Category Archives: Events

News: Electrography at the Mill District

Starting in May 2023, I created a display of my Electrography artwork in the local gallery here in Amherst! The Mill District is a contemporary, upscale complex that is aiming to attract affluent clientele as well as businesses. A local art gallery is perfect for this location in the greater Amherst community. My work will be there at least through the end of the summer.

The latest in a long line of family businesses at this location, dating back to 1741, The Mill District General Store is inspired by the 7th generation owner, Walter Cowls Jones, who was always quick with a homespun quip. We are proud to introduce a new store with a touch of nostalgia that has everything you need, as well as the fun things that Walter would say are “Handier than a pocket in a pair of under drawers!” Every visit is truly an experience. 

The Mill District General Store flows directly into the ever-changing space of our Local Art Gallery. Seamlessly browse from our general merchandise to truly one of a kind pieces from members of our community. The Local Art Gallery is a living, breathing space full of unique, vibrant artwork that also hosts pop-up classes, events, and conversations led by the artists themselves. The partnership between The Mill District General Store and Local Art Gallery gathers us to bring you the  creative hub of the North Amherst community.

2023 Vending Event Schedule

May 2023

Dark Flag
May 27

June 2023

Queer Pop up Market
June 24

July 2023

Amherst Farmer’s Market
July 8 and 22nd

August 2023

Vermont Psychic Fair
August 5-6

September 2023

Amherst Farmer’s Market
September 9 and 16

October 2023

Pioneer Valley Mini Maker Faire
October 14th

November 2023

Amherst Innovative Living

Blog: Dark Flag Event

I attended my first vending event! I went to Dark Flag an EDMF in Cranston, RI. The day started off rough with a GP flare but I pushed through it and still ended up going. I had a lot of fun and sold a pin and a print. Still pretty good for one of my first few vending events. I still have physical artwork available and can offer pick up and delivery within the Five Colleges area in western Mass.

GREAT FATHER’S DAY GIFTS. 

Pins – $2

4X6 unmatted-$10

5×7 matted – $15

8×10 unmatted – $25

8×10 matted – $35

Pillow – $45

Mousepad -$15

Towel – $45

FRAMED ARTWORK 

8×10 – $150

18×24 – $1200

Boston, MA – Americans for the Arts Convention

As I lay here trying to sleep, I figured I’d do my write up for the Americans for the Arts Convention that I attended this past weekend. I came back to Wellesley on Thursday to attend a convention that the Mass Cultural Council invited me to. I had been looking for events and networking opportunities over the winter to attend to this year. 13450098_3131250960504_2202132617928704052_n

While the theme of the convention this year was Public Art and I originally felt that it wasn’t really up my alley being a photographer, I still learned a lot from it and gained some inspiration. There are new trends and innovations within the arts community that are crossing over to the corporate world which I find interesting. It was also a unique convention in the sense that since it was public art so you were mingling with city officials from all over. Unfortunately a lot of it I felt was related to policy, which to me is totally unrelatable. Not to mention I felt like it was hard to network with some of these people since they were 10, 20, 30, 40 years older than me. Though it did give me some insight and direction as to where I should aim in my career.

In terms of learning, I felt that the skills, management and processes to produce these monumental projects were of like-mind in the sense that project management is project management no matter what the outcome was, which was very relatable for me. Coming to this event from a marketing/journalism background I thought was interesting. As many of these people were administrative/policy/advocacy members and then wearing the artist hat, it was interesting to see the other sides of the judging panel.

Although the best parts were seeing a colleague of mine and a community that I have been in contact with out here in Western MA there. It was nice to see the staff at the Arts Extension Services there. As if it wasn’t for the class that I took with them, I would not have met my current landlord! I also met and introduced myself to Jane Echelman whom I have admired since college. I told her that I had seen her at her Wellfleet talk last summer and that I wrote a paper about her work in college comparing it to 1960s sculpture; she seemed flattered! Then properly handed her my biz card with a copy of my photographs on it. 🙂

All in all, I’m glad I went, though I’m glad I was invited by Mass Cultural Council. Unless the theme was really up my alley, I don’t think it was worth $500 to attend, though I did get a lot of inspiration from it.

Bar Harbor, ME – MDI Biological Lab

E-announcement AMSExhibition June 20th – September 30th

A Fresh Field of Life: Artists, Naturalists and the Vision for Acadia is the theme of the MDI Biological Laboratory’s fifth annual Art Meets Science exhibit that features science-inspired work by local, national, and international artists. Concurrent with the centennial celebration of Acadia National Park, this year’s exhibition tells the story of art and science coming together on this island in the 19th century, the founding of a national part and how art and science connect our knowledge in the 21st century.

Featured Art & Science Collaborators

Robyn Ellenbogen with Keven Strange, Ph.D., & Dustin Updike, Ph.D.
Linda Rowell-Kelley with Jane Disney, Ph.D.

