Anime Boston is a yearly event that takes place at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, Massachussetts. This year on Easter weekend, April 6 - 8, 2012, a variety of individuals will travel to Boston for three days of geeky goodness. There they will celebrate Japanese culture, memes, video games, comic books and fashion. Cosplay is a big part of this exciting event. Hundreds will strut their stuff in outfits representing their favorite characters in popular culture. It is a site to see.

The event hosts various Japanese and industry guests. There are panels, workshops and even dances that one can attend the entire weekend. The Dealer's Room and Artist Alley are also a big draw as various wares and art sold for three consecutive days. Anime conventions are always the most lively of my conventions and I enjoy the people, culture and friends this convention brings together. I will be selling at the convention in the Artist Alley so if you are in the area be sure to stop by!

For more information visit the Anime Boston website: http://www.animeboston.com/

Written By: Kelly of Kelly's Keychains

AnimeUSA

In 1999 AnimeUSA was started by anime fans in Northern Virginia. In 2004 AnimeUSA became a non profit educational organization to promote Japanese culture and arts.

This year it is being held at the Hyatt Regency in Arlington, VA. It is running on November 18-20. AnimeHatmania is happy to be in Artist Alley selling hats and origami jewelery. I always attend cons with my two girls who are fantastic fans. We always take pictures of other con goers.

Since we have not attended this anime convention before I am including some pictures from other cons so you can visualize the flavor of these events. I am including pictures from two other show I have been in Artist Alley at: Otakon and Katsucon. The cons generally run for three days and have between 5,000 to 35,000 attendees.

Written by: Cynthia Sprehe owner of Animehatmania

FREE Day of the Dead Celebration, this Sunday

Whether you’re an adult or a child, you’ll enjoy our second annual Day of the Dead, El Dia de los Muertos, celebration. This jovial Mexican holiday commemorates the lives of family and friends who have died. Visitors to the Walters Art Museum will enjoy traditional Mexican dance performances, a live mariachi band, food, and art activities for the whole family.

Starting Sunday, October 31, the museum will host a community altar in the Graham Auditorium and members of the public are encouraged to bring items in honor of loved ones who have passed away.If you would like to bring items to be presented at the Day of the Dead altar, please bring them to the museum between October 31 - November 7

For more information, call The Walters Art Museum 410-547-9000 ext. 323

Written By: Kelly of Kelly's Keychains

Greek Heritage Festival: November 4-6

Nothing says Baltimore to me more than ethnic heritage festivals. Maybe it conjures up memories of my folk dancing days with the polish folk dancing troupe Ojczyzna in Baltimore during Polish festivals in Patterson Park. Could be the great smelling and tasting food or the wonderful handmade crafts. In this case they are offering pottery, wine baskets, Greek line dancing, baklava, cathedral tours and more! And....its all free!

Dates: November 4-6th

Where: Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation

24 W. Preston Street Baltimore, MD 21201

Visit their website for more information

Written by Stacey Phinney

National Aquarium in Baltimore Celebrates 30 Years!

Since opening in 1981, the aquarium continues to get better and better. My favorite exhibit they had was the seahorse exhibit. I have never seen such beautiful and exotic creatures.

To celebrate 30 years of all the aquarium has been and will become in the future, they are holding a birthday celebration on August 5-8, 2011. This is a family friendly celebration with music, dancing, a kid's corner, and much more!

For more information visit their website.

Written by Stacey Phinney

Rick Shelley Mosaics and Class

I'd like to rave a bit about a wonderful artist and delightful man, Rick Shelley. He's a Baltimore renaissance man, a working artist for, oh, at least a couple of decades. He created the mosaic at the Walters of the ancient world, a project that consumed him for about a year.
And he's teaching a mosaic class at the American Visionary Art Museum on June 18th. I was lucky enough to take this class a couple of years ago, had a wonderful time, and left with two completed small mosaics after learning how to cut glass!

The course information is here.

Rick also makes delightful glass insect pins--perhaps you've seen him and them at Artscape and other local festivals--and from time to time gives performances of his Theater Serenissima, an exquisite miniature theater.

Check out his work at the website.

Written by Seanna of yarningsbyseanna.

