December Artist Reception
2021-12-11 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Booklovers’ Gourmet, 72 East Main St, Webster, MA, 01570, United States
Come meet the featured artist of the month, Anne Tisdell of Webster, MA, whose paintings will be on display and for sale in our cafe gallery.
Her work includes wildlife, nature and landscapes.

OPEN 12-4
2021-12-12, 2021-12-19

Ralph Masiello's The Unicorn Drawing Book
2021-12-12 13:00 - 15:00
Join us for some unicorn & drawing fun at this book signing event with illustrator Ralph Masiello and his latest, The Unicorn Drawing Book. Ralph will teach you how to draw along with him. Please RSVP to deb@bookloversgourmet.com or 508-949-6232. The event is free but registration is highly recommended. Other books in the series will also be available for purchase. Appropriate for ages 6+. Children must be attended by an adult.
Ralph Masiello—affectionately known as ‘The Icky Bug Man’—has illustrated several children’s books including The Icky Bug Alphabet Book, The Yucky Reptile Alphabet Book, and The Flag We Love. His oil paintings are remarkably rich and realistic and bring to life the subjects of his books—be they bugs, flags, dinosaurs, or well-hidden messages and secret drawings.
A graduate of Rhode Island School of Design, Ralph has produced numerous works of fine art for galleries in addition to picture book illustrations and magazine covers for Omni and Tennis. He is twice the recipient of the Society of Illustrators Certificate of Merit. But it is his visits with school children that give him the most satisfaction. “Adults are very subdued. They say, ‘Isn’t that lovely?’ But children will go, ‘That’s so cool, dude!’ That’s better than any award.” Along with discussing the technical aspects of book making, Ralph tells his audience about his own education, stressing reading and library skills as they relate to the research and development of an accurately illustrated book. Audience participation and spontaneity is highly emphasized and always leads to boisterous, but stimulating and educational, fun for kids. For years, children have benefited from visits from ‘The Icky Bug Man.’

OPEN 10-5
2021-12-13, 2021-12-20

CLOSING AT 4
2021-12-24, 2021-12-31

CLOSED FOR HOLIDAY
2021-12-25 - 2021-12-27

CLOSED FOR HOLIDAY VACATION
2022-01-01 - 2022-01-05
We will be closed for a brief vacation January 1st-5th.

January Art Exhibit-"Journey in Dry Medium"
2022-01-06 - 2022-01-29
“Journey in Dry Medium“, colored pencil & mixed media drawings by Jim Palace will be on display and for sale January 6th-29th during regular business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5, Wednesday 10-6.
A meet the artist reception will take place on Saturday, January 22nd, 1-3 p.m. Free and open to the public. Call 508-949-6232 for more information.
Artist’s statement: As a transplanted Long Island resident, I first started working in the Kitchen and Bath Industry at Weston Kitchens. There, I was a CADD (Computer Aided Drafting and Design) designer. I created floor plans, elevations and 3-D renderings for our clients. After 15 years, I changed directions and worked in the public school system’s Special Education Department, as a one-on-one aide.
For the last 2 years, under the tutelage of Ed Turner, (owner of Art and Frame Emporium) I have concentrated on my colored pencil and mixed media projects. These are the pieces I have chosen for my show “ Journey In Dry Medium”.

Meet the Artist Reception for Jim Palace
2022-01-22 14:00 - 16:00
Stop in to meet this month’s featured artist in our cafe gallery, Jim Palace. Free and open to the public.

"Winter Vignettes" February Group Art Show
2022-02-01 - 2022-02-26
Stop in to view the 27th annual February group art show at Booklovers’ Gourmet in our cafe gallery. This year’s theme is “Winter Vignettes”. Photography, drawings, paintings and mixed media are represented by 13 local artists.
New this year!! “People’s Choice Awards” You may cast your vote in person anytime during our regular business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5, Wednesday 10-6.
The show will run from February 1st-26th

Pisces Moon Journaling Circle on Zoom
2022-02-27 18:30 - 20:30
Create intuitive journal entries for each phase, using your own natal astrological chart, with a basic keyword system based on the moon phase, astrological sign, and natal chart “house” placement of the degree of each of the eight moon phases. Join us on Zoom for the Pisces Moon Journaling Circle! Space is limited.

Fee: $15 (includes natal chart file if you need one) Register HERE or call 508-949-6232. **Please note: purchase of the journal ($19.98) is required in addition to this fee.**
The Green Mountain Astrological Moon Journal 2022 is available through Booklovers’ Gourmet either in store on online HERE.
If you do not wish to purchase the journal, you may participate with an added fee of $5 for the journaling notes for that moon cycle. Register HERE for this option or call 508-949-6232.
Once you are registered, you will receive the Zoom link and downloadable journaling notes (if needed) via email.
Your own natal chart is required. If you don’t have one, you will be able to get one at no charge upon request.

