Planet Calamari

Once upon a time, not so very long ago, a local restaurant/gallery asked Salem, Massachusetts artists to turn old chairs into works of art, to be auctioned away to raise money for the Julia Gauthier Scholarship Fund.This scholarship fund was created after the tragic death of Julie Gauthier in an auto accident caused by a drunk driver. Each chair-based artwork was to have a theme of pigs.

Jeanie Marie happily took one of these chairs to her studio and began work on it. This beautiful chair, a tribute to the Chinese Year of the Pig, is her contribution to the project.

Art Returns From the Dead

A Day of the Dead Collection

Imagine a holiday when the dead return to their homes and visit their families! The Day of the Dead is a joyous Mexican tradition celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, is a time to remember and spiritually reconnect with departed loved ones. Originating in ancient Mexico, this custom is celebrated in many North, Central and South American countries.

Inspired by Mexican, Mayan and Aztec imagery, these pieces celebrate the Dias de los Muertos. Masks like Bruja del Mar and Los Piratas de Embaccadero de Derby (shown), combine sea glass and pottery from the shores of Salem, Massachusetts with skulls, bones and other playful Day of the Dead inspirations. Other masks, like Ix Chel, Mayan Moon Goddess and Esperar el Sol draw on more ancient, darker dream imagery. These are just a few of the pieces on exhibit and the photographs really don't capture the light, color or presence of these pieces.

Art Returns From the Dead by jeanie marie kraft. Pieces shown are from a collection of mixed media masks, retablos (altars) and jewelry inspired by the artist's obsession with Mexican culture and art.