Pioneer Valley Fencing Academy

94 Cottage Street

The Business

PVFA offers fencing instruction for teens and adults, but has been closed since March 15th due to the COVID-19 outbreak. We are excited to make preparations for re-opening in August.

The Dancers

A Northampton, MA native, Julie began her journey dancing at age 6 at Northampton’s own Carol Butler’s School of Dance.  In addition to dance, Julie enjoys being a part of Easthampton’s beloved SHOW Circus Studio where she performs with the Adult Circus Troop, showcasing a strong focus in partner acrobatics and the aerial arts.  Julie loves performing within her community and hopes to continue for many years to come.

Noel St. Jean-Chevalier is the director of The Legible Bodies and an Easthampton resident. She has been performing contemporary dance for the past 15 years, as well as educating the young dancers of our region. Noel has a passion for bringing dance performance into her community and is excited to create live events for Easthampton residents once more.

The Art

Left: Carand Burnet and Lyell Castonguay

Right: Nashawannuck Pond Boardwalk

Easthampton Crystal and Mineral

92 Cottage Street

The Business

Easthampton Crystal & Mineral invites you to shop the hundreds of varieties of crystals and minerals in a soothing and welcome environment. Each crystal is lovingly handpicked for its metaphysical properties, physical beauty or geological aspects.

The Dancers

Lauren has been dancing since she was 11 years old and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance from Dean College in May 2017.  Lauren was thrilled to join The Legible Bodies in 2018, and enjoys every moment of being able to dance within the community. Lauren is a Camp Director at an outdoor day cap in Westfield, MA which provides an outdoor education experience to the youth in the community.

Ally is a recent graduate of Rhode Island College with an Elementary Education and Math degree and Dance Performance minor. Dance has been a part of her life since she was 2 years old. Ally is now a teacher at Northampton School of Dance and the Gymnastics Head Coach at the Hampshire Regional YMCA. She will forever be grateful for all that dance has brought her. 

The Art

Left: Nashawanuuck Pond Dock

Right: Shopfronts of Cottage Street

Book Moon Books

86 Cottage Street

The Business

Located in the bookstore-rich community of western Massachusetts, Book Moon is an independent bookstore run by the husband-and-wife team of Kelly Link — author of the Pulitzer finalist Get in Trouble — and Gavin J. Grant, founder and publisher of Small Beer Press. They carry new books, used books, collectible first editions, and cards and gifts made by local artists. They welcome dogs large and small, and offer mysterious book bundles in brown paper packages tied up in string.

The Dancers

Marissa Chmiel has been dancing since she was three years old and has been with The Legible Bod(ies) since the first season. Outside of the studio, she works full time as a registered nurse and loves exploring new coffee shops. 

Marlena Zahm lives & works in Easthampton. She loves to dance, cook & has recently taken up rock climbing. She is a happy member of the Mountain View CSA on East Street.

The Art

Sculpture: Brendan Stecchini

Mural: Peggy Grose

Sonnet and Sparrow

84 1/2 Cottage Street

The Business

Sonnet & Sparrow, a small, artistic and cultural oasis offering Curated Thrift, Functional Goods, and Lifestyle Comforts, takes it name from the passions of its co-creators. They are excited to welcome shoppers back into the store on August 1st.

The Dancers

Noel St. Jean-Chevalier is the director of The Legible Bodies and an Easthampton resident. She has been performing contemporary dance for the past 15 years, as well as educating the young dancers of our region. Noel has a passion for bringing dance performance into her community and is excited to create live events for Easthampton residents once more.

Nicole Zaccari is passionate about sharing dance education with her community.By providing weekly dance lessons to young children and supporting dancers that want to pursue a performing arts career, Nicole strives to foster relationships as an educator and demonstrate her creativity as a member of The Legible Bodies.

The Art

Left: Majestic Theater

Right: Nashawannuck Pond Boardwalk

Gigantic

78 Cottage Street

The Business

A neighborhood cocktail bar with a D.I.Y glam aesthetic. The staff are eagerly awaiting phase 4 for the re-opening so that you can once again come in and grab a perfectly crafted cocktail, sit back with a cold beer, enjoy a glass of wine, or sip a classic dram in their cozy and curated space.

