Reminder- Dogtown could be eligible for the National Register. A team of archaeologists began surveying and reviewing Dogtown the week of November 13. Come to a special public presentation TONIGHT – November 29th in Kyrouz Auditorium, Gloucester City Hall, 9 Dale Avenue, at 7pm.
Artistic practice inspired by Dogtown takes on many forms across generations and centuries. I’ve shown examples of 20th century artists and writers connected to Dogtown. Here’s a 21st century one to note: Deborah Guertze, Babson Boulders # (Courage), original small and lovely hand colored etching, ed.50. This particular impression is currently for sale at Rockport Art Association.
“Presenters at City Hall on Nov 29th will include Betsy Friedberg from the Massachusetts Historical Commission, who will explain how the National Register program works and what it does and does not do, and Kristen Heitert from the PAL, who will present an initial plan for defining the boundaries of Dogtown as a National Register District. People attending the meeting will be asked to respond to that plan and to express their views about what makes Dogtown special. What should be the boundaries of the proposed National Register District, and what cultural features should be included in it? What would be the benefits of National Register status, and are there any drawbacks?”
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The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson Street, Gloucester, MA, was one of the few cultural districts selected as a host venue for the MCC Power of Connection Tour launch. Today’s gathering includes city and state officials: Mayor Romeo Theken, Senator Bruce Tarr & Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante of Gloucester.
Guests are just arriving for the welcome reception. I will post all we glean from MCC new grants and updates. Gloucester has two districts: Rocky Neck and downtown Harbortown. On the walls at Rocky Neck center–the holiday group show is installed upstairs and a John Nesta tribute downstairs. I am looking forward to the upcoming poetry night featuring Jay Featherstone, Suzanne and others.
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The three-master SS Montclair from Nova Scotia “a cargo vessel and suspected rum runner” came ashore in pieces in 1927. There were 2 survivors. Thank you Janet Crary for sharing news and photos from your hike on Nauset Beach!
“Walked 2 miles south of Nauset Beach in Orleans Saturday to see the 1927 wreck of 3 masted Schooner Montclair. Story and earlier images reported Capecodtimes.com and Boston Globe*.” – Janet
*Back in 2010 a fifty foot cluster of remains appeared near Chatham and articles mentioned the Montclair 1927 wreck the likely contender.
A year ago and nearby, the 1939 Lutzen shipwreck was unearthed by shifting sands after Fall storms.
“So many ships have piled up on the hidden sand bars off the coast between Chatham and Provincetown that those fifty miles of sea have been called an “ocean graveyard.” Indeed, between Truro and Wellfleet alone, there have been more than 1,000 wrecks.”– National Park Service
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The Cave- cheese, wine, and chocolate shop, 44 Main Street, #GloucesterMA, is another great local businesses where one stop shopping works! On Thanksgiving weekend, Small Business Saturday, the jingle of the opening door was steady. Customers were in and out picking up host gifts and a new specialty cheese, wine or pate. Laura remembers her regulars and their particular favorite eats and drinks, and better still what they might like to try next.
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Gloucester, MA: Cape Ann Museum has generated more good news. Check out the article in North Shore Magazine’s current issue: “Collaborative & Commercial: Cape Ann Museum’s latest exhibit focuses on the printmaking skills of Gloucester artists Fitz Henry Lane” , by Robert G. Pushkar
North Shore Magazine holiday gift guide highlighted specialty items from the Cape Ann Museum gift shop like Michael Updike slates and Sarah Eliz pillows. Another article about Sweetgum Textiles Co and its new magazine, PLACE, mentions Gloucester woodworkers Alyssa Pitman and Winston Daddario of Spire Woodshop.
Beyond Gloucester and Cape Ann articles: Who knew The Stories Podcastwas produced in Haverhill, the Gambino Prosecco co-founders (and couple) live in Swampscott and grew up in Lynn, and that an Amazon store opened at Lynnfield Market?
