Snowstorm photos: Daybreak like a dreamy Maxfield Parrish two days out and shoveled #GloucesterMA back shore
Author: Catherine
posted content / cell phone photos mine, unless otherwise credited
(thumbnail portrait of Catherine at MFA, Boston © David Cox photo)
https://www.cryanaid.com/
Artist studios! Galleries! Downtown Art Walk Feb. 14th #GloucesterMA
Save the date! Special open studios and receptions throughout downtown
Working artists welcoming the public to their studios 1-4 on February 14, 2026
- Elizabeth Gauthier at 5 Parsons Street
- Joe Higgin’s Fish Impressions at 206 Main Street
- Stephen LaPierre at 11 Harbor Loop, behind the Building Center and ftg. Barbara Lynch work
- Jeff Weaver at 16 Rogers Street
And downtown galleries!
- the late Jon Sarkin’s Fish City Studio at 39 Main Street
- Matz Gallery at Sawyer Free Library
- COSMOS Gallery
- Jane Deering Gallery Pleasant St.
Gloucester’s 2nd cultural district was established downtown in March 2013. Jeff Weaver and Sawyer Free / Matz were original partners! Annual surveys from the stakeholders, partners and residents rejected the forced moniker “harbortown” — preferring what they chose and what we know is ‘downtown’. Gloucester’s downtown district stretches from the train station, encompassing the iconic Fisherman at the Wheel Memorial, Stacy Blvd, Stage Fort Park all the way over to Crow’s Nest and everything in between– much as the historic walking, cycling and trolley travel journals encouraged from the late Victorian age through the 1930s and beyond.
images: Jeff Weaver | Stephen LaPierre
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What are you doing February Vacation? Theatre classes at Cape Ann YMCA!
Feb 16 – Feb 20, 2026
“What are you doing during February Vacation?
Come to the Cape Ann Y and spend a fun week Acting, Singing, Dancing and Playwriting !
Theatre Classes for all ages at Cape Ann YMCA!
Contact me with any questions!!
Email:dallinh@northshoreymca.org or Phone: 978-729-1094
Hope to see you on stage soon!
Heidi Dallin | YMCA of the North Shore Theatre Coordinator
Link to the website HERE
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Snowstorm videos photos: Wind swirls heavy snow drifts taller than a toddler and icy coated surfaces where bare. Big surf off Long Beach #GloucesterMA What’s it like by you?
photos & video January 26, 2026: Ventured out for a walk about 4 hours after high tide and was surprised by the rollers. Road plowed. Sand whipped wind near Long Beach.
Yesterday it came down steadily and looked like this at 10:30AM when it began.
Saturday was stunning.
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Artist Stephen LaPierre of Gloucester is open a lot! A recent work in progress, “Main Street: West End, 2026” is now complete. Stop in to see that painting and what’s on the Easel on Harbor Loop
What a treat– and talk about accessibility! Stephen LaPierre’s studio 11 Harbor Loop in downtown Gloucester is open… Monday-Sunday 11-7.
Main Street: West End (L) oil in progress (26″ x 30″). | (R) completed
Stephen LaPierre images: Duncan Street and Secret Beach II
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Moods of the Sea | Cape Ann Symphony Musicians Unleashed Special Event will feature members of the string section and vocalists
Heidi Dallin with the news from Cape Ann Symphony, a great theme from Musicians Unleashed for their next program.
“Cape Ann Symphony continues the Musicians Unleashed Concert Series with Moods of the Sea Concert, on Sunday, February 8, 2026 at 3:00 PM at The St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1123 Washington Street, Gloucester. The ticket price for Moods of the Sea Concert is $40. Call CAS at 978-281-0543 or go to www.capeannsymphony.org to purchase tickets.
Premiering in 2019, The Cape Ann Symphony’s Musicians Unleashed Concert Series are small intimate chamber concerts performed by members of the Cape Ann Symphony and guest artists at unique performance venues on Cape Ann. The Musicians Unleashed Concerts have become a wonderfully popular series with an overwhelmingly enthusiastic audience response.
The Moods of The Sea Concert combines music, literature and poetry performed by five string players and 2 vocalists. The program ranges from English poet John Masefield’s Sea Fever about longing for the freedom of life on the open sea set to music by John Ireland to Anton Dvořak’s String Quintet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 77, 2nd Movement written for the unusual combination of string quartet and double bass and in the lively joyful style of folk dance.
Moods of the Sea captures the stylistic choices of these works, with undercurrents and rippling chords. The program brings together motifs from folk traditions that expand to create full movements of beautiful sounds.
