Café des Artistes

The Store @ DeCordova

Sunday, March 19 – Sunday, April 9, 2006

Opening Reception: Sunday, March 19, noon – 2 pm

LINCOLN, MA—The Store @ DeCordova will host an exhibition and sale in the spring of 2006 with a high-octane, sublimely caffeinated theme—Café des Artistes! Artisans throughout the country will display and sell work that honors the heavenly beverage. Come sip (or slurp) some java at our opening reception on Sunday, March 19 from noon – 2 pm, and be the first to purchase newly created DeCordova mugs decorated with the artwork of local art luminaries.

Also at the opening reception, meet Classical Radio personality Laura Carlo from WCRB 102.5 FM. Laura will be in The Store @ DeCordova to join visitors for a cup of coffee and give away free goodies from the station.

Here are a few of the regional artists featured in this first-of-its-kind event:

Most of us use old coffee cans for storing twist-ties or old nails; Doug Jones and Kim Kulow-Jones think re-using is a great idea, it just doesn’t have to be an ugly one. They take old coffee cans and create lids and feet from elegant wood-turnings that are beautifully hand-painted and, occasionally, tasseled—a stow-and-show sensibility.

Local potter Gabrielle Schaffner makes the world’s most delightful latte cup. Lightweight, delicately painted, and meant to be cradled in the hands during your own personal morning fog, they’re sure to ease the entry to the day.

RISD-trained jeweler Amy Pfaffman believes in the iconic power of the thing itself—in this case the very bean of the beverage. She casts coffee beans in sterling silver and creates necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Never travel again without the reassuring presence of the very berry.

Sandra Bonasoli and Jim Dowd have been putting their heart and soul into their designs—at least the one for their pewter coffee scoop. In the shape of a very sturdy heart, it’s clearly meant for daily use and lets the world know your true feelings about your favorite drink.

There are too many new artisans and their work to name. So drive on over to Lincoln and remind yourself why The Boston Globe has called The Store @ DeCordova “the best museum store in Greater Boston.” And, as always, DeCordova Members receive a 10% discount on all purchases!

Store Information

DeCordova is located 16 miles northwest of Boston near the historic towns of Concord and Lexington, at 51 Sandy Pond Road in Lincoln, MA. Situated less than 2 miles from Walden Pond, DeCordova is within easy access of Interstates 93, 95, 495, Route 2, and the Massachusetts Turnpike. Call 781/259-8692, email TheStore@decordova.org, or visit www.decordova.org for specific directions. The Store’s normal hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm, Friday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, and Sunday from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm.

General Information

DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park is a museum of modern and contemporary American art with a particular focus on the work of New England artists. It features the only public sculpture park of its kind in New England and the largest non-degree granting studio art program in the state. DeCordova opened in 1950 on the former estate of Julian de Cordova, a Boston entrepreneur and art collector.

DeCordova Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm and on selected Monday holidays. General admission during Museum hours is $9 for adults, $6 for senior citizens, students, and youth ages 6–12. Children age 5 and under, Lincoln residents, and Active Duty Military Personnel and their dependents are admitted free. The Sculpture Park is open year round during daylight hours. The Store @ DeCordova and the School Gallery are open Monday through Thursday, 9:30 am to 7:30 pm, Friday through Saturday, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, and Sunday 11:30 am to 5:30 pm. The Café @ DeCordova is open Tuesday from noon to 3 pm, and Wednesday through Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. Free guided public tours of the Museum's main galleries take place every Thursday at 1 and Sunday at 2 pm. Free tours of the Sculpture Park are given on Saturday and Sunday at 1 pm from May to October. Visit www.decordova.org or call 781/259-8355 for further information. This press release is available electronically on our Web site.

2006 marks the 100th anniversary of the American Association of Museums and has been designated the Year of the Museum. AAM's annual meeting will take place in Boston from April 27 – May 1. Learn more at www.aam-us.org.

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