January Art Show-"Sentinels and Sirens"
2021-01-06 - 2021-01-30 | Booklovers’ Gourmet, 72 East Main St, Webster, MA, 01570, United States
Bass Harbor Lighthouse, Maine
We are happy to announce this month’s art show – Sentinels and Sirens, acrylic paintings of lighthouses and portraits by Jim R. Wilton, on display and for sale January 6th-30th during regular business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5. Call 508-949-6232 for more information.
For a brief video interview with the artist, go HERE.
Artist’s Statement:
I do acrylic painting of people as well as seascapes and lighthouses. Originally educated and raised in the Webster area, I’ve been in South​hbridge area since 1979 where I married then brought up my son​s. ​I started taking photographs and had a few in shows in New London CT in 200​8, even having some published and sold. ​About 4 years ago, after becoming a fan of lighthouses, I met Polly Seip, artist from Uncasville who painted from one of my photos which in turn inspired me to try to ​paint lighthouses. Having been a portrait artist, I needed to learn. I’ve since sold several around the country, being inspired from rides and boat trips​ and visits to some mostly ​in New England. I even donated a few to lighthouses to help them raise money for supporting ​them ​and had one put in a museum.

CLOSED FOR HOLIDAY
2021-01-01 - 2021-01-04

CLOSED
2020-12-27

CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAY
2020-12-25
We will be closed Christmas Day.

"What Unites Us" Discussion with Dan Rather
2020-12-02 19:00 - 20:00 UTC
Join Dan Rather for an online discussion on his book What Unites Us: Reflections on Patriotism and the importance of indie bookstores!
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dan-rather-what-unites-us-tickets-129594840657
Buy the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/296/9781616209940

December Photo Show & Sale-Dreamy Landscapes
2020-12-01 - 2020-12-31
Stop in during the month of December to take a look at “Dreamy Landscapes”, photography by Michael Belinski. These amazing photos will be on display and for sale through December 31st.
The show consists of landscape and cityscape images that bring the viewer into the scene to experience the surreal moments that were captured in Michael’s images. Work may be viewed in person following all safety protocols during regular business hours: Monday 10-4, Tuesday-Wednesday 10-5, Thursday & Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-5.
Call 508-949-6232 for more information. Visit www.mabproduction.com to view more of his work online.
For a brief video interview with the author, go HERE.
Artist’s Bio: Michael Belinski, of Thompson, CT, studied abroad in London, England in the fall of 2014. There, he picked up his first camera and captured the scenes around him while experiencing this new culture and atmosphere. Since then, he has continued to refine his artwork and explore new areas of the world to bring right to the viewer’s home.

Closed for Holiday
2020-11-26
Have a safe & happy Thanksgiving!

November Art Exhibit-Finding the Beauty in Nature
2020-11-03 - 2020-11-29
Flight School by Anne Tisdell
Come by to see this month’s featured art in our cafe gallery! Watercolor & acrylic paintings by local artist Anne M. Tisdell will be on display and for sale November 3rd-28th during regular business hours, Tuesday-Saturday 10-5.
Give the gift of original art this season! Thank you for supporting local artists during these trying times!

For a brief video interview with the artist go HERE.
Artist’s statement: 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 & 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 and dance. Artist, Elaine Griffith teaches 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 Gray in Rutland, MA., a local well-known artist who has been instrumental in improving my watercolor technique. I am also a musician and singer & 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. My exhibit at the Booklovers Gourmet is my first of 2020. I hope you enjoy this sampling of my work!

Meet Thea Fielding-Lowe, author of children’s book A Place for You
2020-10-17 13:00 - 15:00 UTC
***Space is limited due to COVID-19 restrictions. Masks are required. If you plan to attend any of our events, please let us know by emailing deb@bookloversgourmet.com or calling 508-949-6232. Signed copies may also be reserved for later pickup or shipping.***
Little bunny is so excited about helping his mom with the chores. He knows that at the end of the day, he will get a special treat! As soon as little bunny starts his day of chores, everything goes wrong. Oh no, little bunny! Unhappy with all the mistakes that he made, he plans on leaving his house. His family shows him love. They tell him that no matter the number of trophies he receives or mistakes he has made, they will always love him. He will have a place in their hearts.
Thea Fielding-Lowe is a small business owner of T.Fielding-Lowe Media Company, LLC in Pascoag, Rhode Island. Her company provides services in the form of book publishing, television streaming and media production. She graduated from Johnson and Wales University College of Business with a bachelors degree in marketing with a concentration in marketing communications.

