The Beacon Gallery: Blog

Full Moon Beacon Nights 2015

(The Beacon Gallery) — Tue, 13 Jan 2015 23:16:35 GMT

In an effort to create a communal location to share art, photography, music and good times, Beacon Photography & Framing will be hosting "Full Moon Beacon Nights" once a month on the Saturday closest to the full moon. They will be from 7 to 11 pm and will range in musical genres and feature local musicians and artists. See 2015 dates listed below.

February 7
March 7
April 4
May 2
June 6
August 29
September 26
October 24
November 21
December 19

John Munson, the owner of Beacon Photography & Framing, has been hosting these type of events for years. Photos from these events can be seen at http://beaconphotos.com/galleryevents.

To be notified of these events by email, please submit your email to the following form: Beacon Newsletter. To inquire about volunteering, playing music or showcasing their art at one of these events, please contact John Munson at (617) 553-4947 or email [email protected]. Sponsorship opportunities also exist for local companies looking to get exposure in a very relaxed atmosphere.

Boston Marathon 2014

(The Beacon Gallery) — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 03:50:14 GMT

So I've been hired by FGL Sports out of Canada to cover the journey of one man "Andre Lessard" through the Boston Marathon. Here are the locations I will be attempting to reach and the path we will drive to reach those points. Photos to follow...

Boston Strong Art Exhibition and Contest

(The Beacon Gallery) — Fri, 06 Sep 2013 04:10:49 GMT

“Boston Strong” Art Exhibition and Contest

Exhibition Dates: October 4 – November 5, 2013
Opening Reception: Fri., Oct 4, 7-9 pm

Zakim Bridge

Mission Statement:

To create an art exhibition that depicts the beauty of Boston and to help those injured during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. The overwhelming and positive response by the people of Boston after the marathon tragedy inspired John Munson, owner of Beacon Photography Gallery, to host a Boston art exhibition. “I’d like to give local artists an opportunity to express their pride and love for Boston.” 10% of art sales will go to the One Fund (onefundboston.org).

Submission Guidelines:

Medium: 1) Photography and 2) All other media
Details per Submission:
Entry Fee: $10 per piece - Maximum # of entries per artist: 4
Please provide artist name, title, medium, art size, frame size, framed price, print price (if applicable). Brief caption about art is encouraged (max 150 characters).
Art must be framed. Beacon offers 25% off custom framing to participating artists.
Each piece of art will be photographed and promoted at the Beacon web site (http://beaconphotos.com/gallery) and on the Beacon Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/beaconphotoJM). Artists can use captured image(s) of their art work for their own purposes.
Drop-off Times and Dates: Please drop off art and submission fee at Beacon during gallery hours: Mon thru Sat 9 am to 2 pm, Wednesday & Friday evenings from 6 to 8 pm.
Beacon Gallery is located at 185 Winthrop St, Winthrop, MA 02152
Submission Deadline is Friday September 27 at 8pm
Pick-up Dates and Times: Pickup of unsold art and payout of sold art is during gallery hours on Nov. 4^th thru 9^th. Artists can take home unsold art prior to exhibition end date.
Commission: Artists will receive 60% commission of any pieces sold during exhibition
10% of art sales will benefit the One Fund

Awards & Recognitions:

Photography:
1st place: $100 gift certificate to Beacon Photography (framing, prints, portraits, etc.)
People’s Award (determined by most likes, Facebook or in gallery): $50 gift certificate
Paintings, sculptures, etc.:
1^st place: $100 gift certificate to Beacon Photography (framing, prints, portraits, etc.)
People’s Award: $50 gift certificate to Beacon Photography

Jurors:

Frank Costantino, Architectural Illustrator and Fine Art Watercolorist, www.fmcostantino.com
Banafsheh Ehtemam, Documentary and Fine Art Photographer, www.banafshehehtemam.com

"Leila's Light" Dance Party

(The Beacon Gallery) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 01:50:56 GMT

In honor of my sister Leila, I am hosting a dance party at my studio gallery on April 6th, 2013 from 8 to midnight. Let's shake off the winter blues and warm up with some modern and old school dance music. DJ Cuzzi will be mixing it up on his digital turn table and he will also be lighting it up with his laser light show. So bring a friend and let's have a good time. Suggested donation is $10, with portion of proceeds going to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Light refreshments will be served but feel free to BYOB.

