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Martinez Studio Celebrates at Mr. Helsinki

“Cress,” flat weave, handspun wool tapestry by Wence and Sandra Martinez.

Martinez Studio’s flat weave tapestries, paintings and photographs will warm up the red walls of Mr. Helsinki Restaurant and Wine Bar this winter. The opening reception, Nov. 16 from 4 – 6 pm, also serves as a trunk show where Sandra Martinez will show off her latest bags and scarves.

Another reason for Sandra and Wence Martinez to celebrate is the recent news that the couple’s weavings will be included in the prestigious Smithsonian Craft Show.

1,200 craftspeople applied to the highly competitive juried show, held annually at the Smithsonian in Washington D.C., and 120 were accepted. Around eight of those accepted work in fiber.

“We have only applied once before, so the acceptance took us by surprise. We had to reread the email a few times to be sure it said we got in,” Sandra said. “Last year we showed (and will again in 2013) at the Architectural Digest Show in Manhattan, our first foray into the world of juried craft shows and we were overwhelmed at the response to our work. Most of the remarks were on the quality of our designs, materials and commitment to Wence’s indigenous weaving traditions.”

As new works slated for the Architectural Digest and Smithsonian shows are finished, they will debut over the winter at Mr. Helsinki so the hometown crowd can have the first look.

Mr. Helsinki is located in downtown Fish Creek, and is open on Friday and Saturday, 5 – 9 pm, and closed for most of December.

Martinez Studio is located one mile south of Jacksonport on Highway 57, and is open most days. For hours, call 920.823.2154.

For more information visit martinezstudio.com or mrhelsinki.com.