People, places, events, and ideas shaping Essex County—reported and shared by Creative Collective. Search the archive or start with a story path below.

July 7, 2024
Featured image for “Reflecting on Heritage and Labor: The 2023 Bread and Roses Festival in Lawrence, MA”
Festivals
Merrimack Valley

Reflecting on Heritage and Labor: The 2023 Bread and Roses Festival in Lawrence, MA

by John Andrews
As we look forward to this year’s upcoming Bread and Roses Heritage Festival, let’s take a moment to reflect on last year’s vibrant celebration. On September 4, 2023, the historic city of Lawrence, Massachusetts, once again came alive with the sounds of music, the spirit of community, and the echoes of its rich labor history during the annual Bread and
July 7, 2024
September 3, 2023
Featured image for “Salem Jazz & Soul Festival 2023”
Festivals
MUSIC

Salem Jazz & Soul Festival 2023

by Alyssa Conary
This celebration of music and community came back on August 19th, 2023, at the picturesque Salem Willows. As always, our festival aimed to unite us through the power of music, bringing joy and harmony to our vibrant community. This year, the one-day festival was filled with spectacular live musical performances, enlightening educational workshops, an array of artisan vendors, and a
September 3, 2023
August 26, 2023
Featured image for “Fusion Fest at the House of the Seven Gables”
Diversity and Inclusion
PHOTOS

Fusion Fest at the House of the Seven Gables

by Alyssa Conary
In the historic city of Salem, the heartbeat of diversity and cultural expression can be heard through the enchanting sounds of drumming, dance, and song. On a day filled with rhythm, flavor, and artistry, The House of the Seven Gables Settlement Association hosted the Fusion Fest—a special celebration honoring the cultures and backgrounds of students in their ESL and Citizenship
August 26, 2023
July 31, 2023
Featured image for “Art Meets Rhythm: Graffiti Get Down Ignites Downtown Lynn at Final Fridays!”
Lynn
PHOTOS

Art Meets Rhythm: Graffiti Get Down Ignites Downtown Lynn at Final Fridays!

by John Andrews
The Graffiti Get Down, hosted by Lynn Museum/LynnArts, occurred on Friday, July 28th, from 6 pm to 9 pm at Frederick Douglass Park, Lynn. This event was a unique fusion of Art in the Park and Hip-Hop in the Park, making it an unforgettable summer mash-up. The July installment of Final Fridays were organized in collaboration with the Lynn Music
July 31, 2023
May 30, 2023
Featured image for “AAPI Heritage Month – Flag Raising in Salem, MA”
PHOTOS
Salem

AAPI Heritage Month – Flag Raising in Salem, MA

by Alyssa Conary
photos by John Andrews   On Saturday, May 20th the City of Salem raised several flags representative of countries across the Asian continent to celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month.   See the whole gallery: https://creativecollectivema.pixieset.com/aapiflagraising-salem2023/  
May 30, 2023
December 22, 2022
Featured image for “Salem Lights the Menorah – PHOTOS”
PHOTOS
Salem

Salem Lights the Menorah – PHOTOS

by joeyphoenix
Images by Joey Phoenix On Wednesday, December 21st 2022 at 12pm local members of the Jewish community and their allies gathered in Lappin Park for the annual lighting of the menorah in Salem. The small event was led by Rabbi Yossi Lipsker of Chabad of the North Shore and was attended by local Salem dignitaries including Senator Joan lovely, District
December 22, 2022
December 20, 2022
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FEATURE
PHOTOS

This Year in Photos

by joeyphoenix
2022 was another year for the books! We celebrated, danced, created, built, networked, and were inspired. Here are some of our favorite moments from this past year! Salem’s So Sweet Chocolate and Ice Sculpture Festival – February 2022 The Salem So Sweet Chocolate and Ice Sculpture Festival is an annual tradition in Salem, Massachusetts a decadent tradition of delectable chocolate, sparkling ice
December 20, 2022
November 29, 2022
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PHOTOS
TRENDING

Santa’s Arrival in Salem – PHOTOS

by joeyphoenix
Photos by Creative Collective Santa arrived in Salem in style this past week for the start of the holiday season. Once he descended (with a little help from the Salem Fire Department) he and his many fans processed down the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall to Lappin Park for the Holiday Tree Lighting and carols by History Alive performers. The tree
November 29, 2022
September 27, 2022
Featured image for “Lynn Auditorium Presents: The Keep Moving Forward Festival – PHOTOS”
Lynn
PHOTOS

Lynn Auditorium Presents: The Keep Moving Forward Festival – PHOTOS

by joeyphoenix
Images by John Andrews for Creative Collective  The Keep Moving Forward Festival took place in downtown Lynn, MA on September 18th, 2022. This free event filled Frederick Douglass Memorial Park with art, food and lifestyle vendors and a beer garden area powered by the Bent Water Brewing tap truck. Performers: Headliners: The Tragic Allies Co-Headliners: Keep Moving Forward Openers: Ocean
September 27, 2022
September 24, 2022
Featured image for “LatinX Heritage Month Flag Raising – PHOTOS”
Amplify Latinx
PHOTOS

LatinX Heritage Month Flag Raising – PHOTOS

by joeyphoenix
Photos by Joey Phoenix for Creative Collective Salem and North Shore Residents joined The City of Salem and the Latino Leadership Coalition of Salem for the annual Flag Raising celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month! Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a guided tour of the Urban Art Museum. About Hispanic, Afro-Latino/a/e/x Heritage Month Source: Salem State University The observation originally started in
September 24, 2022