowd and you might experience a wait to get into the Strandbeest exhibition gallery.

RACE A BEEST
Art Nook
Make your own battery-operated fan and move a mini-beest to the finish line with our Maker Lounge team (while supplies last).

SILENT DISCO
Studio 1, Create Space
Celebrate 25 years of Strandbeests by keeping your body moving like a beest, dancing the night away to some of the best ’90s jams (50 headphones available; first come, first served).

WHAT’S YOUR STRANDBEEST NAME?
Atrium
Head to the PEM/PM welcome table to use our Latin-based name generator and title your inner Strandbeest!

DJ NOEL SNOW
6-7:30 and 9:30-11 pm | Atrium
Party like a Strandbeest with digital mashups.

BEER TASTING
6-10 pm | East India Marine Hall
Sample popular Dutch brews!

PLANK WALK
6-10 pm | Bartlett Gallery
Participate in this team challenge to coordinate multiple joints to walk in sync with Beverly’s Project Adventure.

SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD DEMO
6:45, 8:15 and 9:45 pm | East India Marine Hall
Just as Strandbeests were originally created to protect the Dutch coastline, hear from Jim Turner, owner of Turner’s Seafood in Salem, discuss efforts to conserve and grow the oyster population in Massachusetts.

BOSTON PERCUSSION GROUP
7:30-8:15 pm | Atrium
A lively performance combining traditional classical instruments and found everyday objects.

ART IN MECHANICS
8-9 pm | Morse Auditorium
Join Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet and artist Theo Jansen, exhibition curator Trevor Smith and photographer Lena Herzog for a lively discussion about the similarities between Strandbeests and watchmaking. Seats are limited; tickets at information desk.

LIVE MUSIC AND VIDEO ART
8:30-9:30 pm | Atrium
Boston-based post-rock band I/O performs its latest album Saudade amid video projections created by Somerville artist Mark J. Stock.

OPERATE AN ORDIS
8:30-11 pm | Axelrod Walkway
Animaris Ordis is the foundation for all Strandbeests. Watch and learn how this multifunctional beest moves.

As always, a cash bar and small plates menu is available courtesy of the Hawthorne Hotel. Admission for members and Salem residents (with ID) free, nonmembers $10 at the door . For more details call 978-745-9500, (Toll Free) 866-745-1876. PEM is located aT East India Square (161 Essex St) Salem, MA.

(Photo of Theo Jansen taken by Loek van der klis)

Handcrafted Movement Shines at Witch City Wicks on Artists’ Row

Salem Event, Salem Shopping No Responses »

Sep 142015

“I definitely feel that the hand-crafted movement is expanding and redefining views on what being creative and artistic can be. These days it’s not strictly putting a paint brush to canvas.”

Liz Frazier, speaks from experience as the owner and candle maker of Witch City Wicks, currently located at 24 New Derby Street in Salem’s Artists’ Row.

Witch City Wicks is an independent and thriving small business based out of Salem, Massachusetts, “the Witch City”, and thus comes the name. Each candle is hand-poured in small batches using domestically-grown soy wax, lead free all-cotton wicks, fine fragrance oils, and creatively inspired packaging.

“For anyone curious about the process behind creating our products, we’ll also be creating/working on location” points out Frazier. “You’ll get a unique opportunity to see how things get made. ”

Interesting approach…. why go that extra mile?

Frazier says, “Since we’re working and creating our products on site in Artists’ Row, it seems logical that people be able to watch and chat with us during the process.”

“And, every Thursday we offer kids activities from 4-6 pm in conjunction with the Farmers’ Market. The activities vary week to week, but we try to put out some sidewalk chalk, hula hoops, games & bubbles, and people might find different creative activities.”

Community interaction was certainly one of the appeals of taking part in the City’s creative business program on Artists’ Row.

She explains “The programming for Artists’ Row this year was intriguing because it’s showcasing creative businesses, people who hand-craft their products to sell. Hand-crafted items have become a huge element for the creative economy in recent years and it was exciting that Artists’ Row was bringing makers to Salem this year. Being able to start out in this kind of venue is giving us great experience in what it would be like to run our own storefronts, if that’s what we decide to do in the future.”

Witch City Wicks was founded in 2010 by Frazier, a former professional graphic designer, who desired to elevate creative expression from a digital medium to something more tactile.

Mainly selling through her online shop, Etsy, and in person at various markets, the result has been a diverse range of classic and alternatively-themed collections of quality, long-lasting candles, that also enhance home decor.

But, in a city full of artists, what does she feel sets her and her store’s contents apart from others?

“To my knowledge there aren’t many other candle makers in Salem, so I think that is high on the list of what sets me, specifically, apart from other artists. The current lineup of artists at Artists’ Row differ from traditional artists in that while we’re still creative in nature, we produce affordable products for purchase. Not everyone can afford a $400-800 original painting, but a reasonably priced, hand-crafted item is a bit more tangible and someone gets to take home something that an artist created.”

Speaking of home, what’s the best way to enjoy your soy candle at home?

“When you light your candle for the first time, make sure the wick is about 1/4″ high. Soy candle wax has a memory of sorts, and will burn best and smell strongest if you establish a good melt pool straight off the bat.”

“Upon first lighting, please leave it going for between 2-3 hours,” she adds. “This will also help prevent the wax from ‘tunneling.’ But, soy candles should never remain lit for longer than 2-3 hours at a stretch, and always let them cool completely before relighting. Once the wax has burned down to about 1/2″, please discontinue use.”

She advises, “You don’t want to scorch the furniture or risk cracking the glass! Store your candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.”

You can check out the Witch City Wicks instagram feed for product photos.

The season at Artists’ Row runs from May through November.

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