Paradise City Arts Festival
3 County Fairgrounds, Northampton, MA
May 23 - 25, 2015
by Shera Cohen
As I looked on my calendar this week, I realized that it was
the time of year for my bi-annual Paradise City article. Hmm, what to write?
There has been the overall preview, the interview with co-producer Linda Post,
and several one-on-one pieces on artists. Jewelry, pottery, furniture,
clothing, paintings -- I have probably penned an article from each genre.
When stumped for an idea (writing or otherwise), my usual
“go to” spot is CVS. It’s probably during the walk to the store and back, more
than the final destination, when I become inspired. I always take pen and paper
with me on my very short journey.
Returning to my condo, I purposely looked around the rooms
as if I had never seen the site before, remembering that Mother’s Day, 25-years
ago, was my moving day. One of many thoughts at the time was, “How am I ever
going to fill all of this wall space?” Little did I know that Paradise City
would help me enormously in answering my space question.
While my home is rather small, through the years, I have
acquired and displayed approximately 60 pieces of art. Those object not
currently on the walls are in my attic storeroom. Every two years or so, I move
things around, add and subtract. It’s fun and gives me new images to look at,
even if they aren’t really new.
How did I know the number was 60? I literally walked from
room to room, counting. Among the pastels, acrylics, line drawings, wall
hangings, mirrors, and photography were 39 original works, most of which were
created by local artists. Among the 39, I had purchased 19 at Paradise City.
Given a choice and the same spending cap, I always choose
original art over copies. Extra points in my purchasing decisions go to living
artists and/or those who live locally; i.e.Pioneer Valley, The Berkshires,
Northern CT.
Sure, I have some prints on the walls, mostly Mary Casatte,
Boulonge, and flowers. They are all beautiful, and a lot less expensive than
the originals, of course.
I usually attend Paradise City, comparing it to a window
shopping venture coupled with a browse through several art galleries and
museums. I never go with a “what to buy” check list. In fact, I do not
recommend that -- keep your eyes and other senses open to all that fills
Paradise City.
I am proud that I have purchased 19 pieces for myself, and I
am not even counting the numerous gifts for others. It is generally difficult
to buy art for someone else’s taste. However, I make exceptions during my
visits to Paradise City. Either I have picked the perfect work or the recipient
is a perfect actor, effusively praising both me and the art.
