For the month of May and mothers, ode will once again be donating 5% of profits to MotherWoman. We are so inspired by their vision and grateful for the resources they provide. 

An interview with founder Annette Cycon can be found here on our website. 

MotherWoman supports and empowers mothers to create personal and social change by: 

• building community safety nets
• impacting family policy
• promoting the leadership and resilience of mothers.

We envision a socially and economically just world in which mothers, families and communities thrive. 

We believe that when you support a mother, you uplift her family. When you uplift her family, you strengthen her community. When you strengthen her community, you change the world. 

We invite you to help us change the world! Take a look at our current 'Advocating for Mothers' campaign. Ode will be donating 5% of their profits directly to this campaign. 

Briana Erin

April is poetry month. It is also the month for Spring to show her pretty colors and for wardrobes to lighten and brighten. What better way to highlight Ode's Spring Collection than with a fashion show full of stunning women led by our poet/muse, Dora Malech, author of Shore Ordered Ocean and Say So. The night was ripe with inspiration, fashion, and beauty. Some words were rhymed, some wine was poured, and dresses were in full bloom. Spring, we are ready for you.

Dora Malech embodies the spirit of Ode. She's a poet (author of Say So and Shore Ordered Ocean), artist, traveler, teacher, great friend, and she knows how to wear red lipstick in the morning. Those are only some of the reasons why she's the perfect woman to launch our Desert Poet Spring Collection. With her mastery of both language and the stuff of the heart, Dora will lead this Spring fashion show with her poetry, spirit, and beauty. 

Meet our Desert Muse/Poet/Prophet: Dora Malech:

Dora Malech

Thanks to sage Carolyn Cushing, and a Chattman Photography photo booth, the Tarot became us March, Arts Night Out. Informed and inspired by our past, present, future, our wants and desires, couples became The Lovers, a girl turned into Empress, women were crowned as High Priestesses, friends morphed into Magicians. Turns out, Ode is full of a bunch of cards. 

 

We always love meeting women whose work inspires and helps others. Carolyn Cushing is definitely one of these women.  A spiritual adviser through the art of Tarot, Carolyn uses her teachings to foster growth and self improvement in others. Her approach is gentle and informed, not focusing on a determined fate, but, rather, a malleable future. She'll be offering one card readings and demonstrations of the Tarot for Arts Night Out at Ode, March 8th, 6-8pm. You can learn more about Carolyn on her website, The Art of Change.

Now, meet (and be inspired by) Carolyn Cushing:

Carolyn Cushing [photo credit: Valley Advocate]

It is Songbird Sings mission to transform those silenced by domestic violence, enabling them to give voice to their experiences and emotions through songwriting and creative collaboration in a safe, enjoyable, and structured environment. To help participants to learn inner strength and resilience as they come to trust themselves, and others, while building support systems between those with a shared history of trauma.

Robin Lane brings her experience in the music industry and music education to the program, offering women an empowering and creative way to heal. 

For the month of February, ode donated 5% of profits to Songbird Sings as part of our Fashion with Compassion Program. 

For more information, please visit www.songbirdsings.com

This Valentine's Day, Cici Corazon (aka "Cupid's Bandit") went on a rampant rampage, stealing hearts and leaving a trail of lovelorn lovestruck victims in her wake. Though held for a minute, she escaped again. Some say she's headed into the heartland. You'll know her by her red lipstick, sweet tooth, and maniacal, irresistible ways. But by then, you'll be a goner too.

[Chattman Photography]

For over a decade Robin Lane has dedicated her talents as a singer/songwriter to helping women and children who have survived experiences with childhood and domestic violence, substance abuse, mental and physical health issues. She started her organization, Songbird Sings, with the hopes of empowering women in her community through therapeutic writing workshops and music retreats. Robin uses the creative processes of writing and performing to give women and children confidence and evoke a source of inspiration. Her work is surely an inspiration to us and we are happy to welcome her to ode for Arts Night Out this Friday night, February 8th for special live performances from 6-8pm.

Ode will be donating 5% of profits from the month of February to Songbird Sings as a part of our Fashion with Compassion program.

