Fells Arts Month Events

For Immediate release

Contact: Mike Oliver 617-605-7325

September is Fells Arts Month

Twenty eight artists from Malden, Melrose, Medford, Somerville, Wakefield and Watertown are featured in the 6^th annual Friends of the Fells Art month. This show reminds us once again the importance of Nature in our lives. We humans are creatures of the earth, and we are so completely ourselves when we are immersed in Nature. However, Nature is under threat by those who do not appreciate its value. The show’s artists through paintings, photography and mixed media enhance our appreciation of this most precious resource and the splendor that surrounds us. Says Mike Oliver, show’s organizer and Friends board member, “This year’s show continues showcasing nature in diverse settings. It is very much in line with the Friends passion to protect and conserve the Fells, the greatest natural wonder in our area.”

Fells Art Month is held at the Beebe Estate, 235 West Foster Street, Melrose.

The Gallery is open Saturdays from 11-3 and by appointment.

In addition, Fells Art month will also present several compelling films and discussion from Standing on Sacred Ground series, http://standingonsacredground.org in collaboration with the Medford Film Collaborative. These films chronicle the efforts of indigenous people standing up for their traditional sacred lands in defense of cultural survival, human rights and the environment. They stand against industrial mega-projects, consumer culture, resource extraction, competing religions, tourists and climate change.

September 6, Pilgrims and Tourists – Chronicles the struggle of ingenious peoples in Russia and California fighting against government mega projects.

September 20, Islands of Sanctuary - Native Hawaiians and Aboriginal Australians resist threats to sacred places in a growing international movement to defend human rights and protect the environment.

Films begin at 7 pm

On Saturdays there will be workshops for children and adults led by several of the arts month artists. To register for the workshops, call 781-662-2340.

Saturday, September 10^th 12- 1 pm

What if Iron Man Gained Weight? Insects and Exoskeletons- Liz Campbell-Tompkins. , retired Malden science teacher

Audience: Adults and children ages 6 and up. Limit 12

By bringing in fossil evidence, a skull and examples of exoskeletons this workshop will explore the success of insects throughout earth's history. By the end of the hour, participants will be able to;

1. Describe three types of skeletons.

2. Compare and contrast endo and exoskeletons.

3. Explain the process of shedding an exoskeleton.

Participants will receive a microphotograph of an insect exoskeleton.

Saturday September 17 11:30 – 1:00 Hand-made Paper Sculpture Insects

Audience: Children ages 4 to 8. Limit 15

Join Sally Bowman Gordon in a mixture of science and art as you blend up some of your paper and then create one of our smallest creatures, an insect or two with it.

Saturday, September 17, 1-2 pm. A Mosaic Meditation

Audience: age 12 and up. Limit: 12

Join mosaicist Susan Altman for a meditative exercise in mosaic-making. The Beebe Estate’s September show focuses on “Nature: Our Most Precious Resource.” Participants will identify piece of art in the show that speaks to them, and will spend an hour creating a small mosaic that reflects their personal response to that art. All materials will be provided, and participants can take home their mosaic.

The Friends of the Middlesex Fells Reservation is dedicated to the protection and harmonious use of the Fells; promoting awareness, policies and programs to honor and preserve the ecological, historical and recreational resources of this urban forest reservation. Its goals are to:

1. Instill awareness and appreciation of the Fells as a valuable natural and historical resource which will foster a sense of stewardship within the larger community.

2. Develop programs for recreation, enjoyment, and study of the Fells which are harmonious with landscape and habitat.

3. In cooperation with others, develop and advocate for policies designed to preserve and protect the Fells Reservation

Owned by the city of Melrose and operated by the Beebe Board of Trustees, the Beebe Estate is the finest Greek Revival-style mansion in Melrose. Its elegant cupola and elaborate balustrade have graced West Foster Street for more than one hundred and seventy years. The Beebe Estate serves both as a cultural center for the City of Melrose where local artists can display their work and as a restored historic home available for rental to private parties and organizations.

For more information call 781-662-2340 or go to fells.org