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The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson Street, Gloucester, MA Gallery Hours: Thursday-Sunday, Noon – 5 PM
Amanda Hawkins July 7, 2022 Oil on Yupo PaperJoe LoVasco Untitled Mixed Media on PaperNicholas Anthony Mancini Assise (Et La Basilique de s. Francesco) Oil on LinenWill Suglia Mural 2 Mixed MediaJon Bolles 46 Pond Street Oil on Canvas
ROCKY NECK ART COLONY (RNAC) presents Following Traditions, an exhibition 400+ years in the making. As its name suggests, Following Traditions connects the past to the present, the historic to the contemporary, the way things were to where they are. The exhibition features five local artists and considers their work within the context of Cape Ann’s significant artistic lineage. Participating artists are Nicholas Anthony Mancini, Jon Bolles, Amanda Hawkins, Will Suglia and Joe LoVasco, all of whom have deep personal or professional ties to the locale of the North Shore.
The diversity of process, material and outcome across the work serves as a reminder of the artistic voices and muses that once found inspiration here in the nation’s oldest art colony:
Nicholas Anthony Mancini uses paint to create a space that is simultaneously referent to and removed from reality. His constructed spaces are not unlike those of Stuart Davis, in their play between surface and depth, offering glimpses of namable objects amongst painterly abstractions. Both artists find ways to play with and push the inherent flatness of painting, thereby creating a portal into another world.
Jon Bolles situates his viewer in a very specific place and time. His visual notations of light are akin to Edward Hopper’s architectural paintings, where it may be argued that light is the true subject of the work. Bolles’ sensitivity to color and mark dramatize the highlights and shadows of his selected built environments, inviting the viewer to be immersed in a fleeting moment in time.
Amanda Hawkins’ plein air practice demands quick and bold brushwork, like that of Nell Bliane.
Each brushstroke is alive, both referring to and diverging from its subject, but always working in unison to create form and depth. Hawkins, like Blaine, embraces the inherent abstraction of paint and sees it as a self-referent media.
Will Suglia’s work entwines symbol and place. His visual narratives explore vignettes of people, places and objects transformed through material manipulation. This transformation from subject to consequent object is reminiscent of Marsden Hartley. Suglia, like Hartley, allows the artistic process to be seen, embedding a narrative into the final work.
The driving motivation for Joe LoVasco’s work is a thorough investigation of form. LoVasco, like Milton Avery, has the rare ability to coalesce and harmonize wide-ranging shapes and forms. Whether looking at his two- or three-dimensional work, the viewer may find similar questions as when looking at an Avery painting: How did these shapes come to be?
Rocky Neck Art Colony has served as a microcosm of palpable creative energy for over 120 years and counting and continues to inspire. By bridging past and future, Following Traditions celebrates the here and now of Rocky Neck Art Colony.
The Artists
Jon Bolles Amanda Hawkins (curator) Joe LoVasco Nicholas Anthony Mancini Will Suglia
Events
Making Connections: The Historic and Contemporary Artists of Rocky Neck Art Colony Sunday August 27th, 3:30p Event to be held at the Cultural Center directly before opening reception
Nicholas Anthony Mancini Virtual Artist Talk Tuesday August 29th 7-8pm
Amanda Hawkins Virtual Artist Talk Tuesday September 12th 7-8pm
Will Suglia Virtual Artist Talk Thursday September 21st, 7-8pm
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The Rocky Neck Art Colony (RNAC), a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, nurtures excellence in the arts through exhibitions, workshops, residencies and vibrant cultural events for its members and the public. On picturesque Rocky Neck in Gloucester, Massachusetts, RNAC operates three exhibition spaces, open to the public for free, The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck (6 Wonson Street); The Salted Cod Arthouse (53 Rocky Neck Ave.), a partnership gallery and café; and Cove Gallery (37 Rocky Neck Ave.), open seasonally in the former gallery of local artists Gordon and Judith Goetemann. Check the website, www.rockyneckartcolony.org, for hours, openings and special events. For more information, see the website or call 978-515-7004
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Join us every Friday and Saturday this summer to turn up your weekend vibe at Beauport Hotel’s Sunset Sessions with tickets now on sale for August 18th & 19th!
Featuring live DJ entertainment from 617 Events, we are the only place in Gloucester featuring a 21+ evening rooftop sunset viewing party with stunning views, lively tunes and savory cocktails. Make sure to bring your suit if you want to take a dip in the pool or hot tub!
Looking to elevate your experience? We are also offering limited VIP Premium Ocean View Lounge Seating for up to four guests on the Rooftop including a bottle of Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut (inclusive of gratuity, tax and Eventbrite fees) so that you can start the evening off celebrating with bubbles!
Our limited VIP General Admission starts at $25* and are now on sale!
Hosted by Castleberry Fairs & Festivals Location: Stage Fort Park, Hough Avenue, Gloucester, MA GPS Address: 24 Hough Ave, Gloucester, MA 01930Details: Free Admission Friendly Pets on a leash
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Pat D’s Photos hopes to see you on Lexington Ave this Saturday Aug 19 from 5-9 PM for the last of the summer Lexington Ave block parties! Here are some of the images that are available. Stop by and say hello. Lots of fun and entertainment coming your way!
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Please join us for an afternoon on historic Rocky Neck, Gloucester, MA for an afternoon of plein air painting. Known as one of the longest, continuously running art colonies Rocky Neck is home to a new generation of plein air painters, many whom live and work on Madfish Wharf. The event is open to all interested painters. Paint anywhere in the neighborhood morning and or afternoon and then join us between 5pm-7pm for a “Wet Paint Sale.” Artists will have an opportunity to display and sell their finished works on Madfish Wharf, during Gloucester’s Thursday evening Culture Splash. Live music by the Woodland Strings and light refreshments by the Rudder.
*Artists info:
$100 cash first prize Artists Choice Award, 2nd and 3rd prizes to be decided
Please have your work ready to hang. Ie wire your canvas or desired surface prior to painting. Frames are optional
Artists are responsible for their individual sales. Please be prepared to work this out between the buyer. Ie Venmo, Apple Pay etc. Artists ear 100% of their sale.
Art Lovers: Come observe artists painting on the Neck and enjoy food, drink and music during the Wet Paint Sale. If able please consider purchasing artwork. A purchase goes beyond an individual sale, supporting an artists career and the arts and culture scene that makes Gloucester special. Let’s support arts culture and keep artists in Gloucester by buying art.