Published February 1, 2019
By GAIL LOWE
WAKEFIELD — The Wakefield Arts and Crafts Society held their monthly meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 8 at the Wakefield-Lynnfield Methodist Church on Vernon Street, and this month’s topic was a Show & Tell by members along with how and why they became interested in their crafts.
Member Mary Makey’s interest in quilting originated with her grandmother, and she brought in quilting that was more than 100 years old. What she showed was all hand-quilted and hand-stitched.
Connie Reik became interested in knitting, also through her grandmother, and has made some gorgeous one-of-a-kind sweaters, which she is now wearing. She also enjoys cross-stitching and brought in a cross-stitch wall clock to show the other members.
WAKEFIELD ARTS AND CRAFTS SOCIETY MEMBERS participated in a Show & Tell at their January meeting. From left: WACS members Connie Reik, Sandy Bates and Mary Makey. (Courtesy Photo)
Sandy Bates had seen small bendable dolls made from pipe cleaners wrapped around recyclable white plastic bags and decided to try the project herself. She dresses and accessorizes the dolls, and they become true works of art. Each one is unique.
To see more of the craft members’ items, be sure to attend the WACS annual exhibit at the Wakefield-Lynnfield Methodist Church on Saturday, April 13 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Through the years, the Society has changed with the times. In 1923, the name was changed from The Wakefield Handicraft Society to Wakefield Arts and Crafts Society, and the group meetings moved from private homes to the Beebe Library, then to the YMCA and First Parish Congregational Church on Church Street. Today, meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month at the Wakefield/Lynnfield Methodist Church, 273 Vernon St.
In 1930, the Society contributed to the restoration of the historic Hartshorne House, Wakefield’s oldest Home on Church Street. Each year, members of the Society are invited to decorate the parlor for the Hartshorne House’s Christmas Tea.
Meetings still include workshops and guilds to teach new skills and techniques. Though interests and tools used have evolved, participation in older art forms is still very much alive.
Guests are welcome at regular monthly meetings. A $5 donation is suggested for each meeting attended.
Membership is open by jury approval. Articles must be of two different crafts or two different techniques of the same craft.
For more information, contact Jo Ann Rondelli at 617-387-8076 or jarjam3@yahoo.com.