The must see Cape Ann Museum exhibition Drawn from Nature & on Stone: The Lithographs of Fitz Henry Lane- opened October 7, 2017 and continues through March 4, 2018. Drawn from Nature & on Stone is the FIRST comprehensive exhibition focusing on Fitz Henry Lane (1804-1865) as a printmaker. Georgia Barnhill, Andrew W. Mellon Curator of Graphic Arts Emerita at the American Antiquarian Society in Worcester, MA, served as guest curator and worked closely with the Museum to organize this special show. Barnhill will be giving another curator gallery talk Saturday, December 2, 9:30AM.
Linda Bourke (January); Kirk Williamson (Februrary); Alice Gardner (March); Bradley Dickinson (April); Gloucester High School Students (May); Where is it photography contest (June); Andrew Manning (July); Jurek Schreiner (August); annual Art Auction (September); Willam Travis (October); David Lyman (November); Delpine Zohn (December)
Save the date! Chronicle is devoting a special to Woman Owned Businesses Along The Essex Coastal Scenic Byway which is sceduled to air December 6, 2017
Chronicle has been a popular news magazine TV show focusing on stories of New England for 35 years. Weeknights at 7:30pm on WCVB-TV Channel 5 Boston.
The award-winning Woman Owned Businesses Along the Essex Coastal Byway is comprised of local women retailers and colleagues from Gloucester, Essex, Ipswich and Rowley. They are working together to market their businesses and began work on a great trail map brochure last spring. Their street level shops represent 4 cities and towns, and share a regional ‘Main Street’ – Route 133/1A, part of the gorgeous 90 mile Essex Coastal Scenic Byway. They’ve inspired other routes and articles, and now Chronicle. Congratulations to all!
Joey asked Pauline’s Gifts for information about the 6th annual Small Business Saturday and a list of specials. She was an early adapter. Here it is, and thanks Pauline!
“In 2011 the Senate unanimously supported Small Business Saturday, and in 2012 all 50 states had participants. This one day event is bringing awareness of the importance in supporting your Local Small Businesses and giving many small businesses a way to promote at no cost to them. If you are an American Express merchant you are able to use the tools made available to you by AMEX. Many of us receive banners, balloons, postcards, reusable bags, and lots of other swag to use for our businesses. Even those who do not take AMEX are able to utilize the promotion working with a Neighborhood Champion. These champions obtain the materials and are able to share with other businesses in their neighborhood. In 2016 there were over 6,700 Neighborhood Champions in the country. Small business owners embrace the day. Through their own promotional efforts small business owners generated an estimated $15.4 billion dollars on Small Business Saturday in 2016.” GMG search pulls up posts about Small Business Saturday in 2012. Some of the 2017 GMG posts: Bridgette’s post, Donna’s post, Kim’s post about PRESENT, and GMG podcast (timestamped!)
*GC = gift certificate
Call your other favorite shops to find out what specials they may be having!
The Cape Ann Museum was featured on the WGBH TV program, Open Studio with Jared Bowen on November 10 and 11. Bowen interviewed Cape Ann Museum staff Martha Oaks and Georgia Barnhill about the fabulous new Fitz Henry Lane exhibition. “They also toured the Lane House, so there are some good outside shots of Gloucester!” Click the picture below or follow the link.
WGBH Open Studio with Jared Bowen espisode 2162 aired Nov 10th and 11th
Bowen was interviewed on WGBH radio Morning Edition, and high lighted this special Lane exhibition (begins at the 4:47 mark)
The Cape Ann Museum Drawn From Nature and Stone: Lithographs of Fitz Henry Lane exhibition opened October 4th and will continue through March 4, 2018. Cape Ann Museum is located at 27 Pleasant Street in Gloucester, MA. Look for special programming inspired by the exhibition. Next up: Emerald Rae concert at the Cape Ann Museum
Saturday, November 25 at 3:00 p.m ‘a concert inspired by Fitz Henry Lane’s Sheet Music covers
Exhibition Sponsors include John Rando| Jerry and Margaretta Hausman | Linzee and Beth Coolidge | Jay Last | J.J. and Jackie Bell | Bill and Anne Kneisel | Arthur Ryan | International Fine Print Dealers Association | American Historical Print Collectors Society, Inc. | Beauport Hospitality Group
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How close is the Cape Ann Motor Inn to Long beach? On it! So close most days they need to sweep sand out of the parking lot. They told me that they have been busier all seasons, especially since they renovated the rooms a couple of years ago.
