Fiber Fridays for the Holidays

Yesterday was the latest gathering for Fiber Fridays.  Between the WUF show and the temperatures, there are plenty of indications right now that we into the holiday season, so the group decided to go along in that spirit and make large snowflakes out of cut and folded paper.

A large supply of embellishing materials was also made available, to be used for decorating the snowflakes, or for making holiday cards.  Some people took their snowflakes home, but others were added to the Boatworks decorations, to go along with WUF in the front room, or to be part of the holiday party coming up on December 14th.

It looks like this will be the last Fiber Friday of 2014, but look out for news of more activities next year.

photos courtesy of Rebecca Szabo

WUF Opening Reception

Three sure signs that winter is arriving in Belmar.  One is the temperatures start dipping down close to freezing.  Another is that it's already dark when our art receptions start.  And the third is that the annual WUF show is open for business.

As usual, the annual Wearable Usable Functional show has brought a wide variety of hand made goods to the Boatworks, the creations of over 30 of our members.  We're talking about jewelry, ceramics, books, cards, ornaments, home decor, accessories, and fabric products, among other things.

Almost 60 people came to the reception. Some brought their money and have already gotten a head start on their holiday shopping.  Others enjoyed checking out the wares in the front room and the fine art (from our Silver and Gold level Art Partners) in the back room, sampling refreshments provided by the artists, and the live music of the BAC Beach Bums.

The gallery will be open special hours for this sale, 1 to 5 pm from Wednesday to Sunday through December 21st.  All purchases may be taken home immediately, so expect the artists to replenish the stock on a regular basis.

The reception officially ended at 7:00 pm, but the Boatworks remained open for another activity.  The Jersey Shore Writers held a book launch party for "Darkness Falls at the Jersey Shore."  A few dozen were in attendance to hear the involved authors read their works.

WUF Is On The Way

Today was the intake day for the next exhibition at the Boatworks.  It's time for the annual Wearable, Usable, Functional show, or what we just like to call WUF.  Dozens of members have provided unique original artisan creations that fit one or more of the descriptive words in the show title, and all of it will be for sale.  Lots of ceramics, jewelry, clothing, plus some holiday related items, and even some pet accessories showed up today.  There will be a preview sale starting Wednesday at 1:00 pm, as things will be for sale during the gallery's regular open hours this week.  There will be an opening reception on Saturday, November 15th, from 5 to 7 pm, and special Sunday hours through the end of the show on December 21st.  Participating artists will be able to replace sold items during the run of the show, so it may be worth making more than one visit.  Plus, free gift wrapping is available.

 Meanwhile the back room has a separate show, an invitational featuring artwork from the BelmarArts Parters Silver and Gold, also running through December 21st.  Admission to both exhibitions is free.