The Arts Scene in Rockport

Yes, we do have an arts scene.  While we love our artistic heritage (William Lester Stevens, Aldro Hibbard…I could go on and on), many people don’t realize that a vibrant community of artists is based here still.  Now.  In the 21st century.  And to underscore the point that Rockport’s appeal for artists hasn’t waned, our village is playing host to one of Cape Ann’s best for the entire month of December: Eugene Quinn.  His paintings are both timeless and contemporary, featuring subject matter that doesn’t seem entirely locked in any place or time.  A few summers ago in Rocky Neck I bought one of his small studies of Back Beach in Rockport and I often myself taking a moment to stare at it as I go through the mundane tasks of the day (it hangs near our dining room table). Even without being a finished painting, it so completely captures the quality of the early morning light (the sun hitting the clock tower of the Old Sloop Church) that for a minute I am someplace else entirely, pulled away from feeding time and all the mess associated with giving pre-schoolers their breakfast.  This fact alone makes the Eugene Quinn painting I have very near and dear to my heart.  Better than a pharmaceutical.  Now if only artists were compensated as well as drug companies, the world would be a better place.

Don’t miss Eugene Quinn’s “2010 Light and Sea Exhibit” for the month of December, located at the Thistle Fine Art Gallery at 8A Main Street in Rockport.  Open Monday – Saturday from 10 – 6, Sunday 12 – 5.  (Call 617-894-1552 to schedule an appointment or reserve a painting).  The artist himself is available for questions and conversation – always a plus – and he makes his process available as well by providing his studies for browsing (and purchasing) as well as his larger works.  An Exhibit Reception will be held on Saturday, December 11th, from 4-9pm.  Below are a few photos from the exhibit, with apologies for my inability to do the work justice: