My View of Life on the Dock
Around the table
Though Dog Bar and Landing are closed, you can find Michael O’Leary and friends on alternate Sundays at Jalapenos (only in America!) brought together by their love of traditional music beautifully played, sung and felt. They were at the Farm on St Patrick’s Day, and Lannon music sails.
Published reports broaching the merger surfaced in September 2018. Now it’s an official merger under the Trustees.
BREAKING NEWS: The residents of Lincoln have voted to approve The Trustees integration with the deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum, adding another special place to our properties!
The deCordova–along with its nearly 30 acres of beautiful landscapes and internationally acclaimed collection of more than 3,400 objects–will be a unique cultural site for The Trustees, and furthers our mission to connect people to inspiring places.
The town of Lincoln continues to retain ownership of its lands (most of the property) after this integration.
Continue reading “museum news: Trustees adds deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum to its properties”
Jason Burroughs Goetemann Artist Residency 2019 – Gloucester Invitational Artist month of May opening talk May 6th
Whether as sculptor, painter, muralist, mixed media or assemblage fine artist, Gloucester-born Jason Burroughs works across media with a signature touch. Can’t wait to see what happens from this residency. Follow him on Instagram- he’s been doing a weekly sketch on his instagram page @jazzyjburroughs
Ever since I saw his inventive stepped paintings pre 2017, I wonder what would Jason do here-
2017 – inventive sculpture paintings stepped away from flat and vertical surfaces
or just about anywhere! I’ve written about the monumental walls at O’Maley ideal for professionally trained artists that are former Gloucester O’Maley grads–like Jason– at the start of their careers. Murals are common public art attractions. To date I have not seen one mural initiative with that focus. Clandenstine street art and graffiti art can break through. (Some practitioners are diametrically opposed to that commercial conceit.) Elite global street artists and muralists command hundreds of thousands of dollars through private and corporate sponsorships. Commissions this scale for young artists with degrees begin at $16,000. That’s a great our town endeavor/grant investment.
Read about the Parsons Street murals (wall) here.
Established in 2015, this one month residency is offered by committee invitation to an inspiring and highly deserving Gloucester artist. It is understood that artistic inspiration can be difficult to attain when work and family take precedence. The artist is provided with a live-work studio for one month. Read more here about Goetemann juried and invitational artist residencies
The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck is open Thursday-Sunday. Seasonal Hours are: June through August 12-6pm, September through May 12-4pm.
Gallery 53 at Rocky Neck, 53 Rocky Neck Avenue is open seasonally May – October, seven days a week, 11am-6pm, Thurs-Sat until 8pm.
Visit www.rockyneckartcolony.org for more information.
Following the exhibit Cape Ann Through Artists’ Eyes-
Once Upon a Contest: Selections from Cape Ann Reads is coming to Manchester!
PDF here: Once upon a Contest – Manchester postcard
Printable flyers from the Manchester Historical Museum
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Press release specific to Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass. (March 2019) –
About the Once Upon a Contest 2019 travel show
Once Upon a Contest showcases award-winning children’s books by Cape Ann artists & writers. This group show based on the Cape Ann Reads 2017 Gulliver, Honor and Medal Books was made possible with support from the Bruce J Anderson Foundation | The Boston Fund and organzied and circulated by curator, Catherine Ryan. Acclaimed children’s book author-illustrators Pat Lowery Collins, Giles Laroche and Anna Vojtech joined librarians and Bob Ritchie, Dogtown Books proprietor, on the 9 member jury panel. The Tree in Dock Square by Jean Woodbury and illustrated by Bonnie L. Sylvester is the first Cape Ann Reads Medal book. The show opened on December 18, 2018. Following its launch at the Cape Ann Museum in Gloucester, Massachusetts, the exhibition will tour the four communities of Cape Ann throughout 2019.
Visitors will find picture books created by traditional author-illustrators (individuals who create both text and illustrations), friends and family pairings, repeat partnerships, volunteer matches, self-taught and master artists, storytellers, published authors, and educators. For a few, inclusion in this show will mark their debut display at a museum. The works on view range from preliminary mock ups and unfinished pages to final published illustrations for original books. They cover diverse themes and points of view and provide glimpses into stories and methodologies. The exhibition will include a reading nook for visitors of all ages. Each venue for Once Upon a Contest: Selections from Cape Ann Reads will feature new site-specific, temporary public art. Bonnie L. Sylvester created the first work for the debut at Cape Ann Museum, an immersive wrap around mural.