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Christie’s and Sotheby’s held dueling LIVE auctions on November 21, 2017. Christie’s American sale offered 93 lots resulting in $34,131,500 total sales, nearly 7x the total sales of Sotheby’s which featured less than 67 lots because the Berkshire Museum lots were pulled from the sale. Sotheby’s* failed to sell more than 1/2 of the first 45 lots. I’ll update after the sales have ended. *Sotheby’s sale is now closed. The auction house sold just 34 of 67 lots, total sales (including Buyer’s Premium) were $5,858,250. Christie’s sold 72 of 91 lots today.
It turns out that the James Prendergast Library deaccession (see prior GMG post) would have made more money and kept the art in Jamestown if they had not brought the art to market at Sotheby’s. Here are the three of nine paintings to find collectors; two went under estimate.
SOLD $320,000 under estimate
SOLD $55,000 under estimate
SOLD $32,000 over estimate
One of Sotheby’s best lots today was a Dame Laura Knight which sold for $560,000, right within its estimate range.
Hammer prices unless otherwise indicated:
Christie’s Lot 15 Norman Rockwell What Makes it Tick, a 1948 oil on canvas, sold for 6.2million (just above its pre sale high estimate, 4 million to 6 million) which came to $7,287,500 after buyer’s premiums were factored. Rockwell’s Returning from Camp fetched 1.9 million. A Winslow Homer Tynemouth watercolor fetched a hammer price of $170,000, above its presale estimate range of 100,000-150,000. The Martin Johnson Heade failed to sell; the Milton Avery self portrait went for $45,000 at the gavel drop; and the Paul Manship sculpture was unsold, bidding failing to climb past $240,000 (pre sale estimate was $300,000 to $500,000.)
Norman Rockwell. Girl Returning from Camp. 1940. Christie’s presale estimate is 2 million – 3million
Milton Avery, Self Portrati and Still Life (a double sided work) oil on board, ca.1930s, 20 in x 15 in (Christie’s presale estimate is $60,000-$80,000)
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On November 21, 2017, Sotheby’s (New York) will be holding a European sale and Christie’s (New York) will be holding an American sale. Both auctions feature works by artists with ties to Gloucester and neighboring shores, among them:
Martin Johnson Heade (1819-1904) Haystacks, 1878-1892, oil on canvas, (Christie’s presale estimate $120,000-$180,000)PAUL MANSHIP (1885-1966), Lying Doe, ca. 1932 (Christie’s presale auction estimate $300,000-$500,000)
There are a few Norman Rockwell works, including the classic What Makes it Tick (The Watchman), a 1948 commission for the watchmakers of Switzerland, oil on canvas. Christie’s presale estimate is 4 million – 6 million. Christie’s is offering a Cecilia Beaux 1916 portrait in its American online auction, ending tomorrow as well. It’s titled Mrs. Albert J Beveridge (Catherine Eddy/Lady Primrose) and measures 57 x 38. Bids open at $12,000 on this Beaux.
Milton Avery, Self Portrati and Still Life (a double sided work) oil on board, ca.1930s, 20 in x 15 in (Christie’s presale estimate is $60,000-$80,000)
Cecilia Beaux, 1916 portrait of Mrs. Albert J Beveridge Christie’s online American auction ends Nov 21 2017 bids open at $12,000
Norman Rockwell. Girl Returning from Camp. 1940. Christie’s presale estimate is 2 million – 3million
Sotheby’s Nov 21 Auction a tale of two AGOs
The Berkshire Museum story has several updates. As a reminder, the Massachusetts Appeals Court ruled last week that the Berkshire Museum could not sell its artworks on consignment with Sotheby’s until the courts settle. The Berkshire Museum is pushing for an accelerated court case. They have issued a press release which I’ve posted below the break. One trustee has quit in protest of the Museum’s intent to sell. The Massachusetts Attorney General office filed responses. It’s been reported that the AG is repeating unanswered requests for archives, financial papers and other material as well as questions related to museum contruction projects completed by another board member (speculating unconfirmed reports of conflict of interest.) Official filings and documents from both sides have been shared with media outlets. The injunction decision impacted Sotheby’s American and Impressionism & Modern art sales last week, and its European sale tomorrow only in that there are fewer lots for sale. The cover of tomorrow’s European sale catalogue featured a Berkshire Museum painting, Lot 18 now unavailable.
