The talent on display is intriguing. Paintings, sculpture, fabric arts, jewelry... and more. And it’s more than a shop — there are exhibitions of works by local artists (with opportunities to meet the artists), and you can even catch a class, to learn a new skill yourself. In Hubbardston, it’s all about fiber arts at the Plain View Alpaca Farm, where the fiber from those cute and cuddly animals is transformed into skeins of yarn, wearables and even toys. No time to get to the farm? Drop into the Johnny Appleseed Visitor Center on Route 2 to check out these oh-so-soft creations. And your tour keeps going! Original art, pottery, stained glass and more — all produced by local artists — is on display at Creative Connections gallery on Main Street in Ashburnham. Paintings, photographs, prints … you’ll be amazed at the talent you’ll discover there. Looking for something really different? How about chain maille jewelry? Jim Bellows’
intriguing creations and hand-crafted silver designs by Helen Yetman-Bellows can be found at SquirrelEze in Townsend, a shop featuring artisan jewelry and textiles — along with elegant painted scarves that are signed by the artist! Heading home, but wish you’d picked up one more special item to remember your trip? You’ll find a selection of items, from cozy alpaca fiber socks to intricate wire-wrapped jewelry and books by local authors, at the Johnny Appleseed Visitor Center on Route 2 in Lancaster — along with a friendly greeting, coffee and snacks to help make your journey a pleasant one. Talent, skill, creativity — all are flourishing in this region. With Covid restrictions still uncertain as the months unfold, it’s a good idea to check websites or Facebook pages before heading out for a visit. But when you go, you’re sure to be impressed by the treasures you’ll find here. §
Here’s where to find these treasures: CHAIR CITY LEGACY MAKER SPACE
205 School Street, Rear of Building, Gardner legacymakerspace.com Necklace from Be More Design.
CREATIVE CONNECTIONS GALLERY 56 Main St., Ashburnham ccgiftgallery.com
ERICKSON SILVER SHOP 119 Green St., Gardner, MA ericksonsilver.com Necklace "Road Less Travelled" from Squirrel-Eze.
PETERSHAM ART CENTER 8 North St., Petersham facebook.com/ petershamartcenter
PLAIN VIEW FARM ALPACAS
130 Gardner Rd. (Route 68) Hubbardston plainviewfarmalpacas.com Silverware from Erickson Silver Shop.
SQUIRREL-EZE
18 Highland St. (Rt. 13) Townsend squirrelezeshop.com
STUDIO 4 POTTERS & GALLERY
4 W. Lynde St., Gardner studio4potters.com Petersham Art Center works.
Meet the Llamas & Alpacas! Offering tours and walks. Call or message for more info. Giftshop, Alpaca clothing and yarn.
Open Sundays, 10am – 4pm or by appointment
SQUIRREL-EZE
Award-Winning Artisan Jewelry/Gifts Since 1995 • Retail • Wholesale www.squirreleze.com sales@squirreleze.com • 978-433-9962
Alpacas & Llamas
HELEN’S
WILLOW WIND
Native American Style Flutes Lessons • Performances • Sales helenswillowwind@gmail.com
www.yogaunfettered.com • Facebook Squirrel-Eze
www. plainviewfarmalpacas.com
Evans Building, 18 Highland St., Townsend, MA
See our website or Facebook pages for special events
Fall | Winter 2021
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