Gotta post about this!: for four score and seven years Atlantic Art Glass of Ken and Linda Perrin fame have been hosting the most fantabulous of Christmas parties at their glass blowing studio in Ellsworth Maine. Ken and Linda have a real devotion to the community and the arts that is totally exemplarary- as in people like this are our hearths and keystones of community- they keep the neighborhood stoop with it's "hi how'd ya do ya!?" alive and going. If you attend this "Fire Gathering" Winter Solstice party at Atlantic Art Glass you'll have the opportunity to shake hands with and meet all the rest of the neighbors because everyone comes to this one, maybe at least just because the bean dip is to absolutely die for, but more so probably because with 2000 degree fahreinheit fires burning in the glassblowing studio the whole community warms up and smiles at each other and we really genuinely embrace our neighbors. I've known and worked with Ken and Linda for something like 12 years now and I really consider them my local adopted big brother and big sister and family is heavy stuff and this year has been a heavy year but going into the new year we are stronger and more alive than ever thanks to our community. So if you missed it this year make sure to come next year because you'll be glad if you do, I guarantee it, for a limited time, while supplies last, this offer is redeemable for hope always. Hehheh. Here's a link to last years documentary style interview of the artists: http://www.zenfolio.com/nateparkerphotography/edit/blog.aspx#688512621 - and this year I went with a completely different look in the recordage of the event, where last time I did a straight documentary video style thing, this year I wanted to do the off-camera-flash harsh-in-your-face= (disposable-camera) look of those embarrassing frat house parties kind of thing (which I've never actually attended, just seen on TV). And it was a whole bunch of fuddling and about 30 percent missed settings or no flash recycle but here's a few cool pics of my friends and 'family' at this years Winter Solstice "Fire Gathering" at Atlantic Art Glass in Ellsworth Maine. Good times! And Merry Christmas everyone-

Ken Perrin with Linda to the left in conversation.

Linda Perrin's brother- John Chruscielski

Steve Perrin and Carol Beale.

Carol, Steve, Ken and Linda.

Tara Parker doing flame working demonstrations.

Jon Ho at the bench.

I has cheeseburger!~?

Derrick Sekulich, glassblower and craftsman of all things good.

A.J. Emmett fresh back from Amsterdam. 

Jon and his new puppy-

Sophie-

blacksmith Jeff Tolman.

Linda and Ken blowing glass.

Ken and Derrick relaxin.

John mugging.

Derrick on the bench.

Anna and Soph.

Meh.

Derrick and meh.

Linda beginning the solstice bowl.

little hotshop dog.

Hot shop doggy takes the floor.

See you next year there and thanks again Ken and Linda for having us all!