Earthsongs Book Release Party
2022-04-23 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Booklovers’ Gourmet, 72 East Main St, Webster, MA, 01570, United States
“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.

"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

"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.

"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.

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”

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.

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

"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

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.

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”.

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

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

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

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

OPEN 12-4
2021-12-19, 2021-12-12, 2021-12-05

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.’

December Artist Reception
2021-12-11 13:00 - 15:00
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.

"Pondering the Pandemic during The Rust Years"-poetry reading
2021-12-04 13:00 - 14:00
Joe Fusco Jr. is a well-seasoned poet/humorist from Worcester, Massachusetts.
He is the author of three books of semi-amusing poems and essays: “Hmm…That’s Different” (2020); “Three Score” (2014); and “The Lost and Found Essays” (2012).
In his new book “Pondering the Pandemic during The Rust Years,” Joe muses about growing old uncomfortably during the pandemic.
Joe’s musings have appeared in Damfino Press, Ballard Street Poetry, Worcester Review, Asinine Poetry, and the naughty ezine Clean Sheets. He was a co-winner of the Jacob Knight Poetry Award in 2002 and was named Best Poet by Worcester Magazine readers in 1999 and 2002.
Joe is still a frequent contributor to Worcester Magazine and the last Worcester Mega-Slam winner in 2017.
Joe has lived in lovely Worcester with his better-half Cyndi and their large family for thirty-five years. He is a registered Independent and sleeps with one eye always open.

Paintings by Anne M. Tisdell
2021-12-01 - 2021-12-31
Chickadee, watercolor by Anne Tisdell
Paintings by Anne M. Tisdell will be on display and for sale December 1st-31st.
A meet the artist reception will take place on Saturday, December 11th from 1-3 pm. For more information email deb@bookloversgourmet.com or call 508-949-6232.
Hours for viewing the show are Tuesday-Saturday 10-5, Wednesdays 10-6, Sundays, December 5th, 12th and 19th 12-4, Mondays December 13th & 20th 10-5.
Artist bio:
I have dabbled in art all my life with sketching and drawing. I grew up in Swampscott, MA., an oceanside community north of Boston. Professionally, I have worked as an RN and a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner for 45 years. I had a few courses in art as a teen and took 2 courses at Montserrat School of Art in Beverly, MA in pastels and watercolors with artist/teacher, Mimi Johnson. Retiring in 2016, I have had the time to pursue my interests in art, music, dance and photography.
Many of the paintings that I create are based on my photographs or the photographs by friends with their permission. Artist, Elaine Griffith taught classes at Holden Senior Center in acrylic painting which I started in October 2017. Since then, I have exhibited in various places in Central MA. I started Art Classes with Bill Griffiths at the Worcester Art Museum in 2018, which brought me to a new level as an artist. He has taught in all mediums and students work in the medium of their choosing. I have exhibited at the Museum’s Adult Student Art Exhibit and at Arts Worcester. In 2018, I started watercolor classes with Charlie Grey in Rutland, MA., a local well-known artist who has been instrumental in improving my watercolor technique. In July 2021. I participated in an intense workshop under the direction of Artists Mimi Johnson and Mark Hayden in multiple art forms. I am also a musician and singer and have sung in choruses and churches in Greater Boston. I studied voice with the late Pauline Maher of Lynn, MA.
The Pandemic in 2020 cut into my exhibition time. Booklovers’ Gourmet in Webster, MA was my first exhibit of 2020. I am happy to return in December of 2021 with a mix of Landscapes, Birds, Animals and Flowers for all to enjoy!

Small Biz Saturday!!
2021-11-27
Join us to “Shop Small” this season with a BIG impact on your community and reward yourself too. You will find special deals, raffles, giveaways & more all day long! From loads of books for everyone’s taste, to cute cards, awesome jigsaw puzzles, handmade journals & jewelry, lanterns and light-up ornaments, cardinal wall art, snowmen and gnome shelf-sitters & so much more!
Plus, enjoy cider and cookies while you browse.
We look forward to seeing you!!

Open Mic Poetry
2021-11-20 14:00 - 16:00
This will be our last open mic poetry event of the year. We will resume them again in January on the 3rd Saturday of the month. Masks are required for anyone not vaccinated. Bring original or favorite poetry to share in a round robin style.
Space is limited to 12, so please reserve your space ahead of time in order to participate by emailing deb@bookloversgourmet.com or calling 508-949-6232.

"Always Play the Dark Horse" mystery author event
2021-11-13 13:00 - 15:00
Join us in welcoming back Sharon Healy-Yang, author of a new film noir mystery Always Play the Dark Horse, the third installment of her Jessica Minton Mystery series. 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 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.
Healy-Yang finds mystery narratives as the best format to imagine contemporarily written film noir worlds, as the genre regularly proves itself particularly adept at moving readers into dreamy and shadowy new worlds with sharp twists and turns. Always Play the Dark Horse returns to these aesthetics as Healy-Yang once again brings the magic of film to the page for all mystery-book lovers.