Celebrate the Fiber Arts at the BMA’s Textile Day

Join fellow textile enthusiasts for a FREE day of workshops and demonstrations by experts during Textile Day at the BMA on Sunday, May 14, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Participate in workshops exploring textile design, embroidery, batik, silk painting, and many other aspects of the fiber arts. More than 20 exhibitors include the Baltimore Embroiderers’ Guild, the Chesapeake Region Lace Guild, Baltimore Appliqué Society, and many outstanding textile artists.
Curator’s Choice Exhibition includes examples of contemporary and historical costume pieces, textiles used in interiors, and fiber art from various cultures and countries. Each of these textiles is being shown for the first time at the BMA. Or enjoy Exhibition Tour of Curator’s Choice Family Fun with Textiles and many other workshops throughout the day.

For a complete list of exhibitors and workshops, call 443-573-1832 or check BMA’s event calendar here.

Written by Insung of NAMOO

Craftermath Design Marketplace

This Thanksgiving weekend, instead of going out in the madness of the malls or chain stores, bring your holiday shopping lists to the first annual Craftermath event at West Potomac High School in Alexandria, Virginia. This event is organized by the students in the Design LAB at the school, who's mission is "to promote independent artists and designers and build a community of creative’s that assist and inspire. We look to build events and opportunities to promote our local creative community."

From 10 am - 3 pm you can come out and shop the handmade event, featuring some of your favorite BEST members, including:

Adornments by Atelier-Beads

Fuzzy Mug

JerseyGirlDesign

Namoo

Yummy & Company

The event takes place at West Potomac High School, 6500 Quander Road, Alexandria, VA 22307. For more information, visit their website.

written by Lauren of JerseyGirlDesign

Illustration Next

Case[werks] Gallery will be hosting an exhibition of illustration work as it pertains to the practice of illustration today. The show is made up of work by MICA alumni and represents how we have all taken our craft to a new place.

Opening reception is Sunday November 14, 4-6pm
Exhibit runs from November 14 thru December 29.

Decor Galore Sale, November 12 & 13

This weekend, come out to support the Junior League of Baltimore at their Decor Galore sale, which kicks off with the Sip, Savor and Shop event on Friday night- a sneak peak from 6-10 pm at 1830 York Road, in Timonium.

The following day, is the all-day shopping event, from 9am - 5pm where you can find gifts including jewelry, accessories, clothing and decor for your home! Among the vendors, you can find a few of your favorite BEST members, including:

Design by Night

Glowgirl Fibers

JerseyGirlDesign

Namoo

Sweet Pepita

Yummy & Company

The Junior League helps at-risk families in the community, so you can not only get a jump start on your holiday shopping, but help a great cause as well!

written by Lauren of JerseyGirlDesign

Here Ye! Here Ye!

Art To Dine For 2010

Image courtesy of JKonig

The Creative Alliance's annual series of arty soirees for foodies has begun again! 33 parties at the homes of notable Baltimoreans in the art and food worlds will be held between September 11th and December 14th.

The parties range from seated dinner to brunch to nibbles, and will feature tours of local estates and art collections, activities like scarf dying or wreath making, and live music.

For a full list of parties - and links to buy tickets - click here.

Written by Jamaila of Anapurna

17th Annual Hamilton Festival and Classic Car Show!!

Come visit BEST and Charm City Craft Mafia members at the 17th Annual Hamilton Festival and Classic Car Show. The festival features two stages with all-day music, dance and martial arts performances, cars, craft and food vendors. There will be beer gardens for the adults and kids games with prizes for the little ones!


Hamilton Street Festival and Classic Car Show 2010
Saturday July 31st
11:00 a.m. to 8: p.m.
Harford Road at Hamilton Ave

by Kolleen Kilduff of Design by Night

To Do This Weekend: Fluid Movement’s 9th Annual Synchronized Swimming Extravaganza!

JASON and THE AQUANAUTS: 20,000 Legs Over The Sea
Water Ballet 2010


Join the adventure… Come sail away to ancient Greece with the Legendary Greek hero on his perilous quest to find the Golden Fleece as only Fluid Movement can tell it. Replete with battles against a skeleton army a talking masthead and the glittery costumes and swimming you’ve come to expect.

