The Dickens Project Art Show

 

By Netera Landar

Where the Dickens Project 2025 Open Art Show is being held.

Always eager to explore the photography and paintings of the SL community, I stepped back in time to enjoy a true winter holiday tradition. Talia Sunsong informed me about the Dickens Project 2025 Open Art Show. The show opened at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, with DJ Nicholas entertaining the crowd. It ends when The Dickens Project closes on Jan. 5, 2026.

Stevie Morane Basevi spoke to me about the contributors' artwork.

I was greeted by the art show’s coordinator, Stevie Morane Basevi, as I entered the building's foyer. She wore a stunning burgundy Victorian gown, and we talked in one of the two rooms displaying the contributors’ artwork.

“Have a wander around. This work was done by some of the best and most talented artists in SL," Stevie said. “I love the Dickens Project very much. I talked to some of the wonderful artists. Several are returning for the second or third time.”

Left, Winter Moon at Calas by Carelyna, and right, Dickens 00001 by Hermes Kondor.

As we moved through the foyer, she told me who the artists were and said their bio statements were in the clickable panels under the art. Stevie was responsible for arranging the artwork and decorating some of the buildings on the theme-related sims. With a smile, she says, “It was a labor of love.”

View from Harbour Lighthouse - Dickens 2020 by Caledonia Skytower and Christmas Present - Dickens 2020 also by Caledonia Skytower.

Artists featured in the art show are: Carelyna Resident, Stevie Morane Basevi, Hermes Kondor, Caledonia Skytower, HoneyHeart Resident, Dante Helios, Pagan Lane, Raven Arcana, LadyDragon Kazan, Gillian Gustafson, TaliaSunsong, Prins Evergarden, Rosvald, Yanashvaniva Resident, Aquarius27Denimore, and Elvira Mistwood.

Sleighing with Merrylegs in the Snow by HoneyHeart and Winter Scene by Dante Helios.

The artwork focused on winter landscapes, settings inspired by Charles Dickens’ novella “A Christmas Carol,” scenes from the play, carriage rides in the snow, and even a photo of a sculpture.

Ghost of Christmas Past by Pagan Lane.

According to Caledonia Skytower, the Seanchai Library has presented Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” since the library's inception in 2008. In 2012, it began its evolution to the fully immersive, region-scaped environment it is today.

Left, "Coming Home for Christmas" by Raven Arcana, center, photograph by Hermes Kondor, right, The Wealthy, Spoiled Princess by LadyDragon Kazan.

“The Dickens Project is a Second Life winter holiday tradition that invites guests to walk in the steps of Ebenezer Scrooge in an environment inspired by Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella “A Christmas Carol.” The project brings together different SL communities, and celebrates the work of Dickens and his seminal Christmas story through music, story, and a wide variety of events,” said Caledonia.

Marley’s Ghost Photomontage by Gillian Gustafson and Covered Bridge In Snow by Talia Sunsong

“Our goal is to create as many entry points for exploration, discovery, and entertainment as possible,” Caledonia added. “So, whether you like dance club events, literature, curated educational content, or just exploring with your friends, you may well find something to engage you at The Dickens Project. We thought it would be a great opportunity to encourage that community and further encourage SL image creation by holding an art show. We decided early on not to limit it to images created at The Dickens Project, but to keep the requirements ‘Dickens adjacent.’ ”

Left, Winter Love Valley by Carelyna, center, photo by Prins Evergarden, and right, Dicken’s Project by Rosvald.

The environment lets you experience that specific time period. Create new SL holiday memories by wearing Victorian attire and taking pictures for your greeting cards.

Left, Feziwig's Christmas Party by Aquarius Denimore, and next to it, Dickens Project - Allaway by Yanashvaniva.

SL residents are encouraged to create and submit artwork for consideration in next year’s show.

Painting, Time Travelers, by Elvira Mistwood.

To head straight to the art exhibition, go to http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Dickens%20Project/46/181/24  

 

Seanchai Library, which means “Storyteller” in Irish Gaelic, promotes the power of stories to transform and inspire through live voice presentations. 

 

For more information, visit http://irelandslstory.blogspot.com/ or join the group.

 

The main entrance to the Dickens Project is at The Dickens Project (129/128/1401).

Netera Landar
 

The Lost Gallery

 

 By Netera Landar

 

At the entrance, there was a candy booth, a grand piano inside a Christmas gazebo, and a walk-through Christmas tree. Strands of twinkling lights wrapped around light poles, tying the scenery together. 

