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First off, can you explain what you do and the kind of art that you create?
Juliet Ames: I make all sorts of things out of recycled china. It started with
jewelry, but now I am experimenting with more 2D art. I do a lot of
custom work with my customers’ sentimental China shards.

How did the trip to Hong Kong come about?
JA: I got an email just a few weeks ago inviting me to Hong Kong to have a solo exhibit. Of course, I assumed it was a joke or scam, but curiosity lead me to ask more questions. I’m sure glad I did! They found me on the internet and thought it would be fun to put on an beautiful, floral-themed exhibit featuring broken plates.

There are a ton of huge, beautiful high-end malls in Hong Kong—Armani, Gucci, Prada, and the like are all over. You know how we have
Walgreen’s on every corner? Like that. These malls are all competing for
the same customers so they put on exhibits like
this to stand out from the crowd and attract visitors. The mall that I
exhibited in, Pioneer Centre, put so much thought and love into these
exhibits, and it shows to their customers. It also attracts press to
their mall.

It sounded too good to be true, but I sent off 20 complete sets of jewelry with matching plates for the show, as well as six framed art pieces and framed photos of past sets. Everything made it, intact in just a few days.

How long were you in Hong Kong?
JA: I was there from Sunday-Thursday. It was about a 20-hour flight, and my first thought upon landing was, ‘Holy crap! This is REAL!’

Can you tell me about the art show you put on while you were there?
JA: It was incredible. There was an emcee who asked me some questions about my work and Mother’s Day traditions with my family. She translated for the audience. Models were on hand to wear my work. I presented a framed China replica of the mall to the top management, then we did a plate breaking ceremony, complete with confetti cannons. Following that, I did a demo of my soldering process, did some newspaper interviews, and took a ton of photos. I felt like a total rockstar.

You posted a lot of food photos on your Instagram while on your trip. What was the best thing that you ate?
JA: There was so much great food, which is why I had to photograph it
all. They joked that I was great with chopsticks, but didn’t eat enough. My host was incredible and took
me for as many traditional foods as time would
allow. We enjoyed dim sum at Tim Ho Wan, which is proud to be the world’s
cheapest Michelin-rated restaurant. We also enjoyed dumpling and noodles
at Lau Sum Kee where they are known for making noodles in the
traditional way, with large bamboo poles. Another
great meal, where we celebrate that our big opening was over and successful, was
at Jing Hau. Plates just kept coming out of the kitchen, the last being
lobster on noodles. I will have to train for my next trip so I am
prepared to eat more.

A meal that wasn’t incredible, but made me really happy, was on
the second morning when I got the guts to walk into a McDonalds with my
Hong Kong money, get a breakfast sandwich, and use their Wi-Fi. Seeing
the children in their adorable uniforms
sharing a breakfast before school was really fun.

What was your most memorable moment from your trip?
JA: I am still processing the whole trip. We did about 10 miles of walking and sight-seeing every day. Visiting Victoria Peak and looking at the whole city at night was awesome. One of the coolest things I saw while sightseeing was a place called PMQ in central. It was an old police station converted into studio spaces for artists. Would love to see something like that here. But I will never forget that opening ceremony of the show. It was like a dream.

Are international trips something you hope to do more of in the future? Ideally, where would be your next destination?
JA: While I was there, there was a little talk of trying to take this show
to China, too. They were so excited about this idea and think that people
from other countries would really love to learn more about it. In a
dream world, I would love to visit Dubai, Japan, and India too.

Check out Juliet’s Broken Plate Pendant Company work and grab some of her unique pieces, all on sale for $30, this Saturday at the Charm City Craft Mafia’s Buzz market at Space 2640.

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EAT

May 1: Sprint for Spat

Fells Point Square, S. Broadway & Thames St. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. $25.
Update: Sprint for Spat will be postponed due to torrential thunderstorms on Sunday. The event will be held at the same time and location on June 12.

