Author: God's Morning

That the Gloucester Education Foundation’s Nancy Hochberg Higgins Arts Fund sponsors the district-wide Arts Festival held in May throughout downtown Gloucester, as well as after-school music and theatre, art supplies, development of GHS curriculum Art History of Cape Ann and more?  Arts programming enriches the education of Gloucester Public School District students and fosters inspiration and creativity that are critical to the future of the community and our society.  As an artist and creative person, I strongly believe in the need to provide arts related education for our youth, so am donating 20% of sales this season of my cards, 8×10 matted prints, Did You Know? Books and Cape Ann Treasure Boxes sold at Khan Studio and the Good Morning Gloucester Gallery to the Gloucester Education Foundation.  Since opening on May 15, there is already $130 earmarked for GEF.  I’d love to be able to send them $1,000 by the start of the school year, so come on by Khan Studio and the Good Morning Gloucester Gallery at 77 Rocky Neck and check out the lovely, cool and creative offerings (prices from $5 – $20), and help out GEF and the future of the arts in Gloucester.

E.J. Lefavour

www.khanstudiointernational.com

That on Wednesday, June 15^th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, E.J. will be hosting a Silpada Designs Jewelry party at Khan Studio and the Good Morning Gloucester Gallery, 77 Rocky Neck, featuring beautiful, cool, funky, elegant, fun and affordable sterling silver jewelry by Silpada Designs?  Come over and check out this great jewelry line (I personally love a bunch of their jewelry), have some home made sangria and munchies and check out the gallery.  I don’t intend to carry jewelry in the gallery, but am thinking about having occasional evening jewelry trunk parties.  If you are a jeweler and think you might like to feature your jewelry for an evening, email me at khanstudio@comcast.net.  Also, if you plan to come to the Girl’s Night Out Jewelry Party, please email me and let me know, so I can be sure to make enough sangria.  Did you know sangria is good for you?  It has lots of fruit and red wine packed with antioxidants, for guiltfree imbibing.

E.J. Lefavour

www.khanstudiointernational.com

Pam Courtleigh and Cheryl Curran (hat) are living in Rockport under the witness protection program (hence the stickas over their faces and the ficticious names).  They came out of hiding and made the long and trecherous journey from Rockport to Gloucester to get the new Version 5.0  Good Morning Gloucester sticker and visit the gallery.  Friends of Good Morning Gloucester are such amazing and brave people.

E.J. Lefavour

www.khanstudiointernational.com

That today is Violet Gray’s 40th birthday?  And she baked this awesome pineapple upside down cake and brought it over this morning for Mug Up at the gallery.  Those of you who were here, got a great treat – those of you who weren’t, missed this amazing, still warm out of the oven pineapple upsidedown cake that was to die for.  Thanks so much Violet, especially for doing this on your birthday, when you should have been home being pampered by Corey, not slaving over a hot oven (although it is so cold today that you probably really enjoyed hanging out by the oven).   Good Morning Gloucester FOB’s just rock diggity, and the Madfish Wharf neighbors are awesome.

E.J. Lefavour

www.khanstudiointernational.com

Violet writes in with the recipe-

Pineapple Upside Down Cake
A throwback to the 1920s, also known as a Spider or Skillet Cake (cooked in a cast iron skillet).

1/4 cup margarine or butter
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 can sliced pineapple
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup shortening (I use butter)
3/4 cup milk
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg

Heat oven to 350˚ Heat butter in 10 inch skillet until melted. Sprinkle brown sugar over butter. Arrange pineapple slices in skillet.
Beat remaining ingredients on low speed 30 seconds scraping bowl constantly. Beat on high speed 3 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Pour over fruit in skillet. Bake skillet 45-50 minutes/until it passes toothpick test. Immediately invert onto plate (careful the brown sugar butter mix tends to drip over the sides and its HOT)! Let skillet remain over cake a few minutes. Serve warm and add anything you desire, whipped cream or not! ENJOY.

Meet Pete Chamberlain, the first guest exhibiting artist at Khan Studio and the Good Morning Gloucester Gallery.  He has finished hanging his exhibit.  It looks great, and Pete looks a little tired!  But he’ll be fresh as a daisy and ready to meet everyone Saturday, June 11 between 4:00 and 8:00pm during his opening reception.  Come on by, say hi to Pete, see his really cool three dimensional pieces, paintings, furniture and one of a kind, never before seen, Shamus the Sweetgum Man. 