Sotheby’s lists Lot 18 as “upcoming” sale. Bouguereau L’Agneau Nouveau (The Newborn Lamb) oil on canvas, 65 in x 34 in (Sotheby’s presale estimate 1.5million to 2 million)
Additional Sotheby’s Berkshire Museum lots described as “upcoming”, on hold till the courts decide:
Sotheby’s European sale features fine art consigned from another public repository: the James Prendergast Library, Jamestown, NY. Unlike the Berkshire Museum, the library attempted to maintain its collection, but was unsuccessful. It did not receive as much press as the Berkshire Museum brouhaha. The New York Times ran a story this weekend, too little too late for any with aims to hold on. According to the article, the library had even lined up angel collectors willing to buy the great works to ensure they remained in Jamestown, NY.
“Some critics of the sale are particularly upset that the library rejected a plan by two art patrons, Cathy and Jesse Marion of Houston who had proposed keeping the collection in Jamestown by buying about 40 of the works for $1.2 million and finding a new home for them in the city.”
The New York State Attorney General’s office declined this proposal, instead requiring that the library sell at public auction.
“Mr. Rankin said the library had to pass on that offer because the New York State attorney general’s office, which oversees nonprofit organizations, had objected to a private sale without testing whether the paintings might actually bring in more if sold through public auction.”
The library founders made careful selections amounting to an encyclopedic world tour of artists and contemplative, dreamy scenes to enrich the experience of patrons of all ages. They are fascinating together. I love this beguiling and chatty magpie narrative!
James Prendergast Library collection: Jehan Georges Vibert Le Nouveau commis oil on panel. Sotheby’s Eurpean pre sale estimate is $30,000- $40,000
More works to be sold at Sotheby’s to benefit and from the James Prendergast Library collection
Mayor Sefatia Romeo-Theken and Gloucester’s Open Space & Recreation Committee held a forum within the community center of the Maplewood Apartments complex on Thursday November 16th. The committee is working on the next Open Space plan for the city. (The prior one covering 2011-2017 has expired.) There was a brief presentation, results to the summer survey, and continued requests for suggestions and ideas. Gathering input will help prioritize possible Open Space & Recreation goals. Along with the important and detailed feedback already gathered from outreach, additional suggestions or wishes were given ‘open space’ 🙂 and welcomed at this little meeting. A woman who works with Backyard Growers mentioned a garden of a different scale, with fruit trees and strawberry patches to walk through, engendering audible oos and ahhs and one request to add it “Right there!” Others dreamed of lights/safety at Burnham’s, Kayak storage and assistance, and drainage mitigation at Magnolia Fields. Councilor Gilman took notes on the comments, and related one idea about a dedicated camping site.
You can check out the results to the survey (litter, dogs, and topics you care about are likely all in there) on the City’s website: (link coming) The presentation will tour. Look for upcoming dates and give thanks to this hardworking committee of volunteers, staff, and partners that advocate for open space and recreation. Committee members Patti Amaral, Heidi Wakeman, and Chair John McElhenny were there along with City staff from community development and housing.
photos: arriving to the community center, well before the meeting commenced, setting up in progress
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Emily Levin from Essex National Heritage shares the results of September Trails & Sails People’s Choice Awards. The top five include a repeat winner from Gloucester, MA.
Levin also has some professional news. After nine years, she’ll be moving from Essex National Heritage to Historic New England. Congratulations on your new job!
Thanks to Mayor Romeo Theken, teacher Brett Dunton, Principal Lucey, and the extreme generosity of Manship Artists Residency & Studios (MARS) under the direction of Rebecca Reynolds, the O’Maley Innovation Middle School ramped up in a powerful fashion with an amazing and enviable addition to the art department:
a rare loan of a Folly Cove Acorn fine art printing press for the art room!