Meet Helen Baskerville-Dukes, author of Therapy Fix
2020-10-10 13:00 - 15:00 UTC
***Space is limited due to COVID-19 restrictions. Masks are required. If you plan to attend any of our events, please let us know by emailing deb@bookloversgourmet.com or calling 508-949-6232. Signed copies may also be reserved for later pickup or shipping.***
Therapy Fix is a sensual and sexy romance novel by Helen Baskerville-Dukes. She combines the hardship of growing up in an abusive home and violent adult relationships with healing hope leading to ultimate love match in her therapist.
Helen Baskerville-Dukes a native of Providence where she lives with her husband Tyrone and her daughter, Imani.
Helen is the Owner and Artistic Director of IBG Productions, a Christian Performing Arts & Film Production company in the City of Providence. Helen is an experienced playwright producing over 15 plays, a creator of a scripted web series, a talk show and an emerging filmmaker.

CLOSED FOR VACATION
2020-10-06 - 2020-10-08
We are taking a little break before this year is through to try to end on a high note and get ready for a busy upcoming holiday season. We so appreciate your support in what has proven to be a much more challenging year than anyone had planned for, not even counting our major relocation. You will find some very special unique new items making their way onto our shelves along with a wide selection of new & used books of course!!

Meet Diana Garlington, author of She Wasn't the One
2020-10-03 13:00 - 15:00 UTC
***Space is limited due to COVID-19 restrictions. Masks are required. If you plan to attend any of our events, please let us know by emailing deb@bookloversgourmet.com or calling 508-949-6232. Signed copies may also be reserved for later pickup or shipping.***
Diana Garlington tells her tragic story of losing a child to gun violence. Thanksgiving Day was filled with a lot of love, laughter and eating delicious food with the family. The following day, November 26th, 2011, would be the very opposite. This day would leave Diana’s family and friends heart broken and devastated.
Diana Garlington is an author and community activist. She stepped into her role as an activist when her daughter Essence was murdered at the age of 21. Her murderer was never brought to justice. Through her death, Diana has worked tirelessly to educate the public on gang violence and gun control. Every year, Diana hosts Lock Arms for Peace, a peace rally to bring awareness of unsolved murders in the City of Providence. In addition, Diana works to empower youth specifically girls to make good decisions. Her work through the Essence T. Christal Memorial Foundation allows her to mentor girls and honor her daughter, Essence.
Diana sits on a number of community boards which includes; Moms Demand Action State Survivor Membership, Lead Survivor Fellow, RI Coalition Against Gun Violence Board Member, One Gun Gone Board Member, and RI Juvenile Hearing Board.

October Art Show-Mandala Magic by Marie Ginga
2020-10-01 - 2020-10-31
Mandala, Mixed Media 2020
This month’s featured local artist is Marie Ginga. In addition to dabbling in visual artwork, Marie is also an author with several of her novels available in the Local Author section at our store!
Marie Ginga has been drawing and crafting in mixed media in her spare time for 30 years. Now that she’s semi-retired she enjoys it even more.
Mandalas have been an ongoing theme over the years. Lately she’s been working with them in pencil, altering their shape and playing with some variations.

Abandoned Massachusetts author talk & signing
2020-09-19 13:00 - 15:00 UTC
Meet and greet with David Whitemyer, author of the new book Abandoned Massachusetts: Lost Treasures of the Bay State. Call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com for more information or to RSVP attendance. Space is limited due to COVID-19 restrictions.
About the book:
From the Mayflower Pilgrims and the founding of Plymouth Colony to the high-tech firms and medical institutions surrounding Boston today, the last 400 years in Massachusetts has seen growth, prosperity, war, innovation, and decline. Textiles, shoemaking, fishing, and transportation engineering brought riches to cities and small towns. Echoing the pulse of America, the only constant has been change. Many of the factories, theaters, churches, and schools constructed during Massachusetts’ heyday have succumbed to the elements or were destroyed by development. Abandoned Massachusetts gives readers a glimpse into these once-thriving, now-forsaken buildings. Follow photographer David Whitemyer as he steps back in time to an ornate theater that opened on the same day the Titanic sank, to a factory that remained active from the Civil War through 2014, to America’s oldest publicly funded institution for people with developmental disabilities, and to dozens of other fascinating structures around the state. Few of these architectural treasures will ever be restored, and most are gone forever.

"Only the Lucky Grow Old" author talk and signing
2020-09-12 14:00 - 16:00 UTC
Meet and greet with Kristine Fontaine, author of Only the Lucky Grow Old.
Call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com for more information or to RSVP attendance. Space is limited due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Everyone who attends and makes a donation to the Webster Dudley Food Share will have a chance to win a special gift basket!
The main premise of the book are interviews with 22 people over age 90, talking with them about the lives they have lived and sharing their stories. The book is written with meaning, heart and sincerity. The book is meant to make you think and reflect, but also to provide, hopefully, a sense of peace and appreciation.