The Lost Gallery is hosting its 3^rd Annual Holiday Exhibit, featuring over 20 artists in a whimsical landscape. The opening weekend celebration was on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 6 p.m. with entertainment by DJ Sam. On Sunday, Dec. 14, at 1 p.m., Sax Player Steve Who performed. The event runs through Saturday, Jan. 3.

An art exhibit and entertainment. That’s a perfect combination when hosting an event.  

The exhibit’s setting was beautiful and realistic. Photographs and paintings were showcased on easels along a long, snow-covered pathway. The work was easy to find and well organized. Each artist contributed three pieces for the exhibit. 

I teleported there early Saturday night before the contributors, organizers, and Lost Gallery’s supporters arrived. Harlo Jamison was already on the frozen pond dance floor, ready to greet people as they carefully stepped upon the ice. Harlo and Maggie Magenta are the event’s organizers. 

The exhibit’s setting was beautiful and realistic. Photographs and paintings were showcased on easels along a long, snow-covered pathway. The work was easy to find and well organized. Each artist contributed three pieces for the exhibit. Some provided bio statements, and a few offered gifts for the art patrons to take home. At the entrance, there was a candy booth, a grand piano inside a Christmas gazebo, and a walk-through Christmas tree. Strands of twinkling lights wrapped around light poles, tying the scene together. There’s even a Santa in a hot-air balloon.

Eager to know more about the gallery, I asked Harlo if Lost Gallery had a building for exhibits.

“The Lost Gallery is more of a concept than an actual building. Though we sometimes do use a building. We tend to move around the grid, sometimes doing art walks for other sims. Maggie and I both have our own small galleries, so Lost Gallery is a partnership more than anything else. The only thing permanent about Lost Gallery is that we always do a holiday exhibit!” said Harlo.

Asked who was involved in building the setting, Harlo replied, “I do the building…Maggie is our people person. I’m a slow builder…it took about 3 weeks for this one.”

Participating artists include:

Mikal Angello, DragonAngelvs, Michiel Bechir, Zia Brenner, Duraya, Prins Evergarden, Dante Helios, Johannes Huntsman, Georgie Iceghost, Harlo Jamison, Sparkly Mc Baubles, Maggie Magenta, Serena Marabana, Vixen Reigndeer, Alex Riverstone, Rosie Riverstone, Reign Rolfs, Doc Romano, Jamee Sandalwood, Giselle Seeker, Gayle Sweetwater, Kika Yongho, and Mary Zimmer.

 

DJ Sam and Aya Intikhab dancing together.

During the first entertainment session, DJ Sam played holiday music, and Aya was the hostess, while everyone skated or danced. Loved the sparkling lights beneath the ice and the giant snow globe. A few songs Sam played were, “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow” by Harry Connick, Jr.; “Almost Christmas” by Chris Isaak; “Christmas Lights” from Coldplay; “Come On Home for Christmas” by George Ezra; “Baby It’s Cold Outside” by Dean Martin; “Mistletoe and Holly” by Frank Sinatra; and “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” by Small Town Titans.

Everyone enjoyed dancing to the holiday music.

I asked two of the contributors about their work while they were dancing. I hated bothering them when they were having fun.

 

“I did a holiday photo and set it for just 10L, mostly as a gift,” said Vixen Reigndeer. “The other two are winter scenery and a hot chocolate stand…it’s all about the feeling the holidays bring.”

Mary Zimmer describing her work to GMetal Svartur. Left to right: Winter Refuge, Winter Sunset, Snowing While the Sun Shines. 

Mary Zimmer said her three photos are of Winter landscapes. “Winter Sunset is one of my most popular photos. They were taken a while ago, so the sims may not still be there. Snowing While the Sun Shines was taken at Blue Finch. Winter Sunset was taken at Echo Ridge.”

Serena Marabana’s Echoes of Snow, Snowdrops, where winter comes to rest. Pictured are a gazebo, a frozen pond, and a lighthouse.

Make sure you check out the exhibit before Jan. 3. Help support the contributors by purchasing their work.

Johannes Huntsman, Winterscapes 25, in blue tones, gives you the winter vibe. Johannes is the creator and owner of Kultivate Magazine and galleries.

Vixen Reigndeer's photography. I see adorable snowmen on the side of the road, frozen branches endangering a tree, and warming up with a cup of coffee.