To pre-register or to simply make a donation, please click on button below (suggested value $10).

"Spring Time" Art Exhibit

(The Beacon Gallery) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 04:03:19 GMT

SpringTimeArtExhibit1000

I asked several local artists to share their best "Spring Time" pieces of art, to help us bring in the new season. So let this collection of impressive art warm your heart and inspire your creativity. See below for exhibit hours and available workshops from some of the featured artists. I hope to see you at the gallery. - John Munson

- Exhibit Dates & Times: March 21-April 6, Mon-Sat 10-2 pm
- Grand Opening Weekend: Thursday & Friday, March 21-22, 7-9 pm Saturday Mar 23, 10-2

Featuring Four Award Winning Artists:
- Frank Costantino, Dawn Mahoney, Elaine Abrams & Roger Giger

Location: Beacon Photography, 185 Winthrop St., Winthrop, MA

Workshops and Demonstrations Available
- Pen & Ink Workshop by Dawn Mahoney - March 30, 10-1 pm
- Watercolor Demo by Frank Costantino - April 6, 10 am -12 pm
- Click here to learn more or register: http://beaconphotos.com/blog/2013/3/spring-workshops

Spring Art Workshops and Demonstrations

(The Beacon Gallery) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 00:53:10 GMT

As part of the "Spring Time" art exhibit, we are offering workshops and demonstrations by some of the featured artists. They will be held in the gallery space at Beacon Photography, located at 185 Winthrop Street in Winthrop. We hope to see you there and to stimulate your own creative juices. Light refreshments will be served. See below to learn more and to pre-register.

Pen & Ink Workshop by Dawn Mahoney

Date & Time: March 30, 2013 from 10-1 pm
Location: Beacon Photography Gallery, 185 Winthrop Street, Winthrop, MA

Dawn Mahoney is a full time working artist and regularly teaches art in Winthrop to groups both and young and old. She also offers private lessons in her home-studio or at the Beacon Gallery located in Winthrop. She has art pieces on permanent display in the Winthrop Town Hall, the State House in Boston, across the United States, France, Australia, and Canada.

Dawn is and has been a member of the Winthrop Art Association since 1979. Through the years, she has served many positions including President, Vice President, Festival Chairperson, and Program Director.

In this informative and interactive workshop, Dawn will offer the seven basic fundamentals of pen and ink drawing. She will also show the many pen and ink variations available. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own sketch books, and have the option to stay late to work on their project with Dawn's supervision. Table space will be provided.

To join us for this workshop with Dawn, we suggest you pre-register by clicking on the "Add to Cart" button below. Or you can come on the day of the event (seating availability is limited). Suggested donation is $20 per person, and includes the use of Dawn's pens and ink.

Water Color Demonstration by Frank Costantino

Date & Time: April 6, 2013 from 10 am - 12 pm (Q&A to follow demonstration)

Location: Beacon Photography Gallery, 185 Winthrop Street, Winthrop, MA

From a full sheet of blank paper, using the challenging medium of watercolor, Frank Costantino, N.E.W.S., of Winthrop, MA will present a live painting demonstration of a still life floral arrangement.

An experienced instructor and demo artist with many subjects, Mr. Costantino brings a comfortable, informative facility for quickly painting his subject, while explaining his color and interpretative methods to his audience. Frank is a signature member of both the New England and North East Watercolor Societies, a member of New York's Salmagundi Club, NEAFA, the North River Arts Society, the Marblehead Arts Association, Winthrop Art Association and other groups, and his distinctive watercolors are regularly exhibited in the South Shore.

