Friday, March 24, 2017

Art Night at the Cottages

Matt's studio is in a gorgeous park; his is one of six artist cottages set up along the river, but they're not close to the road and don't get lots of foot traffic. During Art Fest, we constantly hear, "I've lived here for decades and had no idea these existed!" It doesn't help that most of the cottages had been empty for quite awhile before Matt moved in and started Upriver Ceramics.
So, in an attempt to get the word out, Matt and his fellow artists have started a monthly Art Night where the cottages will stay open late. They invite guest artists to come set up as well. This Tuesday was their first "event." We weren't expecting a huge turnout because this was a new endeavor, but we were happily surprised!
People came in waves throughout the evening to check out the various artists.
Some of the crowd outside Matt's studio.
Steve had a presentation going with some of his bigger pieces; I LOVE the lamps made of pieces of real mangrove roots.
John worked on a painting in full view of our guests.
Around 7:30 I walked over the bridge to pick up tacos for everyone - there's an authentic Mexican restaurant that sells $1 street tacos on Tuesdays, so it's pretty perfect that Art Night is going to be on a Tuesday each month.

Quick side story: When I got to the front of the line to order, the young man did a little double take and then broke out into a huge grin. "I think you were my teacher!" I immediately recognized him - he was my student 7 or 8 years ago, in my first or second year teaching! He gave me a big hug and pointed out his mom, who was working on filling orders. It turns out his family owns the restaurant!
Mm, nothing tastes better than food grilled outside!
Anyway, by the time I got back around 8:30 (taco night was slammed!) the artists were cleaning up. We ate our tacos and then called it a night. I don't usually stay out so late on work nights, but it was worth it.
I'm so excited that this first night was a success! Matt sold a couple pieces, including my favorite, "Forbidden Fruit."
Remember this piece? Well, it went to a good home.
I think this will be a great tradition the artists are starting, and I hope it only continues to grow.

ABK

8 comments:

  1. What a great idea. I love the arts and wish there were more places up here like that. That's really awesome to see a previous student and to receive a hug!!! I'm glad that piece went to a good home. It's beautiful.

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  2. Awesome! It's really cool that you have something like this in your community. How often do they have events like this for Matt to sell his work?

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    1. Matt is open all week long, but there are a few art nights he attends. At a local historic inn, they have a once-monthly art night on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. There are 3 International Art Festivals in the park throughout tourist season, which are on a Saturday and Sunday in January, February, and March. And he's hoping they make this Tuesday art night a monthly thing, too.

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  3. This sounds like such a cool idea!! and how wonderful to run into a past student!! Tacos for $1!! put me down for 5

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    1. I bought 15 haha! Everyone in line was buying 10+ so that's why it took so long. They make a killing on taco Tuesdays. The tacos are usually only $2 so they're good any day of the week really.

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  4. I'm glad so many people came out! I do love those lamps with the branches. Did you recognize your student now that he is all grown up?

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    1. Yes, as soon as he said "I think you were my teacher!" his name came right to me. Sometimes that doesn't happen but I remembered him very clearly haha.

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  5. What a great idea to bring the community out to support local artists!

    Street tacos for $1?! Sounds like a dream come true! I can see why you're looking forward to Art Night each month :).

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