The Dancers

Marlena Zahm lives & works in Easthampton. She loves to dance, cook & has recently taken up rock climbing. She is a happy member of the Mountain View CSA on East Street.

Taylor is a recent UMass graduate from Northampton. When she’s not dancing, she volunteers for Flywheel Arts Collective to help make art and music more accessible to the Pioneer Valley.

The Art

Left: Majestic Theater

Right: Students of Easthampton Public Schools

Valley Art Supplies

76 Cottage Street

The Business

Valley Art Supplies is OPEN for phone orders and curbside pick up. Take home Art Kits available starting from $10. Call 527-0763 & leave a message.

The Dancers

Lauren has been dancing since she was 11 years old and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance from Dean College in May 2017.  Lauren was thrilled to join The Legible Bodies in 2018, and enjoys every moment of being able to dance within the community. Lauren is a Camp Director at an outdoor day cap in Westfield, MA which provides an outdoor education experience to the youth in the community.

Marissa Chmiel has been dancing since she was three years old and has been with The Legible Bod(ies) since the first season. Outside of the studio, she works full time as a registered nurse and loves exploring new coffee shops. 

The Art

Left: Peggy Grose

Right: Luke Cavagnac

Wonderland Boutique

56 Cottage Street

The Business

Wonderland is a Vintage Clothing and Home boutique which also carries Local artists and the up-cycled artwork of Beth McElhiney and Carol Ostberg. It is a magical shop full of unique finds. 

The Dancer

Marlena Zahm lives & works in Easthampton. She loves to dance, cook & has recently taken up rock climbing. She is a happy member of the Mountain View CSA on East Street.

The Art

Unknown

Wedge Works Art and Home

26 Cottage Street

The Business

We are an artist own shop selling Matthew Johnson's unique one of a kind furniture and home accessories. We also design and make custom furniture and railings. Our shop also represents and carries many local jewelers and potters & much more. Now open for private and socially-distant shopping experiences.

The Dancer

Taylor is a recent UMass graduate from Northampton. When she’s not dancing, she volunteers for Flywheel Arts Collective to help make art and music more accessible to the Pioneer Valley.

The Art

Storefronts of Cottage Street

Water’s Fine

20 Cottage Street

The Business

The Water's Fine goods + coffee is a specialty cafe and housewares shop. We sell a curated selection of well crafted goods — from soaps and candles to personal accessories, kitchen and pantry supplies. The cafe serves classic espresso drinks and teas, as well as, seasonal specialty drinks and baked goods, all of which can be enjoyed on our pondside patio. We've recently expanded our space and are reopening in July with covid related guidelines in place. Please check our facebook page for opening date and new store hours.

The Dancers

Ally is a recent graduate of Rhode Island College with an Elementary Education and Math degree and Dance Performance minor. Dance has been a part of her life since she was 2 years old. Ally is now a teacher at Northampton School of Dance and the Gymnastics Head Coach at the Hampshire Regional YMCA. She will forever be grateful for all that dance has brought her. 

Nicole Zaccari is passionate about sharing dance education with her community.By providing weekly dance lessons to young children and supporting dancers that want to pursue a performing arts career, Nicole strives to foster relationships as an educator and demonstrate her creativity as a member of The Legible Bodies.

The Legible Bod(ies) is a collective of artists making dance for stage, film, screen, or anywhere people will sit still long enough to watch them. Dancer/Choreographer Noel St. Jean-Chevalier, Actor/Dramaturg Joshua Pearson, Photographer/Videographer Jeffrey Byrnes collaborate to create multimedia performances exploring relatable, human themes and pushing the boundaries of theater, dance, photography and film. Harnessing the unique styles of the ensemble, they produce a narrative performance rich in emotion and raw movement. The dancers’ backgrounds in ballet, modern dance, and physical theater allow for myriad combinations of style and technique, creating complexity and artistry. The Legible Bod(ies) aim to challenge their audiences both visually and referentially.

The Art

Mural: Tom Pappalardo

Thank you for taking a walk with us

Made possible by the ECA Arts Grants Initiative