Zia Branner’s Zale, Liberosis, and Cascade.

Gayle Sweetwater’s Winter’s Spring, Wandering Snowman, and Winter’s Winter watercolor paintings.

Giselle Seeker’s Through the Trees, Holiday cheer, and Arctic Sun. 

Holiday Candy booth and grand piano in a Christmas gazebo

Kika Yongho, Think, Early Bird, and Travel in Time.

Slurl: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Moran/78/193/53

Netera Landar 

 

The Pharmacy

 

By Netera Landar

“All you Hotsy-totsy dolls, and rollin'-in-money gents, get your sweet little selves over to Pet’s Pharmacy”

The Pharmacy is the cat’s meow!

The exterior of The Pharmacy appears to be an average business. Go through the passage and you'll know differently.

Creating a Speakeasy in a virtual world dominated by oldies, blues, classic rock, jazz, and heavy metal venues requires extensive research.

That’s exactly what Pet Pinklady and her team did.

Pet owned a rock-and-blues club before The Pharmacy. When someone suggested creating a venue that captured the vibe of a speakeasy, she thought that was a great idea. Pet closed her club and opened The Pharmacy during COVID, when everyone was homebound and needed something uplifting.

“I did a lot of research on speakeasies and found that a lot of them were in basements. If you glance at my building, you think you’re looking at a drugstore. You have to go through a secret passageway, like you had to sneak in during the 1920s. The entire venue is decorated in that era’s style. It was so much fun,” said Pet as she sat with me at the venue’s bar. She’s wearing a silky pink gown, a white stole, and a long strand of pearls. In her hand, a swirl of smoke rises from her cigarette holder.

Pet said that she wasn’t familiar with swing music until she opened The Pharmacy. Through DJ Suzie, who spends hours every week finding appropriate music, and Thomas Crown, she learned about the genre. Suzie, who is the club’s DJ on Saturdays, plays revival swing, which isn’t the original records. They are more of a modern-day swing. Loren is Tuesday’s DJ. He prefers original swing music and throws in electro-swing.

Asked if it was challenging to find period-specific furniture, drapery, and décor, Pet replied that she learned many of the speakeasies had black-and-red interiors. When she first opened The Pharmacy on the July 4thweekend of 2020, she had a red-and-black design, but she decided to change it to black-and-gold. 

There are two different builds. The exterior presents a pharmacy that actually masks a second building, accessible only through a wall portal. Click the arrow, and your avatar crawls through the wall and enters the club. Pet purchased the build from Marketplace, took it apart, and retextured everything.

The elegant interior of the speakeasy is inviting.

“I probably shopped for months. It was a labor of love. Everything you see here, I purchased separately. It was challenging, but when I was done, I was really pleased with how authentic it was,” she admitted. 

It took her a long time to find the right dances to pair with the music, but she did.

Attendance gradually grew as her regulars from her previous club started attending the shows. Then, in October 2020, Angela from Focus Magazine wrote an article that increased attendance. Pet promotes her venue through Events, Facebook, and word of mouth, which play a significant role in attracting attention to the club.

As for the hosts, she has three regular and one substitute. Arella Soren and Laurianya rotate on Saturday. Eve Thornhill works on Tuesday, and Piper Waterfalls is the substitute. Piper is also the social media manager. She posts events on Facebook.

Asked what brings the venue’s regulars back week after week, Pet replied, “The feeling of belonging to a family.” That was another reason she opened the venue.

“We talk a lot in chat about what’s happening in everyone’s lives,” she said. “People tell me that they don’t get the same feeling in other clubs. Top it off with good music. That always brings people back.”

Netera 

 

Tiki Grove Resort Welcomes Singers From Around The World

 

By Netera Landar

It’s half an hour before the open mic comes to life at Tiki Grove Resort. Dancing cheek-to-cheek are singer Gabriel225 Greymoon and his lovely lady, Chrys. Gabriel is singing before the audience arrives. He’s been performing in Second Life since 2012. You’ll find him at venues, open mics, and at concerts. He takes a few steps towards the stage. Minutes later, he’s singing “Your Everything” by Barry White. He’s wearing a stylish black jacket, white shirt, and black pants. Greymoon owns La Tangueria, an Argentine tango venue.

 

Next in the queue is CeliMarie Orman in a shimmering gold mini dress. She’s singing Sting’s “Every Breath You Take,”

while the Tiki’s owner, Sarge Darkwyr (SgtPinback Darkwyr), plays the guitar and greets his guests. 

