Find of the Week: Antique "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" print, framed

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Antique theatrical lithograph poster promoting performances of the play "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," starring actor Thomas E. Shea.  Printed by Miner Lithography, ca. 1910's. Logo on print is the Miner Lithography logo the company used from 1916 through 1922. Poster is in fair condition. Newly custom framed with all acid-free and archival materials, including True Vue Conservation Clear U.V. glass. Ready to hang.

American director and dramatic actor Thomas E. Shea (1861-1940) was best known for the 1914 silent film "The Man o' Warsman."

To learn more about this piece and see additional photos, visit our Etsy shop or come see it in person at Gallery on Main.

Find of the Week: Victorian revival art deco vanity table and chest with drawers

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Two very special finds at once! We're in love with these gorgeous pieces, which feature lovely curvilinear details and striking use of contrasting wood grains. Ca. 1930-1940. Available individually or as a set.

Stop in and see these beauties at Gallery on Main today, before someone else takes them home!

Artist of the Month exhibition extended through October: "Look Again: Photography and Artwork by Dana E. Benner"

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Throughout September and October, Gallery on Main's "Artist of the Month" series of exhibitions features Look Again: Photography and Artwork by Dana E. Benner.

Says Dana, "I have been a photographer for most of my life. As the daughter of a photographer, I grew up with a camera in my hand at an early age. However, it wasn't until college and after graduation that I pursued photography as a career. I enjoy capturing the scenery of the beautiful places I visit along with the serendipitous moments that appear all around us."

She continues, "Over the past few months as I prepared this new body of work for my exhibition, I took the time to slow down and really look at the beauty that surrounds each of us always. This selection of my photography focuses on the sublime and often subtle beauty and grace found in many things forgotten or left to ruin. Have you ever stopped long enough to observe nature's palette in the lush ivy draped across an old stone wall, or the crackling paint on a car from decades ago? Do you see color, texture, pattern and form? Do you see beyond what something is to the layers below? In this world of fast paced movement and frantic days, it's important to remind ourselves it's okay to stop and breathe.

I hope my exhibit challenges each viewer to take pause, to enjoy the gifts around you. Make and take time to see. Plentiful is the unexpected beauty. It lies in everything. Slow down and look again."

Meet Dana and see her work at a free opening reception at Gallery on Main on Saturday, September 2, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Admission is free.

Photo: Dana E. Benner, Broken Heart. Inkjet print on archival paper, 20" x 16".

Artist of the Month exhibition: Susan Antin

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Throughout August, Gallery on Main's "Artist of the Month" series of exhibitions features Susan Antin: Experiments in Acrylic — a series of paintings utilizing unusual paint processes and non-traditional tools.

Meet Susan and see her work at a free opening reception at Gallery on Main on Saturday, August 5, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Admission is free.

Susan uses a variety of media, but primarily acrylic paint, colored pencil and ink. Her images often represent playful, childlike ideas in a surreal, abstract style. She received a B.A. in Fine Art from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and an M.B.A. from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. While continuing to develop her artwork, She established a career in corporate training and marketing.

She has been represented in many exhibitions, including the Lyceum Hall Center for the Arts in Burlington, NJ, The Westmoreland Nationals, Westmoreland College, Pennsylvania; Montgomery Center for the Arts, Montgomery, NJ, Johnson & Johnson Corporate Gallery, Skillman, NJ and Williams Gallery, Princeton. She teaches art classes for The Arts Council of Princeton and in Downtown Somerville.

Susan is an Executive Board Member of Somerville's Arts on Division, and is a member of the Arts Council of Princeton, NJ; Farmstead Arts Center, Basking Ridge, NJ and The Printmaking Center of NJ, Branchburg. She spends much of her time coordinating art events and promoting artists for the local community.

Find of the Week: Mr. Quarterback Football Passer

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Vintage backard game by Coleco!

In its original box, dated 1977, this automatic passing machine for one or more players is in excellent condition. Machine works great -- nothing cracked or broken.  It appears that there were screws to hold the yellow "hand" that's attached to aluminum arm; screws are missing and need to be replaced before using. A very easy fix.

The original football and spikes to anchor it into the ground are missing. Visit our Etsy shop to see more photos. Everything you see in those pictures are what's included including original instructions!

Put on your suede Pumas or Adidas sneakers (or Sears, JC Penney, or K-Mart Special knockoffs) and striped tube socks, and ride your 3-speed or 10-speed bike to Gallery on Main* -- you could be playing Mr. Quarterback in no time! Bonus points if you arrive in a 1970s Camaro or Firebird -- don't forget, Fridays are Cruise Night in Somerville!

*Sneaker, tube socks, bicycle and car not included. ;)

Artist of the Month: Terry Comparetta Wagner

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Throughout July, Gallery on Main's "Artist of the Month" series of exhibitions showcases photos by Dunellen, New Jersey-based photographer Terry Comparetta Wagner.

Meet Terry and see her work at a free opening reception at Gallery on Main on Saturday, July 1, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Admission is free.

Says the self-described "Jersey girl," "There is beauty everywhere. That beauty may be the result of Mother Nature, the careful design of a graceful machine, the rapture of a parent's face watching their child, or the simple carving of an old gravestone. My inspiration comes in many forms." 