In Manchester the show will feature new work by Leslie Galacar. Galacar’s installation will offer an experience based on discovery of a series of separate elements, reinforcing a larger theme of the show in that it’s best experienced by returning many times. There’s so much to take in! Leslie Galacar illustrated “Where in the World is Catherine Abigail,” a whimsical and humorous verse narrative about the dreamy world traveling adventures of a young girl written by Michael LaPenna. Galacar moved to Manchester after years of residing, working and raising her family in Gloucester and Ipswich. She paints and illustrates every day and sells her own line of cards and wares.
A special family program has been planned for April 13. “Seaside Saturdays” is a monthly collaboration between the Manchester Historical Museum, the Library and Early Childhood Partners serving area families with craft activities and story time built around a theme. April will be all about Cape Ann Reads. “We are planning to do a book-making activity, of course” explains Carol Bender, Head of Youth Services for Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library, and Cape Ann Reads juror. “We are delighted to use this special Once Upon a Contest exhibit and share the show with families! Our guest-reader for the story portion of the program is Juni VanDyke who illustrated the If I were series written by James McKenna.” The two books included in the exhibit introduce young children to many North American and African safari animals. VanDyke is a Manchester resident, fine artist and Director of the Arts program at Rose Baker Senior Center in Gloucester. Continue reading “From Manchester Historical Museum | Once Upon a Contest Cape Ann reads opens April 6th!”
Manchester Historical Museum Cape Ann Through Artists’ Eyes show closes tomorrow
Closing reception – Saturday March 30 from 10AM-1PM
Jane Deering Gallery presents A Turning Point | the contemporary landscape with an opening reception Saturday April 13th from 4:00-6:00pm. The exhibition addresses the timely question Beautiful world, where are you going? and explores our fragile relationship with the natural world. The exhibition will run through mid-June and includes regional and international artists whose works are held in museum, corporate and private collections: Gabrielle Barzaghi, Tom Fels, Jacob Hessler, Jeff Marshall, Adin Murray, Esther Pullman, Steve Rosenthal from New England; Nell Campbell, Gail Pine and Youngsuk Suh from California; Gail Barker, Neeta Madahar and Michael Porter from the United Kingdom. The gallery is located at 19 Pleasant Street, Gloucester MA. Gallery hours: Friday/Saturday/Sunday 1:00-5:00pm and by appointment at 917-902-4359 or info@janedeeringgallery.com.
Contact:
Jane Deering
Jane Deering Gallery
917-902-4359
info@janedeeringgallery.com
Gloucester, Mass.- Great teacher at Gloucester High School, Shaun Goulart, creates a local history scavenger hunt trivia game for his 9th grade students that takes place weekly for 6 weeks. We’re taking the challenge one week after the students. Good luck!
ANSWERS TO SHAUN GOULART’S LOCAL HISTORY TRIVIA WEEK THREE
How did you do? Week three was all about some famous Gloucester FIRSTS and there were many locations. Stop here if you prefer to go back to see Week 3 questions only.
Principal Albert Bacheler CENTRAL GRAMMAR
PURITAN HOUSE built in 1810 by Col. James Tappan* is a historic house at 3 Washington Street and 2 Main Street. Also known as: Tappan’s Hotel, Gloucester Hotel (“Tappan’s Folly”), Atlantic House, Mason House, Community House, Capt Bills (1960s-70s), Puritan House & Pub (1977), Blackburn Tavern (1978-00s) *Tappan was taught by Daniel Webster
Excerpt from prior GMG post (read it here) about scenic tours by bike 1885: “And now let’s take our wheel for a short run along our harbor road to East Gloucester, and note the many points of interest on the way. The start is made at the Gloucester Hotel–the headquarters of all visiting wheelmen in the city–at the corner of Main and Washington streets; from thence the journey takes us over the rather uneven surface of Main street, going directly toward the east. In a few minutes we pass the Post Office on the left, and soon leave the noisy business portion of the street behind us, then, e’re we are aware of it, we reach and quickly climb the slight eminence known as Union Hill…” This brick building at Main and Washington now features Tonno Restaurant. Notice the chimneys and same stairs as when it was the Gloucester Hotel. The Blackburn Tavern sign was just marketing; this building has no connection. Blackburn’s Tavern is now Halibut Point restaurant at the other end of Main Street.