E.J. Lefavour

www.khanstudiointernational.com

That Madfish Grill is a great restaurant in an awesome location with a rockin lineup of music to dance the night away to?  Located at 77 Rocky Neck on Madfish Wharf in the historic Rocky Neck Art Colony overlooking the water, you can’t find a more beautiful location to enjoy lunch or dinner, have a drink (including locally brewed beer from the Brewery and spirits from Ryan & Woods Distilleries) or dance and just have fun.  It is also located near Khan Studio and the Good Morning Gloucester Gallery, so you can take in a little art and culture at the same time.  I did a previous post about the Madfish Sushi Bar, which everyone is raving about and you can see at https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2011/05/25/did-you-know-sushi/ if you didn’t catch it.  Come on down to Madfish.

Also, Madfish is currently looking for help in all areas of the restaurant, of if you or someone you know is looking for a job and want to work in a really fun, beautiful spot, stop by Madfish Grill, 77 Rocky Neck and talk to Niki or Jeannie.

E.J. Lefavour

www.khanstudiointernational.com

That climbing stairs is great exercise, and can lead you to some amazing places?  Think stairway to Heaven.  To reach Elynn Kröger’s gallery, you have to climb these stairs, but the journey is one well worth taking.  Elynn’s work is exquisite, masterfully executed, and something you do not want to miss.  In addition to her larger scale paintings, she has a wonderful offering of hand painted cards, smaller paintings and really cool block wood paintings.  A native of Massachusetts, Elynn Kröger has sold and exhibited her work internationally for the past 35 years. Intuitive, gestural, calligraphic, spatial, and organic, her paintings and drawings are a magical crossover between abstract and realism. Her gallery at 15 Rocky Neck, where she has been located for ten years, is open year round.  If you park in the lot at the beginning of Rocky Neck, Elynn’s Gallery is up the stairs, above L.A. Dahlmer’s Gallery, in the first building on the right.  Make sure you stop there first, so you don’t have the excuse of being too tired at the end of your Rocky Neck adventure.

E.J. Lefavour

www.khanstudiointernational.com

That Evie Parsons first started her restaurant business in this location across from Sailor Stan’s, where she ran a chowder house before moving to the Rudder’s current location at 73 Rocky Neck in 1957?  Like the GMG team, Evie was a salty character who told stories in pig latin, often stood on her head in the restaurant, and never censored what she said.  When she passed, her daughters, Paula Parsons and Susan Baker took over running the business for a few years, and then 13 years ago, sold The Rudder to current proprietoress Attaya sisters, Jeannie Boyland and Ginger Attaya.  The building where the Rudder now operates was orginally a fish packing establishment where the fish landed by boat and were salted and packed in barrels for shipment.  The floor above was a sail loft until the early 19^th century, when it was converted into artists’ studios which housed many of America’s famous painters.  The Rudder serves only the freshest and best lobsters from Capt. Joe & Sons, as well as a host of fresh appetizers and entrees, prepared by Executive Chef, Chris Wheeler.  Famous for extraordinarily fresh ingredients enhanced by inspired preparation, The Rudder has become known as one of the Boston areas finest restaurants — with a creative and affordable menu. Enjoy fine waterfront dining at the Rudder on Rocky Neck in the heart of America’s original seaport.  You can find The Rudder, located at 73 Rocky Neck Ave., by looking for the monkey and iconic waiter stationed outside.  This fellow was once stolen, but subsequently recovered and returned to his rightful place. Visit http://www.rudderrestaurant.com/ for detailed info about their hours of operation, to view their menu, learn about having a private party at The Rudder, arriving by boat for dinner, directions, reviews and more.   The Rudder is a first-class restaurant, situated on one of the prettiest spots on Cape Ann, in the historic Rocky Neck Art Colony.   I had the opportunity to eat  at The Rudder recently (courtesy of Bob and Alma), and the food, service and ambiance were excellent.   Whether you are visiting or live here, you need to treat yourself to dinner at The Rudder.