Spat are baby oysters, and as you may well know by now, oysters are an important key to cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay. This Sunday, Flying Dog Brewery is hosting the annual Sprint for Spat, where athletes of all levels can run down a stretch of Fells Point brick to benefit the Oyster Recovery Partnership, which has been working tirelessly to plant spat, restore the bay’s decimated oyster beds, and effectively bring it back to life. After a mere 100 meters, you can replenish your lost energy with raw oysters on the half shell, grilled oysters, and oyster shooters from local farms like True Chesapeake, Barren Island, Hollywood, and Rappahannock River. If half-shells aren’t your thing, there will also be plenty of pork from The Smoking Swine pork, plus beers by Flying Dog and music by DJ Landis Expandis. Proceeds will also benefit the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.

DRINK

April 30: The Baltimore Whiskey Company presents: A Soul Train Dance Party

De Kleine Duivel, 3602 Hickory Ave. 9 p.m. Free.

This weekend, Baltimore’s young distillery is bringing us more than just craft whiskey, creative liqueurs, and a new high-proof gin. They’re also bringing us a booty-shaking, boogie-woogie dance party, with their last-Saturday-of-the-month Soul Train shindig at Hampden’s Belgian beer bar. Don your funkiest threads, order some incomprehensible ales, and throw inhibition to the wind as you hip-wag, high step, and straight-up shimmy across the dance floor. Expect epic funk, soul, and disco music by DJ James Nasty, as well as BWC drink specials available all night.

SEE

April 30: Harbor East’s FashionEASTa

Harbor East, President & Aliceanna Sts. 1-6 p.m. Free.

This weekend, Baltimore’s “luxury district” is about to get a little more luxe as Harbor East transforms into Baltimore’s version of Rodeo Drive. Hundreds of guests will fill the streets for exclusive sales, shopping events, and peeks into new stores like Warby Parker, Brooks Brothers, and Free People. Grab drinks and bites from neighborhood bars and restaurants like the all-new Loch Bar, and get ready for the main event. At 3:30 p.m., the streets turn into a high-fashion runway, with local celebrities strutting their stuff in the latest spring styles from HE stores, including Anthropologie, South Moon Under, and Under Armour. Past models have included the likes of Baltimore Raven Justin Tucker, MIX 106.5 DJ Maria Dennis, and Bond St. District bandmate (and our 2016 Top Singles) Paul Hutson, so arrive early and nab a good seat. A portion of ticket sales will benefit the local chapter of Dress for Success.

HEAR

April 30: Charm City Folk & Bluegrass Festival

Druid Hill Park, 3100 Swann Dr. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. $57-161.

If the Charm City Folk & Bluegrass Festival is any indication, it’s safe to say that Baltimore’s Americana music scene is not putting its fiddles down anytime soon. Now going four years strong, the festival will once again return to a grassy knoll of Druid Hill Park for one full Saturday of TK music, including headliners like jam-band master Keller Williams and the Travelin’ McCourys and homegrown talent like Cris Jacobs and the Ampersand Stringband. On top of that, you can tip back Union Craft beers (like its festival special Country Boy Wit) and plenty of local eats, including The Local Oyster, Jimmy’s Famous Seafood, Otterbein’s Bakery, and The Charmery, who will be hawking their own flavor of the weekend, (Blue)berry Lemon(grass).

DO

April 30: Charm City Craft Mafia’s “Buzz” Spring Maker Market

Space 2640, 2640 St. Paul St. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.

Baltimore is a city of movers, shakers, and, increasingly, makers. And a few days out of the year, Charm City Craft Mafia does a great job at bringing a bunch of those DIY doers under one roof. The annual Holiday Heap is a local winter favorite and Pile of Craft is the answer for spring. Now renamed “Buzz,” the latter maker market returns to St. John’s Methodist Church in Charles Village this Saturday. From housewares, stationary, and screen-printings to clothing and toys, you can browse a bevy of handmade goods from more than 50 American crafters, including local artists like Annie Howe Papercuts, Almanac Industries, Bowerbox Press, Radica Textiles, the Broken Plate Pendant Company, and Knit Soy and Metal, to name a few. Whether you’re spring cleaning or Mother’s Day shopping, it’s a nice warm way to spend your cool and cloudy afternoon.