“RIGG’S HOUSE” 27 Vine Street (Annisquam) Thomas Riggs House purchased in 1661
oldest house on Cape Ann, Gloucester, MA
Look under the year on cenotaph surrounding Man At Wheel
Our Lady of Good Voyage – read more http://gloucester.harborwalk.org/story-posts/sp-20/
Subshop with a view- through Destinos window
1644! – 103 Centennial Drive – top of Centennial Drive near the train bridge
Congratulations to Jamie McDonald, aka Adventureman, for his momentous, inspiring solo-run achievement across America~ And to his team! Little kids in the crowd sported red capes. GMG photographers are out in full force so great coverage will be coming like it’s St. Peter’s Fiesta.
Aerial no filter straight up phone video from rooftops across Gloucester Harbor. It was heartwarming to hear voices carry — from this height and battling wind–, to see the crowd stream past, pause by the Leonard Craske FisherMan at the Wheel memorial, then off to Pavilion beach by Beauport Hotel (site of former Birdseye factory) so Jamie could touch the water and conclude his generous journey.
David Cox in position
Gloucester, Ma.
There is much exciting work in progress along Stacy Boulevard including welcome tributes to women. Incremental aesthetic improvements, public access, ease of movement, and celebration of culture require many hands and deliver a huge impact. Here is a brief description of the special current projects and some people involved.
“Remarkable support comes from volunteer expertise like award winning designer Ann Geraldi Johnson and Susan Kelly and the Generous Gardeners who have stepped up as the city’s groundskeepers on the boulevard.” Mike Hale, Director of Public Works
The Elizabeth Gordon Smith (Betty Smith) garden was cleared and the small Picture garden past the boulevard tennis courts was unearthed. Because Gloucester garden groups pre-date 1900, it’s especially moving to see the work in progess shoring up inspiring legacy connections. Incredible volunteers past and present serve the city’s Department of Public Works (DPW). Stacy Boulevard & Stage Fort Park advocates like Betty Smith, Louise Loud & the Gloucester Civic & Garden Council tended and protected Gloucester’s natural beauty — the very same grounds that are so lovingly served now by dynamos like Ann Gilardi Johnson and Susan Kelly & the Generous Gardeners. Plaques for Lucy Brown Davis, tribute by her sister Catalina Davis, and for Lucy P. Rogers ” president of the Gloucester’s Woman’s Club 1927-29″ are nearby.
photos: Betty Smith garden IN PROGRESS February (overgrowth and clearing underway–poison ivy was found) vs. March and can’t wait to experience the AFTER!
March 2019 work continuing across Stacy Boulevard – read details HERE about these projects– Hancock Sculpture, Betty Smith Gardens & Tennis Courts to the East, and Blynman Bridge & railings to the West- additional stunning work and investment thanks to Gloucester MA Department of Public Works, Ann Gilardi Johnson, Generous Gardeners, CPA, Department of Transportation (DOT), and more. Stacy Boulevard Part 8
March 24, 2019 photos of Walker Hancock Triton and grounds prep before/in process.
Bid is open-
Eligibility – This Call to Artists is open to all artists, artisans, architects, landscape architects, or teams with experience in public art, site responsive design, project management, and construction administration.
Deadline April 25, 2019
Introduction
The City of Boston, as part of its Percent for Art program, invites artists or artist teams to apply to create permanent public artwork to complement the new East Boston Police Station.
Call released: March 25, 2019, 12:00 PM EDT
Deadline for responses: April 25, 2019, 11:59 PM EDT
Budget: $450,000
Click here to read the full RFP. To print, please download first.
Click here to read the Press Release
Keep What Works at the Library – “Keep What Works at the Library”, Martha Bowen letter to the editor, Gloucester Daily Times, March 23, 2019
Since the last meeting February 26, 2019
Continue reading “Sawyer Free Library new building presentation March 27”
John and Phyllis Linquata announce their new business, Serendipity’s Playhouse, Cape Ann’s first indoor play space! Join them at 4:30PM on Friday, March 29, 2019 for the Grand Opening!
