Artwork by Elizabeth Jacobs
By Sean Paul Cormier
Photos by John Carafo
“My drawings are manifestations of an urgent state of mind which compels me to understand what I am thinking and feeling in the moment”
Elizabeth Jacobs of Bedford Massachusetts had a hope of one day attending Mass College of Art in Boston.
She achieved that goal in 2005 with a BFA and is now navigating her way through Boston as an accomplished artist in her field. As a young child, Jacobs was always skeptical of imagery and always trying to redefine objects or pictures. Early in her professional career, she has managed to be a part of some diverse shows that have placed her in some of Boston's notable hot spots. It was not easy early on for Jacobs, who had bouts with nightmares and depression, which became a greater opportunity to explore her passion for art and transform these feelings into something positive. "I didn't want to keep these things, these monsters hidden; I wanted to see what made them tick; what made them stronger, what made them weaker" she explained.
Jacobs 'paintings and drawings are consistent in many ways. They are not only unique pieces all within a group but they have an identity. She explains, "My drawings are manifestations of an urgent state of mind which compels me to understand what I am thinking and feeling in the moment." Her drawings play a support role to her paintings because it allows her to build her thoughts and transform them into a final painted creation she says. Jacobs continues to explain that, "Drawings are akin to an early stage in evolution, while my paintings are developed and matured, providing more clues through detailed form, color and elements of a (mostly) planned composition."
More than a Fig Tree!
JENNY JOPE
Artist/Writer/Photographer
"I've always been drawn to photography and art and the emotional response that images evoke"
Compiled By:
Sean Paul Cormier
Jenny Jope is not only a self taught photographer but a communicator and a dreamer through her craft. Most artists get their inspiration and influence from other artists, but Jope finds if traditional communication fails or a loss of words, her photography will tell a story. "I turn to photography to communicate the poems I cannot write" she says.
Jope, who started shooting as a child back in the second grade seems to pass on her art forms naturally. She explained a time when her daughter Charlie and she walked along a path in Marion, MA. They came upon a large ancient tree and began climbing. In the main portion of the tree was a perfect seat where her daughter crawled into it and was cradled by this beautiful tree. She captured a perfect mother and daughter moment and it was all natural. "My favorite shots are the spontaneous images without arrangement that are true visual poetry" she explains.
New England's Premier Art Event
One of the region's premier art events is the annual Boston International Art Show. This year's event, scheduled for November 12-15, will be held at the Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the
Arts in Boston's Historic South End. This is the 13th Anniversary of the show which draws art lovers from throughout the region and dealers, galleries and artists from throughout the US and the world.
Following a lavish Preview Party on November 12th from 5:30 -9:00 pm, there are special events scheduled for the duration of the show including:
Olé Mexican Grill - Marvelously Mexican
By Mary Tamer
I'll admit it, Olé had me at hello.
From the warm greeting at the door to the cozy corner table in this pleasantly appointed and romantically darkened space, I knew this was a restaurant I could grow to love. Once I perused the menu, my instincts were all but confirmed when I saw the eclectic offerings - Tacos de Atún Asado, grilled marinated rare tuna steak in handmade corn tortillas ($19.90), Carne Asada a la Olé, a 10-ounce sirloin steak with grilled peppers, frijoles charros, salsa fresca and guacamole ($21), and Pato con Mole Poblano, a roasted half duck with classic mole poblano sauce, organic baby spinach and cilantro rice ($21.90).
Olé Mexican Grill
11 Springfield Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 492-4495
www.olegrill.com
The love only grew deeper when my dining companion and I ordered the evening's special drinks: a passion fruit martini and a spicy mango margarita, both innovative and creative cocktails that will not be forgotten anytime soon. Both served as perfect accompaniments to our first course, Olé's award-winning Guacamole en Molcajete ($9) which was prepared directly at our table. As one who struggled for years to perfect the preparation of a good guacamole, it was a treat to witness our server's swift and seemingly effortless work in creating the ideal balance of avocado, onion, scallion and fresh lime juice. We were left with a heaping portion to share as well as plenty of warm and crispy tortilla chips.
The high quality of the guacamole served as a foreshadowing for the main events, namely our entrees.