Robin Lane

Even the icy grip of winter couldn't stop people from flocking to Ode for the return of "The Bird-Lady"  (Julie Anne Collier) and her feathered friends. Owls, falcons, eagles, kestrels--ranging from 7 ounces to 7 foot wingspans--spread their wings, and we were once again awed. Thank you, Julie Anne, for your compassion, for your knowledge, and for those majestic birds of prey. Maybe next time, you'll let us keep the owl? For the month of January, Ode will be donating 5% of profits to Wingmasters.

WINGMASTERS is a partnership of two people dedicated to increasing public understanding and appreciation of North American birds of prey. Julie Anne Collier and Jim Parks are both licensed raptor rehabilitators based in Massachusetts. Together they care for injured birds of prey. Most of the birds they rehabilitate can ultimately be released back into the wild, but in some cases the birds are left permanently handicapped. Julie and Jim are further licensed to provide a home for these nonreleasable raptors, and to use them for educational programs. Since 1994 WINGMASTERS has presented over 5000 programs at schools, libraries and museums throughout New England.

For the month of December, ode donated 5% of profits to Wingmasters as part of our Fashion with Compassion Program. 

For more information, visit their website.

Occupy Sandy is a coordinated relief effort to help distribute resources & volunteers to help neighborhoods and people affected by Hurricane Sandy. They are a coalition of people & organizations who are dedicated to implementing aid and establishing hubs for neighborhood resource distribution. Members of this coalition are from Occupy Wall Street, 350.org, recovers.org and interoccupy.net. 

The need for relief from hurricane Sandy is not yet over and Occupy Sandy continues to organize and distribute aid.

For the month of November, ode donated 5% of our profits to Occupy Sandy.

For more information, visit their website.

We couldn't be happier to launch our Muse Series with artist/performer Haley Morgan, singer in the electro-pop duo, Home Body. With every encounter, Haley radiates animated energy and sparks of magic. Layering her powerful vocal melodies over the artfully arranged beats of Home Body's other half, Eric Hnatow, Haley delivers awe-inspiring performances. Home Body has had quite a busy 2012 touring the country and capturing hearts along the way. This year promises much more radiance and magic for Home Body, with the February release of their debut album, In Real Life, from Feeding Tube Records. Meet our Muse:

Haley Morgan

Julie Anne Collier and her tufted children will be back at ode this Friday! We look forward to gathering together in 'rapt' attention as Julie updates us on the progress of her raptors. A hero and mother to some of the most beautiful predators, Julie is a treasure to birds and humans alike. She teaches us about science, love and art - from her her dedication, to her penmanship, this talented and amazing woman is not to be missed.


What have you been up to this past year?

The summer of 2012 was the busiest Wingmasters has ever had. Between the two of us, my partner Jim and I gave raptor programs at 72 libraries. The school year was very busy as well, so I had one day off between the end of the school year in June and the beginning of my summer schedule. In addition, we had an unusually high number of baby raptors to care for, starting in early April with a great horned owlet and continuing on throughout the summer with screech owls and American kestrels. All were released once they were old enough to take care of themselves. Not one said "thank you, but I've learned to expect that.

I have four new program birds and Ode audiences will have a chance to meet them. One is the most brightly colored raptor in North America, a male American kestrel falcon. Another is an exquisite 3.5 ounce saw-whet owl who looks like Furby. She's young, so her plumage is a glorious golden color. In addition I plan to bring a young red-tailed hawk who hasn't yet acquired the species characteristic red tail, and a barred owl who looks like a teddy bear.

Any stories you's like to share?

Taking care of baby raptors, especially owlets, has its drawbacks. For starters, owlets have to be fed at night, and when they're very young (I'll bring photographs; for now, picture outrageous fuzzy walnuts with feet) they need to be fed every two or three hours. And not formula or milk- minced warm mouse. As they get older and their vision matures, the human foster parent has to wear an owl mask so the babies will learn to be owls and not people. I will not be bringing pictures of that.

As any parent of a newborn human can attest, when you're caring for babies you're basically brain dead. Zombies are very real- they're new parents (and they look similar to the horror-movie variety- who has time to fuss with clothes or hair?) If you have to go to work (I do; I give raptor programs full time) after a night of little or no sleep, you tend to do idiotic things, such as spend time searching for your watch when it's been on your wrist all along, or hit the dispenser button of your coffeemaker without putting down a coffee cup first, or starting to take a sip from the coffee mug you've  been using for the hot water you soak mice in for the babies.