September Art Exhibit – We Shall Overcome, Artwork by John and Pam Redick
2020-09-03 - 2020-09-30
Shoreline by John Redick
To view a video interview with the artists go HERE.
2020 has been a year of challenges. We have all had to fight and avoid the Corona Virus and contend with the consequences of doing so, respond to systemic racism and face the election of our lives in which it seems everyone feels that if the other side wins it will be the end of our democracy.
We have both had paintings in shows this year that were impossible to see because they were in lockdown and Pam had to adapt to more visual problems. In response to these changing times we hope that this show will take place, that art is still a good way to react to the events of the day and that we shall overcome all of this someday.
SPECIAL LOCAL BUSINESS & PANDEMIC SALE!! 20% OFF THIS SHOW ONLY!!
Enchanted Web by Pam Redick

Outdoor Poetry Reading
2020-08-20 18:30 - 20:00 UTC
Join us as four regional poets present their work outside our new location, 72 East Main Street in Webster, to maintain social distancing. This event is free and the audience should bring their own chair. Refreshments will be available at the café and there will be an “open mic” slot after the intermission as time allows. To sign up, call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com.

Featured will be National Beat Poet Laureate for 2020, Paul Richmond. Richmond was Beat Poet Laureate for Massachusetts during 2017-2019, and he is a member of the political funkadelic band “Do It Now.” Candace Curran, twice named as Western Massachusetts Poets’ Seat Laureate, will also read, as will published author/poets Robert Eugene Perry of Dudley, and Woodstock resident Karen Warinsky. Warinsky was a finalist in the 2013 Montreal International Poetry Contest. Perry’s new book is titled “Surrendering to the Path,” and Warinsky’s is “Gold in Autumn.” Both are available at Booklovers’ Gourmet and signed copies will be available that evening.

Topics will include mid-life, nature, spirituality, politics and the humorous side of life. Richmond, Warinsky and Perry are all published authors through Human Error Publishing, and Ms. Curran is represented by Haley’s of Athol, MA.

Annual Sunflower Show
2020-08-04 - 2020-08-29
We are excited to announce the Annual Sunflower Show featuring artists from The Blackstone Valley Art Association! You will see the sunflower in all its glory represented in photographs, watercolors, oil, acrylic and more. Brighten your day by stopping in for a peek!
Viewing hours are Tuesday-Friday 10-5 and Saturday 10-4.

CLOSED FOR 4TH OF JULY
2020-07-04
We will be closed for the holiday. Have a happy & safe 4th of July!

BIBELOTS: SMALL OBJECTS OF CURIOSITY from Judith Ferrara
2020-07-01 - 2020-07-31
City Tree by Judith Ferrara
For the month of July, Bibelots, a series of drawings by Worcester artist and poet Judith Ferrara, will be on view and for sale in our cafe.
Stop in anytime during regular business hours to check it out! Free and open to the public with safety protocols in place. Masks must be worn, no more than 12 people in the store at any one time. Tue-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-4
To view a special interview with the artist, go HERE.
The Bibelot series is the fourth iteration of a meditative drawing technique called the Zentangle Method that Judith learned in a May 2009 workshop. Each series has had its own life, but its DNA is in drawing free-form patterns. Every Bibelot is an evocative abstract composition, bursting with shapes that dance, collide and come to rest in a harmonious, complex design.
For more information, visit Judith’s website HERE.

Artist’s statement:
The exhibit concept and title came from a poem, “Poor light,” by Mark Waldron, published in the October 2017 issue of Poetry. It is an ode to poor light. When Waldron used the word “bibelots” to describe eyes, it sent me flying to a dictionary to appreciate exactly how perfect a word it is – “bibelot: a small object of curiosity, beauty, or rarity” (The Random House Dictionary).
Something else struck me. That was precisely what I had been creating for the past two years! Small – In 2016, I had decided to reduce my series size from 8” squares to 6”. Object – because of the 2” cradle, each piece mimics a box. Curiosity – intricate abstract patterns draw viewers close, as they try to figure out the shapes. Beauty – even though I believe each one is, I offer viewers 31 bibelots to decide. Rarity – that’s the one-of-a-kind nature of most art.

Road May Rise CD release with Mark & Raianne
2020-06-20 19:00 - 20:00 UTC
Join us on Zoom as we feature the newest CD and album release for well known & loved local musicians Mark Mandeville & Raianne Richards! The event is free but tickets must be reserved in advance. CDs and albums may be purchased or ordered for local pickup at Booklovers’ Gourmet.
To sign up go HERE.
To order the album go HERE.

