December 15th, 2012
Up and down the Delmarva Peninsula historic towns are being preserved by residents and merchants. The Historic Town of Berlin is one example. On any given day, this town, which by the way, looks like a movie set, is bustling with visitors. If it is not one thing is another….but, they always have a concert, a festival, merchants’ stroll, you name it. The shopkeepers are young and interesting, new restaurants have opened this summer; making Historic Berlin a shopping and dining destination.
From Rehoboth Beach and other Delaware Beaches, it takes about 45 minutes. If you live on the Delaware and Maryland coast, then you are probably used to driving. I really don’t mind it one bit. A road trip? I look forward to it!!
My friend, Susan, and I stopped at Jeffrey Auxer Designs. The building is unique and it dates back to 1897. It is located at 19 Jefferson St. in Berlin, Maryland. It is behind the Atlantic Hotel, which is located on Main Street. Can’t miss it. It is the center of the town. Jeffrey Auxer Designs closes on Monday, but it is open the rest of the week. At this time of the year it was the perfect place to pick up a few Christmas presents. His Tel. is 443-513-4210. His website? http://www.jeffreyauxer.com.
The ring holders were so cute. Jeffrey also makes rings and earrings.
The art of blown glass. The deep colors of the glass. The amazing shapes. All this you will find at Jeffrey’s shop. A person who blows glass is called a glassblower, a glassmith, or a gaffer.
Jeffrey offers classes, either individually or in a group setting. You can also bring your party to the studio. He has room for 8; kids or adults. You can find more info. if you visit the above mentioned website.
I bought one of the ornaments and I also bought a couple of bowls.
The studio is so colorful and Jeffrey is very friendly and easy to talk to.
Berlin is beautiful this time of the year. This is, definitely, a must stop shop while visiting this Historic Town.
Note: Jeffrey also exhibits at Gallery One, located at 32 Atlantic Avenue in Ocean View, Delaware. It is a few miles west of Bethany Beach.
Talk to you later…
October 31st, 2011
“Glassblowing is a glassforming technique that involves inflating molten glass into a bubble, or parison, with the aid of a blow pipe, or blow tube.” It was invented by the Phoenicians at approximately 50 BC. A person who blows glass is called a glassblower, glassmith, or gaffer.
I spent so many years going to Berlin that it seemed like a second home to me. Since those days the town has so many more stores and an artist village has emerged. Just like in Rehoboth, Bethany and Lewes, the shopkeepers of Historic downtown Berlin are friendly and a joy to talk to.
I cannot draw, paint, or sculpt; I am in awe of anyone that can express him or herself in such a way. There must be sensitivity that I do not pocess.
So, there I was in front of Jeffrey Auxer Designs, located at 19 Jefferson St., Berlin, MD 21811. Tel. 443-513-4210. Website? www.jeffreyauxer.com.
The building was pretty neat. It looked like it had been a garage at some point, but I am not sure. The Gallery was not very big; just perfect. As you come in be prepared for a burst of color. You will smile; you can’t help it.
Slowly take it all in. Check the pieces because each has been individually hand blown. A work of art by Jeff, who I found to be reserved but friendly. I also met Adam the first time I visited.
Jeff is a local guy, having graduated from Stephen Decatur, Berlin, Maryland, and then attended Salisbury University. In business for more than several years.
In his studio you will find home decor, lighting, vessel sinks, hanging platters, centerpiece bowls, vases, jewelry and many other items for gifts, or for your own personal indulgence.
Sink
I asked Jeff what pieces he liked the most. He mentioned the lamps. They truly are works of art and very unique.
In the middle of the Gallery there was a case with golf putters. He can customize them with pretty much any sport’s team. They are $125. You would have to call him to the above telephone number and tell him if you are right or left handed and tell him what logo you would like.
Jeff is also making jewelry. Loved the ring holders.
On Friday, November 2nd, his Studio will participate in the 2nd Friday Art Stroll. This is an event that takes place the 2nd Friday of every month from 5-8 p.m. Shops and galleries in Historic Berlin open late to give the visitors a time to get to know them better.