E.J. Lefavour

www.khanstudiointernational.com

That in addition to being a wonderful painter of Gloucester, past and present, factual and imagined, L.A. Dahlmer (Larry) was a shipbuilder for almost 40 years, and worked on the restoration of two of Howard Blackburn’s boats?  After spending almost forty years building and repairing boats on Smith Cove, he has spent the last seven painting full time.  His first work was a 4‘x18’ mural of Smith Cove, which hangs on the building that houses his gallery at 15 Rocky Neck Ave.  He then proceeded to paint 106 oil paintings, concentrating on showing Gloucester’s history.  You will find Larry’s gallery and studio on the right just after the parking lot as you enter Rocky Neck.  Larry is a fascinating, salty character, who you definitely want to take the time to visit, and see (and buy) his work, which is very affordable.  His website is www.ladarts.com

E.J. Lefavour

www.khanstudiointernational.com

That a gallery space just became available on historic Rocky Neck, at awesome, fun and rockin Madfish Wharf, right next to Khan Studio and the Good Morning Gloucester Gallery!?  The space is very nice, 650-700sq feet, has new track lighting, bath and kitchenette, nice built-in counter for transacting business, good wall space – a nice gallery space in a great location, at the beginning of Madfish Wharf.  The space will be available in a week or so, in time to be set up and ready to go for 4^th of July weekend, or possibly by Fiesta.  If you are interested, contact Niki Ahearn at the Madfish 978-281-4554 or her cell 617-543-2977, or if you can’t reach her, you can email me at khanstudio@comcast.net and I’ll help make the connection.   

E.J. Lefavour

www.khanstudiointernational.com

That Joey C. released the awesome new Version 5 limited edition Good Morning Gloucester sticker, designed by Beth Swan and printed by Frank Ciolino and Shewsberry, at yesterday’s Mug Up at Khan Studio and the Good Morning Gloucester Gallery?  This new version is classy navy with a silver winged gull.  Watch the exciting event as the box is opened and the new sticker seen for the first time.  If you are a collector, or don’t yet have a Good Morning Gloucester sticker, you can get your’s at Capt. Joe & Sons, 95 East Main Street or at Khan Studio and the Good Morning Gloucester Gallery, 77 Rocky Neck, G3, or if you are out of area, you can mail a self-addressed stamped envelope to Joey at Capt. Joe & Sons ( 95 East Main St Gloucester, MA 01930), and he’ll send one to you.  Be the first on your block to have the new GMG Sticka proudly displayed on your bumper or front door!

E.J. Lefavour

www.khanstudiointernational.com

This morning ushered in the start of a new Rocky Neck Sunday morning tradition – GMG Mugs Up!  At 10:00 am on Sunday mornings, Khan Studio and the Good Morning Gloucester Gallery will host Mugs Up! – coffee and whatever with your favorite GMG leader, Joey C. and the team, FOB’s, visitors and stragglers by that we lure in with the boisterous fun and frivolity that ensues.  Today’s Mugs Up was great fun, and offered an amazing outlay of awesome foodstuff provided by FOB, and recent video’d GMG personality finding her Paul Frontiero Art Rocks! Rock at Capt. Joe & Sons – Patti Keenan.  Thank you so much Patti for the incredibly generous spread you brought.  Paul Frontiero also brought a coffeecake, which was delicious.  You can see Joey scoffing a piece of it here.  See R. Duck laying claim to the spread before Ed Collard had a chance to move in.  We experienced a sweet gesture of generosity on the part of Paul Frontiero, who gave an art rock to visiting FOB’s Anita Dziedzic and Jim Gularte from CT.  You may remember Anita and her story from a Paul post in August of 2010

 https://goodmorninggloucester.wordpress.com/2010/08/02/art-rocks-looks-like-it-found-a-great-home/ .  Imagine’s Brenda Malloy came down to join us for some GMG and Madfish Wharf fun.  Sharon Lowe was in the house, as was Paul Morrison and of course R. Duck, as well as Marty, Ed, Joanne, Donna A. and more.  Bob rode over from Squam to get a new GMG sticka and represent.  Mark your calendars for Sunday mornings at 10:00 am at Madfish Wharf for GMG Mugs Up!

E.J. Lefavour

www.khanstudiointernational.com

That Tony Gonzalez caught a record breaking striped bass this morning off the rocks behind the paint factory on Rocky Neck.  Tony said he’s been fishing this spot for 32 years trying to catch the elusive monster striped bass, and he finally caught it this morning, and Good Morning Gloucester was on the scene to capture this amazing catch.  See photo of Tony with his 54” striper.   (Well maybe it was really only 28”, but it is still really big! And that’s no fish tale.)

