Moonlight Metalworks is a funky shop on Cape May's walking mall that's worth a head poke. This metalworks and silversmith studio features unique handmade jewlery that, according to store owner Josh Gehringer, are not $10 trinkets made in China. A big Cape May Amen to that. They also offer jewelry repair. Check out this hand made wind chime made from drift wood and colorful, smooth glass that delivers a surprisingly strong musical ting when the glass collides. There was also a small woody car pendant that says beach dude (or dudette) with beach simple style. The pendant felt like maybe it could have a bit more heft to it, but was nonetheless a uniquely designed wearable art piece. Check out the many original works from local Cape May artists. Moonlight Metalworks is located right next to the Ugly Mug.

Abbey Sunset: Manchego | click Here's a wonderful new original painting by transient Cape May artist Manchego. He calls it Abbey at Sunset. We tried to create a capemayX main banner from the work but the proportions are too vertical, so instead we're including it in a short story post. The original art is huge — scaling almost 6 vertical feet high. We snapped a shot, blocked out the background and modified slightly for digital presentation but you still get a good feel for the color, style and energy of the painting.

Manchego heads way south in two days for the fall and winter seasons. This piece is his last capemayX original for a while (unless he decides to learn how to use the computer). Maybe we can convince him to send up a few originals fro Mexico via regular mail. We certainly love his work and appreciate his contributions. I'm still trying to convince Manchego that many of his pieces would make great note cards but he says that's too commercial, plus the note card size misrepresents the art.

Hanging with Geno on his porch Featuring: a capemayX video exclusive. Guitar maestro and true Cape May original Geno White (and Martha) welcomed capemayX.com into their home and treated us to an acoustic blues composition written by Geno, inspired by blues master John Lee Hooker, and created with story elements unique to Cape May life. We love this stuff. Enjoy the performance, which runs about 3 minutes or so, but also be sure to hang on for our impromptu (4 minute) interview that follows. Geno shares stories about his music, the Cape May life, and his dog pal Martha. And be sure to catch him live at the Congress Hall Boiler Room where he burns the place down with his passionate, unique brand of blues and fusion. For live Cape May performance and album details, check out the Geno White website.

Note: this is a video clip. To view, your computer must be set up to view video, and you need a high speed connection.


^{capemayX.com interviewed Geno and Martha from their Cape May home. Note how Martha (on que no less) helps deliver the song finale.}

Extra note: I just re-watched Jim Moffatt's video interview today, and the one line that really struck me is where he says "A night at the Cape May stage is really coming to see magic. The magic of the arts, the magic of the theater coming live." If that line boosts your mojo, then you'll certainly enjoy his full interview, and you definitely enjoy a live show.

The Cape May Stage is undergoing a major transformation that pays full respect to a long and colorful history, while forging ahead to a future that promises one of the best regional theater experiences anywhere.

CapemayX.com wanted to learn more, so we tracked down Jim Moffatt who heads Project Encore, the 1.2 million dollar reconstruction effort, and interviewed Jim in front of the Stage. He described what the historic renovation means to Cape May, it's loyal theater goers, and the Stage itself (click video clip below).

Click to read more ...

Here's an interesting interpretation of one of Cape May's more iconic landmarks — the faded blue Water Tower. This original artwork intentionally presents the structure on its side, altering the normal frame of reference. The Warhol poster effect moves the image miles from the faded blue we normally associate with the tower. Why don't more artists give creative coverage to this recognizable Cape May landmark? If you love Cape May, I guarantee that tower has its symbolic and emotional hooks firmly embedded into your psyche. Even if you've haven't given thought to it in while, if ever, think how often the image steps into your field of vision. Its bulging blue bowl is the first thing you see driving over the bridge. The baby blue color hasn't changed in 30 years (I think). And a cursory glance at the words National Hist.. (you rarely see all the words together) and you know exactly where you are. Cape May - National Historic Landmark.

So basically, there's emotional and historical currency connecting the water tower to the Cape May brand. It's great to see new art that steps outside the expected boundaries and tackles a subject that's so unusual because it's so normal and ignored.
Creative take on old icon If anyone has a creative original of the blue water tower that you'd like to show the world, send an email to Michael to tell us about it. Include a .jpg image if you can. If it's really good, we'll feature it on capemayX.com. The local artist who designed sideways tower wishes to remain anonymous.