Among the works on display at Sickles Market Saturday are mixed-media, coastal-themed wall hangings by Yolanda Fleming, above. Orchids fill the greenhouse,on Sunday. (Above photo by Nancy Ellen Photography)
Locals know the greenhouse area at Sickles Market in Little Silver as a place where the concept of sunnier, greener seasons truly takes a stand against the outside-world onslaught of winter and its slippery discontents.
The warm vibes beneath the bubble of the Sickles greenhouse commence this Saturday with the return of Artists’ Day — an annual event (formerly Artists’ Weekend) that showcases the work of a dozen different creative community members amid the flora of the garden center. Running between noon and 4 pm, the event finds cores of works in various media on display and offered for sale, with all proceeds going directly to the artists. And while the show has been scaled back to a single day this time around, it’s scarcely the only infusion of color and beauty breaking the washed-out watercolors of winter’s palette this weekend.
On Sunday, Sickles hosts its first-ever Orchid Workshop between the hours of 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Led by orchid expert Larry Desiano, the event finds the president of the Deep Cut Orchid Society offering attendees basic information on growing orchids at home — as well as which orchids are right for home culture; requirements of light, water and fertilization; and the particulars of when and how to repot orchids. It’s a lot of valuable information for a registration fee of $15 (orchids not included), and required reservations can be made in person at the market, or by calling (732) 741-9563.
Twelve artists will be on hand at the stroll-through greenhouse “gallery” space. Yolanda Fleming, Karen Goldsmith, Carrie Kramer, Kelly Roncace and Joe Silvestro will feature mixed-media items; there will be jewelry by Amy Bindler and Sophia Kho; paintings by Laura Ginsberg and John Mathias; photography by Thomas Pavlick; woodworking by David Halbout; textiles by Amanda Light; and even custom-crafted dog collars by Jill Wetzel.
Artists are available to demonstrate and discuss their creative process, in an up-close setting that offers a sunnier perspective on the (sometimes icy) haute-gallery experience — and the event is entirely free of charge to the public.