After much debate and consultation with our knowledgeable server, I ordered one of the house specialties, Róbalo Asado, a pan-seared wild Sea Bass with grilled corn polenta and sautéed organic baby spinach ($22.70). Words cannot begin to express how perfectly this fish was seasoned and cooked, with a crispy, thin outer shell and a moist interior. The presentation was also flawless, with the fish atop the spinach atop the polenta, which was surrounded by a flavorful and colorful red pepper chipotle sauce.
Firefly's Bodacious Bar-B-Que
Firefly's Bodacious Bar-B-Que
235 Old Connecticut Path
Framingham, MA 01702
Phone: (508) 820-3333
By Mary Tamer
It is safe to say that you will not starve at Firefly's, but this may be a tidbit you don't want to share with your cardiologist.
With a menu packed with ribs of all varieties, pulled pork, beef brisket, fried chicken, and a sausage sampler, to name just a few, this is not a dining spot for the faint of heart or for those who fear seriously hearty side dishes or 27 kinds of hot sauce.
A Tapas Trip Worth Taking
By Mary Tamer
Once you have that first Caipirinha, the national drink of Brazil, the mind may begin to wander to thoughts of South America. More specifically, how do I get there, and how much will it cost me?
Better yet, how can I do this on a budget without leaving home?
For those wanting to remain within their financial means, a trip to Solea Restaurant & Tapas Bar in Waltham - where the above-mentioned Caipirinha was served - can tastefully quench one's thirst for international drinking and dining adventure.
Operated under the caring eyes of owner Fernando L. Leon, Solea serves a wide range of smaller-plate tapas items as well as full-plated traditional entrees prepared with recipes rooted in Spain, Portugal, Chile, and Argentina, home of Leon's grandmother.
The drink and wine list is equally as eclectic and international, with a host of wines from the aforementioned countries, as well as sangria, margaritas, mojitos, and more.
Our attentive waiter immediately took our drink order and told us that the traditional paella dish ($24) is cooked to order, so a 25-30 minute wait for this entree is customary on a busy Saturday night. Should we go the tapas route, as we planned, he said three to four dishes per person is a good rule of thumb to follow, so follow we did.
CollegeFest Rocks Boston!
By Staff
CollegeFest®, the premiere back-to-school event in the U.S.A., returns to Boston for the twenty-fourth year on September 26th and 27th. Owned and organized by Mr. Youth®, the nation's premier youth marketing agency, the festival has grown to become a staple in the culture of Boston's collegiate life since 1985.
The festival will be held at Boston's Hynes Convention Center. Over 15,000 college-aged students from more than 50 Boston-area campuses are expected to attend the event, where they will be treated to live performances from nationally prominent recording artists, tons of free giveaways, and prizes from over 100 corporate exhibitors and sponsors. Sponsors will include local companies, non-profits, and national corporations.
This year feature appearances include Lansdowne - named "one of Boston's best bands" by Mix 104.1, and headliners including Jeremih, with the Nationwide Breakout Hit "Birthday Sex" and the new hit track 'Im a Star', who will perform on Saturday 9/26; Hellogoodbye, featuring "Here in Your Arms" on Sunday 9/27 with Talib Kweli, a successful rapper in alternative hip hop.
Other highlights include autograph signings with Luis Tiant, former Red Sox pitcher and Wally the Green Monster, with World Series trophies on display. Guest appearance by Woody Harrelson, star of Sony Picture's Entertainment, Zombieland.
"CollegeFest is a Boston cultural institution which allows all Boston area college students to experience the very best this city has to offer from food, to fun, to arts & entertainment," said Matt Britton, Managing Partner of CollegeFest. "This year's roster of top notch recording artists, celebrity appearances, and free stuff will create one unforgettable experience."
2009 Exhibitors include: Ford, which will offer Ride and Drives (test drive) of the Ford Fiesta to the students for free entrance into the event, Monster Beverage Company, Aflac, Polar Beverages, Nantucket Nectars, Sony Picture's Entertainment and EF CollegeBreak - holding a casting call to giveaway (2) free trips to Amsterdam and Paris. More exhibitors are included, but you'll have to hit the festival to find out who they are.
