Artisans at the Harbor, ArtsFalmouth’s weekly summer art market, takes place Thursday, August 13, from 11 AM to 4 PM at the Lin Whitehead bandshell at Falmouth Marine Park, 180 Scranton Avenue. Silver Beach performs acoustic pop-rock covers on July 30 from 1:30 to 3:30 PM.
In case of rain on Thursday, the market will be held on Friday, weather permitting. Artisans at the Harbor continues every week through August 27.
Marilyn Rowland of Marisol Cape Cod is one of the many vendors who can be found at Artisans at the Harbor every week. She makes, in her words, “fun and festive beach-inspired jewelry.” She has been making beaded jewelry for about ten years, incorporating semi-precious gemstones, glass beads and sea glass, and beads and charms evoking the sea: fish, starfish, shells, sea turtles, crabs, sea birds, and other coastal creatures. Blues, greens, and grays of the ocean are featured in many of her necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, though she often also uses bright reds and oranges as highlights or in separate pieces, as well.
She also makes hand-sewn jewelry pouches in similar seaside colors, and occasionally offers some of her ceramic art. “I really enjoy the creative energy, camaraderie, and array of interesting people at the market,” she said. “Especially on one of our brilliant, sunlit Cape Cod days, it’s the best place to be.”
Rowland has been president of ArtsFalmouth, Inc., the sponsor of Artisans at the Harbor since 2020 and a board member since 2012, directing the organization of its many events: the Woods Hole Trad Stroll in May, Arts Alive in June, the Jazz Stroll in October, and Artisans at the Harbor. Along with Diane Precourt of Buddha Buns (meditation cushions and related items), she is one of the co-coordinators of Artisans at the Harbor.
“One of my responsibilities is to line up the musicians for the market, said Rowland, who plays both cello and flute. “We have such a wealth of musical talent locally, that it can be hard to choose just ten for the summer series. Musicians are enthusiastic about performing at the market, and vendors and shoppers love the music.”
One of those enthusiastic performers is Dawna Hammers, the featured musician on August 13. She will perform from 1:30 to 3:30 PM.
With over 35 years’ experience performing and teaching throughout New England, Dawna Hammers has touched and inspired thousands of people of all ages and walks of life. Her sound has been described as an earthy yet ethereal blend of folk, jazz, soft rock, and acoustic balladry, drawing comparisons to artists like Joni Mitchell, Carol King, Sarah Mclachlan, and Norah Jones.
Grammy-winning saxophonist Paul Winter called her an “imaginative, soulful songwriter of power and promise.” Her originals and covers include ballads, bossa novas, and blues, as well as folk, soft rock, classic rock, world beat, and children’s music. A versatile musician, she accompanies herself skillfully on piano and guitar, and incorporates dance moves and hand movements into some of her songs, encouraging the audience to sing and move along with her.
Dawna has a special interest in performing for people living with memory-related issues in assisted living facilities, councils on aging, and private homes where she is a caregiver. She recently produced a documentary, “Music is Medicine,” about the healing power of music and has shown the video at various locations throughout the Cape.
“Music touches all parts of the brain. Sound and hearing are the last thing to leave when people lose their memory,” Hammers said. “It’s such a great way to reach people. I don’t think people realize how important music is for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia.”
The documentary, funded by a grant from the Arts Foundation, shows the beneficial effects of music on people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It can be viewed on Dawna Hammers’s YouTube channel.
Bring beach chairs or beach blankets to sit and listen to the music.
For more information, visit artisansattheharbor.com
Notes on The Arts 