DRUID HILL PARK POOL (800 Wyman Park Drive)
Saturday, July 24 at 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm
Sunday, July 25, 2010 at 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm

Druid Hill Park tickets:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/118010

PATTERSON PARK POOL (on Linwood St. between Baltimore St. and Eastern Ave.)
Saturday, July 31, 2010 @ 5:30 pm --BENEFIT SHOW and PARTY-- Party to follow (Tickets are $20.00 for Benefit Show and Party only)
Sunday, August 1, 2009 @ 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm

Patterson Park tickets:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/118038

All shows are $10.00 (except Benefit Show).

Tickets are on sale now at BrownPaperTickets and will also be sold at the door one (1) hour before showtime.

*Due to the nature of outdoor performance, please check the website the day of the show for up-to-date show time and location information

Don't Forget, Etsy Meetup Tonight!!!

When:
Friday, June 18, 2010
6:00 PM
Where:
Roosevelt Park, in Hampden 21211
Falls Rd & W 36th St
(Picnic will be located near Poole Street - across the park from Falls road- look for the Etsy-orange balloons!)

Bring a blanket and a picnic, and join us! Members of the Baltimore Etsy Street Team and Charm City Craft Mafia will be in attendance.

Craft Projects for all!
Families and friends welcome - kid friendly, too!
All are welcome! See you there!

Map and more here.

A Little BEST at the Fenton Street Market

 

Stop by the Fenton Street Market Saturday!  There's really something for eveyone!Vintage clothing, architectural salvage, books, food, ceramics, jewelry teas, soaps, candles, handmade fibers, toys and antiques galore!

4.24 Market, originally uploaded by Fenton Street Market.

Be sure to stop by Lana Bella and Yummy & Company of BEST!
Oh, and did I mention there'd be fresh, made-to-order crepes?!

The market is held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the corner of Fenton Street and Silver Spring Avenue (click for map) in downtown Silver Spring, rain or shine. Free parking is available in public lots across Fenton Street.

Finish Up Your Holiday Shopping at School 33

Plush You 2009: OoAKies, originally uploaded by greenstarstudio.

Get your last minute gifts without the "maul" madness. Stop by the Last Minute Maul on Sunday December 13 where over 25 vendors will be on hand displaying all kinds of handmade goodnesss, including jewelry, art, ceramics, and home decor.

BEST artists Danamarie Hosler of GreenStarStudio, Monica of Sugar Paperie and Jennifer Wilfong of Yummy & Company and Elisa Shere Designs will be in attendance with their wares!

Don't miss this last opportunity to shop handmade this holiday season!!!

School 33 Art Center

10-5pm

1427 Light Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21230

Holiday refreshments will be provided!

What are you Doing on the Computer?

When there are so many shows this weekend?

Handmade Mart’s Holiday Shop-n-Stroll, This Saturday!

Head down 95 to Silver Spring this weekend and get your shop on with three BEST members – FuzzyMug, The Littlest Bean and Sweet Pepita. They will be among the 50+ independent crafters at the first annual Holiday Shop-n-Stroll!

This is a great way to kick off the holidays and get in the spirit. Pick up fresh produce from local farmers (yum!), participate in various crafting workshops, and listen to the angelic voices of strolling carolers all while shopping for unique, hand-crafted gifts for everyone on your list.

Check out the eclectic list of vendors, intriguing shop profiles and a handy map here. Hope to see you there!

Saturday, December 5, 2009, 10am-3pm
Ellsworth Drive (Between Fenton Ave. and Georgia Ave.)
Downtown Silver Spring

Written by FuzzyMug.

BEST at Greenbelt Festival of Lights

And if you're looking for yet another place to find us this weekend, how about the Greenbelt Festival of Lights?

Join greenstarstudio, Jen Menkhaus, Sweet Pepita, TigerlillyShop, Jersey Girl Design, BlockPartyPress, Yummy & Company, DandelionBlu & Elisa Shere Jewelry for two days of shopping and demonstrations, workshops and presentations, by dozens of artists.
The Festival takes place indoors at the Greenbelt Community Center, Saturday, December 5th from 10-5 and Sunday, December 6th from 11-4pm.