Author: Joey Ciaramitaro

The Cape Ann Museum will present a special exhibition of works by artist Alfred Czerepak (1928-1986).  The Art of Al Czerepak will open with a reception on Saturday, March 5 and remain on display through May 29.  The exhibition will include a wide range of works by this multi-talented artist and teacher including examples of his paintings, prints and wood carvingsdrawn from private collections throughout the area.

Czerepak was born in 1928 in Haverhill and received his formal art training in Boston immediately following World War II.  He was introduced to Cape Ann, as many artists were, as a result of his training under Aldro Hibbard at what is now the Massachusetts College of Art and at Hibbard’s summer art school which was held in Rockport from 1920 to 1949.  In Rockport, Czerepak quickly became part of a small but energetic group of young artists who were devoted to exploring new theories and techniques and to pushing the boundaries of Cape Ann’s largely conservative art colony.

Over the years, Czerepak became a well known and much loved member of Cape Ann’s art community.  He maintained studios in Rockport and later at Reeds Wharf in East Gloucester.  He exhibited his works widely including, during his early years in Rockport, with the Cape Ann Society of Modern Artists and later at the Rockport Art Association, the North Shore Art Association and numerous other galleries throughout the North Shore.  Czerepak taught life drawing and sculpture courses at Montserrat College of Art in Beverly, inspiring a whole generation of artists who studied under him during his 15 years at the school.

Also on view is the special exhibition To Gather Together and Keep These Bonds: Highlights from the Permanent Collection.  Docent-led tours will be offered every Friday and Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. No reservations are required.

Funding for these programs is made possible through a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency which promotes excellence, access, education and diversity in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences, in order to improve the quality of life for all Massachusetts residents and to contribute to the economic vitality of our communities.

The Cape Ann Museum is located at 27 Pleasant Street in Gloucester. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Museum is closed during the month of February, on Mondays, and on major holidays. Admission is $8.00 adults, $6.00 Cape Ann residents, seniors and students. Children under 12 and Museum members are free. The Museum is wheelchair accessible. For more information please call: (978) 283-0455. Additional information can be found online at www.capeannmuseum.org

Liza Browning Cape Ann Museum

Gloucester, MA 01930 978-283-0455  ext.16 capeannmuseum.org