How do donations help with Wingmasters?

We are not funded by the government, so caging and food for our birds of prey is paid for by the programs Jim and I give, as well as through the sale of artwork and donations. Cages are our big concern right now- we've run out of room for rehabilitation birds. So in the spring a new hawk house will go up, with separate interior cages for two to four birds. We use hawk houses (really they're cedar garden houses) because although they're more expensive than flight cages, they protect our birds from predators like fishers, coyotes and raccoons. Donations will help build this cage.

Are you working on any special projects?

I continue to take daily notes on my experiences, many funny, some sad, with the idea of writing a book about dealing with raptors as well as the public. I wrote an article entitled "Daze of Summer"about this past summer and what it was like caring for so many babies (as far as I can remember). I will be illustrating a children's (about vultures!) in the new year, as well as writing and drawing for the Delaware Valley Raptor Center (I'm a director of the center, which is in Milford, Pennsylvania). And I continue to draw, creating art for sale as well as for posters used in Wingmasters program. Ode audiences will see both on January 11.


How would the first paragraph in a book about your life read?

Julie Anne Collier is an incredibly fortunate woman. She has an endlessly interesting job she loves and has a golden eagle named Lakota for a friend. Of course, it's true that Lakota is a spoiled diva that's gotten her caretaker stopped for speeding, insists on her daily rat being warmed (in the fireplace if the power is off and the microwave can't be used) and requires Julie Anne to sit in a very cold nest with her every February and March. But nothing's perfect, is it?

Do you have any upcoming programs?

We'll post 2013 events on Facebook. Private programs can be given at my house in Leverett. Call Julie Anne at 413-549-8166 or email wingmasters@aol.com.

Artwork by Julie Anne Collier

For Arts Night Out in December, we sang goodbye to 2012 with a little help from the Zumbyes, who charmed us with their songs, smiles and novelty ties. A look back at these photos will have you wishing you could relive the songs and celebration, so don't forget to watch the video at the end. Thanks to all the friends who came to toast the holidays with us! 

Looks like this envelope fell under the mistletoe.

Happy Hannukuh! Merry Christmas! Deck the Halls! Fa la la! However you say it, whatever you celebrate, the Zumbyes will help you do it better at Ode's Holiday Party this Friday, 6-8pm. We first started crushing on the Zumbyes after watching a video-gone-viral (at least at Ode) of the Z's rendition of "Let's Get It On." One play-through and It. Was. On. The mistletoe of tonality and timbre, when these Z's croon, they'll make you swoon. So, put on your holiday glitter and your glitz, and prepare to be dazzled. Meet the men:

This holiday, channel your inner star, your fancy self. Be it old Hollywood, a little retro, cozy & cute, elegant or edgy--go all out. Give yourself the gift of a glitz, glamour, and wonder for winter. Happy holidays from Ode. 

We are compiling the ultimate holiday gift guide for you-- from now until the end of the month we are bringing you inspiration boards! Check in for updates and until then, Happy Gifting! 

We got an early dose of holiday sparkle on November's Arts Night Out, thanks to maker-of-all-things-beautiful Nicole Racicot of Coco Bijou. Queen of the understated statement pieces, Nicole takes organic shapes, adds a feminine touch, and creates modern classic jewelry. The night was filled with "oohs" and "ahhs" and so much laughter that some people lost their voices. Thank you, Nicole, for traveling all the way from Montana to grace Ode with your art and lovely self. And to all of you who missed out, don't worry--her collection is still in the store for you and yours. We couldn't let it go back with her.

There's mystery in the turning of season as it summons the spirits of change. Fall brings out the darker, transformative nature in all things living.  What was once green is now the color of flame.  The world becomes a series of layers. Leaves cover the ground, ice crystals cover the rivers, a vest covers a sweater-dress under which bloom patterned tights. We are at the precipice of winter. Dress accordingly.

