Beside me for the last few weeks, was Judith Meryl, a sister duo from Brookline, MA and NJ, the wonderful and friendly ladies of Topaz, Jenn Mason, Hanne Bernstein, and all of the incredible Boston-area artists that you can find throughout the summer at the South End Open Market. The vibrancy and energy came in part because of Boston's recent dosage of sunlight and low humidity, but mostly was a result of a collective passion for creation and art. These groups that I am fortunate enough to be a small part of have truly taken on lives of their owns, showing event attendees that our creation is our oxygen... it's how we need to spend our days so that we don't go crazy.
On 5/1 and 5/2, I took part in Brookline Open Studios, which was a beautiful setting in the beautiful Jenn Mason's home. We picked up our fresh fruit, cut it for all of our guests to enjoy, set up our artwork and sat back and relaxed as hundreds of Open Studios guests came by to view and shop. Little did we know, the second day of Open Studios would prove to be a bit different as Boston experienced a boil-water alert due to a main break in Weston, only miles away. Our lemonade wasn't so safe anymore, so we boiled all of the tap water and chilled it, allowing for the tart lemons to settle in and get back to a safe state. No one became sick and it turns out most of the water was safe to drink anyway, but it was a valuable lesson in taking simple resources for granted and participating in boil water practices that many people in this world still take part in. Water and contaminants aside, the weekend was full of happiness and friends, and as far as my jewelry went, I had a very positive response.
Jenn, her daughter Becky, and Hanne.
The following weekend included a highly-anticipated second trunk show at one of my favorite retailers, Topaz. Who wouldn't adore this boutique in Harvard Square? I'm there nearly every other week, so I guess I'm a little biased :) A tea party with gourmet finger foods and a huge variety of fruit drinks were served and jewelry was on the agenda. It was so fun. Jewelry was shown and discussed, and dressing up attendees became a fun part of the evening as we spent hours of conversation on helping jewelry-lovers pick out the right piece. By the end of the night, when we had all had our fill of tea and sweets, it was only appropriate to for Nina, Stasia, and I to open a bottle of wine and recount the fun that we had just had while cleaning up.
Stasia, Nina, Meagan and Me.
Who is that girl? :)
Work & Play
Now that the Topaz trunk show brought my spirits even higher, it was time for the true test of endurance, the South End Open Market. Setting up at 7am and breaking down at 5pm, this show takes an abundance of energy and adrenaline, but is never met without equal amounts of fun and surprise. Two days of 140+ artists set up in the South End of Boston, one of the most vibrant art communities around. Nestled in between high rises and feet away from the Back Bay, this market brings so many characters that always bring a belly-chuckle and a good time. This market requires that you have fun and that is what we had.
My neighbors were great and I saw my most favorite vendors that I see season after season, including Stonehouse Studio, The Pebble Collection, Becky OH, Amy Casher, and my newest friend, Sarah Anne DiNardo. We made a trade and I picked out one of her amazing masking tape art pieces! The piece is in the sea of gorgeousness shown in this shot!
My own pals came to visit and I was shocked at how they all seemed to show up at the same time - all to relieve me for a bathroom break! I guess that is the ultimate form of theft protection: 6 people manning a 10'x10' booth. Don't even think about putting that bracelet in your pocket, sweetheart! Just kidding, no theft was had but it was probably because my friends are all really mean looking ;-). My friends are the best!
Josh, Engie, Lindsay and Sean :)
If we're doing this, who is watching the table?
Phew. These three weeks have been what I've been looking forward to for so long, and now that they are finally over, I can only look ahead to the next shows, events and get togethers. When all is accounted for, the people that I meet at these events are by far the best part of my job. The smiles, the hugs, the gratitude for what we have and what we are trying to accomplish in our own professional and artistic lives - it's really something to celebrate and take note of.
Thank you for those who came out. To those I just met, I am really looking forward to seeing more of your work and of course more face time with you.
Until next time, In Joy!
Sara
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