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EAT

Dec. 11: Ryleigh’s Oyster Mt. Vernon Basement Grand Opening

Ryleigh’s Oyster Mount Vernon, 1225 Cathedral St. 6 p.m. Free. 410-539-2093. ryleighs.com.

It’s almost been a year since Ryleigh’s Oyster opened its third output in historic Mt. Vernon. Housed in the former Spike & Charlie’s space on Cathedral Street, across from the massive Meyerhoff, this fledgling corner shell shack offers the same delicious seafood and deadly Bloody Mary brunch as Brian McComas’s other haunts, but beats them out with a cozy, New England-style side bar of whitewashed walls and dark wooden accents. This weekend, they’re adding entertainment to the eatery with a new basement music venue and a celebratory whole hog roast to kick the whole thing off. Pig out on heritage pork by guest chef Patrick Morrow of Bluegrass Tavern and imbibe in $5 craft beers while you listen to the sounds of Baltimore-native-turned-Nashville-country-star Jenny Leigh and local southern rock duo Chesapeake Sons.

DRINK

Dec. 12: Mobtown Spirited Holiday Cocktail Workshop

Mobtown Ballroom, 861 Washington Blvd. 6-9 p.m. $50. 443-699-3040. mobtownballroom.com.

At Mobtown Ballroom, you can learn to swing dance, square dance—even belly dance—but this weekend, you can also learn how to mix a little tipple to go with your tango, at the all-new “Spirited” workshop series on craft cocktails and booze. At this beloved Pigtown dance hall, discover the ins and outs of an American classic, the Sazerac—whiskey, bitters, a sugar cube, a lemon peel, and an absinthe rinse—which was invented in New Orleans in the late 1800s and has been a bartender favorite ever since. With Mobtown’s master mixologist, Mel Bowdish, learn the history and construction of the cocktail, with sips, snacks, and a DIY kit for making your own drinks at home. Keep your eye out for more mixology workshops like this one in the future.

SEE

Dec. 12: Orioles FanFest

Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $6-12. 1-888-848-BIRD. baltimore.orioles.mlb.com.

Baseball season might be over (and jeez, can football season be over already, too?), but it’s once again time to don your orange and black and head to the much-anticipated, makeshift Birdland that is Orioles FanFest in the Inner Harbor. Earlier than usual this year, the Baltimore Convention Center will fill with thousands of fans, all filing in to meet current players and coaches, snag some autographs (don’t forget to bring your Buck gnome), and, hopefully, experience the highly anticipated Adam Jones pie-facing. Stick around for adorable question-and-answer sessions—“What’s your favorite color?”—tours of the clubhouse, and to take home some memorabilia that will tide you over ’til spring.

HEAR

Dec. 12: Nico Sarbanes & Antonio Hart

An die Musik Live, 409 N. Charles St. 8 & 9:30 p.m. $10-23. 410-385-2638. andiemusiklive.com.

We don’t know about you, but the merry month of December has us feeling extra jazzy this year. Whether you’re in the spirit or need a dose of festive feels, swing by Mt. Vernon’s cozy An die Musik club on Saturday night for two sets of “Baltimore Jazz Heroes.” Here, on the little hallowed stage, local jazz musician Nico Sarbanes will perform with Antonio Hart as part of a new concert series that celebrates our city’s vibrant jazz community, which is rooted in rich history. Hart, a local alto saxophonist who draws inspiration from legends of eras past, has played with such greats as the Dizzy Gillespie Big Band and was once signed to RCA Records. Sarbanes, a young professionally trained artist is one of the city’s most talented (and under-the-radar) performers, playing plays a mean trumpet and confidently cooing the influential vocal stylings of the Great American Songbook. Hear them both this weekend, with Todd Simon on piano, Howard Franklin Jr. on drums, and Ethan Philion on bass.

