Christmas Walk Weekend
Jeff Kane
Artisans’ Holiday Marketplace
As part of the Chamber’s Annual Christmas Walk weekend, The Marblehead Festival of Arts invites all to come shop and mingle with the artists at its 9th annual Artisans’ Holiday Marketplace at Abbot Hall,188 Washington Street. Hours of operation will be Saturday, December 3, from 10 AM to 5 PM; and Sunday, December 4, from 10 AM to 4 PM.
“Over the years, the Marketplace has become a favorite destination for Christmas Walk shoppers. It features a variety of arts and crafts works, at many different price levels, that are treasures for personal use and wonderful gifts,” said Kiki Taron Kinney and Pam Duncan, Holiday Artisans’ Marketplace co-chairs. “We are proud to support a showcase of more than 20 local and regional artists who bring their many, varied talents to the event.”
New to the Winter Marketplace this year are Dorothy Arthur of Dot’s Pots in Salem, creator of ceramic wares, including unique lanterns; Deborah Boren of Sew Me a Memory in Seekonk, featuring clothing and accessories for girls of all ages; and Lois Johnson of Old Standish Woods in Pembroke, who builds unique wood birdhouses. New Marblehead artists are Dayle Persons of Designs by Dayle who produces mixed media collages with found objects and Robin Taliesin, designer of beautiful hand-felted wool accessories in her Heron Gallery.
The other artisans’ works include traditional to contemporary jewelry, Nantucket baskets, photography, glass work, wooden trees and fish, soaps and other body products, candles, quilts, tapestry, painting and porcelain. “There will be so much to see and enjoy … and to purchase for those special people in your lives,” Taron Kinney said.
Along with the artisans, the Festival is pleased to have Hospice of the North Shore selling note cards and Marblehead’s Community of Friends distributing their Christmas Stockings for people to fill.
The Festival’s Logo Store is also set for Abbot Hall during the Artisans’ Holiday Marketplace. It will feature 2011 logo items as well as a number of fun, “vintage” pieces from previous Festival years.
Public Voting for the Marblehead Festival of Arts 2012 Logo
Essex County artists recently submitted 80 logo designs, joining the ranks of the talented artists who, over the years, have presented their best efforts to capture the spirit of the Festival and of Marblehead. Now through December 22, the public is invited to cast ballots to determine the winner in this year’s Logo Contest. During Marblehead's Christmas Walk, on December 3 and 4, ballots may be cast at Artisans' Holiday Marketplace in Abbot Hall. Hours are 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday and 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Sunday. Other Marblehead voting locations include Abbott Public Library, Acorn Gallery, Arnould Gallery & Framery, Atomic Café, Shubie’s Marketplace, The Landing Restaurant and Pub, Marblehead Arts Association, Marblehead Community Center, National Grand Bank and Marblehead Pet Supply
Tea Room at Marblehead Arts Association
The Festival’s Tea Room, held at the Marblehead Arts Association at 8 Hooper Street, will make a warm and welcoming first winter appearance. Hot tea, hot cider, hot chocolate, seasonal fruit, muffins, scones, festive breads and cookies will be served in a cozy setting. Tea Room hours are Saturday, December 3, from 10 AM to 5 PM; and Sunday, December 4, from 10 AM to 4 PM. The Festival is grateful for the contributions from Panera Breads, Java Sun, Flores Mantilla, and Marblehead Antiques. Their support helps to create the inviting experience that will be offered to patrons of the Tea Room.