About the author: 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.

Children's Author Extravaganza!
2021-11-06 11:00 - 12:30
Meet three local children’s book authors in one day! Pick up some signed copies to keep or give as gifts this holiday season. Read on for details!
Please register to attend by calling 508-949-6232 or emailing deb@bookloversgourmet.com.

Julia Kneeland is a Connecticut author of Jig Gets Lost, an adventure story about a dog named Jig. He lives in a big city and decides he wants to go exploring. One day he leaves his home and discovers the wonderful smells from the street vendors selling all different kinds of foods. He meets a young vendor who gives him a treat! But when he looks around to get back home, he cannot find his way.
Julia Kneeland is a retired public school teacher. She taught in Eastford and Tolland Connecticut for twenty-six years. She especially enjoyed teaching writing classes to her fifth grade students. She would share with them her own writings. Also, she participates in the Teacher as Writer classes at University of Connecticut.

Pedro Samuel Saquic and Ana Echevarria DeSaquic are a mother/son duo authors of the bilingual book Pedro Penguin: Let’s Go to the Beach/Vamos a la Playa. Pedro Penguin a great story that teaches children to be kind and share.
Ana and Pedro live in Rhode Island. Ana enjoys writing and crafts while Pedro loves watching gaming videos and playing his Nintendo Switch games. They’re tight-knit and enjoy spending family time at the beach. Pedro is an energetic young one who enjoys nature and playing in the great outdoors. The pair hopes to inspire other families to try new activities and stay positive no matter what obstacles arise in life.

Shawn Boyle of Massachusetts, is the author of several children’s books in The Chief & Lefty series, which take place in Paperville City, a place where almost everyone and everything is made of paper. The top cops in charge of keeping everyone safe are The Chief, a paper action figure and Lefty, a paper hand turkey. They deal with great adversity when they encounter an epic losing streak trying to catch bad guys.
Shawn currently lives in Massachusetts with his wife, two daughters and son. Shawn has spent the last several years as a stay at home dad. In a different lifetime, Shawn had a job in finance just outside of Boston. He has also tried his hand at stand-up comedy and improv.

"It's a Colorful Life", Paintings by Jen Niles
2021-11-02 - 2021-11-30
Seaside Scituate Scene, painting by Jen Niles
Drop by to see this month’s featured artist, Jen Niles, in our cafe gallery during regular business hours:
Tuesday-Saturday 10-5, open Wednesdays until 6.
For more information call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com
Artist’s Statement: I am a self-taught artist living and working in Paxton, Mass. I’ve been drawing all my life, and for many years concentrated on pen & ink illustrations including commissioned house portraits. In 2001 I began experimenting with acrylics, inspired by the comical antics and effortless elegance of my two cats, PK and Nellie. From there, I developed a recognizable, whimsical style usually featuring bold color and cheerful subjects from everyday life. In recent years, I’ve started teaching both adults and children, including my popular “Paint Your Pet” classes. Whether it is animals, my surroundings here at home in New England, or scenes from daily life, I never fail to find inspiration.

Artist Reception with Annie Spear
2021-10-30 14:00 - 16:00
Come meet artist Annie Spear, whose animal paintings #stillhereb!tch*s are on display through October.

Fantasy Author event Xionqnu
2021-10-23 14:00 - 16:00
Queen Astrid & Sorcerer Gaul

Fantasy Author event Xionqnu, Book 3 in the Saga of Kee series signing event with Robert Conard and Cathrene Youngquist. Signed books will be available for purchase. The first two books in the series, Book I Nogard and Book II Nubia, will also be available. Call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com to reserve a space.
Xiongnu, a fast paced, YA/Adult fantasy-adventure novel, is a great read for all who love the power of dragons. This unique action-packed fantasy features strong female protagonists, historical facts woven into the rich tapestry of the tale, and dragon-napped hatchlings. Set in the time of the Vikings, the novel follows a diverse band of characters working together through many amazing adventures that span the globe.
Bio: Robert Conard
Robert Conard was born in Columbus, Ohio in November 1939. He is a Navy veteran who served on a destroyer as a gunner’s mate during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Bob is an avid fisherman, and has written several periodicals for the New England Fisherman. In addition to the Saga of Kee series, he has also written several short stories. Sharks’ Soup, taken from a personal experience in the drink; Jake’s Springs; and The Flower of the Mashantucket are the best known. He currently lives in Guilford, Connecticut.
Bio: Cathrene Youngquist
Cathrene Valente Youngquist is a retired educator and author of The Three Billygoats Gruff and Mean Calypso Joe, published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers. Her two YA/Adult poetry books: Island, Vignettes from Paradise and Caribbean Smiles invite all readers to experience Caribbean life on the island of Anguilla, where her family had a second home for over twenty-five years. She is an active member of SCBWI and the Connecticut Poetry Society. You will always find her with pen at the ready. Xiongnu is her first novel with Robert Conard.
