4th Annual seARTS Wearable Arts Show & Sale December 11, 2010

This year coinciding with Gloucester's historic Middle Street Walk, the Wearable Arts Show features local jewelers, fiber artists, and designers. It is a benefit for the Sawyer Free Library and the Society for the Encouragement of the Arts (seARTS). The venue itself, the historic wing of the library, provides an intimate setting for art lovers and holiday shoppers to mingle with the artists, try on "wearable art" and enjoy music, food, and community spirit.

Returning jewelry artists include Meredith Anderson, Lee Cunningham, Margaret Derby, Jacqueline Ganim-DeFalco, Susan Kenna, Candy Marshall, Rebecca Williams, Beth Williams, Jan Weinshanker, and Judy Wright. Returning fiber artists are Camilla MacFadyen and Nina Lapchyk, who works out of Winchester. They will be joined by two new silk painting artists Beverly Gillett and Jenny Beauchamp, who have been working at the Ten Pound Island Studio, which was started by Kate Seidman. For the first time, the seARTS group welcomes the designer Maralyce Ferree, represented by Mike Cianci. Maralyce Ferree recently moved its shop to Amesbury and was invited to join the show to add its colorful outwear to complement the collections of jewelry, scarves and shawls. Maralyce Ferree has provided innovative designs since 1984. Starting with one fleece jacket for a friend, to a collection of fashionable outerwear sold throughout the United States and parts of Canada. To add to the overall spirit of the event, Maralyce Ferree will offer special pricing for the show.

Collectively, the group will offer something for every taste and price range - from lush velvet scarves, to intricately beaded jewelry consisting of hand-made glass beads, precious gems, felt, exotic beads, and semi-precious stones. More fabulous gifts include sachets, table "wear," sea glass hair accessories, seaweed block prints on scarves and t-shirts. The show is a feast for the eyes for the range of creativity and colors on display. The Friday evening reception will engage all the senses as each artist brings a favorite appetizer and Carol McIntyre graces the show with harp music.

Opening reception is Friday, December 10th from 5:30 to 8pm, but the show will continue until Saturday, December 11th from 9am to 6pm. Tickets are $2 or 3 for $5 and are available from any participating artist or at the Library desk during the weeks leading up to the show.