Happy Halloween!

We hope today's wicked wind doesn't keep you from trick-or-treating tonight! At least it is weirdly warm...

Today we received a slew of new artwork from one of our most popular artists, Regina Thomas, who works in mixed media/collage. Come see new work by this prolific artist.

We also have received a couple of gorgeous new pastels from Lynn Wrona. It's hard to keep Lynn's work on our walls, so come visit soon!

Our artists are currently delivering pieces for our upcoming "Small Works" show, so stay tuned for more information on this special holiday exhibition and sale.

An Anniversary

Columbus Day weekend was a special anniversary in the life of Celebrations. It was 10 years ago that the doors of Celebrations Inn were opened! And although the bed and breakfast portion of the business is no longer operating, who knew at the time that the tiny little gift shoppe would eventually expand into 10 rooms on two floors of this 1885 Queen Anne. So of course there is much reason to celebrate!

One of our frequent customers Rev. Jack Shackles, along with his buddy Lydia, came to celebrate and bless this occasion and the implementation of our computerized Point of Sales system, fondly named “Posy.” The blessing was so touching that I asked Jack if we could post it on Celebrations' Website for all to read…

This continues to be quite the adventure! I am grateful for the many friendships that have developed along the way with enthusiastic and supportive customers, talented artists, local business partnerships, and of course the fabulous Celebrations Creative Directors Team. Who knew at the time how relationships would expand and develop?!?

Nine years ago this very weekend, Deb started here helping out with the bed and breakfast and still supports Celebrations in operating smoothly. Their dream of opening a tea room is moving up the priority list. In 2003, when Jackie approached me with the concept of having a one day “Artists Gathering Celebration” who knew that it would eventually expand into this. And through the years, Cris and Jean worked together promoting local tourism as well as their B&Bs. The friendship that Nora and I share began through an invitation to her tea party when several people told her we just had to meet.

There have been many others as well, supportive little angels stepping in to assist moving things forward. And then there is the amazing and unending support from my husband Bill. He is a true partner in every sense of the word!

With much appreciation, Jean

Chocolate has arrived!

Chocolate lovers, be happy that summer is over so we can again carry chocolate (without fear of it melting!).

Our new Lake Champlain chocolate (made in Burlington, VT) includes bars in "Rum Caramel," "Hazelnut Praline" and plain old yummy Dark Chocolate. We also have Dark Chocolate singles with 54%, 70% and 80% cocoa content and beautifully packaged set of 9 pieces, perfect for a hostess gift or your favorite chocoholic.

We also welcome new Artist Wolfgang Schweizer, a German native who now now resides in Connecticut. Wolfgang works in acrylics and also makes handpainted jewelry boxes plus jewelry. His work is wild and colorful; many of his paintings are inspired by music.

“My field of activity as a painter is to recreate feelings on canvas while leaving the business of exact definition of the world to scientific study. I see life as colorful and not gray. I follow my internal rules of proportion and color, leaving minimalization and elimination concepts behind. Thus the inner music can come forth with no restriction....”

More new artwork and retail arriving daily... come visit!

~ Cris

Happy Labor Day

Labor Day implies the end of summer but at Celebrations, we greet it as a breath of fresh, cooler air and a look forward to our busy fall foliage season. Soon we will be hanging seasonal artwork, so come look for vivid fall colors and harvest themes. John Volpacchio has delivered hand blown glass pumpkins and we have wonderfully scented new candles from Root, in pumpkin spice, mulled cider and more, plus more new items arriving all the time.

We also welcome several new artists this month, including watercolorist Mary Green La Forge, whose "works captures the freshness and light of the natural environment with rich yet subtle transparent colors of her watercolors and the brilliant colors of her oils. The results are impressionistic paintings that go beyond realism to capture a moment in time."

We will write more about artist Wolfgang Schweizer, who works in acrylic and pen plus jewelry made of aluminum, brass and copper and handpainted boxes, next week.

Enjoy the long weekend! Cris

Welcome new photographer...

Welcome to new artist, photographer Carol Wontkowski!

“My desire is to create the most evocative image possible; to portray common things, often, in an uncommon way, in order to capture some of the essence of the Designer and to transport the viewer, no matter how briefly, to a more tranquil and serene view of this world..."

Stay tuned for more new artists coming this September, including Wolfgang Schweizer and Mary Green La Forge, plus seasonally inspired work by old favorites.



GOOD NEWS!
Read about our lovely town in "Picture Perfect Pomfret" in the September/October 2009 issue of Worcester Living magazine...

Also, thanks to Larry of Brownstone Birder Blog for showcasing the wonderful avian watercolors of David Stumpo (one of our favorite watercolorists returns!) and Sharon Rowley Morgio.


Have a great weekend! ~ Cris

Special touches and surprises

I recently visited Nantucket with my family for a little R&R. The Veranda House, where we stayed, is a charming guest house in the middle of town. I was taken off guard by the special little touches and efforts made to create a memorable experience (and to secure a return visit)!

Instead of the traditional “chocolate on the pillow” gesture, we found a post card bearing a Closing Day Thought and a red licorice Twizzler. A new twist for turn-down service… sweet and unexpected.

Around every corner we discovered simple but much appreciated touches – from an old fashioned penny candy jar filled with cinnamon hots, to large individual carafes of cucumber and strawberry water. What occurred to me was how much thought must have gone into this. It all looked so effortless, yet the impact was impressive. Perhaps I was more attuned and grateful because of my experience at Celebrations. Driving passions for us at Celebrations are the special touches and elements of surprise.

Just like The Veranda House, our regular “guests” are always excited to visit because we always have something new and fun to share. We invite our new customers to visit and enjoy the experience of Celebrations! From our ever-changing inventory to our friendly customer service (including directions and touring suggestions) to the colorful ribbons we curl to adorn our complimentary festive packaging, we want to make your visit memorable.

It’s no surprise to me that both The Veranda House and Celebrations have been the recipients of Yankee Magazine’s Editor’s Choice Award!

Enjoy the weekend! Jackie

More new retail!

For fans of Sweet Grass Farm products, they have a new fragrance called Herb Blossom. Described as "a balanced green and fresh combination of thyme, coriander and tarragon blossoms... sunwarmed and redolent of a hazy afternoon in the full bloom herb garden..."

If this sounds lovely to you, come soon in for liquid soap, shea butter hand lotion, and linen/room spray made with all natural ingredients and essential oils.

Also new are the sweetest children's tea sets you have ever seen in a variety of styles, colors and patterns. Perfect for your little Princess! We are expecting new retail on a regular basis this late summer and fall, so stop in soon.

We will also be welcoming several new artists over the next few weeks, including Photographer Carol Wontkowski, whose subject matter focuses on the natural world; and Wolfgang Schweizer, whose colorful abstract paintings are composed of oils, acrylics and ink; plus other artists to be announced. Stay tuned!s

Enjoy the weather!

~ Cris