E.J. Lefavour

www.khanstudiointernational.com

That in spite of the threatening looking sky early on, the evening turned lovely and the first NOTN at Rocky Neck and the Grand Opening of Khan Studio and the Good Morning Gloucester Gallery was very well attended and great fun?  Many thanks to Sista Felicia for her amazing contributions of prosciutto wrapped asparagus, roasted cashews, mozzarella stuffed peppers (they were to die for), and beautiful and delicious tourquoise and yellow cookies that were an incredible match for the motif of the refreshment table.  Many of the GMG regulars (Paul Frontiero, Paul Morrison, R. Duck, homie, Sharon Lowe, Manny Simoes, Ed Collard, Fred Bodin, of course, Joey C., and his mom, Pat Ciaramitaro, as well as Sista Felicia) were there, along with a host of FOB’s.  Joda Khan gave two stellar spoken word performances to rapt audiences. 

E.J. Lefavour

www.khanstudiointernational.com

Margi Green represents at NOTN and the Grand Opening of the Gallery.  Did you know that Margi is a licensed/certified Neuromuscular Therapist with 30 years experience in bodywork, and that her sister, Sarah Green, just won the Pomme d’Ore Award at the Cannes Film Festival for her film “Tree of Life”, which is premiering this weekend at the Kendall Theatre in Cambridge?

E.J. Lefavour

www.khanstudiointernational.com

ART ROCKS!

Paul Frontiero Art Rocks! Rock found at Khan Studio and the Good Morning Gloucester Gallery on Rocky Neck by Bill and Melissa Cox.  I didn’t even know it had been hidden here!  No FOB’s were caught unaware on video during this hunt and find.

E.J. Lefavour

www.khanstudiointernational.com

For those of you who don’t already know it, Rocky Neck is just about the coolest place in the Universe.  This a photo collage covers just the tip of the iceberg that is Rocky Neck.  Thursday, June 2 from 5:00 to 9:00 pm is the First Night on the Neck for the season, and the Grand Opening of Khan Studio and the Good Morning Gloucester Gallery.  There will be performers, art, music, dance, good vibes, food, libations and genres of fun for all. 

As for the Grand Opening at Khan Studio on Thursday, June 2 from 5:00 to 9:00 at 77 Rocky Neck, G3, I hear from a very reliable source, that in addition to the opening fare that will be offered, Sista Felicia is going to be bringing one of her awesome hors d’oeuvres.  There will be a spoken word performance by renowned beat poet, Joda Khan; Good Morning Gloucester contributors and FOB’s will abound.  And there will be a premier unveiling of Wendie Demuth’s amazing secret recipe ice tea (the only ingredient we can divulge is Duckworth Bistrot’s special Cape Ann Bee-strot honey), appropriately called Joey C. Ice Tea (because the man was totally blown away by it when he tasted it).  So run, walk, bicycle, skateboard, take a taxi or CATA bus, or drive to Rocky Neck tomorrow, Thursday, June 2, and plan to stay late, as Soul Rebel Project will be sharing the love with their special reggae vibe at Madfish, starting at 9:00. 

E.J. Lefavour

www.khanstudiointernational.com

That swans usually mate for life, although divorce does sometimes occur, particularly following nesting failure? Modern genetic techniques are starting to reveal that divorces are more common than previously thought, as is mating with other swans outside of the social pairing, without breaking the social pair bond. Who knew swans were adulterous and had open marriages? Young swans are known as cygnets or swanlings, an adult male is a cob, and an adult female is a pen.  Swans feed in the water and on land. They are almost entirely herbivorous, although small numbers of aquatic animals may be eaten. In the water food is obtained by up-ending or dabbling, and their diet is composed of the roots, tubers, stems and leaves of aquatic and submerged plants.  I learned today that swans do not like bananas.  This one was following me around the dock at Madfish Wharf begging, so I gave him/her a small piece of banana.  He chomped on it a bit then spit it out and rinsed his beak out, then tried it again, spit it out again and rinsed his beak.  He tried it a third time and then ignored it.

E.J. Lefavour

www.khanstudiointernational.com