Author: James Eves

Feather & Wedge in Rockport is generously hosting a Rockport Farmers Market 2026 Kickoff and Fundraiser! Join us Saturday June 6th at F&W (5 Main st Rockport) for yummy appetizers made with ingredients from our vendors and a cash bar which will include a special drink the “Farmer’s Whim” cocktail which will change every week thru the market season using ingredients from our vendors! 

Tickets are $35 there are two sessions 12:30-1:45 and 2:00-3:15.

click here is the link to buy tickets.

Community celebration on June 14 invites the North Shore to experience Jewish pride, joy, food, music, art, and connection

In just one week, Stage Fort Park will come alive with Jewish music, culture, food, art, and family fun as the Cape Ann Jewish Cultural Festival returns to Gloucester on Sunday, June 14, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

The festival is free, family-friendly, and open to the entire community, welcoming people of all backgrounds from Cape Ann, and across the North Shore.

Hosted by Chabad Jewish Center of Cape Ann, the festival offers a joyful and welcoming way to experience Jewish culture in the heart of Cape Ann. Guests will enjoy live klezmer music, free children’s activities, artists and vendors, and kosher food available for purchase.

More than just a festival, organizers say the event is meant to be a public celebration of connection, belonging, and Jewish joy.

“At a time when Jewish identity is so often spoken about in the context of challenges, this festival offers something different,” said Rabbi Avremi Raichik, director of Chabad Jewish Center of Cape Ann. “It is a chance to celebrate Jewish life openly, proudly, and joyfully through music, food, art, family, and community.”

The Cape Ann Jewish Cultural Festival was created to bring people together and share the richness of Jewish culture with the broader community. The event is designed for all ages, whether attendees come for the music, the food, the kids’ activities, the vendors, or simply to enjoy an uplifting afternoon by the Gloucester waterfront.

“This is not only for the Jewish community,” Rabbi Raichik said. “It is for neighbors, families, friends, and anyone who wants to be part of a warm, meaningful, and joyful community celebration.”

Organizers are encouraging attendees to reserve free tickets in advance so they can prepare for the crowd.

Event Details:
What: Cape Ann Jewish Cultural Festival
When: Sunday, June 14, 1:00–3:00 p.m.
Where: Stage Fort Park, Gloucester, MA
Admission: Free and family-friendly
Tickets/RSVP: CapeAnnJewishFestival.com

The festival will take place rain or shine.

About Chabad Jewish Center of Cape Ann
Chabad Jewish Center of Cape Ann serves Gloucester, Rockport, Ipswich, Essex, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Hamilton, Wenham, and the surrounding area with Jewish education, holiday programs, community events, family programming, and opportunities for Jewish connection and celebration.

Feather & Wedge in Rockport is generously hosting a Rockport Farmers Market 2026 Kickoff and Fundraiser! Join us Saturday June 6th at F&W (5 Main st Rockport) for yummy appetizers made with ingredients from our vendors and a cash bar which will include a special drink the “Farmer’s Whim” cocktail which will change every week thru the market season using ingredients from our vendors! 

Tickets are $35 there are two sessions 12:30-1:45 and 2:00-3:15.

click here is the link to buy tickets.

Two adjacent sites: 44 & 54 Commercial Street, Gloucester

The public is invited into the Gloucester Harbor studio and gallery featuring Gordon Massman’s new works, all on scale for this artist who paints large!  The studio is something to experience. Paintings hang from the ceilings, cover the high walls and stack around the circumference of the 4,000 sf studio.

The event will include fine catering, drinks, an unveiling of new piece, and special film. Free. Parking on site. 

Rocky Neck Cultural Center, 6 Wonson Street, Gloucester, MA

Journey of a Song Brings Acclaimed Musicians and Visual Artists Together at Rocky Neck Art Colony.  An intimate evening of music, storytelling, and creative inspiration connected to RNAC’s exhibition, Rhythm and Rhyme.

Rocky Neck Art Colony presents Journey of a Song, a special evening of live music, storytelling, and artistic conversation featuring celebrated North Shore musicians Dan King and Dave Mattacks on Saturday, June 6 from 5–7 PM at the Rocky Neck Cultural Center.

Blending performance with personal narrative, the event invites audiences inside the creative process behind songwriting — exploring how melodies, lyrics, memories, and life experiences evolve into music that resonates deeply with listeners.