Moon Journaling Circles are for any level of astrological knowledge. Discussion and sharing is invited, or you may journal quietly on your own. Participants agree to collectively keep conversations confidential.

Astrologer Mary Anna Abuzahra will guide you with the astrological side of the process, as well as help getting you started on your initial journaling entries.
Green Mountain Intuitive Arts is owned and operated by Mary Anna Abuzahra.
Woman owned and operated, LGBTQIA+ and family friendly.
Earth aligned, trauma informed, intersectional feminism

Nature by Design Photography Show by Debra Horan
2022-03-01 - 2022-03-31
Bleeding Hearts by Debra Horan
“Nature by Design”, photography by Debra Horan will be on display & for sale through the month of March. The show can be viewed in the cafe gallery during regular business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5, Wednesday 10-6. Call 508-949-6232 for more information.
The main inspiration for this show comes from closely observing the inherent design, beauty and balance of the natural world, including pattern, texture and tone. Whether in our own backyard or out in the wilderness, experiencing nature and open space can lead to a deeper sense of respect, well-being, self-discovery and interconnectedness to every living thing.
Debra Horan was born and raised in Webster, Massachusetts and is a graduate of The Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in Illustration. She pursued a career in freelance illustration for several years and worked for publications including Worcester Magazine, the Worcester Phoenix, the War Resistors League (NY), Orange Coast Magazine (CA), Inside Sports, and Rhode Island Monthly magazine. From 1994 through 2004 she was an active member of the women’s art group ARTXII, based out of Worcester, MA, who organized and participated in regional and national gallery, university and museum shows.
Since 1995, Debra continues to own and operate of Booklovers’ Gourmet, a bookstore, cafe and art gallery, in Webster, MA. This career enables her to combine her artistic and literary interests as well as help support local artists, authors, poets and musicians in the community by creating a welcoming place for them to gather and draw inspiration from one another.

27th Anniversary Celebration
2022-03-04 - 2022-03-05
Join us as we celebrate 27 years in business! There will be raffles, giveaways, treats & fun all day March 4th & 5th.

Free Raffles – Gift Certificates & More!
Special Deals – 10-50% OFF select items
Anniversary Giveaway
Cupcakes from Phyllis’s Specialty Bakery (Yum!)
Write on our “Customer Wall”

"Seasons", Paintings by Kelly Anderson
2022-04-01 - 2022-04-30
Winter Tree Shadow by Kelly Anderson
Stop in to see the work of the featured artist of the month, Kelly Anderson, in the cafe gallery during regular business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5, Wednesday 10-6.
**Please join us for a meet the artist reception on Saturday, April 2nd, 2-4 p.m.**
About the artist:
Kelly is a self-taught painter working in oil and more recently, watercolor. Raised in Harpswell Maine and now enjoying Webster Lake, she is drawn to painting rocky coastlines, the beauty of trees, birds and all things natural and meditative lake water. Kelly is inspired by her favorite painters Andrew Wyeth and Winslow Homer
Kelly is grateful for developing an artist’s eye for observation, now seeing beauty in things that previously lacked significance. Gratitude also extends to what she has learned from painting that has impacted her life in general: gaining patience to wait for the canvas to dry when it would be satisfying to continue painting, not being frugal with paint and materials in order to create a desired effect the first time, and having confidence that the ugly parts of the painting process in the beginning will bring forth the desired feeling.
Inspired by Wyeth’s Teel’s Island by Kelly Anderson
The theme of Kelly’s show is Seasons. It captures many of her inspirations. Each of the naturally stained poplar floating frames were made Kelly’s husband, Matt.

"Seasons" Meet the Artist Reception
2022-04-02 14:00 - 16:00
Inspired by Wyeth’s Teel’s Island by Kelly Anderson

Stop in from 2-4 pm to meet and chat with this month’s featured artist, Kelly Anderson.
Free and open to the public.

"Finding Mary", author talk & presentation with Julie Rumrill
2022-04-09 13:00 - 15:00
Finding Mary is the story of one sister’s journey through the dark confines of unresolved grief toward forgiveness and understanding. What begins as a simple wish to visit her sister Mary’s grave, turns into a compelling quest for truth, honor, and justice in the face of murder. The author, Julie, invites you to re-examine forgotten promises, old secrets, and the complicated ways families cope with traumatic loss. Part mystery, part reclamation, Finding Mary is threaded with beautiful descriptions of the natural world, and is a heartfelt experience you won’t want to miss. It will make you laugh, cry, and celebrate the enduring and precious gift of family.
For more information or to reserve a space, call 508-949-6232. Signed copies will be available for purchase.

