Thursday May 23rd 2013

Tagged: meca

Portland’s most fashionable workplaces: MECA

Portland’s most fashionable workplaces: MECA
May 21, 2013

The staff at Maine College of Art, aka MECA, isn’t hindered by the mundane khakis and personality-less button-up shirts that plague many offices. Artistic license reigns here. Personal expression? That, too. The hallways at MECA see colorful brooches and patterned skirts, shiny blue shoes and tees decked with cassettes, or head-to-toe black with just a hint of white birds – and that’s just the people who work there.

Sitting pretty now that spring weather is here

Sitting pretty now that spring weather is here
April 29, 2013

How to transition from cold temperatures to kinda-sorta-warm-weather? That is the question. I interrupted these friends, a CT and Bronx native respectively and former MECA students, so we could all steal a few spring style ideas.

HANNAH SHERWOOD- Art Student

HANNAH SHERWOOD- Art Student
April 22, 2013

If you’ve driven or walked around Portland recently, you may have noticed the signs on fences. They aren’t ads. They are tape. They are art projects created simply to brighten your day, made by a local art student. Meet Hannah Sherwood.

Four Seasons in a Day: MECA Fashion Show

Four Seasons in a Day: MECA Fashion Show
April 11, 2013

Titled “Maine: Four Seasons in a Day,” the fashion show highlights the designs of MECA alumni and current students, while giving a nod to Maine’s own distinct seasons. And while Portland is no stranger to unique style, the fashion show will certainly be chock full of distinctive pieces that aren’t often seen on the streets of Portland: A Druidic headdress, wood-veneer bow ties, a mouse-pelt vest. Also in the mix, a selection of vintage dresses culled from a larger donation made to the school by Roxanne Quimby.

Spotted in the street: fresh fashion, fresh flowers!

March 27, 2013

I was bursting with glee when I spotted this sweet MECA student, a Connecticut native (tri-state pride!) walking down Congress Street with some sizable stems. I haven’t seen someone carrying fresh flowers in so long that I’m certain this is a sign that winter is gone and spring is here. Officially.

Handcast and inspired by the sea: jewelry by Andrew Haviland

Handcast and inspired by the sea: jewelry by Andrew Haviland
March 05, 2013

Andrew Haviland’s handcast barnacle rings have been on my mind since December. I finally tracked him down to find out a bit more about the inspiration behind his pieces. Handcast in white bronze, silver or gold, his jewelry are inspired by somewhat unexpected crustacean life. (Hint: not lobsters).

Spotted in the street: polka-dots and a printed pack

Spotted in the street: polka-dots and a printed pack
January 10, 2013

I’d say 9 out of 10 times when I stop someone on the street and ask them, “Where oh where did you get that amazing [insert item name here]?” the answer is generally, “Oh, it was only $10 at [insert cool store name here].” We are a city filled with excellent bargain hunters. Sometimes the best finds are found on students. Afterall, they have the smallest budgets.

10 under $10: local gift ideas for her

10 under $10: local gift ideas for her
December 11, 2012

Whether you’re on the hunt for some stocking stuffers, a crowd-pleasing yankee swap item or you’re just shopping on a strict budget, it’s still possible to shop small. After checking out the local talent this past weekend at MECA, Picnic and doing some digging on my own, I’ve found 10 great gift ideas for the ladies on your list, all for under $10.

Where you need to be shopping this weekend: meca, joseph’s, the flea and more

Where you need to be shopping this weekend: meca, joseph’s, the flea and more
December 07, 2012

There are so many good shopping events going on this weekend that frankly, I’m overwhelmed. I’ve created my own plan of attack and thought I’d share it with you so you don’t miss out on any good holiday happenings this weekend. So strap on your shopping shoes and join me.

Buy with your time: MECA’s Yankee Swap Pop Up Shop

Buy with your time: MECA’s Yankee Swap Pop Up Shop
December 06, 2012

Using community service as currency is the concept behind the Yankee Swap Pop Up Shop, opening on Free Street from 6:30-9 pm during First Friday Art Walk. The one-night-only shop will sell handmade goods and art created by MECA students that can be purchased in exchange for volunteer time. Meaning you get the art without paying a penny. But you do have to give something: your time.