Valentine's at 12 State Street in Newburyport is hosting a signing of Mariposa gift and tableware by Michael Updike from 12-4 p.m. on Saturday, October 2. Updike will be bringing his special tool to sign all of his pieces. This rare visit will be a great opportunity for all lovers of Mariposa to meet both designer and owner of this renowned company that has swept the nation, Valentine's said in a written statement. Mariposa is a high-end gift and tableware collection invented for serving the specialty and luxury market. The company distinguishes itself by pairing artist and artisan to create unique, and functional art. More than 25 years ago when founder Livia Cowan of Manchester By The Sea created "Vidrio"glassware, which is crafted from recycled soft drinks and tequila bottles, she began to build her reputation as the creator of the "casual chic" collection of the elegant designs for a casual lifestyle. Livia Cowan brought the company's aesthetic style to her "Brillante"sand-cast recycled aluminum serve-ware.She paired with her former Pingree classmate Michael Updike, who since 1990 has used his passion for fine art in devoting time to create the popular gift and tableware collection. Updike's creative work for Mariposa is concentrated in the vastBrillanteline that is recycled aluminum serve-ware interpreted in salad server, oversized platters, ice buckets, candlesticks, frames, and many endless gift and tableware possibilities. Updike, a local sculptor, awakened is passion for fine art at Pingree, but fully evolved during his post-graduate work at Massachusetts College of Art, where he majored in sculpture. There he explored all aspects of design, modeling, casting, welding and stone carving, which allowed him to create a full body of work that has been exhibited throughout New England. He took his talent to Boston Foundry in Milton, Massachusetts, where he worked primarily in silver and bronze. When joining Mariposa's team in Manchester By The Sea, Updike and Cowan came together and developedBrillantefor retail shops such as Valentine's, which is a mere mile from where Updike lives for the better part of each year. For more information, contact Rebeccah Pearson, store manager of Valentine's, at 978-463-0002 or on the web atwww.valentinesstores.com.
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