Put This On Your Calendar for Next Year: Two Brookline Festivals

(Above artwork created by Caitlin Burch Glassworks, Little Man Bags and Baby and James Guggina Ceramics)

Before children, FoodieDaddy and I often explored each of the Artist Open Studio options in the South End, Jamaica Plain, Brookline and Cambridge. But curious toddlers don't mix well with hand blown glass. This past Saturday, we had the chance to view a spectactular range of work from over 70 artisans and craftspeople at the 31st Annual Coolidge Corner Arts Festival. To make the event even better, the Second Annual Brookline Food Festival was held adjacent to the artists. Two dollars bought a sample of food from a range of bakeries and restaurants and all the money went to the Brookline Food Pantry.My husband and I alternated between playing with the boys at the playground directly next to the Devotion School in Brookline and exploring the works of art that were displayed in the courtyard of the school. The range and quality of ceramics, jewelry, glass, photography, mixed media, textiles and fiber arts were breathtaking. The prices, on the other hand, were reasonable for the caliber of the art work. We then brought the kids over to sample food. My favorites? The grilled sirloin with horseradish cream from The Fireplace, the crusty French bread from Clear Flour Bakery and hummos bread (!) from When Pigs Fly, the elegant and addictive fig and nut biscotti from Tatte's Cookie's and Cakes and heavenly vanilla cupcakes from Party Favors. If you missed it this year, you can still go to the Coolidge Corner Arts Festival website and get a list (with images and websites) of each of the artists. Better still, mark it down for 2010.