Author bio: Julie Rumrill is a faculty member in the Department of Earth Science at Southern Connecticut State University and Gateway Community College in New Haven, CT. She holds an M.S. in Geology and is a doctoral student at the University of Hartford. In addition to her academic life, Julie is a certified yoga and Mindfulness instructor. When she is not writing, teaching, consulting or leading workshops, she enjoys adventure travel, volunteering, reading, painting, bird watching, and spending precious time with family.
Photo credit: Genevieve Madison

Earthsongs Book Release Party
2022-04-23 13:00 - 15:00
“Earthsongs” illustrations by Ferol Smith

Join us as we celebrate Earth Day with “Earthsongs”, a new book of poetry & art featuring a collaboration between friends Robert Eugene Perry & Ferol Smith.

Signed copies will be available for purchase that day.

Poet Statement:
This collaboration with my artist friend Ferol was absolutely a labor of love. In discussing the sketches that would accompany the poems, she intuitively grasped the meaning of the words and translated them into sublime images. She needed very little direction from me.
It was almost as if the synchronicity of the project was palpable to both of us. Her sketches added a new dimension to my own perception of my poems. This has been one of the most rewarding artistic experiences of my life.

Artist Statement:
When Bob first approached me about this project, I was intrigued. Normally, my art requires creatively rendering a visual scene. For this project, it would involve interpreting the written word.
At first, it was a challenge to read a poem and conceptualize a complementary nature scene. However, once I started to really grasp the essence of his words, the process became much easier. His poems inspired me to reach within, and as a result I gained a deeper appreciation and understanding of his work.

Celebrate Independent Bookstore Day!
2022-04-30
Join us in celebrating Independent Bookstore Day!!
There will be giveaways and exclusive books and other cool things from your favorite authors you won’t find anywhere else!
Tag us at #indiebookstoreday
For more information visit independentbookstoreday.com

Book Release: Who Am I? A Teen's Creative Guide to Adulting by Dawn Wilson
2022-04-30 13:00 - 15:00
Who Am I? A Teen’s Creative Guide to Adulting is Dawn’s first book. She melds art, creativity, healing, and teaching into a journey of self discovery.
Signed copies will be available for purchase.
As a teen, rebelling against society’s norms Dawn struggled to be true to herself. Stepping into the unknown, she created a new path that brings purpose, energy, and connection to the world around her. Her deepest desire is for the readers to find their own unique voices in their creative journey towards becoming an adult.
Dawn resides in Grafton, MA and teaches graphic arts at Bay Path Regional Technical High School in Charlton, MA.

Closed for Vacation
2022-05-03 - 2022-05-05
We will be taking a few days off for a quick Springtime vacation to rest & recharge. See you back on May 6th!

An Evening of Music-Mark Mandeville & Raianne Richards with special guest Samuel Bowen
2022-05-06 19:00 - 20:30
Join us for a live concert featuring local favorites Mark Mandeville & Raianne Richards with special opener Samuel Bowen!

For tickets go HERE. Seats are limited and will sell out!

Little by little, you will get to know Mark Mandeville & Raianne Richards through their unmistakable vocal harmonies, poetic lyrics and down-to-earth personae. They are a married musical couple based out of Webster, Massachusetts. These prolific and hard working Massachusetts-based artists have contributed over seventeen albums within their first decade and toured consistently throughout the US and Canada.

Accompanying themselves on guitar, harmonica, ukulele, penny whistle, electric bass, and most uniquely clarinet, their live performances are both musically captivating and spiritually uplifting as audiences are carefully balanced between serious songs and humorous commentary – concert goers will leave feeling a bit more human, as if they have experienced something genuine.

Samuel Bowen has been writing, performing, recording and touring for over three decades. He led the award nominated blues band Blue Cat Groove for seven years touring the north east. Sam has worked with Jethro Tull’s Martin Barre, Michael Sweet, Mitch Mcviker, Shawn Colvin, David Mallet, Tom Conlon, and many others. His albums have been nominated for awards from Nashville to Massachusetts inducing: “Speak To Me”, voted number eight in the top ten regional independent releases by Limelight magazine in 2016. His 2020 release “Bleeding Daylight” continues to gain positive reviews.

