Day: March 8, 2024

Reach for the Sky…

Get ready for the highly anticipated annual fundraiser, BIGtiny, hosted by the Rocky Neck Art Colony (RNAC). This year’s online auction event kicks off on Saturday, April 17 and runs until Tuesday, April 21.

If you’re eager to join in on the excitement, be sure to pick up your BIGtiny packet! Packets containing pre-cut paper are now available at The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, located at 6 Wonson Street. You can grab yours during exhibition open hours, which are Friday through Sunday from noon to 5 PM. and Mondays from 1 to 4 PM.

Each packet includes three 6×6-inch squares of art paper for crafting your masterpieces. Remember to leave a ½ inch margin around the edge for matting (live area: 5” x 5””) and SIGN THE BACK OF YOUR ARTWORK – the point is to have buyers fall in love with the work not  necessarily the artist. Submissions are open to all artists. The drop-off deadline back at The Cultural Center is April 1 (no fooling!).

Annually,  hundreds of original works — all on a scale of 6 inches square – created by more than 100 artists are offered for sale through RNAC’s BIGtiny online fundraiser. Artists’ names are not revealed – each work is signed on the back, so participants buy what resonates with them. Featured artists may include Ruth Mordecai, Jon Sarkin, Barbe Ennis, Amy Sudarsky, Joyce Roessler, Barbara Moody, Lynne Sausele, Hans Pundt, Stephen LaPierre, Rokhaya Waring, Vanessa Michalak, Ken King and many more!  

RNAC extends its gratitude to participating artists and an extra big thank-you to members Sallie Strand, Ellen Garvey, Mary Ann McCormick, Laurinda Butcher, Judy Robinson-Cox, Brian Murphy and Mary Rhinelander for donating their time and talents in preparing for this event. Proceeds from BIGtiny go to support the many exhibitions and programs put on by the Rocky Neck Art Colony throughout the year. See the website, www.rockyneckartcolony.org, for up-to-date information on events and activities

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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

Sharing information from Vee Chipperini and Brenda Leahy:

Mark your calendars… March 29th is National Vietnam Veterans Day. Please join us at 11am at the Vietnam Memorial for a wreath laying ceremony in honor of the service and sacrifices of Veterans who during Vietnam Era hosted by Cape Ann Veterans Services and Vietnam Veterans Committee.

ALL Veterans and their spouses/partners are welcomed to join us following the ceremony for a Veterans Luncheon at the Gloucester MA Elks Lodge #892. Hosted by the Elks Veterans Committee members. Please call 978-325-5730 (Cape Ann Veterans Services) to RSVP.

I noticed these intriguing stone designs recently at Crab Beach. What a lot of patience those represent!

MARCH 7, 2024 ~ TODTHEOPENDOOR

From left: Appraisers Colleene Fesko, Bryan McMullin, and James Callahan. 

Tickets are available NOW for a special event this April at Second Glance, Thrift Store of The Open Door!

Second Glance is holding a “What’s it Worth” night this April featuring acclaimed appraisers who will assess the value of items brought in by attendees. 

WHEN: Thursday, April 4 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. 

WHERE: SG Home at Second Glance, 2 Pond Road, Gloucester MA 01930 

TICKETS: $10 each at whatsitworth.eventbrite.com 

Each ticket holder may bring one item to be appraised. Second Glance will also be open for shopping during the event.  

WHAT: Anyone curious to learn the value of an antique or vintage good can purchase a ticket to Second Glance’s What’s it Worth night. Proceeds will support hunger-relief programs of The Open Door. 

Appraisers for the event will include: 

• James Callahan, Asian Art and General Antique Appraiser of Antiques Roadshow 
• Colleene Fesko, Art (Painting, Watercolor, Sculpture, and Print) Appraiser of Antiques Roadshow 
• Bryan McMullin, local Gemologist & Jewelry Appraiser 

“This is a rare opportunity for antiques lovers and novices alike to come together, bring in their special items, and revel in the historic and cultural stories of their objects,” President and CEO Julie LaFontaine said. “It’s a collision of history and art, all in the name of raising funds to connect local people to good food. We’re so very thankful to our appraisers for donating their time for this special event!” 

“Gloucester never disappoints — and has always been full of interesting people, places and things,” Fesko said. “My colleagues and I are so happy to be supporting the mission of The Open Door and their hunger-relief programs.  You never know what you’ll see (or hear!) at an appraisal event, and I encourage the community and beyond to support this event.” 

“Second Glance has created such a unique opportunity with this event to revel in the unique histories of local antiques all while raising funds for The Open Door. It’s a  community-centric event, and we’re looking forward to seeing what folks bring in for appraisal!” Callahan said.  

Light refreshments will also be available, and the main store at Second Glance will also be open for shopping for ticket-holders only during the event.