Twitch and Whiskers: April 2015

Sunday, April 12, 2015

On the Road - First Friday and the New Britain Museum of American Art

Home turf. It was refreshing to be here in Connecticut for the kick off of my 2015 show season. A week ago, I was set up in the picturesque lobby to the New Britain Museum of American Art for their First Friday event. This monthly gathering offers an evening of art, music, food, and local makers to support a gem of a museum.

The New Britain Museum of American Art

The hyper-real security guard sculpture - say hi to Syl

I was accompanied by my husband Thom and a whole table filled with new pieces. The snowy winter provided me with a lot of indoor time to create and I was happy to display some new favorites at the show. The night started off with a fun visit from friends.

Twitch and Whiskers at The New Britain Museum of American Art

Thom, Laery (of PLAY Toy Store), and Max

One of the biggest treats was listening to the throwback sounds of West End Blend. This talented Hartford-based band provided the perfect upbeat mix of soul, funk, and hip hop for the evening. The band was really tight and I was especially impressed by Erica Bryan's soulful vocals. You should really give them a listen in person if you have the chance. Visit their webpage for more info.

West End Blend

Connecticut offers up some of the best gourmet foods around and two of these local brands were proudly represented at the show. Savor Fine Foods bakes bite-sized cookies with unique flavor combinations such as coconut, lime, hot pepper. Visit their website to see their wide variety of sweet and savory flavors. The Hardcore Sweet Cupcakes truck was parked in front of the museum and served up some decadent desserts, including their Girl Scout inspired Samoa cupcake (yum). These season 9 winners of the Food Network's Cupcake Wars are always coming up with new and exciting treats. Swing by their webpage for more info.

Delish cookies from Savor Fine Foods

Samoa cupcake? Yes, please!

It was an absolute pleasure getting to know Jessica Eveleigh of Treefort Naturals at the museum's Maker's Market. This Colchester resident lovingly handcrafts cold pressed soaps and other bath products. Her interest in making natural products started as an effort to make healthier and more environmentally friendly choices for her family. Jessica's passion grew over time into a business. Treefort Natural products are natural, organic, vegetarian, and many of the fine ingredients are sourced locally (some even from Jessica's backyard). I really enjoyed perusing through and smelling many of her refreshing soap blends including rosemary mint, orange hops, and peppermint shea butter. Thom and I left with a bar of charcoal tea tree soap and love how cleansing and fragrant the bar is. Learn more about Jessica's process, products, and show schedule by following her on Facebook and Instagram. Locals can catch Treefort Naturals on Sundays at the Colchester Farmer's Market between June and October. And make sure to treat yourself to some natural goodness by visiting Treefort Naturals on Etsy.

Jessica Eveleigh of Treefort Naturals

Natural and fragrant lotions, balms, and salves

natural and nourishing

I met a wonderful group of attendees at the First Friday event, including two besties who had fun picking through our Fun 'n' Games rings made out of vintage pinback buttons, toys, and game pieces.

smiles all around

two pugs 'n' a poodle

Fun 'n' Games rings

One of the things I adore about about making upcycled jewelry is the freedom to use whatever materials that tickle my fancy. Over the past year, I've been inspired by vintage tin toys and I was happy to see some whistle and car necklaces go home with happy customers.

bright colors and sweet sounds

beep beep

one fish...two fish...

Thank you to the folks at the New Britain Museum of American Art for having us at your First Friday event! It was such a fun evening and I highly recommend it to any local who wants a fun, arts-filled night out. Learn more about upcoming events at the New Britain Museum of American Art by visiting their website, and following them on Facebook.

Twitch and Whiskers hopes to see you out and about during the spring and summer season. Here is where you can find us next.