Find of the Week: "Pop Goes the Weasel" jack-in-the-box toys

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In celebration of National Pop Goes the Weasel Day, today's find of the week is not one but two retro jack-in-the-box toys that play "Pop Goes the Weasel." If you had one of these as a child, chances are you either loved it or hated it. And you can hear the music playing in your head at this moment...either faster or slower depending on the speed by which you turned the hand crank, in anticipation (or dread) of the clown popping out of the box.

Find this and other fun blasts from the past at Gallery on Main, and in our Etsy shop!

Artist of the Month: Bret Salvatore

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Throughout June, Gallery on Main's "Artist of the Month" series of exhibitions showcases New Jersey artist/illustrator Bret Salvatore.

Meet Bret at a free opening reception at Gallery on Main on Sunday June 4, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. It will be an opportunity to see some of his original work that has never before been on display. Refreshments will be served. Admission is free.

Based in Stockholm (Sussex County), New Jersey, Bret Salvatore has a passion for Surrealism, narrative art and spirituality. Primarily working in pencil and oils, Bret approaches his art as a daily meditative practice to achieve a sense of greater self-awareness and global consciousness. Bret started drawing at a very young age, and found peace through the process of creating works of art that expressed his unique view of the world. This process continues to mature into expressing universal concepts and beyond. Bret's work speaks on philosophy and metaphysics, culture, theology, Native American legend and heritage, human joy and suffering, music, nature and environmental responsibility, inspiration and intuition. In addition to painting and illustrating, he is the guitarist and visual artist for the progressive rock trio Primal Thesis.

See photos of a mixed-media, collaborative sculpture being created on Division Street

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In celebration of community, Memorial Day and the 77th Tour of Somerville Cycling Classic bike race, an interactive outdoor sculpture was installed on Division Street, in the hub of downtown Somerville, on Saturday, May 27. New Jersey artist and arts educator Bob Richardson conceived and designed the sculpture, and created its components with the participation of students from Immaculata High School in Somerville, Somerville High School, Middle Earth (a nonprofit agency providing services to teens and adolescents in Somerset County), and Richardson's own students from Arts High School in Newark. The project is sponsored by Arts on Division.

Among the elements of the sculpture are bicycle parts, paintings by the students, and small wire bicycle sculptures created by the students, which are "framed" by bicycle tires. The sculpture's wooden base is topped by a large, spinning wheel from which the little bicycle sculptures hang, as does the word "Somerville" spelled out in letters made of bicycle chains, made by local mechanic Mike Kassick. The base, painted white, served as a blank canvas and permanent markers were provided, engaging visitors of all ages to add their own contribution.

Be sure to check out the sculpture in person! It's right across the street from Gallery on Main. For more on 2017 Memorial Day festivities in Somerville, click here.

Photos by Bridget Daley

In town: Memorial Day weekend schedule of events!

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Friday, May 26

Friday Night Cruise Night returns to town! This Friday features live music, classic and custom cars, and — in celebration of the Tour of Somerville bike race, "tricked-out" classic and custom bicycles! Head to Division Street for:

5:00–9:00 pm — A display of customized bicycles.
If you've got a unique bike you want to show off, come on out! No registration or admission fee required, just show up and let's see what you've got! We recommend that you get to Somerville by 4:00 or 5:00 pm to ensure yourself a good spot on Division Street. If you're planning on attending and want to post a picture of your bike on our Facebook page, please do!

6:00–7:00 pm — Performance by Immaculata High School Jazz Band

7:00–9:00 pm — Performance by Terrance Haupt, acoustic classic rock guitar
 

Saturday, May 27

9:00–11:00 am —  A collaborative sculpture conceived by artist Bob Richardson will be assembled on Division Street, with the assistance of contributing high-school art students from Somerville and Newark. After the sculpture has been assembled, other students and community members are invited to use a black or red permanent "Sharpie" marker to add their own contribution to the sculpture on the themes of community, Memorial Day, and/or the Tour of Somerville bike races. Markers will be made available, or bring your own. Read more at www.galleryonmainst.com/news.

Live music!

12:00 noon–2:20 pm — City Hicks

3:00–4:00 pm — The Above Ground Blues Band
 

Monday, May 29: Memorial Day

The 77th Tour of Somerville bike race — the oldest major bicycle race in America —  plus live music and other performances! First race starts at 10:30 a.m., rain or shine, at Davenport Street & Main Street.

Main Street Schedule:

9:00 am—   Memorial Day Parade

9:45 am — Family Fun Ride sponsored by Somerville Recreation

10:20 — National Anthem

10:30 — Races start and continue through the afternoon. View the full race schedule.

Division Street Schedule:

Sponsored by Arts on Division

12:30 pm — Musical performance by Peter Prasa

1:00 pm — Somerville Martial Arts Team

1: 15 pm — Somerset Valley YMCA Gymnastics Team

1:45 pm — Elite Dance Academy of Somerville

2:00 pm — Musical performance by Andy Prase

3:00 pm Musical performance by the Bryan Hansen Band