November Greetings and Happy Thanksgiving to each and every one.
At our last 4th Friday @ the Arts Cafe (starring Steve Donovan, Mike Esatta, and Barbara Lewis), someone said to me: “This was wonderful! And to think, right here in Marlborough!” Yes, it was wonderful, as those of you who came know. But what her comment also expressed to me was delight, maybe even with some surprise, that we had so much talent around and that one could find it so easily “right here” in Marlborough’s Arts Center at 231 North Main Street.
And there are wonderful things happening this month too. In fact, our Artist Member Show will have its Opening Reception on Friday, November 14, from 7-9 p.m. and this annual show is a great reason for visiting, viewing the creations of our artists, and having the fun of meeting and talking with them about their works. The Show has been judged by Katherine Simmons, a well-known and respected art judge. Winning artists will receive their Awards at the Reception that is open to all, of all ages, with free admission. I mention all ages because there are many children who love art and who would enjoy the variety of the media exhibited and who are likely to be stimulated by it in their own work. The Show continues to be open every Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 p.m. from November 15-December 28, so you have many opportunities to come even during the busy holidays.
Accompanying the Art Show is our Holiday Craft Show and Gift Shop. The creativity of our artisans is truly impressive. At this traditional season for giving , the Gift Shop at MAC is the place to find unique gifts. No two items are alike, so different from shopping in a Mall. Artist crafted jewelry, carved wood, ceramics, woven wool, small paintings, and much more. Prices vary yet we have a host of items from $5 – $25 that anyone would be thrilled to receive.
It is also one of our annual holiday traditions at MAC to have Gail Wade and Turning Point give a special musical concert in November, this year on Friday, November the 21st, 7:30-9:30 p.m.. They are known both nationally and internationally with Gail as singer, song-crafter, and guitarist and their music is an eclectic blend of Americana, Blues, and Jazz. With our beautiful Charles W. Hall Art Gallery and its great acoustics as background, and their open interactive way, being at this concert is a gift to yourself. Admission at the door is $15/individual. The doors open at 7:00 so come early to peruse the art and the Gift Shop before you settle down for the music. As I’ve mentioned before, we cannot reserve seats for any of our shows.
After an hiatus in November and December, our monthly 4th Fridays @ the Arts Cafe resume in January, 2015. But before then we have two other holiday traditions coming in December: the concert by the Elmer Thienes Elementary School Band on December 4, as well as The Dance Academy of Colchester’s Holiday Dance Spectacular on December 13, 14, and 15. These young and talented artists bring such joy. They rock the place!
I hope you do join us “right here in Marlborough” for these holiday pleasures. As you plan your own holidays, think MAC. And right now, again best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving, my personal favorite holiday of them all. Joan (lee.lester@att.net)