 

Ananspaz wears a sweet, strapless pink dress. She’s singing in Portuguese. The audience cheers her on. 

 

After Betty, from the Philippines, sings, Leo Emmanuel, from Argentina, performs. He has a sexy voice and style, garbed in a long coat, matching pants, and a comfortable tan sweater.

The entrance to the venue before the show began.

I return a day later to interview Darkwyr when he isn’t juggling his responsibilities as a venue owner. The tropical setting is calming, and no one is dancing on the large aquarium dance floor. As we sit at a bistro table, his poodle jumps up, excited to be with her dad.

Years ago, Darkwyr managed the ~O~ Lounge on the open sim grid Encore Escape. Clearly, there’s a connection. He goes by the name Cowboy Bob on other grids. 

“Canipanic, who owned the ~O~ Lounge in Second Life, recently retired and closed it,” he explains. “He had a venue set up that no one used. I found it and wanted to put it to good use. I started doing an open mic in Encore Escape about six or seven years ago. Canni approved. We had a lot of people who came there.”

Then Encore Escape’s grid closed. Darkwyr said the lounge was moved to a Canadian grid, but it wasn’t the same. When that grid closed, Darkwyr decided to ease back into Second Life. Diesel Muircastle, a friend of his, showed him his sim. 

“I asked if I could do an open mic there, at the Hog’s Breath. We were there for a year and a half, and everything was going great. When the land changed ownership, we were nudged off. He moved and went with the name Tuscan’s Island, and I had Tiki Resort there. Then we moved to Zenith Island, and I’d say we’ve been here for five years,” said Darkwyr.

Tiki Grove Resort is located on an eighth of a sim. There’s a smaller stage on the other side for more intimate performances. Urban Harvey and CTM Underwood modified the venue. CTM built the aquarium, and Urban helped with everything.

“It took three weeks to build, reconfigure, to change colors, make the railing, and purchase the furniture,” recalled Darkwyr. “The open mic items on the stage came from Urban, as well as the logo and big banner. He was instrumental in decorating and redesigning. The basic club was bought on Marketplace.”

The open mic queue helps organize the event

The open mic events are on Wednesdays, from 6 to 9 p.m. There have been times when the event has gone longer. Participants can sing one or two songs when it’s their turn. Many attempt to sing in English, or they can sing in the language they are most comfortable with.

Asked what’s involved in running this type of event, Darkwyr said, “Lots of patience. We are an open mic location. You do not have to be a professional performer. It’s for anyone to come here and express themselves. I supply the club stream, which can only be used at the club. They can also use their own stream.”

Darkwyr said that the open mic participants tend to be from overseas. 

“We’ve been dealing with them for quite some time. We treat them with respect, help them with their streams, and help them solve problems when they sing. Catdanc can help them more because she’s a singer. We’re both encouragers.”

There are also individual singers on stage on Tuesdays, on alternating weeks: Southcity Genesis and Star-Menna, and Wayne Rhodell sings every week.

As with any venue, click the tip jar to support the open mic. If you need a DJ for your special event, call on Sarge. Not only does he know the popular songs of several eras, he’s also a great entertainer.

Netera Landar

Early Christmas Shopping at Dench Designs

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

Thanks dench 005

Can you believe another year has passed since we saw turkeys and Santas? Well, it is time again to go shopping for decorations for your regions and your homes, and gifts of course. I have started collecting landmarks for places I like to shop and recommend. Before we get into trees I had a notice today that one of my favorites, always first place to write about has not only Christmas Shop open but has added a Thanksgiving shop too so I took a run over. This is Dench Designs.

There are great Thanksgiving tables ready for dinner and some lovely fireplaces with the holiday décor.

If you would like to honor the Pilgrims by adding them they are waiting for you. Some cute smaller décor is available and I love the Happy Thanksgiving banner for the outside of your home. Go Look! ( Good Prices too)

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Rookery/238/21/21

After that visit I set out to check out the wonderful Christmas store that is always set up at on the Rookery with great bargains and items for everyone. When landing you will see all sorts of outside scenes. I always look for the Skating Santas and other figures on the ice. Stop in the little cottage in the corner before you dive in the huge shop.

Inside the shop all sorts of scenes await. The first floor is loaded with different déco.

