Did You Know? (Little Art Cinema & Vasa)

That the Little Art Cinema, a small single-screen seasonal cinema on the corner of Broadway and School Streets in Rockport is located on the second floor of Spiran Hall, VASA Order of America’s Spiran Lodge #98, a Scandinavian Fraternal Society founded in 1908. 

The Vasa Order of America began more than a century ago as a benefit fraternal society for Swedish immigrants to the United States. Membership at the time was limited to Swedish born men who through the Vasa Order met others who needed to learn the new language and ways of the new country. A benefit fund provided a small income to members during sickness, and a death benefit, which at that time would cover final expenses. The Order is named for Gustav Vasa, who liberated Sweden in the 16th century and became the first King of modern Sweden. The name of Vasa reflects the Order’s roots as a Swedish American Fraternal Organization. Swedish in origin, the Vasa Order welcomes men and women over 14 years of age of Scandinavian roots, (Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish or Icelandic,) and their spouses who would like to rediscover the traditions of their forefathers; and those who are not of Nordic ancestry but are committed to the promotion and advancement of Swedish and Nordic heritage and culture. They do this by encouraging the observance of special dates old and new, such as Midsummer, Leif Ericksson Day, etc. with proper festivities including Smorgasbord and Scandinavian music. While much of their activity occurs during the summer season, in mid-December it is hard to find a Vasa Lodge where Luciafest is not observed. 

As we all know, the Scandinavian immigrants were an important part of the quarrying industry on Cape Ann, and continue as an integral part of the community here to this day. 

About the theatre, one Yelp reviewer wrote:  ah.  This place is like a museum of memories.  AND a labor of love it seems.  A tiny little theatre on the 2nd floor of a building on the corner of Broadway and School St. in Rockport, “Little Art Cinema” is something from another time.

I happened to see a poster in the “Bean and Leaf” cafe on the Neck (that’s Bearskin y’all, not Rocky Neck) indicating that a documentary on the marriage of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier was playing the week of July 8.  I made a note to see this and wondered where there was a theatre in Rockport.  (who knew?)

I looked online and found a phone number but it is disconnected.  Don’t let this stop you….The theatre is there and appears to run like clockwork. One guy sells tickets, popcorn and snacks AND runs the projection.  I’m not sure if he’s the owner but he sure seems to be ‘into it.’  Turns out the film I went to see, airing at 7 and 9PM – was a double feature.  There was a film about Pablo Picasso playing before “A Wedding in Monaco.”  EXCELLENT.  Can’t tell you the last time I sat in a theatre that has been showing films since 1890 [this may have been when the building was built, but the theatre has only been there since 1985], in the air conditioning, with popcorn to see 2 films in a row for $7.50~~~~!!!!  Seems like they show quirky, artsy, independents…and I love that!

Seats are “decent” but not like new cinema chairs…no drink holders, etc.  Theatre is up a flight of stairs.  Parking is ON STREET and after 6 you no longer need to feed the meter.

As Cinema Treasures says about the Little Art Cinema:  “This small single-screen seasonal cinema in the seaside Massachusetts beach and resort town of Rockport is located on the second floor of a building called Spiran Hall. The concession stand and ticket-purchase area are located on the first floor.

Walk up the winding staircase to the second level and you enter a pleasant but slightly musty auditorium with seating on a single flat level amid a moderately tattered environment. The small place has real character and is of the kind that is sadly disappearing from America.

The programming of mostly art-house movies of recent vintage is appropriate and reflects the interests and tastes of the clientele that spend time in the area and patronize the place.”

I never knew this place existed.  Sounds like Cape Ann Cinema, but without Rob and the comfy couches and chairs, and no musty or tattered environment –  not to say that isn’t cool in its own right.  I personally happen to be a fan of cool old rusty, musty, tattered places and things. 

E.J. Lefavour