Acorn printing presses were used by Gloucester’s legendary Folly Cove guild of artisans, most notably Virginia Lee Burton, an internationally renowned artist, children’s picture book author-illustrator, dancer, teacher and Folly Cove co-founder. O’Maley students study Gloucester, printmaking, and the history of Folly Cove artists through a myriad of units in each grade and subject, often in partnership with Cape Ann Museum, local artists and other community partners. And now, to have this pedigree press, … Wow! Enjoy some photographs from Brett Dunton from the exciting installation day.
teachers Brett Dunton and Ashley Doke with 8th grade students admiring the newly installed famous Acorn press O’Maley Innovation Middle School, Gloucester MA
The O’Maley press is one of the last actual Folly Cove presses remaining on Cape Ann. It was owned and used by Elizabeth (Libby) Holoran and Isabel Natti, eventually taking up Holloran’s floor space in the Sarah Elizabeth Store which she opened in 1974. Superstar sculptor, Paul Manship, was Isabel Natti’s grandfather. Aino Natti, Natti’s uncle, was one of the Folly Cove co-founders and the original owner of this particular press. Acorn printing presses were fabricated and distributed by companies like the Adams Brothers in Boston circa 1830-1870. The name “Acorn” comes from the cut away which resembles the shape of an acorn; the presses are RARE and beautiful. One is on view at the Cape Ann Museum.
Mayor Romeo Theken was hopeful that MARS would consider the schools and Gloucester’s students when determing a most suitable location. Teacher Brett Dunton knows Natti and all about this famed press. He was thrilled to build a print room around it and get going. Natti had already given him some of her drying racks. This opportunity would not have happened without MARS working with donors to rescue the press and Mr. Dunton’s expertise and enthusiasm for taking it on. This has to be one of the nicest feel good full circle art stories coming home ever! I look forward to sharing some of the results from the inaugural student printmaking classes, original print editions from this stellar art room addition.
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Emrah Arslan is the owner and chef at Paprika Grill,an awesome Mediterranean takeout which opened December 2015 at 185 Washington St., in Gloucester, MA. (978) 551-8186. Donna Ardizzoni’s photographs are on display.
Paprika Grill will be closed over Thanksgiving.
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Confidence was in the room for the Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), Salvator Mundi, painting which climbed from a starting bid of $75,000,000 to $400,000,000 (hammer price) at Christie’s Contemporary art sale Wednesday, November 15, 2017. The Mona Lisa value has climbed tonight as well.
The buyer’s premium for Salvator Mundi will bring the sale to $450,312,500.
Hammer price is the highest bid announced by the auctioneer just before the gavel drops. Additional charges include fees such as buyers premium, taxes, etc added to the hammer price.
Prior record private sales for a William de Kooning (Interchange) and Paul Gauguin (Nafea Faa Ipoipo) reached 300 million. This Christie’s auction sale is public.
The da Vinci was the 9th lot in a sale featuring 58 lots. Prior to the da Vinci excitement a Kerry James Marshall did quite well.
Live Sale still in process. Hammer prices so far
1B Adam Pendleton $180,000
2B Philippe Parreno $420,000 (est $250,000-$350,000 )
3B Kerry James Marshall $4.2 million (est. 1-1.5 million)
4B Frank Stella $3.2 million (est 2.2 – 2.8 million)
5B Eva Hesse $900,000 (est $800,000-$1.2 million)
6B Rothko $28.5 million (est $25 million – 35 million)
7B Bourgeois $7.5 million (est $10 million-$15 million)
8B Vija Celmins $3,500,000 (est $1,500,000-2,500,000)
9B LEONARDO DA VINCI
10B Jean Michel Basquit PASSED
11B Keith Haring sold $3,500,000
12B John Currin PASSED
13B Andy Warhol sold $56,000,000
28B Milton Avery Pale Field, Dark Mountain 1959 approx 40 x 54 oil hammer price was $1,300,000
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