 

The second floor is great for those looking for bargains. That is where you will find the gifts and gifts for non members and members. I recommend joining this group for all the benefits , like gifts and discounts on everything in the regular store and special setups too. I checked out the Bar and had a glass of wine with Santa. Need a band for decoration? Look there. Animesh greeters, dancers, are everywhere.

I love the wearable dancing companions . They have a wonderful AO that works for any kind of music. You can try the dances by just hopping on the demonstration dancers. Try them. The bargain corner always has little items you would love to get for 5L . Look all around for more big bargains on the walls. I love those little elves, gnomes and the mice that sing by the outdoor Lantern. Check them out along with the myriad of items on both floors. Get going on your early shopping. This month goes quickly and we need to be ready by December 1!.

 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Rookery/25/36/222

Gemma Cleanslate
 

All Hallows at Moochie

 

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

“The veil grows thin and [All Hallows is ready to welcome you into its ghoulish embrace. May your month be filled with flickering lanterns, crisp leaves, and a touch of haunted magic. Happy October, everyone! “ Yay! One of my very favorite places to roam among the brilliant foliage and discover all the attractive hidden places for sitting and talking or for taking photos. Bring you honey or your family and wander in the forest. This is not the scariest Halloween places I will visit but one of the most enjoyable.

At the entrance pick up a map to carry with you and postcards to send to your friends . Couples will find a rezzer for walking together. Turn on the shared environment and be sure to turn on your music for eerie sounds, stories, and music to accompany you on your travels. I had to brighten the environment for photos . If you check the railway car you will see a map of the whole region with indicators of scenes you don’t want to miss. There are those who rent certain areas to celebrate the entire month. You will be warned if you wander onto those properties so you can just turn around and leave. They are mostly along the west side of the region.

From the large circle surrounded by hay bales and pumpkins and hundreds of candles and other expressions of Halloween there are paths that go in all directions making it easy to find your way to all sites. Find a dance ball(candles) above the center décor and enjoy. Before you take a path check out the “snow angel”, and the gallows. Or become part of the décor in the hearse. Walking along the paths little scenes to sit or touch will give you a chance for a great photo. I think a whole family will enjoy the areas with carousel, monkey bars , other toys to play with.

Along the water of the small harbor goulish servers, Cressida Wretched and Henrietta Hagwort and offer drinks and Halloween food to try. Henrietta has a terrible story , check her profile..sad. I did eat and survived so go ahead. Out on the water there is a cute game, Trick or Treat Trail Game. I did not try it but think I will when I return with friends. Take a swan boat ride. On the other side of the harbor is a charming restaurant to try also.

I did not stay on the paths but wandered into the woods to enjoy autumn colors At one point I did find the little outdoor theater showing an old black and white movie fit for the season. I have visited about four times so far and still have not found all there is to be found so shall plan on coming back during the month that it will be there I did not get to the church yet!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Moochie/170/182/23

Gemma Cleanslate 

 

More Halloween Shopping: Khargo and Halloween Town in Portland

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

Khargo is another terrific place not only to shop but to enjoy the fun scenes for Halloween.

The various skeleton scenes are cute rather than scary but that is part of Halloween too, being amusing. Skeletons rule performing all kinds of spooky activities . It seems they like the water in this region and have boats that would look good if you have a waterfront property anywhere. Listen for sounds and use the shared environment for the best experience.

They also have a beach filled with skeletons sunbathing, serving drinks and having a great time. If you have a beach to decorate check here. Elsewhere I saw a burnt out house filled with skeletons that evidently make it out that would be a decoration for a dark region or parcel.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Yellowstone%20Falls/216/113/22

At this “shop” not only can you do your shopping but you can do it by taking a ride and buying as you go along. Take a tour of Halloween town at Portland , Maine. There are many little scenes for sale. 

There are three tours to chose that are really fun to ride and see wonderful views ... not all of  the tours show items that are for sale, just a great Halloween experience. It is getting closer and there will be so many experience tours and rides to just sit back and enjoy in a scary way. I will be visiting some and let you know. 

Since I recommended checking out several full perm shops for Halloween items you might like to go over to see what they are offering at the Full Perm event til November 15. There are advertised “40 full perm stores in one place. Full perm mesh, animations, sounds, textures, builders kits, mesh templates, creator kits. B2B event, market, fair. *by entering this land you will automatically be added to our subscribers list* / Halloween party mesh” I checked it out and you should too.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Cartier/24/160/3760

Gemma Cleanslate