May Art Exhibit-Is There Beauty Within Tragedy? by Eren Torres
2022-05-07 - 2022-05-31
Stop in during the month of May to view drawings and mixed media artwork by Eren Torres in the cafe gallery during regular business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5, Wednesday 10-6.
A meet and greet with the artist will take place on Saturday, May 14th, 2-4 p.m. Call 508-949-6232 for more information.
This is a portfolio on tragedy. We all know the meaning of that word and what emotions come with it. But what if there was some unforeseen side to it? What if we took tragedy and turned it into beauty. Can tragedy be beautiful? Can something as dark and cold as tragedy be seen as something beautiful? And how, just how, can we perceive that?

About the Artist:
Seventeen-year-old upcoming artist Eren Torres takes inspiration from things most people would see as “bad” “dark” and “horrific” and sees them in a positive and fulfilling way, taking away the negative attributes of the world and forcing others to see them in a different way. As a proud member of the LGBT community and born into a Hispanic household, Eren sought to make change with their art. Hoping it can become a tool for the world to see things in common, as well as each other, to create a conjoined and hopeful community.

Artist Reception for Is There Beauty Within Tragedy?
2022-05-14 14:00 - 16:00
Come by to meet and chat with young artist Eren Torres.

Open Memorial Day 10am-12pm
2022-05-30 10:00 - 12:00
We will be open Monday, May 30th to watch the parade go by. Join us for a beverage and pastry!

"Forget-Me-Not ....An artist's healing journey through Flowers and Inspiration"
2022-06-01 - 2022-06-30
Paintings by Cindy Smith will be on display June 1st-30th in the cafe gallery during regular business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5, Wednesday 10-6.
A meet the artist reception will take place on Saturday, June 25th , 2-4 p.m.
A portion of all sales will go towards cancer research.
For more information call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com
Artist’s Statement: “Flowers and Art have always been my passion…As I walk this cancer journey, I found solace in painting and a purpose in raising funds for my Oncologist Dr. James M. Cleary, MD, PhD from Dana Farber.”

Double Mystery Author Event
2022-06-04 13:00 - 15:00
Join us for a double author event featuring Leslie Wheeler and Sharon Healy-Yang.
For more information, call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com.
The event is free and signed copies of books will be available for purchase.

An award-winning author of books about American history and biographies, Leslie Wheeler launched her Berkshire Hilltown Mysteries with Rattlesnake Hill. With Shuntoll Hill, the latest in the series, Boston library curator Kathryn Stinson returns to the Berkshires, hoping to rebuild her romance with Earl Barker, but ends up battling a New York developer, determined to turn the property she’s been renting into an upscale development. Kathryn’s search for
answers leads her to other questions about the developer’s connection to a friend of hers who fled New York years ago for mysterious reasons. The information she uncovers puts her in grave danger.

Sharon Healy-Yang is an aficionado of 1940s cinematic and written mysteries. A professor emerita at Worcester State University in Massachusetts, where she was known for her 1940s
hats, she had the great fortune to share her love of literature and film with her students in her courses. Now retired, she’s excited to recapture for readers the smart-talking heroines, suspense, adventure, and sharp wit of 1940s films in her Jessica Minton Mystery series: Bait and Switch, Letter from a Dead Man, and Always Play the Dark Horse. Once again diving into the perspective of Jessica Minton, Always Play the Dark Horse shows a gradual but significant transformation in this main character; Healy-Yang describes the newly engaged Jessica Minton in the third book of the Jessica Minton Mystery series as someone who has transformed from the strong woman who felt she had to prove herself to the strong woman who is confident in having proved herself.

Unlike Any Other: A Novel about Bathsheba Spooner by Ed Londergan
2022-06-11 13:00 - 15:00
THIS EVENT WAS POSTPONED UNTIL A LATER DATE. STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS.
Author talk & signing with Ed Londergan about The Story of An 18th Century Woman from A Prominent New England Family Who Went from A Life of Privilege to The Gallows.
Signed copies will be available for purchase.
Bathsheba Spooner was the daughter of Timothy Ruggles, a general in the French and Indian War, president of the Stamp Act Congress, Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, and a leading loyalist in Massachusetts during the Revolutionary War; the epitome of upper class.
Like her father, Bathsheba was smart, strong-willed, and a staunch British loyalist. Forced to marry a man she did not love, Bathsheba withstood her husband’s abuse for years until a young Continental soldier entered her life. But when this well-heeled mother of three small children discovered she was pregnant with the soldier’s child, her thoughts quickly turned to murder.
Based on a true story, the events that follow Bathsheba’s life, her decisions, and her ultimate demise will show readers that Bathsheba Spooner was, in fact, Unlike Any Other . . .
Ed Londergan is the author of the award-winning books The Devils’ Elbow and The Long Journey Home. Having researched American history for many years, he is a frequent speaker with a focus on colonial Massachusetts. A graduate of Holy Cross, he lives in Warren, Massachusetts.