Opening Reception > Thursday, July 7th
Preview showing for artists and their guests begins at 4 pm
Open to the public at 5-7 pm

Weekly guided tours > June 21st through September 30th
For more information and to pre-register: mdibl.org/events

Taste of Iceland 2016

Ever wanted to make it over to Iceland but never got around to it? Iceland has promoted themselves as a ‘stop-over’ destination and an inexpensive international getaway. I only made it through the airport terminal on the way to London last spring but reading all about the facts and trivia along the way on Icelandic air definitely made me want to go back. The young couple on the right of me were staying for 5 days and through WOW you can get a flight for as low as $380!

It’s a perfect getaway spot, though once on the island things can be pricey, but with all destinations, a little research and budgeting you can still have quite the experience! But why not put all that effort in? Besides this time of year Iceland is cold, if not colder than Boston and you can still get all the same flavors through attending a Taste of Iceland!

Taste of Iceland is an action-packed weekend at various locations throughout the year. This year’s Taste of Iceland happens to be March 4th – 7th. If you’re not in the Boston area, don’t worry, the event is scheduled throughout the country to promote Icelandic flavors and culture.

The one that I’m particularly interested in attending and enjoying is the culinary collaboration between Icelandic chef Thrainn Freyr Vigfússon, head chef at Blue Lagoon’s LAVA Restaurant and American chef Matt Foley, Executive Chef at The Merchant. The menu sounds delightful and intriguing. I’m always up for a good nibble.

The other cultural activities sound good as well, they’ve got an Icelandic band playing at The Middle East on Saturday, March 5. A film screening of Rokk í Reykjavik, a documentary that explores the expanding rock scene in Iceland; a literary event that “celebrates Iceland’s robust storytelling culture with a discussion lead by Eliza Reid, a Reykjavik-based writer and editor who helped found the Iceland Writers Retreat, an annual gathering for published and aspiring writers”. A Taste of Iceland is a great way to get to know the culture before going there.

Check out the schedule of events from Iceland Naturally.

Boston, MA – BGTravelShow

The annual Boston Globe Travel Trade Show opened this weekend on Friday, February 19th at the Seaport World Trade Center. The weekend began with roundtable; ‘speed-dating’ style discussion groups with representatives of top travel destinations around the world. The morning and afternoon was broken up into different groups of destinations, “Wedding, Honeymoon and Group Travel”, “Family and Intergenerational Travel” and finally “Eco and Adventure Tourism”. These discussions are not to be missed as they provide essential information to booking your next vacation or corporate event. As a PR/Media attendee I was after contacts and establishing relationship with professionals whom otherwise I would not have met!12717220_3014200994328_260099795776186647_n

As a lifestyle specialist, a travel trade show is a small piece of heaven. Many booths were giving away merchandise or pamphlets and according to the destination, cultural foods and drinks – one booth even had a rum bar! As the weekend unfolds, there is much merriment to be had with food demonstrations, cultural performances and opportunity making.

The culinary program of events is impressive with two-full days of food demonstrations from top chefs across the world. If you ever wanted to feel like you’re in a cooking show, this is the next best thing! Throughout both days there are impressive dishes for the discerning New Englander’s tongue or they may provide the perfect inspiration for your next dinner party! If you’re not a foodie, that’s okay as the trade show also provides an educational, in-depth and inspiring cultural program with prominent speakers and writers that will help inspire you to pick your next destination.

Everyone’s objective in going to the Boston Globe Travel Trade Show is different. For me it was networking, building relationships, learning, etc. for some it is purely educational, for others mere entertainment. Whatever it is, I will leave you with my top 4 pieces of advice for going to a travel trade show.

1. Arrive Early
Whether you are there for part of your job, or a general attendee, arrive early. Many things that factor into your travel time there and if you get hung up in traffic or have trouble finding a parking spot the extra time will help. This is especially important for professionals, you do not want to be late!

2. Plan Your Objective
What do you hope to accomplish with your time at a travel trade show? Who are your top professionals that you want to speak to? For me, it was sales and PR representatives, those who can invite me to future press trips or provide sponsorships.

3. Prepare Your Promotional Materials
Many sales representatives will present you with promotional and merchandise materials. Creating yours will help you leave a lasting impression as well as show that you are legitimate. It can be as short and sweet as a sell sheet with your products and services, or as in-depth as media kit. But puh-lease, don’t do it the night before. 😉 It can even be as simple as a business card.

4. Be Open
This is an experience! Experience it by trying new things, live a little, as that is what traveling to a new destination is all about! Don’t be afraid to talk to fellow attendees or introduce yourself, the more people you connect, the more opportunity can be made.

Well there you have it! If you are local, regional or even national, the Boston Globe Travel Trade Show is a great affordable event for all travel enthusiasts. It’s like seeing all the world at once in one room!