The concert program includes:
Salina Fisher’s Mata Au; Edward Elgar’s Sea Pictures, Op. 37; Gustav Holst’s St. Paul’s Suite, Op. 29; Sea Fever, Music by John Ireland, Lyrics by John Masefield; and Anton Dvořak’s String Quintet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 77, 2nd Movement.
“Audiences can expect an eclectic afternoon of music, ” says Barbara Cox, Director of Marketing on the CAS Board, ” from beautiful vocals to soaring strings to joyful folk dances! We are excited to spotlight not only our CAS String players but also CAS Chorus member and Gloucester resident baritone John Fortado! Veteran Boston Mezzo soprano Alexandra Dietrich and cellist Taylor Stobinski make their Musicians Unleashed debut in Moods of the Sea. “
The musicians of Moods of the Sea are Cape Ann Symphony Principal Bass Richey Tally, a position he has held since 2009; CAS Violinists Margaret Cerjan and Oliver Klein, CAS Violist Brandon White and Greater Boston based teacher, recording artist and Cellist Taylor Stobinski.
Vocalists performing in Moods of the Sea are CAS Chorus member Gloucester’s John Fortado and mezzo soprano Alexandra Dietrich. A lifelong resident of Gloucester, MA, John Fortado has been singing as a tenor/baritone soloist and in multiple choirs, among them Chorus North Shore, Share the Music, and Cape Ann Symphony Chorus. He studies with Rockport’s Wendy Betts. He is an active soloist at the Orthodox Congregational Church in Lanesville as well as other churches and venues on the North Shore. Alexandra Dietrich, a Puerto Rican American originally from Freeport, Maine, has performed with opera companies and orchestras including the Boston Pops, Odyssey Opera, Juventas New Music Ensemble, Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra, the North Shore Philharmonic Orchestra, the Charlemagne Orchestra of Belgium, the Longy Chamber Orchestra, and MassOpera. “
The Musicians Unleashed Concert, Moods of the Sea is Sunday, February 8 at 3:00 PM at The St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1123 Washington Street, Gloucester. The ticket price for Moods of the Sea is$40. Call Cape Ann Symphony at 978-281-0543 or go to www.capeannsymphony.org for tickets.
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Cape Ann Symphony Orchestra Notice of ANNUAL MEETING January 14, 2026
It’s that time of year again! Hear the news about 2025 and what’s coming next!!
“The annual meeting of the Cape Ann Symphony Orchestra, Inc. will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 7:00pm in the Christopher Columbus Room at the Minglewood Harborside, 25 Rogers Street in Gloucester. The public is invited. The purpose of this meeting is to hear reports of the past year’s activity by the Music Director, President, Treasurer, Manager and Board Officers. The meeting is also convened to elect Directors and Officers for the period from February 1, 2026, through January 31, 2027.”
For further information, contact the Cape Ann Symphony at (978) 281-0543 or info@capeannsymphony.org.
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Winter sale at Jane Deering Gallery. New Year New Exhibition featuring paintings by Maria Malatesta and ceramics by Paige Farrell opens Saturday!
Stop by this Saturday, January 3, 2026! News from Jane Deering Gallery:
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New Year’s Day takes flight. Whisper of snow and whorls of starlings over Good Harbor Beach
So long 2025 and let’s go 2026! Happy New Year!
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Merry Christmas! Rosy sunrise over Good Harbor Beach
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Houses Aglow! Photos and videos 2025 Map & Bedecked Top Twinkling List! Holiday Lights and Cocoa Drives #GloucesterMA
The 2025 Holiday Lights and Cocoa Drives Gloucester map is LIVE! Wishing you and yours the magic and joys of the season! And to all those who share their festive gifts of creativity and illumination: merry, merry thanks!
2025 MAD MERRY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR
Top twinkling list as in deck the halls, doors, windows, roofs and yards with boughs of holly-holidays!
