WBCers — last weekend’s first-ever Watertown Arts Market (WAM) was a smashing success, and we have all of you to thank!
It was pretty special to watch visitors strolling around Arsenal Park on Saturday with grins on their faces as they took in all the creative work of Watertown’s artists, craftspeople, musicians, authors and more. The consensus among both attendees and exhibitors was “I hope this becomes an annual event.” Well, we couldn’t agree more, and special, special shoutout to Jaclyn Dentino, who dreamed up WAM and chaired the WAM Committee (we think she totally agrees, too).
Jackie came up with the idea of the market when trying to figure out a way to showcase the artistic talent of Watertown at a time when artists, musicians and other creative folks struggled in the midst of the pandemic. Jackie was a leading member of our WBC Leadership team at the time, when she worked at New Rep Theatre, and even when she left that position to work at Emmanuel Music in Boston, she continued working on the market.
Charlie Breitrose of Watertown News asked Jackie about all the work it took to put the event together from scratch and if the final product was what she imagined it would be. She replied simply, “Honestly, yes.” We love to hear that.
And while Jackie dreamed up the market, it took an army, as most labors of love do. We are so impressed by ALL of the efforts and hard work by members of the Watertown Arts Committee: Liz Helfer, coordinator of the Hatch Makerspace; Kristen Kenny, who made the WAM website; Tammy McKenna, facilities manager at the Commander’s Mansion and WBC Leadership team member; Connie Henry, retired teacher; Monica Fairbairn, landscape architect and jewelry maker; Laurel Schwab, Town of Watertown Environmental Planner; and Natalie Watanabe, photographer.
The Market also got financial and other help from a slew of sponsors: Watertown Cultural Council/Watertown Community Foundation, Alexandria, Arsenal Financial, Arranta Bio, Arsenal Yards, Tufts Health Plan, Boylston Properties, Cambridge Savings Bank, Lexus of Watertown, Eastern Clothing Company, Watertown Department of Public Works, Watertown Recreation Department, The Watertown Business Coalition, Hatch Makerspace, and Watertown Health Department.
Thank you to everyone who made the first ever Watertown Arts Market a fantastic event!
Scroll to the bottom of this email for some fun pics. ?
Stay cool, Watertown!
Doug & Bob
- Masking up indoors… it’s back. As a result of moving into an area of high transmission, Watertown has issued a mask mandate as of August 25, requiring face coverings for all persons at all times when inside public spaces or private spaces open to the public. This mandate applies to individuals aged five years and over except where an individual is unable to wear a face covering due to a medical condition or disability. If a customer refuses to wear a mask or cloth face covering for nonmedical reasons, a business may decline entry to the individual. Every business should read this mandate which bullets out details specific to various industries and business types. Read the mandate.
- All businesses open to the public must post signage at entry ways and points of contact. The Charles River Regional Chamber included this example in their recent newsletter! Easy peasy. Download a sign for your storefront.
- If you liked the Arts Market, make your voice heard on more arts & culture in Watertown. The Watertown Cultural Council’s Community Survey on the arts and culture in Watertown is now live! It’s a brief 7 question survey and your participation is so important to ensure more opps for the arts in town. TAKE THE COMMUNITY SURVEY!
- The Russo’s commentary heated up this past week when news broke that the land sold for $36M. We continue to be happy for Tony and thought this column in the Globe summed it up nicely: Dear Tony Russo. And a friendly reminder in the Watertown News: Loss of Russo’s Hurts, but Watertown Still Has Many Gems (with special shout outs to Arax, Massis, Sevan, Frutti-Berri, Art Specialties, Tabrizi Pastry, and more… and we quote “get out there, Watertown!”
- Residential landlords — an important survey for you! Resilient Watertown wants to hear from residential property managers and landlords! The Climate and Energy Plan aims to help reduce energy, water, and waste, stay safe during emergencies and promote thriving neighborhoods and resilient housing in Watertown. They are looking for a diverse group of landlords to share their experiences in a survey and join a focus group discussion in September. If you would be interested in participating in a focus group, please email meddy@kimlundgrenassociates.com, and complete the survey for landlords.
- In case you missed it, a groundbreaking on Galen St. The Davis Companies and Boston Development Group have broken ground on 66 Galen Street in Watertown, MA, a 224,000 RSF, purpose-built, Class A life science building designed by Elkus Manfredi Architects. Read more.
- One Arsenal is now 500 Forge. Boylston Properties officially introduced 500 Forge, a 120,000 sf life science building that transforms the existing building located at the beginning of Arsenal St. and positioned prominently within amenity-rich Arsenal Yards. Read more.
- OK, one fun thing… because who doesn’t love the Golden Girls? Loved seeing Watertown’s the Majestic 7 movie theater in Arsenal Yards is one of a few Greater Boston theaters participating in Forever Golder! A Celebration of the Golden Girls. Check out the celebration in this article in the Globe!