DO

Dec. 12: Charm City Craft Mafia Holiday Heap

St. John’s Church, 2640 St. Paul St. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. charmcitycraftmafia.com.

If you’re anything like us, you’re running late and haven’t bought any of your holiday presents. But it’s getting down to the wire, and this weekend, there are a slew of pop-up shops for you to buy your loved ones some local goods. You can hit up Maryland Art Place’s Under $500, Post Typography’s Print Sale, or Current Space Art Market, to name a few. But the big kahuna of gift-giving is Charm City Craft Mafia’s ninth annual Holiday Heap. This Saturday at St. John’s Church in Charles Village, shop dozens of DIY treasures from throughout the region, including favorites like Baltimore papercuts by Annie Howe, spiced nuts by Kinderhook Snacks, leather goods by Almanac Industries, and beautiful prints by Boxerbow Press. On the way out, be sure to grab a slice of handmade deliciousness from PieCycle’s treat-toting trike.

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Nov. 20-Dec. 27: Holiday Delights Pop-Up Shop
The Women’s Exchange, 333 N. Charles St. Fri. 4-7 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Women’s Exchange is partnering with the Industrial Arts Collective to bring Charles Street a sampling of locally made goods from over 90 Baltimore businesses. The pop-up will host a preview party on Nov. 20 from 5:30-7 p.m., a monument lighting gathering in Mt. Vernon from 4-8 p.m. on Dec. 3, and a closing party on Dec. 27 from 2-4 p.m.

Nov. 21: Friends School Holly Fest
Friends School of Baltimore, 5114 N. Charles St. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.
The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without the Holly Fest from the Friends School. In its 30th year, the fest will have no shortage of charitable cheer this year. Along with the standard stalls of vendors, the event will feature a multitude of student-run booths such as UNICEF and Habitat for Humanity, and a silent auction of class gift baskets that supports the school’s parents association. And though there is no admission fee, attendees are encouraged to donate to the school’s mission fund. Foodies can chow down on dishes from Gourmet-to-Go and La Cakerie in between all the philanthropic fun.

Nov. 26-Dec. 27: Christmas Village in Baltimore
West Shore Park, 501 Light St. Sun.-Thur. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
This market is hard to miss. Smack dab in the harbor, the Christmas Village is pretty much a winter wonderland. In addition to the copious amounts of food and array of gift vendors, each weekend has a different theme: German American weekend on Dec. 5-6 and Stocking Filler weekend on Dec. 19-20, to name a few. As if that wasn’t enough, they also offer wine, cheese, and chocolate tastings; musical performances; and family fun days throughout the week.

Nov. 28: Bazzart
American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Highway. 10 a.m.-5p.m. Free.
For all things wacky, weird, and wonderful, head to the AVAM to shop creations from more than 40 different artists and to support Small Business Saturday. Expect all the ordinary holiday market wares like apparel and paintings, plus sculptures, metalworks, and more. When you’re worn out from spending, re-up at the museum’s new restaurant, then take a spin around the museum itself.

Nov. 28: Charm City Flea Market’s Small Business Saturday
St. John’s Church, 2640 St. Paul St. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.
The first-ever holiday Charm City Flea Market will make it way easier to support small Baltimore businesses this holiday season. With the community in mind, there’s almost no excuse not to step out and grab fabulously made soaps, jewelry, and housewares from this Baltimore staple.

Nov. 28: Miracle on Main Street Waverly Holiday Pop Up Farmer’s Market
East 32nd Street and Brentwood Avenue. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free.
Come support dozens of Baltimore’s most creative artisans at this one-day event during Small Business Saturday. The market will be giving away free “Shop Small” canvas tote bags at their table throughout the day, so how could you say no?