 

Inspired by our "Mystic Muses" lookbook, we decided to take nature--and its magic--indoors.  Our very own Thea created these woodland creatures out of feather, faux fur, and a little superglue. Our model and scavenger extraordinaire Natashia brought in her collections of bones, and our well-dressed woodland window was wonderfully realized.  

 

Elizabeth Stone is a contemporary realist painter based in Florence, MA. She is an active and lovely addition to the community of artists who live and work in the valley. Every time we see her she is preparing for a show or supporting a friend's opening. We are endlessly inspired by the women creating their mark. This Friday, November 9th, join Elizabeth as she opens at the Center of the Arts in Northampton with her show, Dress/Undress.


DRESS/UNDRESS FIGURATIVE ART BY ELIZABETH STONE

"My background in fashion has finally merged with my passion for art. A favorite red party dress appears as if disembodied in a pastel painting. It reappears in a triptych called "Striptych" unbuttoned and slipping to the floor and it finally emerges in 3-D as a floating white muslin dress. Clothing has always been my artistic expression and is now the subject of my art."

"Disembodied", pastel

Elizabeth Stone

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in my husband of 32 years who has taught me the value of family; in my friends who live with a sense of adventure; and in art which reveals life's unknowns to me.

What is your favorite line from a movie, song or book?

I collect phrases about art from whatever I read. My current favorite is "Painting is the silence of thought and the music of sight" from the book My Name is Red by Orphan Pamuk. A quote from Coco Chanel about fashion is another favorite: "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."

If you were a piece of clothing what would you be and what color/pattern?

A silk charmeuse slip that skims the body and is the color, scent and temperature of skin would be the most satisfying garment to be.

What's the best advice you've ever gotten?

"When in Rome do as the Romans do" is the advice I heard over and over again from my mother when I was growing up. It has served me well as I've moved from place to place and traveled around this country, Europe, Asia and Latin America.

Include a photo of something or someone that inspires you and can you tell us why?

My parents in their late 80's getting sweeter with age in spite of failing health inspires me.

WHO WE ARE:

The Zonta Club of Northampton Area, founded in 1934, is a member of Zonta International.  You can read more about us at: http://www.zontadistrict1.org/northampton-ma.

We are dedicated to the mission of improving the status of women locally and internationally. Over the years we have been involved in various programs to help eliminate domestic violence including Safe Passages and Grace House. We have worked with and helped support Jessie’s House, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Cancer Connection, TapestryHealth, YWCA, Relay For Life, to name a few. We sponsored a public forum that promoted the ratification of CEDAW, working to end discrimination against women.

Nicole Racicot is a goddess of a woman. Sure, she's got the flowing, sun-drenched locks and a year-long golden glow that seems to come from within. But that's not just it. There's something both other-worldly and down-to-earth about her, with a spirit as expansive as it is generous. In fact, she's bi-coastal in that generosity--traversing other continents to help those in need. She infuses her Coco Bijou jewelry collection with as much beauty and grace as she does her life. What else can I say about this woman? She's got a ridiculously cute kid, a dirty sense of humor, and she's not afraid to wear shorts in winter. Northampton, meet my best friend.  -Kristin 

Nicole Racicot

This October, we decided to trade in ghouls and goblins for pretty things and talented beautiful women offering up beauty tricks and sweet treats.  Thanks to Laura Acerra, Katie Clifford, Andrea Waller for braiding us into goddesses; My Nguyen for making masterpieces of our nails; Jess Lauren for massaging our hands with her magical Olive Natural Beauty products; and last but not least, thanks to Persia Garland for her all natural, vegan, and extremely delicious chocolate confections. "Trick or Treat" has never sounded--or looked--so good.

Fall is officially here. The days shorter, nights longer.  That woodsy chill in the air.  Leaves putting on their crimson, copper, and golden best.  No need to retreat into black and grey when the world outside is dressed in its finest.  Color is the new black this fall.  Let deeply saturated hues bloom on you.  Go lighter with your outerwear, more delicate and playful with your layers. Jump into a pile of leaves.

Women come into Ode all the time with amazing hair cuts, and every time we compliment their do's they say they just came from Salon 241. We thought it would be fitting to have them here for our Tricks and Treats Arts Night Out, so come check out Andrea and Katie from 6pm-8pm here at Ode!

Andrea Waller and Katie Clifford