Mark Mandeville & Raianne Richards have contributed their first decade to the legacy of American folk and country music, sharing emotively intelligent lyrics, unmistakable vocal harmonies, and a unique blend of instrumentation with audiences throughout the US and Canada. The songs poetically reflect their personal experience as factory workers, teachers, community organizers and natives of postindustrial mill towns in central Massachusetts. Accompanying themselves on guitar, harmonica, ukulele, penny whistle, electric bass, and most uniquely clarinet, their live performance is often punctuated by humorous commentary.
Road May Rise, their third studio album, was recorded at Signature Sounds Studio by Mark Thayer and mixed/mastered at Black Forest Sound Studio by Kyle Swartzwelder. The title track, written by Mandeville for a play performed at the Factory Theater in Chicago, has been awarded Honorable Mention by the Songwriters’ Association of Washington DC (SAW). Studio musicians include Doug Williamson (piano, guitar, mandolin, upright bass), Peter Hart (pedal steel, guitar) and Zack Ciras (upright bass). All songs have been written by Mark and Raianne, except for the spirited cover of Robin and Linda Williams’ Don’t Let Me Come Home A Stranger.
This album follows three previous releases on Nobody’s Favorite Records: Hard Times & Woes (2014); Grain By Grain (2016); Home Routes – Live in Manitoba (2018).

Flower Portraits Photo Show
2020-06-02 - 2020-06-30
Rudbeckia by Don McCallister
Having recently learned techniques of portraiture photography, Don McCallister realized that our gardens held a slew of potential subjects. Each perennial had its own personality. Some flamboyant; some demure. Some ornate; some simple. But all worthy of a portrait that stands on its own as an individual.
You may come in to view his work by appointment by calling 508-949-6232.

For a video of Don talking about his work go HERE.

Bartlett Virtual SHUTDOWN Art Show
2020-05-01 - 2020-05-31
Nadia Gaber photography
In lieu of this month’s annual student art show we normally would have been displaying on our walls, we encourage you to check out the Virtual SHUTDOWN Bartlett Art Show online. See the students’ response to the pandemic while being creative at home and taking a look at life a little differently as so much has changed. Thanks to Sean Harrington, art teacher and department head, for putting this together!

APRIL EVENTS CANCELED
2020-04-07 - 2020-04-30
Because of the COVID-19 government protocol, we have suspended events until further notice. Please check back for updates. Stay safe!

Closed for Move
2020-03-22 - 2020-04-03
We will be closed for the move to our new location, 72 East Main Street in Webster. Stay tuned for our reopening date in early April!

POSTPONED: An Evening of Mediumship with Diane Lewis
2020-03-21 17:30 - 19:30 UTC
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO THE COVID-19 GOVERNMENT PROTOCOL. STAY SAFE! WE HOPE TO RESCHEDULE IN JUNE.
Share in this extraordinary evening of spirit communication.
Join Diane as she bridges the gap and connects to spirit
delivering messages from those who have crossed over.
Don’t miss this remarkable experience!

Tickets $39.00 per person. This event is limited to 12 individuals.
Please note: Not everyone attending may have the opportunity to receive a reading.
All sales are final. Tickets are non refundable and non transferable.

The Curious Life of Pollinators Artist Reception
2020-03-14 14:00 - 16:00 UTC
Stop by to meet Nicole Giles of Nature’s Perspective Photography.
Light refreshments will be served.

March Art Exhibit - The Curious Life of Pollinators
2020-03-03 - 2020-03-21
The Curious Life of Pollinators by Nature’s Perspective Photography will be on view March 3rd-21st.
A meet the artist reception will take place on Saturday, March 14th from 2-4 p.m.
Free and open to the public during regular business hours: Tue-Fri 10-6:30, Sat 10-5.
Nature’s Perspective Photography started when photographer Nicole Giles began raising Monarch Butterfly Caterpillars in 2017. The hobby grew and in 2018, Nicole released 271 tagged butterflies, with almost 200 more in 2019. Her interest continued to expand, learning about Black Swallowtails, Red Admirals, Spicebush Swallowtails, and Promethea Silkmoths. Along the way, Nicole discovered a talent and passion for photography, and has now amassed a collection of nature-themed pictures ranging from vast scenic views to close-ups of dew on a leaf and intricate icicle designs.
The goal of Nature’s Perspective Photography is to increase nature appreciation through educational and artful photographs. Through craft fairs, library displays, and social media posts, Nicole is opening eyes to the curious life of pollinators and the need for conservation. Follow Nicole on Instagram at @naturesperspectivephotos to join her on an endless search for the perfect photos of new and different butterfly species.

25th Anniversary Celebration!
2020-03-03 - 2020-03-07
Join us as we celebrate 25 years in business all week long! Every day one lucky customer will have a chance to win a $25 gift card. The more you come in, the more chances you have to win!! You can also take advantage of a special 25% sale on all books & gifts in store! And of course birthday cake too!!

Tarot Readings by Jason
2020-02-22 10:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
Make your appointment for tarot readings with Jason!
$40/20 minutes; $60/30 minutes; $100/60 minutes
Jason has been reading publicly since 1985 in various locations in New England and New York.
To schedule your time call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com
