The North Shore is a thriving community of artists and makers creating some of the coolest stuff the East Coast has to offer, and the Creative Collective Merchant Marketplace is providing a space for those makers and artists to sell what they’ve made to the people who want to buy it. One of the unique things about the market is the ability for the collective to offer opportunities to artists who are creating great work, but don’t necessarily have access to a brick and mortar store to sell it in.

Marblehead Arts Association 8 Hooper Street Marblehead 781-631-2608 – www.marbleheadarts.org Eight MAA member Artisans display 20-25 pieces of affordable art for sale on a three month rotating schedule. All merchandise is juried, keeping in mind price points under $260 per piece as well as quality craftsmanship and professional finish. With the entire shop being refreshed four times a year to feature all new

SALEM, MA –   Salem State University’s award-winning theatre department presents the winsome comedy Harvey by Mary Chase. The production runs in the Sophia Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts, October 18-28. The October 19 performance is “Salem Night” with Salem residents receiving free admission.   Elwood P. Dowd, much to the dismay of his family, has a best friend that

3rd Annual Salem Food Truck Festival By Katie Kobel Attracting thousands of people, the Salem Food Truck Festival is one of the largest food truck festivals in New England. The 3rd Annual Salem Food Truck Festival was held September 29th and 30th and had 45 different vendors. With so many options from burgers, fries, sandwiches, desserts, to having vegan/vegetarian options,

One of the more exciting ribbon cuttings to happen was courtesy of the all new shop in Salem Vampfangs. Featuring sideshow acts by Dr. Bones Circus of Marvels, appearances by local characters including Nosferatu, a visit by the Salem Chamber and the Mayor of Salem Kim Driscoll this was NOT your typical opening celebration! 

The City of Salem and Cojuelos Productions presented an evening of dancing and community at Mary Jane Lee Park in Salem MA.

ECCF Awards $300,000 for Arts and Culture Projects Across Essex County In partnership with the Barr Foundation, ECCF grants 11 local collaborations funds for creative placemaking and public art projects

Beverly, MA:  Bill Hanney’s award-winning North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) has announced that recording artists, Broadway veterans, and “American Idol” finalists Constantine Maroulis and Diana DeGarmo will lead the cast of their September production of Broadway’s Gothic musical thriller, JEKYLL & HYDE. Under the direction of Broadway’s original Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde, Robert Cuccioli, JEKYLL & HYDE will play September 25 thru October 7, 2018. A complete cast and creative team announcement will come at a later date.

Okay for reals though…Mark Hoffmann (me) is an author/illustrator and professor. His newest picture book, FRUIT BOWL, is his first foray into writing, but it won’t be his last.