Pember to host artists, musicians for First Friday

GS-Cambiata-WindsBy Jaime Thomas

The Pember Library and Museum will do a solo act for the upcoming First Friday Aug. 2.

As a result of hosting a big event the following day, the Slate Valley Museum does not have anything planned for this month’s series.

“It was a difficult decision but we think the quality of the concert and its relation to our mission deserves our full attention,” Museum Director Kate Weller said in an email.

The Pember, though, will have plenty to offer.

Local furniture-restorer Frank Newman will be showing what museum officials describe as beautiful, handmade chairs with the men’s tie seats, which are a local classic.

Vermont artist Doreen Frost, meanwhile, will bring her “enchanting” handmade dolls and mohair Teddy bears.

“Growing up in a creative family had a huge influence on me and much of my creativity has been passed down from generations of stitchers, bakers, cooks and artists.  My inspiration comes from a long list of favorite things,” Frost said on her website. She said each of her “moppet” characters begins with ivory mohair that she hand dyes and ages. Other materials include antique wool, suede, velvet, leather, dried pine and more.

Third artist Kris Gregson, who has a studio in the Troy Shirt Factory in Glens Falls, will be showing her fabric arts and weavings. Gregson, whose work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, according to her website, uses fabric in most of her work.

For the food, Beelzebubbe Bakery will be offering sample goodies for all in attendance. And Alice Woods and the Cambiata Winds will set the mood with music for the evening.

According to the group’s Facebook page, the five musicians make up a “classical woodwind quintet.”

“But we change our instrumental voices to suit the occasion, enabling us to play a wide range of literature for a variety of occasions.” The quintet consists of Woods, a flutist, oboist Susan Kundert, clarinetist John Walker, Mary Sylvester on horn and Hillary Port on bassoon.

First Friday takes place from 7 to 9 p.m.