Serendipty’s Playhouse
88 Bass Avenue
Gloucester, Massachusetts
(978) 283-4335
After a year of renovations & permits and the challenges & kismet of converting a former tile store into a family- friendly destination, Serendipity Playhouse is open! The entryway tile design became a plus, matching the new vision at the site. This welcome playland features amusing attractions, an expansive wooden climbing structure, pint-sized imaginative activity stations, foam pit, ride on train, airplane see-saw, and a separate padded toddler space. Families can sign up for extra programs like Zoomba’s “Zoombini” package on Saturdays at 9AM.
The Linquatas sussed out an ideal location with plenty of parking and neighboring businesses that are a natural fit. Families and caregivers can refuel, meet up and juggle errands with a play break: Cape Ann Coffees is right next door; Charlie’s Place is across the street; Stop & Shop plaza is out back; and Good Harbor Beach is a walk away. The Linquatas are Gloucester residents and parents which is evident because 1)see their location intel and 2) the convenient hours…they open early enough for those families with wee early risers. The new venture is very much a family endeavor. John is running the day to day operations. Phyllis dreamed of opening an indoor wonderland and brings her professional expertise as a preschool teacher into building the business. Their daughter is helping out after school. They are determined to provide an active indoor play haven that’s super clean and engaging.
Loren Doucette Temple Within 2019 35″ x 58″ acrylic and shelf with pieces
Sense of place and artists- Installation views before the closing party March 24, 2019 Rocky Neck Now 2019 Looking All Around at Rocky Neck Cultural Center
ANSWERS TO SHAUN GOULART’S LOCAL HISTORY TRIVIA WEEK TWO
How did you do? Week two delved into scenes of historic battles. I’ve added some background. Stop here if you prefer to go back to see Week 2 questions only from 3/17/19
*“In 1623, 14 English fishermen set up the first European colony on Cape Ann here in what was then Fisherman’s Field and is now Stage Fort Park. These ramparts overlook the harbor, first built during the Revolutionary War, renewed for the War of 1812, the Civil War and the Spanish American War. Alas, those first settlers, sent across the ocean by the Dorchester Company, were unable to live off the sea and these rock-bound fields. They moved a few miles south to what is now Salem in 1626. Then, within a decade, there were enough permanent settlers on Cape Ann to incorporate the town of Gloucester. The first meetinghouse was built on the Town Green in 1642 near what is now the Grant Circle rotary of Route 128. The City set this land aside as a public park in 1898 and its Tablet Rock was dedicated by Henry Cabot Lodge in 1907. James R. Pringle was designated to write the inscription for the bronze plaque. The execution of the design was by Eric Pape. “The nautical scheme of decorative framework and embellishment was the composite suggestion” of various committees dating as far back as the 1880s.” *see Gloucester HarborWalk Stage Fort Park marker #42 photo on marker ©Sharon Lowe. See also Stage Fort Park then/now photos in prior GMG post
Bronze tribute plaques embedded in Tablet Rock at Stage Fort Park detail the site’s history and were commissioned and unveiled at different times. The monumental and stunning Founders plaque from 1907 on Tablet Rock itself is in fantastic condition. Two DAR plaques were inlaid on the glacial outcroppings past half moon beach on the way to the cannons. The Fisherman’s Field (ca.1930) is so worn it’s nearly indecipherable, though that’s part of its charm. The plaque compels close inspection, lingering and discovery. It’s a fun family activity for anyone who likes a challenge. For those who want help reading the content, I transcribed it back in 2010. Scroll down below the “read more” break in this post to open.
location 2 courtesy photos
“In 1743, what is known as the old fort on Commercial Street, now encroached upon and surrounded by buildings, was completed. On this point, well selected strategically, is a hill which effectually commands the inner harbor. In 1742 and 1742, the General Court appropriated 527 pounds to defray the cost of fortification. Breastworks were thrown up and eight 12-pounders placed in position in the fort. The immediate cause of its erection was the fear of French incursions, but these fears were never realized. An effort had been made as early as 1703 to fortify the place, but the petition of the selectmen to the General Court for an appropriation for the purpose was refused. The petition shows that he harbor, even at that early date was extensively frequent for shelter, and was “very seldom free from vessels.”