Official transportation partner: Greyhound and Peter Pan will shuttle students free of cost to the event. Visit collegefest.com to see if the bus will visit your school and receive all further details at collegefest.com. Sponsors include PUR, Herbal Essences, Ford, RepNation. Special thanks to The Boston Red Sox Red Sox, Aflac and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Media partners include The Boston Globe and WAAF.
Cape Cod Escapes!
By Mark B. Oliver
It's unmistakable, that first morning with a slight chill in the air, heralding the end of summer and the imminent arrival of fall. Thoughts turn less to the beach, picnics and weekends away and instead to the school run, the return of the boss to work and the holiday season looming on the horizon.
The many towns on Cape Cod however continue to provide welcome attractions and distractions throughout the fall and early winter months when the weather is often superb and the fun keeps on going.
Bourne
40th Annual Bourne Scallop Festival (September 25 - 27) Held at the Buzzards Bay Park, Bourne, the scallop festival has over 125 professional artists & craftsmen, home show, entertainment, rides & games, and scallop dinners.
Brewster
'We'd Like to Propose a Toast!' (Now until September 13) Cape Rep continues its production of 'We'd Like to Propose a Toast!' at Old Sea Pines Inn in Brewster.
'Deck the Halls' (November 6 - 8) The Crosby Mansion, Crobsy Lane, Brewster, an old sea captains house, is transformed into a holiday wonderland by the Nauset Garden Club. Each room is differently themed and is complimented with Christmas fair. Hot cider and festive cookies can be enjoyed while touring the mansion and there is a boutique to purchase gifts.
Tickets are $20 at the door or $15 if purchased in advance (call 508-945-5801 for a list of locations).
Brewster for the Holidays: A Sea of Lights (December 4 - 6) Main Street, Brewster will be lit by a sea of lights and festive events for the family will take place all over town.
Chatham
Autumn Open Juried Exhibition: Autumn Skies (September 13 - October 7) The exhibition is held at the Creative Arts Center in Chatham. The reception and awards ceremony will be on Sunday, September 13 between 4 - 6pm.
Nun Run 5K Run/Walk (September 19) A benefit for Dream Day on Cape Cod, this rolling loop course is a certified 5K with some beautiful water views. The run starts (and finishes) at the intersection of Pond Street and Stage Harbor Road, Chatham. The run begins at 9:30am with a post-race celebration at the Red Nun Bar & Grill, 746 Main Street, Chatham. You can register for the event online here.
31st Annual Chatham Christmas-by-the-Sea (December 6 - 31) Highlights include the Annual Santa Visit at Chatham Fish Pier on December 6, and the Annual Tree Trimming and Lighting Ceremony at Sears Park on December 11.
Nine-year-old entrepreneur sells StopWar necklace
The following is a reprint of an article that ran in the Provincetown Banner.
Eli Lyons-Seiser learns the ins and outs of community-minded business
By Stephen Morris
BANNER CORRESPONDENT
Eli, an exceptionally bright and articulate nine-and-a-half year old, has designed, manufactured and marketed the StopWar necklace, his own initiative to help prevent wars for future generations and support those traumatized by its effects.
“I was in Ohio with my uncles and when we came home from the firing range my Uncle Rick offered to drill a shell and string it for me,” he says. “Then, my dad and I came up with the idea to string them and then sell them.”
Painter’s Showcase: Joerg Dressler
By Steve Lyons
Summer on Cape Cod means beach, pools, lobster, daiquiris and some of the best art in the country.
This week in Provincetown showcases what’s become one of the more anticipated events of the summer: new work by Joerg Dressler.
His 2008 show, based on “mental snapshots” Dressler retained from a recent trip to his native Hanau, Germany, was a sell-out, leaving passionate collectors from throughout the nation eager for more.
Dressler, who studied at the Hochschule für Gestaltung in Offenbach, Germany, and the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, paints in a bold style that can accommodate a wide spectrum of approaches, ranging from abstract compositions to representational landscapes.
His new show at the Alden Gallery, located at 423 Commercial St., Provincetown, MA, includes more work inspired by pastoral German locations and the Cape Cod terrain that is now his home.
“My paintings are interpretations of the landscapes that surround me,” Dressler says. “Depending on my needs and moods, the color, light, and level of abstraction change.”
