Alpacas, wreaths, and art abound at All Hands dentist office’s holiday fair
Nov 6, 2021
Ellen Russell and her granddaughter, Eloise Sullivan, create a variety of wreaths together as “Two Bees in a Wreath.” Ellen said Eloise is the artistic director. Photos by: Chloe Shelford
Alexandra Poyant creates beaded bracelets. See more on Instagram @poyant.design.
One of Poyant’s bracelets.
Marissa Pimental creates glittery ornaments and other crafts as “Gracie Lane Designs,” and during the day, works as office manager at All Hands.
One of Pimental’s exquisitely glittery ornaments.
Abby Volkmann has been using this beading loom since childhood. Her creations are available online at www.etsy.com/shop/BeadsandBitsByAbby
Not everyone loves going to the dentist.
But on Saturday, Nov. 6, All Hands Dentistry hosted a holiday fair — complete with alpacas — as part of the practice’s mission to change that and make the dentist’s office a place people of all ages can feel comfortable visiting.
Andre Sullivan, the practice manager, said that the event was meant to help kids have a good experience visiting the office. He explained that it’s important to have young children visit the dentist and build up their comfort level. Then, if they need a filling or other dental work, they can approach that experience with less stress.
Sullivan explained that the office hosts a rotating selection of art by local artists, and each exhibition is paired with an opening event. Sullivan and his wife, dentist Dr. Allyce C. Sullivan, had planned to exhibit the holiday wreaths crafted by their daughter Eloise with her grandmother Ellen Russell.
“If we’re doing that [opening], why not do a holiday fair?” Andre Sullivan said. The event doubled as a celebration of the first anniversary of the office’s opening.
On Saturday, local artists and vendors set up their wares out front and inside the office, and friendly alpacas enjoyed the sunshine while Dr. Sullivan served up cider and hot cocoa.
A steady crowd explored the facility.
“The local area has been amazing,” said Andre Sullivan.
Dr. Sullivan said the turnout for the event had been “fantastic,” with many new people checking out the office.
“We’re just trying to become a part of the community,” Sullivan said.
The practice is open to people of all ages, she said. Right now, the office is collecting Halloween candy to be sent to the troops overseas. Kids who bring in candy can enter raffles to win various toys — including a Play-Doh dentistry kit.
“It’s a delight to be here,” said photographer Russ Saunders, whose art was on display. “It’s a wonderful showroom and a wonderful family.”
Kitty de Groot of the Buzzards Bay Bee Company said she was impressed by how comfortable kids seemed at the event.
“I’ve watched people come in with little kids today, and I can tell it’s changed something,” she said.
Dr. Sullivan noted that the office would officially turn on its Christmas lights that night, Nov. 6.