This exciting and rare program promises to provide guests with an enjoyable insight into the artistic process. Mr. Costantino will also be available for a question and answer period after his demonstration. As one of the featured artists of the Beacon Gallery "Spring Time" art exhibit, Frank will also be offering limited edition prints, and accepting commissions.

More of his varied work can be seen at www.fmcostantino.com/gallery, and if you are interested in speaking to Frank directly, you may contact Frank through his website www.fmcostantino.com. A portion of proceeds will help fund future arts and cultural events to Beacon Gallery located in Winthrop.

To join us for this demonstration, we suggest you pre-register by clicking on the "Add to Cart" button below. Or you can come on the day of the event (seating availability is limited). Suggested donation is $10 per person.

Upcoming Holiday Events & Specials

(The Beacon Gallery) — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 07:13:52 GMT

Santa is coming to town! On Friday, Nov. 23rd from 2 to 5pm, Santa will be in the town center. In conjunction with the Winthrop Chamber of Commerce, Beacon Photography will offer free portraits with Santa. Photos will be shared on Facebook and on Beacon web site, where images can be downloaded.
- Beacon Photography will also offer several days where children can spend more time with Santa at Beacon studio. These more relaxed Santa portraits start at $25 and include prints. If interested please call Beacon Photography to reserve a spot at (617) 848-8299.
Beacon Photography is offering several unique Winthrop photo gifts this year, including a coffee mug and Winthrop stationary. Those who pre-order will receive 10% OFF. If interested please call Beacon Photography to pre-order at (617) 848-8299.
Those who get their Family Portraits and Holiday Cards done before Dec. 1st will receive a 10% discount off their entire order.
- If interested please call Beacon Photography to make an appointment at (617) 848-8299.
All online print orders before December 1st will can receive a 33% discount by using this coupon code: EARLY2012

Beacon Gallery Event - Blues & Jazz Night - Friday, October 26th

(The Beacon Gallery) — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 02:32:57 GMT

This coming Friday, Beacon Photography will be hosting another amazing musical and arts event. Below is a list of the artists that will be there:

Featured Artists

“Kira Doucette” - Cambridge based photographer featuring her concert photos.

“Roger Giger”- Swiss born illustrator featuring his Monster collection (a tribute to Halloween and to the dark side of us all)

Musical Performances by:

“Tom Curry” – Former Record Label owner and current internet radio DJ, will be giving us a quick history lesson of jazz and blues through a selection of iconic music from both genres.

“Cassandra Marsh” - a mutli-talented musician, teacher and composer will be playing some jazz standards and blues.

In addition we will have some chocolates by Tutti Fruitti, a local coffee and candy shop located on 71 Jefferson, Winthrop.

Event is from 7 pm till 11pm. Everyone is welcome, so bring a friend and have some fun at another Beacon event.

Listed below is more information about some of the artists:

Cassandra Marsh Biography

We are lucky to have the pleasure of listening to multi-talented musician Cassandra Marsh. Cassandra Marsh is a critically acclaimed pianist, vocalist, music director and composer. As a pianist and cabaret artist she has performed throughout Boston and the country including such venues as: The Napoleon Club, Dedo’s, Club Café, The French Library, The Duplex, The Majestic Theatre, North Shore Music Theatre, The Park Plaza, The Boston Harbor Hotel and Club Passim.

She received her BFA from Ithaca College with additional studies at The Royal Conservatory in Toronto, The Longy School of Music and The American Music Center.

As a composer, Cassandra recently musically directed a production of Le Cabaret Grimm, an original punk cabaret. Le Grimm was invited to perform in NYC at the New York Music Festival this past July, following it’s premiere 2 years ago at the BCA Theatre in Boston. She has also written a musical adaptation of Alice in Wonderland and is currently working on a new one-woman show, The Unashamed Accompanist, slated for NYC in the spring. Her new CD, Spellbound is due out very soon on the Whirlygirl label.

Ms. Marsh has a private music studio where she teaches voice, piano and theory. Her students have gone on to such schools as: New York University, Boston Conservatory, Ithaca College and Berklee School of Music. She also serves as Minister of Music at First Church of Winthrop United Methodist and Cambridge Welcoming Ministries, an inclusive, progressive church based in Harvard Square.

