July Events for the Design Minded, Part 1

Garden Conservancy Open Days at Braveboat Harbor Farm 

65th Annual Art of the Northeast

Begun in 1949 as the “New England Exhibition,” the competition was founded by Silvermine Guild members Miriam Brody and Revington Arthur to showcase the art of the region. Over the years, the exhibit has presented works by emerging and lesser-known artists, giving them a platform to reach a larger audience than ever before. This year’s curators, Michelle Grabner and Brad Killam, bring a national perspective to a competition that draws from all over the northeastern United States. The winner receives a top prize of $3,000 and a solo exhibition at Silvermine Arts Center. June 6 through July 26, New Canaan, Connecticut, (203) 966-9700, silvermineart.org

Falmouth Village Professional Arts and Crafts Street Festival

More than 200 arts and crafts vendors will line Main Street during this popular one-day show taking place on July 8 (rain date July 9). You’ll also find plenty of food and entertainment throughout the day. 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; free. Falmouth, Maine, (508) 776-6555, falmouthvillageassociation.com

Garden Conservancy Open Day at Braveboat Harbor Farm

This coastal garden has been evolving for over fifty years. Enjoy vegetable gardens, espaliered trees, a woodland garden, water featured and ocean views. Open July 11 and 12, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., $7, gardenconservancy.org

Garden Conservancy Open Day at Bedrock Gardens

Explore the twenty-acre Bedrock Garden in Lee, New Hampshire as part of the Garden Conservancy’s Open Days. The garden is designed to take you on a meandering journey as you walk the paths. You will enjoy an allee of trees, teahouse, wildlife pond, and more. Broken Arrow Nursery will be on site selling plants as well, so you can purchase some plants for your own garden. Open on July 11 and 12, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., gardenconservancy.org

Brimfield Antique Show

Mark your calendar for July 14 – 19 for the renowned Brimfield (Massachusetts) Antique Show. Considered one of the best and biggest antique and flea markets in the country, this show features more than 6,000 dealers selling everything from vintage bric-a-brac to fine antiques. Show hours and admission vary depending on field and venue location. brimfieldshow.com

Sandwich Private Garden Tour

On July 15 (rain date July 17) take a self-guided stroll through the beautiful private gardens of Sandwich. Visit the Green Briar Nature Center for refreshments following the tour. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; $15. Green Briar Nature Center, East Sandwich, (508) 888-6870, thorntonburgess.org

Nantucket Summer Kitchen Tour

The 2015 tour will feature historic homes on Liberty Street. A stop along the way offers light refreshments at a private garden on Main Street.  July 16, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.; $50. Nantucket, (508) 228-1387, nantucketpreservation.org

The Nantucket Art & Artisan Show

The 24^th annual Nantucket Art & Artisan Show features over sixty local and nationally recognized artisans. The show features a wide variety of crafts and fine art including pottery, jewelry, textiles, photography, furniture, and much more. All proceeds from the show benefit Small Friends on Nantucket, a non-profit Early Learning Center for infants, toddlers and preschool aged children. July 16 – 19, at Bartlett’s Farm on Nantucket Island. The event kicks off with a Preview Party in the evening on Thursday, July 16 and the show runs Friday July 17through Sunday July 19.  (508) 228-6769, smallfriendsnantucket.org