Dec. 3: Artifact Coffee Holiday Bazaar
1500 Union Ave. 6-9 p.m. Free.
One of our favorite coffee spots is hosting a holiday bazaar. Gather ‘round with a coffee or cocktail in hand to browse and purchase local wares for your loved ones, coworkers, and everyone else on your list. If you miss out on the fun, don’t freak. Bazaar vendors will be featured on the shop’s retail wall throughout the month of December.

Dec. 3: Park School Holiday Artisan Market
2425 Old Court Rd. 3:30-7 p.m.
Get your hands on some Buddha Bites, quirky aprons, organic skin care products, and other unique goodies at this artisanal market. Members of the Park School community will be on site selling their wares as well. The wide variety of enticing makers will likely tempt you into grabbing a present for yourself, too.

Dec. 5: Holiday Barn Sale
Star Bright Farm, 2950 Garrett Road, White Hall. 1-6 p.m.
What’s more adorable than a barn decorated with twinkle lights that’s brimming with holiday cheer? Absolutely nothing, in our opinion. Warm yourself with wine at Star Bright Farm while you browse the sale’s intimate selection of homemade goods from the Sassy Cyclist, Stella and Dot, Words with Boards, and a handful of others.

Dec. 5: Makers Alley
Local Color Flowers, 3100 Brentwood Ave. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free.
Makers Alley is bringing together local food and craft vendors for a third joyous year. Get there bright and early and grab some Woot Granola and Kinderhook Snacks to munch on as you mingle amongst awe-worthy, hand-screened designs from Highway to Hill, crafted pieces from Rebcycle, Papercuts by Annie Howe, and more.

Dec. 6: Merry Mart
Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free.
Members of the Baltimore Etsy Street Team, Charm City Craft Mafia, and other artisans will showcase their creations in a juried holiday market just in time for you to grab gifts for the deserving guys and gals in your life. Between browsing, stop in to the mart’s arts workshop at any time for a free craft session that will keep your kids chipper.

Dec. 9-12: MICA Art Market
Brown Center, 1301 W. Mount Royal Ave. Wed.-Fri. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free.
Get acquainted with artists new and old at the art school’s annual market. There’s really no excuse to give your mom, brother, and the like a mediocre present when you can gift them a piece lovingly handmade by a MICA student, faculty member, staff member, or alumni. What’s best? A portion of the proceeds generated during the four-day event will go toward MICA scholarships.

Dec. 12: Holiday Heap
St. John’s Church, 2640 St. Paul St. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free.
Didn’t get enough Charm City Craft Mafia goods at the Merry Mart? Fret not. The crew will showcase and sell their unique array of goods once again at Holiday Heap. If you’re a morning person, grab yourself an early-bird ticket available Dec. 1. The ticket allows you to shop for an hour before doors open, mingle with the artists, and snack on complimentary eats from Carma’s Cafe. You’ll even get a swag bag filled with exclusive goodies. Tickets are limited and not sold at the door, so get ‘em before they go.

Dec. 17: Last Stop Hops ‘n’ Shop
Peabody Heights Brewery, 401 E. 30th St. 5-9 p.m.
Charm City Craft Mafia is almost single-handedly ensuring you finish up your holiday shopping this year. Finish mingling at Holiday Heap, then head over to 30th Street for vendors galore, beer, and a free tour of the Peabody Heights Brewery. Aren’t all the best purchasing decisions made after a few beers?

Dec. 19: Charm City Flea’s Holiday Market
St. John’s Church, 2640 St. Paul St. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
For the ultimate procrastinator, Charm City Flea hosts a second holiday event this season, this one the weekend before Christmas. Didn’t think you’d need to get your boss’ wife or your distant cousin a present? You’ll look nothing but poised and prepared when you hand over their one-of-a-kind gift from one of the market’s 35 vendors.

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