- 6 Abbott Road (Annual whimsy)
- 12 Concord St (Dazzler next to West Parish)
- 2 Crestview Terrace (Ho Ho Ho. off Harrison)
- 12 Elizabeth Road (Festive Storyland)
- 326 Essex Ave (Have yourself a merry)
- 71 Friendship Ct. (Cheery two way vista)
- 8 Green Street (Jolly jingle off Perkins)
- 29 High Popples (Santa Village)
- 8 Lendall Street (Gem off Harrison Ave)
- 79 Perkins Street (Magic of the season)
- 15 Reservoir Road (Sparkling Blue)
- 11 Reservoir Road (Magical Trees)
- 22 Reynard (Dreaming of White Christmas)
- 42 Reynard (Enchanting Blue)
- 37 Reynard (Shimmering Red)
- 12 Starknaught Road (Up on the Rooftop)
2025 Bedecked Neighborhood Blocks: Crestview Ter.-Skywood Ter. (Head Up Harrison–hill across from Jeff’s Variety); Elizabeth Road (walk); Essex Ave-Rt. 133; Finch Lane; Glouc. Ave &Riverside Ave (can view from Washington, too); Hartz; High Popples Road; Marina Dr.; Perkins St; Reservoir Road; Reynard Street
Prior year annual favorites now dim: Frosty House 8 Elizabeth; 8 Spruce Road; 2 Edgewood Road; 18 Reynard Street
Photos and Videos
Video: Reynard St.
Archive here https://www.cryanaid.com/public-art-maps/holiday-lights-and-cocoa-drives
Throwback: PRINTABLE | Seek & Find sheet Mad Merry Highlights 2023 here
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Long Beach Winter. Diaphanous sunbeam surf.
photos: Dec. 20.
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Vintage Photo op! Arman Sindoni’s life size Santa is visiting LaPierre’s Studio today 1-5PM
“Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025 from “Come meet guest artist Barbara Lynch along with Stephen LaPierre, the Gloucester oil painter…along with Santa by the late beloved Rocky Neck painter Armand Sindoni…on loan from the Building Center.”
Stephen LaPierre’s Fine Art Open Studio. 11 Harbor Loop. Gloucester, MA.
courtesy photos: Armand Sindoni historic Santa in front of a few of Stephen LaPierre’s plein air paintings
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Snowman, roofs, and rise. Winter in #GloucesterMA
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Lobster trap tree is lit! Quiet first snowfall #GloucesterMA Glow
photos: c. ryan, Dec 14, 2025
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Happy Hanukkah! Fresh snow on the Lobster Trap Menorah ahead of first night #GloucesterMA
The giant lobster trap menorah is ready for sundown illuminations and hand painted dreidels created by local children and community. Quiet snow this morning. Peace, hope and light to all who celebrate, near and far.
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Turner’s Seafood Oyster Shell Decorating Contest 2025
Turner’s Seafood Oyster Shell Decorating Contest Rules
‘Tis the season while you’re waiting for your order and happily browsing the prepared case, shelves, and refrigerators, there’s more eye candy. Share the news that Turner’s Seafood Oyster Shell Decorating Contest 2025 is LIVE. check out the contenders in the fish net and the garland festooned with prior year entries.
Past Years’ Contenders
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Ho Ho Ho Bright Nights are here! Happy Holiday Lights and Cocoa Drives 2025 🚗🎄☕
It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas! If you’re looking for holiday cheer, the 2025 Holiday Lights and Cocoa Drives map–celebrating homes spreading cheer with Christmas lights and holiday yard displays–is just starting to twinkle.
From rookie illuminations to mad merry marvels and every spirit of the season, look for more glistening additions in the days to come here on GMG and a printable map (2025 is not live, yet. Peruse past years here.) What creative magic have some favorites dreamed up for this year? Before December 1, I noticed angels were trending, so that’s an early “I spy” for 2025 drives. Maybe add one to your window 🙂
Shout out to Margaret Harvey and Central Grammar for a welcome request and deadline!
photo block: Here are a few of the decorated Gloucester houses twinkling everywhere you go. With every passing year, a faithful regular may dim, while a new home joins the enchantment. It never gets old. Thanks to all who share their festive gifts of light on winter nights.
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From Rocky Neck to Harbor Loop! Stephen LaPierre’s Fine Art Studio and Gallery Grand opening! Plus inaugural guest artist Barbara Lynch #GloucesterMA
Stephen LaPierre’s studio and gallery has a new location downtown!
Grand Opening December 14, 2025!
Find Stephen LaPierre’s new works in his new digs, 11 Harbor Loop, tucked in between the Building Center and the Coast Guard station—befittingly viewable from the Fitz Henry Lane site & Al Duca bronze iconic vista, threshold-bookended between murals (Studio Fresh FHL homage and Jeff Weaver trompe l’oeil windows), and on the route to Maritime Gloucester and the Lobster Trap Tree at this time of year!
