Stroll French Sq. On Thursday Night

Welcome spring on the evening of May 14th by strolling along from French Square to Metcalf Square, performance to performance learning more about some literary and artistic talents of Winthrop.  The event is a combination art walk and safari supper.  We will have free food at each performance venue donated by local restaurants and businesses.  There will also be some items available for purchase.

The event will start at 5 p.m. at The Winthrop Book Depot & Cafe at 11 Somerset Avenue with an author reading by local writer Kate Anslinger.  (see interview in May 14th Transcript)  Anslinger will read an excerpt from her second book Underwater Secrets.  Blackstrap BBQ and Tastyplates will provide a sampling of appetizers at this location.

At 5:45 p.m., our group will head for the Cultural Center.  Students from the Cummings School drama department will greet us on our route and chalk drawings by Gerard Leary will provide direction.  The students will be dressed in fashion generously provided by La Petite Boutique.

At the Cultural Center at 45 Pauline Street, crawl participants will be able to view The Winner’s Circle Exhibition in the Clock Tower Gallery.  This exhibit includes the ribbon-winning pieces from last month’s Spring Art Festival.  At 6 p.m., Joanne Hillman, Chair of the Cultural Council, will address the group to highlight the many artistic endeavors and cultural events that the Center hosts regularly.  Then, The Winthrop Playmakers will present a performance showcase to advertise next year’s theater season.  Pizza will be provided by the Domino’s Pizza at Belle Isle.

Traveling from the Cultural Center to the Winthrop Public Library & Museum, we will see the FMC Gallery at 13-B Pauline Street.  Award-winning architectural illustrator and watercolorist Frank Constantino opened his own gallery here in Metcalf Square last year.  Constantino is a longtime supporter of the arts in Winthrop.

Starting at 7 p.m., seven members of the Waterfront CREW poets will read their original poems in the Hazlett Room at the Winthrop Public Library & Museum at 2 Metcalf Square.  Then, there will be a brief presentation by the Winthrop Improvement & Historical Association.  There will also be a display of artwork by some Cummings School Students.  Food at this location will be provided by JW’s Bistro and The Kasbah Restaurant.

At 8 p.m., the group will walk to the Beacon Photography & Framing studio at 185 Winthrop Street to hear music by lyricist Jacques Dorier.  The evening will end with a performance of original music by the Squeezebox Stompers.  Desserts will be provided by The Winthrop Marketplace and wine by Swett’s Liquors.

For more information, and to RSVP, please e-mail winthropartsandletters@gmail.com or call 617-820-0394.  This program is supported in part by a grant from the Winthrop Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.