Cassandra is a community/social activist and founder ofThe Woman’s Coalition for Peace and Justice.

Tom Curry Biography

Born in Boston and grew up in Wellesley, MA, Tom attended and graduated from Boston University. For two years, he worked as a Welfare Investigator for the City of New York. Moving back to Boston, he spent ten years as a Probation Officer and twenty-five years as an Assistant Chief Probation Officer at The Boston Municipal Court.

Tom’s interest in Jazz began in his early teens and he took up photography, as he shot photos of many of the musicians who played in the Boston area. From 1969 to 1972, he wrote liner notes for Prestige Records, until it was sold to Fantasy Records. Tom and his longtime friend, Bob Porter, who was a record producer for Prestige Records, began their own record company in 1973. The name of the record company was Phoenix Jazz Records, which specialized in re-issuing Jazz that was not available on vinyl records. Phoenix Jazz produced 35 records over a fifteen-year period. They sold out to True Blue Records when CDs were introduced.

Since then, Tom and Bob Porter, who has continued to produce Jazz records have sold first issue LP records on a private auction. In 1999, Tom began to sell out of print CDs on eBay, as well as first issue LPs. He has continued to sell up to the present. In 2006, Tom went on Zumix Radio with “Jazz From The Top”, which features Modern Jazz from the 1940s up to the present. In 2010, Tom opened with a second radio show, “Blues From Maverick Square”, which features both new and well-known artists. Both can be heard on Zumix Radio at www.zumix.org, iTunes (under colleges and universities) and on the new smartphone from Backbone. He has resumed photographing both Jazz and Blues artists.

Michelle & Anthony Wedding

(The Beacon Gallery) — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 16:13:15 GMT

On June 2nd, I shot Michelle and Anthony's wedding. It was a super windy and rainy day but they managed to have a ball nonetheless. I am still editing the photos but wanted to give Anthony and Michelle a taste of what to expect with this video montage. Thanks again Anthony and Michelle for having me there.

Summer Photography Internship Position Available

(The Beacon Gallery) — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 19:34:35 GMT

Beacon Photography is a full service photography studio and gallery located in Winthrop, MA. Owner and chief photographer, John Munson, provides artistic wedding photography, family and child portraits, fine art photos, custom framing and more.

Beacon Photography is looking for an intern for the 2012 summer season. The intern will assist owner John Munson with a variety of projects and will learn some photography, custom framing and business skills.

Qualifications:

passion for photography with a great eye for good photos
comfortable handling camera equipment, prints and frames
comfortable working on computer
comfortable making calls or handling emails
must be professional and personable

Responsibilities:

Intern must work at Beacon Photography studio in Winthrop 10 hours per week from mid-June through the end of August, ideally twice a week.
Intern will learn how to edit and print photos using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop
Intern will learn how to create giclees, custom mats and frames
Intern will update blog and Facebook page
Intern will follow up with past customers and wedding venues
Intern will assist retail customers and take orders

Students looking to receive credit for the internship experience are expected to obtain and complete any forms necessary to receive credit for the internship experience. Beacon Photography will assist students with the completion of such forms and provide information concerning duties and responsibilities. INTERNS ARE NON-PAID POSITIONS, BUT MAY LEAD TO PAID POSITIONS. BEACON PHOTOGRAPHY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

If interested, please send an email to John Munson at [email protected]. State why you are interested, and what makes you a good candidate for the position. Also indicate what photography or work experience you already have, and what days and hours you would be available to work. Lastly please attach one or two photos that you really like to your email. Photos without any photo attachments will not be reviewed.

Some of My Favorite Wedding Photos

(The Beacon Gallery) — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 18:37:24 GMT

Here are some of the best wedding photos I've taken over the last few years. I will soon post more of these photo videos of recent weddings as well. I love my job.

http://video214.com/play/SY8QerE2edH7DURNyVJ0VA/s/dark