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September 23, 2009

Still plenty to Shoe-la-brate

By Cara Spilsbury

With the auction of the city's stylish, jumbo-sized public art projects scheduled for Oct. 24, it doesn't mean the program is slowing down any time soon.

There is still plenty to "shoe-la-brate" about the Soles of Haverhill event.

A new shoe unveiled at City Hall

The 14th and final shoe of the Soles of Haverhill collection was unveiled on Sept. 14 at City Hall. Mayor James Fiorentini came out to enjoy the sun and congratulate artist Elissa Dawson, who created "The Queen Slipper City Shoe" with her sister Maria Fontaine.

"This is a great addition to the city," said Fiorentini on the event. "People are always asking me, 'how can we get a shoe?' every where I go."

The shoe was commissioned by the HTM Credit Union and the sale of the shoe will benefit the Haverhill Public Library.

"We were happy to do this," said Diane Bevilacqua, treasurer and manager of HTM.

Dawson works at the credit union and is proud to have her creation part of the Soles of Haverhill.

"It's really exciting, but it's a little bit nerve-racking because there are going to be so many people looking at it," joked Dawson. "I'm just really glad to be a part of something so important for the city."

Dawson and Fontaine also designed the "Who Lives in the Shoe?" shoe that was on display at Lowell Five and can now be spotted on Wingate Street.

Shoes making tracks outside of town

Even after the thousands of "Visit Haverhill" post cards went out at the beginning of the event, the Soles of Haverhill are still reaching far beyond the city limits.

Visitors walking past a flower shop in Somerville's Davis Square may have noticed a "Visit Haverhill" poster, the same poster sporting all 14 shoes that has been spotted around the Merrimack Valley.

Joyce McKenzie, owner of Nellie's Wildflowers, 72 Holland St., Somerville, hung the poster in her store's window not only because she thought it was pretty but also to support her brother, David McKenzie, a volunteer with the Soles of Haverhill program.

"I thought it looked cool with all the shoes," said Joyce McKenzie, whose window also sports signs for local Somerville events. "But I also love to support community events like this. It really seems like it's working."

McKenzie said she has seen many people stop in front of her shop to examine the poster and a couple have actually come in to inquire about the Soles of Haverhill. And all the while, she wishes she could have a shoe of her very own.

"I'm a little jealous I'm not a part of it," McKenzie joked.

Maps available for shoe seekers

Those looking to locate all 14 shoes or those who are wishing to track down a specific piece of art can now get free maps of the Soles of Haverhill event throughout the city. Maps, featuring the colorful "Visit Haverhill" logo can be picked up at the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce and the Haverhill Public Library, as well as Angles and Art and Margot's Gallery on Wingate Street.

"A Whole Lot of Sole" cocktail party

Team Haverhill, organizers of the Soles of Haverhill summerlong event, will host "A Whole Lot of Sole" cocktail party at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Buttonwoods Museum, 240 Water St. in Haverhill.

It is a casual, adults-only soiree that will showcase the 14 vividly painted fiberglass shoes one last time together before they head to the gala auction event on Saturday, Oct. 24.

The Haverhill Historical Society will also present new exhibits about the shoemaking history of Haverhill, drawing upon their extensive collection of artifacts from the earliest shoemaking efforts in 1640 to the final shoe shop days in 1991.

There will also be a oral history and photo journalism exhibit compiled by teen members of the Haverhill Boys and Girls Club under the direction of artist Sharon Silverman. Photos and film will display elders from the community sharing their stories and experiences of working in the shoe mills through the decades. Hear the memorable tales of shoes made for celebrities such as Jackie Kennedy and Diana Ross and the Supremes. This is a unique and fascinating exhibit of expressions, impressions, and memories captured on film.

In addition to the interesting historical tidbits, there will also be hors d'oeuvres with a complimentary glass of champagne will be served. A cash bar is available and will boast an amazing "Shoe-labration" Ice Sculpture cocktail luge.

Cocktail ticket price $25 per person in advance and $30 night of the event.

Gala dinner and auction

The Soles of Haverhill "Shoe-la-bration" will commence with a gala auction and fundraising event at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24 at the Bradford Country Club. The event will help support Haverhill public art projects, community non-profits and cultural organizations.

More than 250 guests will be invited to take part in a live auction for the hand-painted fiberglass vintage shoes which have adorned the streets and public spaces of Haverhill since early June. The six-foot tall shoes will be auctioned at the event by Tim Milks, "Auctioneer Extraordinaire" from Sevierville, Tenn.

A silent auction will be held prior to an elegant seated dinner and the live action and will include unique items and services.

Organizers expect lively and competitive bidding from attendees of the gala for the artwork, created by local professional artists. Money raised from the auction of the shoes will directly assist Haverhill non-profits associated with each shoe.

Gala tickets are $60 each or guests may host a table of eight for $480. Tickets can be purchased at the Haverhill Chamber of Commerce.

For more information on the Soles of Haverhill, visit www.solesofhaverhill.com.

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