Back on the Racks to Host Weekend of Art Demonstrations and Pop-up Shopping

On Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 17, 12 -5 p.m., Back on the Racks will host a weekend of art demonstrations and pop-up shopping at its new Space to Create location at 659 Broadway (2nd floor) in Long Branch, N.J. The event is free and open to the public. All ages are welcome to attend. Sales from the weekend will benefit the Puppy Mill Awareness Day organization.

Guests are invited to shop for painted furniture and handmade items, plus unique consignment pieces. Artists from Back on the Rack’s new Space to Create program will hold demonstrations giving a preview of their upcoming adult and children’s art workshops. Preregister for workshops during the event and receive 10% off enrollment. Demonstrations include a cottage finish on furniture using our Boho Paint, 1-2 p.m.; painting a garden chair, 2 – 3 p.m.; and art for your garden, 3 – 4 p.m. Guests will enjoy learning simple ways to explore their creative side with DIY projects inspired by everyday items. Representative from the Puppy Mill Awareness Day organization will be at the event on Saturday to share their work.

“We’re so excited to host our first event at our new Space to Create location,” said Christine McAlary, Owner, Back on the Racks. “We’re packing the space for the day with unique painted furniture, handmade items, artist demonstrations, plus you will be supporting one of our favorite charities, Puppy Mill Awareness Day! The day is also an opportunity to meet our artists and connect with family and friends.”

Participating artists include:

Mary-Lou Fiorillo, known as the Junk Rocker artist, started refunking junk over 15 years ago. Her passion for the hobby developed into a career as a furniture designer. Her talent lies in turning a worn and torn dresser into a gorgeous custom piece of furniture. As an instructor at Back on the Racks, she teaches students to paint like a professional furniture designer. She is passionate about helping her students to be creative and allow their painting skills to soar.

Laurie Ruggeri is a big believer in the philosophy, “Everyone is an Artist”, and believes art is one of the best therapies for all ages. She has painted furniture and other items for over 20 New Jersey businesses. She has spearheaded many charitable events including the creation a mural in the Middletown Public Library’s Children’s Room. For eight years, she runs “Miss Laurie’s Summer Art Camp” teaching more than 1,000 children at the Middletown Arts Center. She recently joined Back on the Racks, where she instructs a variety of inspirational workshops throughout the year from Paint and Sip events to Bohemian (Boho) inspired DIY projects.

Pat Ristaino Dutton is the proprietor and herbalist gardener of Serenity Acres in rural Concord, N.H. In 1995, she completed an Intensive Apprenticeship with Rosemary Gladstar in the therapeutic, didactic and fieldwork of Herbalism. She also completed an internship with Tieraona LowDog MD in the Foundations of Herbal Medicine. Her experience includes practical applications of herbs in wellness and illness prevention both as a teacher and practitioner. She has taught classes in several states for community participants as well as health care professionals. Pat’s workshops at Back on the Racks include will cover the making and sampling of herbal products.

Arleen Swart is a landscape designer, horticulturist and owner of Sea Grass Design and Landscape. She earned an A.A.S. in Agricultural business from County College of Morris with certifications in garden center management, grounds maintenance, landscape design, and plant/pest management. Arleen speaks on a variety of gardening topics and teaches hands-on workshops to garden clubs, master gardeners, and at Deep Cut Gardens in Monmouth County and Back on the Racks.

Carol Azhadi is an award winning nail artist. She specializes in detailed designs and can walk anyone through her techniques. She will be teaching workshops at Back on the Racks involving garden themed art on clay pots, rocks, and more

About The Puppy Mill Awareness Day

The Puppy Mill Awareness Day organization (PMAD) educates the public on the abusive conditions and practices existing in commercial dog breeding facilities, or “puppy mills,” throughout the United States. PMAD also rescues and rehabilitates breeding dogs that are surrendered to its care. The charity is located in Jackson, N.J. For more information, visit www.awarenessday.org.

About Back on the Racks Consignment and Retail

Back on the Racks carries new and gently worn women’s fashion items from mall stores and top designers. Hundreds of new items are stocked daily at bargain prices. Shoppers will find high quality, affordable clothing, handbags, accessories, home décor, furniture, and much more. Back on the Racks has been voted by its shoppers as Best Consignment Store and resale boutique in Monmouth County for several years running. Back on the Racks also hosts art workshops and demonstrations for DIY enthusiasts in a comfortable and creative atmosphere.

Back on the Racks retail locations are located at 144 and 148 Brighton Avenue, Long Branch, N.J. Hours: Mon-Sat 10-6pm Sunday 12-5pm. Space to Create studio is located 659 Broadway (2nd floor). Open for occasional shopping events and during workshop hours. For more information, visit www.backontheracksnj.com or call (732) 272-1416.