From November 12th until December 17th – Saturdays, there will be a hand blown glass ornament making class. $15/ornament. Ages 4 to……Just call the Studio at 443-513-4210 to reserve your spot.
Glass Blowing Classes are held every other week-end, as well. Just call the number above mentioned for class times and pricing.
A Party Experience – Bring your party to the Studio. Make a paperweight for $75. All info. regarding this unique experience can be found by visiting www.jeffreyauxer.com.
So, to my friends in Rehoboth and Lewes I just want to let you know that it only takes about 45 minutes or so to get to Berlin. Not a bad drive.
From Ocean City is just 10 or 15 minutes and from Salisbury, it only takes about 25 minutes.
I really enjoyed it…..more to come from Berlin…as I was strolling through the town…
Note: Some info. for this post was taken from Wikipedia.
September 20th, 2011
I cannot believe that I still have a couple of posts from my trip to Baltimore, where I discovered so many interesting places to visit and to dine.
One of them, which I really liked was a very unique glassblowing studio called Corradetti. It is located at 2010 Clipper Park Rd., Suite 119, Baltimore, MD 21211. Tel. 410-243-2010. Website? www.corradetti.com.
I went to see Overlook Cipper Mill which are contemporary homes with wooded views and the latest in sustainable design options. Corradetti was in this complex.
Anthony Corradetti is the artist. His work consists of “painting multiple layers of metallic paints which are individually kiln fired on large blown glass vessels”. Vessels are bowls. I remember learning about them when I wrote about the Happyrock Pottery a couple of weeks ago.
You can read about this process and about the different workshops that Corradetti is offering by just visiting the website above mentioned.
The studio is gorgeous. If you are interested in hosting a party at the studio, just give them a call because the studio is available for parties.
The Gallery has a beautiful representation of his work and are available for purchase.
So, I am passing on the info. just in case you find yourselves in Charm City or if you are in need of a gift that will certainly be a conversation piece.
Have a great day!! Talk to you later….
December 7th, 2010
I met John years ago, when his was the Sous Chef at The Cultured Pearl, then located on Wilmington Avenue. I always like to sit at the sushi bar; that’s how our conversations started. Him always willing to listen; me, well, always willing to talk. Questions about sushi, his life and what got him to Rehoboth Beach ensued. Over the years my family got to know him; we always sat at the same corner of the bar; making sure he was on that spot.
I actually did not know he was an artist, as well. John A. Cmar came to Rehoboth Beach about 16 years ago, just on a 2 week vacation. But, he never left. We was a Navy brat who ended going to the Air Force Academy in Colorado. His original paintings reflect that side of him.
1,500 of this one but the first one was given to President Bush; Desert Heroes.
John’s company is called Works in Progress – eternally. He is constantly evolving as an artist, just like his Works in Progress. As he works on different pieces of art, he never signs his canvasses, displayed around his tiny studio; they are really his works in progress. Only when he is sure of their completion, will he then sign the pieces.
John’s studio is at The Shops at the Pearl located at 301 Rehoboth Ave. He is across the Pineapple Princess shop, in the back. His telephone is 302-752-5100 and his e-mail is cmarjohn@hotmail.com.
He has been working on gold leaf. It looks very detailed. Touching the gold; fragile and so difficult to handle.
And, you might ask why not use gold paint? I guess it is because gold paint is not really gold; it can tarnish after a few years. There are products on the market that might look to you and I, the untrained eye, like gold but to the artist, like John, the resemblance to the real gold is so remote. Therefore, 23 and 24 carat gold is used.
His customers have been finding him through word of mouth; friends are buying his pieces of art, as well. If you would like to find out more about his new “works in progress”, give him a call of pay him a visit.
John is at Works in Progress every day. And, in the evenings you will see him also at the Cultured Pearl; he is, afterall, the General Manager.
Have a good one…talk to you later….
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