As Sean points out below, the Culture Fix is going to be stock full of excellence for this week (and will be up tonight or tomorrow depending on my caffeine intake) but there is one more event that complements our “Shop Local” theme this weekend!

| Newton MA News and Politics BlogArts Stroll & Shop
Newton Cultural Alliance
Sunday, December 2 | Noon-6pm
Newton Centre | FREE 

The Stroll transforms Newton Centre into a vintage Main Street with the help of 40 local businesses and 100 artists and musicians! You’ll be dazzled by glittering boutiques, delighted with scrumptious treats, tempted by toys, tickled with delight, enthused through community spirit, and entertained by pop-up art galleries and performances!

| Newton MA News and Politics Blog

There’s even a free Community Concert & Sing-a-long at 4pm at the First Baptist Church featuring some of Newton’s favorite performing groups like the New Philharmonia Orchestra, Newton Choral Society, Charles River Wind Ensemble, Cappella Clausura, and more! After the concert, we shift into a Stroll & Sing around 5pm starting at the church that will follow the luminary lit path throughout Newton Centre. Hear traditional favorites like Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, Handel’s Messiah, Leroy Anderson tunes, a sampling of Hanukkah songs, folk tunes, and Bach played on FBC’s gorgeous organ! 

Stores are offering Stroll only deals. There are the oldies but goodies like Folklorica, Silver Woman, and Learning Express. The newcomers to the Centre, Newtonville Books and Brussels Sprouts. Then there are those great finds that you should know about like duchess, Stash, Pure Barre, Andrea’s Treasures, and Kiki D. Design & Consign. And so many more! Click here to see the whole list of participants.

Restaurants are getting in on the action too. Cafe Sol Azteca will be open early at noon for lunch and I hear Gabe is whipping up an excellent Stroll cocktail. Farmstead Table is opening for brunch – for the first time – and reservations are starting to fill up! B Street Restaurant is donating 10% of its sales that day to Newton Food Pantry. Terry O’Reilly’s is working on a spiced cider (yum!). Cafe St Petersburg is offering a free cup of soup with the purchase of any entree. Panera Bread will be handing out hot cocoa and cookie samples. Talk about a delicious day!

| Newton MA News and Politics BlogThere will be special presentations and performances all over town. Shaunt Sarian, of Sarian Designs, will offer behind-the-scenes tours of his workshop. Stop in between 1:30-3pm for The Atelier of a Master. Bravo Dance Shop will have students from the Arthur Miller Dance Studio showing off their steps; musicians from Walden Chamber Players, Suzuki School of Newton and Charles River Wind Ensemble will perform in the galleries and shops; restaurants will offer jazz brunches; and you might even run into actors in the street!

 

Speaking of the galleries… NCA is turning two vacant store fronts into pop-up galleries! Visit 1229 Centre St (formerly Tess & Carlos) for a grand display by Newton Open Studios and Newton Art Association including works by 30 local artists and an exhibit by Lasell College featuring antique clothing – tres chic!! Stop by 79 Union St (formerly Haute Couture Kitchen) will house a community art project powered by New Art Center. Another gallery is featured in the First Baptist Church where you can view more artists and listen to more music – superb!

The Stroll makes it fashionable – and easy – to Shop Local, Eat Local, Art Local! NCA is very proud of its partnerships with local businesses and we would love for the community to come and enjoy a magical day supporting terrific local business and powered by talented local arts and culture!

 

Stroll maps and schedules are available in stores and galleries starting this Friday! (And online at Patch)

For more information, specials and previews “like” Arts Stroll & Shop on Facebook!