“In order to be better prepared for future assaults breastworks were thrown up at Stage Fort, the Cut, Duncan’s Point and Fort Point. This, however was the last attack by sea or land that the people experienced.”
“Immediate action was taken toward the erection of fortifications. Land at Eastern Point, belonging to Thomas Niles was acquired by the government, and earthwork fort erected and manned…”
Continue reading “Caption this”
Installation views of the 3rd annual Cape Ann Through Artists’ Eyes spring show and sale at Manchester Historical Museum. The 2019 exhibiting Cape Ann artists are: John Abisamra; Barby Almy; Donna Ardizzoni; Bob Allia; Mary Barker; Jessica Biker; Martha Parrish Chapman; Kathleen Chrzanowski; Kathleen Connelly; Melissa Cox, ; Bonnie Faulkner; Leslie Galacar; Ann Guyer; Olga Hayes; Fred Kepler; Ken King; Gary Linder; and Mike Storella.
from Beth Welin:
The Manchester Historical Museum invites visitors to explore scenes of Cape Ann at the 3rd annual spring exhibit and art sale – Cape Ann through Artists’ Eyes. See the creative work on display featuring paintings and photography by eighteen local artists. This free exhibit runs through March during the Museum’s regular hours: Tuesdays – Fridays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. with a closing reception on Saturday, March 30 (10:00 am -1:00 pm).
Once Upon A Contest Selections from Cape Ann Reads opens April 6, 2019.
Director Beth Welin explains that two community exhibitions are scheduled each year along with permanent and special exhibits. Manchester’s 375th Anniversary is 2020. For more info contact the Manchester Historical Museum by phone at 978-526-723, e-mail at info@manchesterhistoricalmuseum.org, or visit their website at http://www.manchesterhistoricalmuseum.org
Over six weeks I’m posting local history trivia questions from Shaun Goulart’s creative weekly scavenger project for his 9th grade history class at Gloucester High School– except we’ll be one week behind the students’ pace. He explains that the “questions are multi-layered and usually have an image required in the submission. All questions will deal with Gloucester’s local history. I recommended to the students to utilize friends and family so your student may be reaching out to you for help. It is a competition and the prizes will be calculated into the Term 4 grade” for the students.
WEEK 2 of 6: DEFENDING GLOUCESTER
Location #1
Location #2
Location #3
Screenshot
Prior Posts
3/14/19 Week One results
3/10/19 Week One trivia questions
Construction work continues on the Long Beach seawall at 3 compromised sections: two 500′ sections (one is closer to the Gloucester edge and the second pretty much mid beach) and a third 30′ area of trouble at the corner by the creek and footbridge. Last summer’s temporary pyres have been vastly expanded with truckloads of boulders from Johnson’s Quarry. The line of boulders helps to prevent sand from being scoured away by seas and the bottom of the wall from further erosion. The rip rap will add ballast support weight.
Besides the crew at Long Beach, the second unit labors at the quarry. It’s slow and careful going impacted by weather and tides. This week was busy. Next week’s conditions are less favorable. Extra time is allotted to make certain heavy equipment beats the tides or the very real possibility of large equipment breaks or malfunction (thankfully has not happened yet). People wondered if a jetty or two was in the works but that is simply temporary staging.
Boulders are deposited at the Gloucester entrance to the beach and transferred to repair sites. Excavators work with Rockport DPW and GZA engineers for optimum selection. (GZA was contracted for Gloucester’s Stacy Boulevard work.) “Spotters” can be seen atop the Long Beach walkway. After the boulders are dumped into piles, the excavator sorts, lifts, rolls and inspects the whole lot and singles like searching for an impossibly hard to find puzzle piece. Sometimes one boulder is turned 15x before it’s the correct pitch or timing. The sorting was remarkably graceful and reminded me of rinsing and prepping berries or beans.
One day at Long Beach I spotted a swimmer with a glorious and faithful arm tattoo of Mary Ann from Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel. He was staying at Cape Ann Motor Inn. Did he know that the author and illustrator, Virginia Lee Burton, was from Gloucester? He was stunned and thrilled. She modeled the steam shovel after one she brought her son to see busy building Gloucester High School. Families with little construction fans might enjoy watching Mary Ann’s descendant shoring up the Long Beach seawall.
The timeline for permits and planning for a future sand phase have not been slated.
Good Morning Gloucester 