Susan Wadia-Ells shares the news from Stephen LaPierre:
“Stephen LaPierre…the Gloucester oil painter…is having the grand opening of his new 11 Harbor Loop, downtown Gloucester, Mass., Open Studio on Sunday December 14, 2025. Barbara Lynch, former celebrity chef, will be his guest artist at the opening, also showing her new works from 1-4pm.”
Where is it? photos: December 2025
GLOUCESTER PUBLIC ART | MURAL MAP HERE
**maybe LaPierre will add a mural here, too, along with Rocky Neck one**
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photos: Acclaimed actor and hometown hero Lindsay Crouse visits Gloucester High School Drama Club cast and crew rehearsal! The Sound of Music Opens this week! 4 Shows Only #GloucesterMA
photos: Nov 14, 2025
The Gloucester High Drama Club in Gloucester, MA got a treat on Friday when stage, film and TV star Lindsay Crouse visited The Sound of Music cast and crew for rehearsal.
She offered nuggets and pointers and encouraged the GHS Drama Club all the while advocating for the arts with a great passion.
She spoke about the power of set design and limited resources, how the crew makes the production world specific. She gave pointers about how to stand and deliver and challenged them to abandon saying, “like”.
She reminded actors about their impact with an audience. “Audiences won’t know the interior thoughts that motivate your delivery. But they’ll believe you when you use a particular action to respond. That’s especially helpful when it’s an imaginary circumstance,” she explained. “Be economical,” she counseled. “Use a particular action to get your point across, line by line. If you know exactly what you will do next, the precise manner in which you respond, line by line, you won’t be afraid and the audience will connect. Use your actions to lines as building blocks.”
It was apt and notable that she stressed equally the acting and the writing. Later, the mellifluous and modest actor- an Academy Award® nominee–shared stories and memories about her theater experience, life with her father– and mother, her father’s book for the Sound of Music , and her mother’s impetus for cajoling New York’s Mayor Lindsay and the first TKTS.
Theatrical dynasty
Sixty six years ago this week, The Sound of Music premiered on November 16th 1959 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.
(Live, 1961. The Sound of Music. Broadway cast, Mary Martin. Do-Re-Mi recording w/audience and big horns)
The book for the musical was authored by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, legendary Broadway writing partners and Pulitzer Prize Winners (State of the Union, 1946). The Sound of Music won 5 Tony Awards including Best Musical, propelling the film adaptation that swept the Oscars in 1966 with both enchanting audiences ever after.
Other evergreen productions by Lindsay and Crouse are Life with Father (1955) and Anything Goes (1947). Lindsay was indeed named after Howard Lindsay.
In 1952, Gloucester High School was the main location for the fledgling annual “Cape Ann Festival of the Arts”, a sprawling celebration of Gloucester and Cape Ann talent for the community produced with the aim of inspiring youth. In that very first year, The Cape Ann Festival Drama was named in honor of Russel Crouse. He donated the Silver Cup trophy. By that time, the family lived in Annisquam when they weren’t in New York. Crouse told the students that their homes were decorated with former stage props. She reflected with fondness the “spike marks”–tack holes in the family rug, a legacy from the set of Life With Father. In the 4th or 5th year, the Cape Ann Festival of the Arts mounted Life with Father in place of a new play due to submission paucity or talent of submissions.
I don’t know how much Russel Crouse participated in local activities, but Lindsay Crouse does. She seriously loves Gloucester and greater Cape Ann and most of all shares an appreciation and joy for her profession. She encouraged all the students to keep going! Also inspiring the students, Cape Ann Symphony’s Wendy Betts, the musical director for this production. Wendy shared that her mother sang a role in The Sound of Music, too.
Read more about the GHS Drama Club 2025 production here
Great article: See today’s Gloucester Daily Times for photos and information about the cast and crew—and where I read about Director Heidi Dallin’s Sound of Music role when she attended GHS.
FLYER DESIGNED BY GHS SENIOR EMMA ALVES
TICKETS
Don’t miss out! Tickets are going fast! Production is the result of countless days and hours of diligent work on each one’s part, the cast and crew, staff and volunteers!
Gloucester High School Drama Club Presents the Timeless Classic
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
Music and Lyrics by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II
Book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse
on November 20, 21, 22
At Gloucester High School
The Gloucester High School Drama Club proudly presents one of the most famous musicals of all time: The Sound of Music Youth Edition on Thursday, November 20 at 7:00pm; Friday, November 21 at 7:00pm; and Saturday, November 22 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm at Gloucester High School on 32 Leslie O’Johnson Rd. Purchase tickets at : https://gloucesterhighdrama.ludus.com/ Gloucester, MA.
Good Morning Gloucester 