Women on the Wharf: Jane McDonald and Friends – Curated by Christina McDonald

Exhibition Dates: 
August 11 – September 11, 2022

Cultural Center at Rocky Neck 
6 Wonson Street, Gloucester, MA

Galleries open: Thursdays through August noon – 7 PM, Friday-Sunday, noon – 5 PM

Opening Reception:
Saturday, August  13, 4 – 6 PM

Book Talk with Carol St. John: 
Sunday, August 14, 3 PM

Free

The Rocky Neck Art Colony is pleased to announce its exhibition, Women on the Wharf: Jane McDonald and Friends, on view at The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck from Thursday, August 11, to Sunday, September 11. The opening reception will be on Saturday August 13, 2022 from 4 – 6 PM.           

This retrospective exhibit honors the life and legacy of the renegade artist Jane McDonald, who painted on Cape Ann and Rocky Neck from the 1970s until her death in 2009.  McDonald, a fiercely passionate artist who eschewed societal expectations,  established her own studio/gallery at 77 Rocky Neck Avenue.  In the 1980s and 1990s, she collaborated with and inspired other painters Joan Frank, Eileen Mueller, Carol St. John, and Patricia Sullivan,  generating a powerful female presence on Rocky Neck’s Madfish Wharf.  Jane dedicated herself to supporting these artists, encouraging each to be true to her own vision. This exhibit reunites this dynamic group for the first time. 

A genius of whimsical watercolors, McDonald’s spirit and influence echoes in the work of other Cape Ann artists:  Patricia Sullivan’sstrong colors and composition; Eileen Mueller’s bold brushwork and energy, Joan Frank’s combination of childlike vision and sophistication, and in Carol St. John’s playful, satirical watercolors. These works can be found in collections here and all over the world.  These five artists join the long history of notable artists of Gloucester.

Artists:

Jane McDonald (1938-2009)
Joan Frank (1941–2014)
Eileen Mueller
Carol St. John
Patti Sullivan

Women on the Wharf: Jane McDonald and Friends is on view Thursday through Sunday, noon to 5:00PM at The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson Street, Gloucester, Mass.  

The public is invited to celebrate the artists at the Opening Reception Saturday August 13  from 4-6 PM. View the art and enjoy light refreshments, drinks and lively conversation. 

Carol St. John will deliver a free public talk on her recently-published work, With Life as Your Canvas, All is Art, Art is All, on Sunday, August 14, 3PM.

The Rocky Neck Art Colony offers an exciting roster of exhibitions, receptions, and events in 2022, with refreshments, admission and nearby parking free of charge. More information for all Cultural Center events is available on the website, www.rockyneckartcolony.org, by email at director@rockyneckartcolony.org,  

The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson Street, Gloucester, is the official Welcome Center for Rocky Neck and home of the Art Colony, which hosts exhibitions, workshops, meetings, lectures and cultural events of all kinds. The Center accommodates up to 100 people. For information about renting the facility for a meeting, theatrical or musical performance, a small wedding or anniversary, either private or for the community, please contact director@rockyneckartcolony.org or telephone, 978 515-7004.