Once again the hardest thing about doing the Nantucket Show is getting on the ferry to leave. July in Nantucket is such a magical place its always tough to leave. Although it becomes a bit easier when all the work you’ve put in getting new carvings done for the show is rewarded when all those carvings find spectacular new homes on the island.
After 25 years exhibiting at the show we have now experienced four different venues: the show started at the High School, moved to the empty lot at Nobadeer where the Small Friends School exists now, then on to Bartlett’s Farm, and finally, this year – the Boys and Girls Club on Nantucket. Right across the street from where in all began 25 years ago this month!
So, instead of wasting time with more strolls down the cobblestone lane, lets get to what everyone wants to see….Pictures!
As we usually do at every show, we debuted *a lot* of new work. Including a new carved Octopus design, a new 2016 Nantucket Sleighride carving, a fun and original (if I do say so myself) ship’s figurehead in a Lighting the Way motif – including wiring for an electric candle, along with many new whale and mermaid designs. But a big part of the shows for us is getting out, seeing new customers, old friends, and fellow artists. It was great to see Pete and Jan from Strafford House Signs, Nick from Nathan’s Forge, and Sue and Maddie from Maddie and Me Designs. It was also great to visit two old girlfriends….(pictured below)
We always make it a point to grab at least one lunch at the Rose and Crown Pub on Nantucket – not least because it’s the home to the lovely Lady pictured above, but also because the food is amazing. If you happen to stop in I highly recommend the Shrimp Toast and Clam Chowder! And the draft beer on tap isn’t half bad either…!
This year was special for another reason. I had the privilege to visit our very first Mermaid (nicknamed ‘Nannittucket’-above) in the private collection where she resides. The owner has been collecting our work for over 20 years. They added a new piece to their collection this show, and I was pleased to be able to deliver and install it while on Island. While there, I visited the old girl above, and noticed that she looks just like she did the day we finished painting her, almost 20 years ago. Seeing an older piece of art you’ve created really creates a strong sense of nostalgia, and makes you appreciate just how far you’ve come as an artist. It might be fun to revisit this design next year with an updated version to show just how much we’ve improved as artists.
As always, thanks for reading – and for all the support. And many, many thanks to Small Friends on Nantucket for all their hard work to pull off a great 2016 show in a new venue. They made it look easy, and did so with easy grace and patience for us rowdy artists. We’re already looking forward to 2017 – and we’re bringing friends!
More later….
Jac
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