Bruce at the Beacon Hill Art Walk, 2012

June 3, 2012, Noon-6pm in Boston's beautiful Beacon Hill neighborhood

The Beacon Hill Artwalk is one of Boston's best festivals for painters, and I am very much looking forward to participating in this venue. For more information, you can link to the festival website at:  http://www.beaconhillartwalk.org/

Too Much to Do....
Since re-locating to Philadelphia, I have been insanely busy setting up a workshop, settling in, and getting re-involved in the community I left several years ago. Finding time to paint has been difficult. I've completed a couple pieces shown below, but need to find more time to paint before the Art Walk! I apologize that I have not updated the painting inventory in some time, especially after selling a few pieces at the Frame House gallery last month. Please touch base if you have questions at bstarrpaintings@gmail.com

"Urban Produce, Rainy Night" 24" x 16", Casein on muslin covered frame

"Backroad Sunset" 18" x 27", Casein on muslin covered frame

Creekside Coop story
The happiest coincidence of my timing in returning to Philly is the constuction of the new Creekside Coop.

Many years ago now, I opened the Elkins Perk Coffeehouse next to a well-established neighborhood gourmet grocery, Ashbourne Market. But when its family owners retired, the store went downhill and soon closed. The community has worked long and hard to create a new food cooperative in this once-thriving space, and was finally able to buy the building and begin renovations this year. I am priveledged to be working on the design committee, and have created a 3-D Sketchup model to help envision the space. Here's a 2-D graphic of what the new market will look like:

As the local-foods movement has gained momentum, food coops have changed greatly. The Creekside Food Coop will be an amazing full-service grocery, great source for local produce and products, have a huge selection of salads, deli, and prepared foods, plus a cafe/community gathering place. I'm very excited to watch this great idea come to life! 

More Design-Build Projects:
Meanwhile, I've also been finishining projects in my old stomping ground, Cambridge!  Here's a couple pictures of my friend Jeff's condo, with his new fireplace, shelving and media cabinetry:



The fireplace is double sided, with the other side facing the kitchen eating area. The tall doors on the right open and retract to access TV and other media components.

   And lastly, the local foods movement has made some progress on the home front also, My housemate Cindy is an avid gardener, so I just built a new 3-section compost bin for the yard. Looking forward to soon having nutritious compost and mulch for all her beautiful plants!