North End, Boston - Old North Church

"View from the Bottom of Salem Street - North End" (24"X18", Oil on Canvas, $750)

This is the first painting I ever did of Salem Street or the Old North Church, about three years ago. The view is actually from the intersection of Prince and Salem Streets, facing away from Dino's Diner on the opposite corner. The row of cars in the shaded street going up the hill give depth but don't detract from the shock-white spire of the wooden steeple, where they lead the eye. I also liked that they hadn't yet taken down the rows of small italian flags going across the street in the distance. They're a standard element of the yearly Italian festivals held throughout 'The Neighborhood' in the summer.

Some residents don't like the festivals. They're certainly ubiquitous. Every weekend of the summer you can hear the same parade band playing the same Italian standards you heard them play the previous year. The sound wafts in through open windows from the designated corner of 'The Neighborhood' where that particular weekend's festival originates. The food is always the same, too. All the Italian favorites, of course, and some random items being hawked from stalls lining the blocked-off streets where whichever festival takes place. I don't mind the bands at all. Maybe it's my mother's influence. She loves any kind of parade and loves marching bands, especially when combined with Italian food.

I've also had some great times entertaining out-of-town friends at the festivals. It's a unique experience for all first-timers, which loads of the attendees seem to be. I like the feeling that I can be a vicarious "Italian/Bostonian" for a night of eating and drinking - and a day of parades.