Author: Joey Ciaramitaro

Gloucester voted in top 10 US best cities/towns for arts and crafts!
Gloucester, the oldest fishing port in the US (and still richly operational), and Rocky Neck, the oldest and most established artists’ colony in America, can now add the prestigious title of best place for arts and crafts recognized by the organizers of American Craft Week, the nation’s largest annual craft celebration.
American Craft Week is a national, grassroots program designed to promote and celebrate fine handmade American craft.  Produced by a committee of CRAFT (Craft Retailers and Artists of Tomorrow), it began in 2010, and last year included over 1,000 events in all 50 states!
Gloucester’s notable recognition is sponsored by American Craft Week and voted on by arts’ and crafts’ aficionados across the Country.   
Only one of two cities in the East awarded this acknowledgement (along with Brattleboro, Vermont), Gloucester is a straight drive on 128 North or a train ride (less than one hour) from Boston. In addition to a breathtaking unobstructed ocean drive, Gloucester is home to some of the best beaches; boasting a plethora of hotels, B&Bs and countless restaurants and pubs per block, including fresh lobsters; an unrivaled music scene, and the renowned Gorton Theater bringing international talent for many first-run shows. Movies (e.g., Perfect Storm, Manchester by the Sea, Olive Kittredge) are always in production, somewhere in the city.  “When we started American Craft Week, we wanted to involve galleries and festivals so we could draw the public’s attention to craft. But in the course of six years, our vision has become so much wider, mainly because craft in this country is so pervasive and exciting,” founder, Diane Sulg exclaims.
American Craft Week encompasses events in all fifty states. Several states, including Vermont, Maine and Virginia, have official celebrations backed by tourism and economic development dollars.  In addition to the tangibles,  Sulg noted “craft creates jobs for thousands of Americans.  The impact of this creative economy is profound for individuals, communities and the entire nation.”
Donna Soodalter-Toman, the owner of DIVA (Donna’s Infinite Variety of Adornments), Main Street in Gloucester says of her love for working and living in Gloucester, “I have been drawn to Gloucester as a crafter, collector, beach and music junky for over 40 years.  Now a resident, I make the ocean a big part of my daily routine as I watch painters search for inspiration by the seashore and I find sea glass to incorporate into my pieces.  I adore the diversity of the people; their warmth, spirit and authenticity – No turning back, ever.   I’m thrilled that our city received this prestigious award and look forward to welcoming visitors to Gloucester all year round!”
For information on Gloucester happenings, including; open studios, artists, crafters, galleries, fairs, fiestas and where to stay and play, contact Discover Gloucester at info@DiscoverGloucester.com.

Hi Joey. Great fun at Sunday’s Podcast. Went kayaking after I left there. 

I hope the FOB enjoy this photo. The Annisquam River is my solace and my playground. Every day on the Annisquam is amazing; but some days are more amazing that others. I call days like this, ‘Gifts from God.’   – Karen

Karen Pischke

Gloucester MA

All my #BBQ buddies please like this photo on my instagram page to help my daughter Madeline win the #foodvolution #pier23kitchen burger naming challenge in #GloucesterMA. She named it “Simple Yet Delicious” I would really appreciate your help as she’s super excited about it.

For More Info-

www.captbillandsons.com

https://www.facebook.com/captbillswhalewatch/

978-283-6995

24 Harbor Loop

Gloucester MA

Wave the flag for Gloucester and Essex!

Essex-built schooners participating in Sail Boston will be a significant part of the upcoming celebration of Tall Ships, June 16-22. They are: Lettie G. Howard, Roseway, Adventure, Thomas E. Lannon, Ardelle, Fame, and Lewis H. Story. 

There will be fifty-one vessels participating in Sail Boston, twenty-nine of which will be schooner rigged. Of these twenty-nine, seven were built in Essex, MA, and four were built by eleventh generation Essex shipbuilder Harold Burnham. The oldest, Lettie G. Howard from South Street Seaport, New York, was built in 1893, with Ardelle the youngest, in 2011.

Other participating schooners with a local connection are American Eagle from Rockland, Maine, originally the Gloucester dragger Andrew and Rosalie, and the small schooners Green Dragon from Gloucester and Redbird from Essex. 

The website Sailboston.com has a complete list of all of the vessels, plus a calendar of events and viewing information.

Click here for more details and photos

Jay Arcari and son Nick Arcari are preparing thousands of square feet of carpeting for our 26th Annual Yard Sale, this Saturday from 8am to 4pm at our Salem location. Designer wool carpeting 25% to 65% off of our closeout prices! Top name brands like Karastan, Stanton, Fabrica, Prestige, Fiberworks and many others! Don’t miss this sale! www.landryandarcari.com/yard #yardsale #rugs