36 / matters magazine / holiday 2018 fee, or a delicious cookie from a local bakery. You meet the artist that made the thing that you fall in love with. You are directly supporting their work.” And that’s what Studio B does – connects artists to audience and to each other. Thompson and Turner Hall cre- ated Studio B in 2009 in response to what they saw as a void in spaces where musicians, actors, dancers, writers and filmmakers could find satisfaction in their work away from the chaos of the city. Each an artist in her own right, Thompson and Turner Hall hope Stu- dio B brings these creatives together in interesting, multi-disciplinary ways. With events like the Speakeasy Se- ries (a vaudeville-style variety show) and Story Slam (a five-minute story- telling competition) as well as live, se- rialized podcasts, music performances and comedy shows, Studio B keeps area artists active and audiences enter- tained. Thompson credits Studio B’s success to the deep well of world-class performers in the area. While audiences may see another Speakeasy or Story Slam this winter, for now Studio B’s main focus is the Bizarre Bazaar, which Thompson says has increased in attendance each year. In the recent past some artists have sold out of their pieces. “In terms of holiday shopping, I’d say that it’s a hundred times better than going to the mall,” she says. “And a thousand times better than shopping online.” Cheryl Silver is a mother of three, theater enthusiast and runner who previously worked as a journalist in central Illinois before moving with her family to South Orange in 2016. Park Wood D I N E R • R E S T A U R A N T Book your next gathering in our NEW Private Party Room Fresh Ingredients Fresh Fish Daily Specials Gourmet Salads Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner 1958 Springfield Avenue • Maplewood (973) 313-3990 • fax (973) 313-3991 We CATER! Free delivery to your home or office! Voted Best Diner in Essex County You’re going to love our food! juliamaloofverderosa.com julia.verderosa@gmail.com tel 917.566.1521 follow me @juliamaloofverderosaphoto P O RTR A IT • L I F EST Y L E • C E L E B R ATI O N S • E D ITO R I A L � � � WISHING YOU ALL THE WARMTH OF THE SEASON Unique Handcrafted Gifts New items arriving daily • Extended Holiday Hours