Dan King has been writing songs and producing music for many years, performing in venues from coast to coast and collaborating with acclaimed musicians including King Brown Mattacks and Girandies since 2001. Joining him is legendary drummer Dave Mattacks, best known for his work with the iconic British folk-rock band Fairport Convention, who will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2027. Mattacks has also recorded as a session drummer with renowned artists including Elton John, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Cat Stevens.

The performance is presented in conjunction with RNAC’s current exhibition, Rhythm and Rhyme, on view at the Rocky Neck Cultural Center through June 28, 2026. The exhibition explores the deep connections between visual art, musical arrangements, and lyrical compositions — highlighting how rhythm, harmony, improvisation, and emotional expression transcend artistic disciplines.Advance registration is encouraged, as seating is limited.  Admission: $10 RNAC Members | $20 Non-Members For tickets and information: www.rockyneckartcolony.org

What: Marvin Waller Retrospective
Where: North Shore Arts Association, 11 Pirate’s Lane, Gloucester, MA 01930
When: May 29 – June 20, 2026
Reception: Sunday, May 30, 1-3 PM
Cost: Open and free to the public

The Marvin Waller Retrospective at the North Shore Arts Association celebrates the life and legacy of Cape Ann fine artist, Marvin Waller (1928–1994). Born in Chicago, and ultimately settling in Rockport, Massachusetts in 1959, Waller produced numerous drawings, woodcuts, and paintings inspired by his life on Cape Ann and informed by his training in drawing the figure at the Art Students League in NYC. This premier exhibition showcases Waller’s extensive body of work and brings renewed attention to his life commitment to the arts. All are welcome to attend the reception on Saturday, May 30, from 1PM – 3PM.

North Shore Arts Association is located at 11 Pirate’s Lane, Gloucester, MA 01930. For more information about events please call (978) 283-1857 or email arts@nsarts.org. Visiting hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 10 AM – 5 PM, Sundays 12 – 4 PM, and closed Mondays.

Here’s the link to our website for the show: https://nsarts.org/event/marvin-waller/

Opening Reception: Thursday, May 21, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

May 21 – June 21, 2026
Cove Gallery, 37 Rocky Neck Avenue, Gloucester, MA

Gloucester, MA — Play as Practice is a five-artist exhibition curated by Mallie Loring Pratt and Hanna Taylor Marino that examines the dynamic relationship between formal studio practice and the experimental work that unfolds alongside it. Featuring work by Pratt, Marino, Isabel Bacon, Margaret Sweet, and Julia Von Metzsch, the exhibition offers an intimate look into the creative process and the “side journeys” that quietly shape each artist’s visual language.

Bringing together painting, sketches, collage, and exploratory works, Play as Practice invites viewers to consider what constitutes an artist’s “real” work. By placing finished pieces in conversation with studies and experiments, the exhibition reveals the moments of play, uncertainty, and discovery that often lead to artistic breakthroughs.

Each of the five artists moves fluidly between abstraction and representation, sharing a common interest in where those boundaries blur. Though distinct in style and approach, the artists are united by a willingness to embrace process, curiosity, and experimentation as essential parts of their practices.

Collectively, the artists bring significant professional recognition to the exhibition, including museum exhibitions, gallery representation throughout New England, critical coverage, brand collaborations, and work held in private and corporate collections nationwide.

Rather than presenting only polished outcomes, Play as Practice offers audiences a behind-the-scenes perspective on contemporary painting practices and the evolving decisions that shape them.

Play as Practice will be on view at Cove Gallery in Gloucester from May 21 through June 21, 2026. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, May 21 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Featured Artists

Mallie Loring Pratt
Hanna Taylor Marino
Isabel Bacon
Margaret Sweet
Julia Von Metzsch

Feather & Wedge in Rockport is generously hosting a Rockport Farmers Market 2026 Kickoff and Fundraiser! Join us Saturday June 6th at F&W (5 Main st Rockport) for yummy appetizers made with ingredients from our vendors and a cash bar which will include a special drink the “Farmer’s Whim” cocktail which will change every week thru the market season using ingredients from our vendors! 

Tickets are $35 there are two sessions 12:30-1:45 and 2:00-3:15.

click here is the link to buy tickets.

Cape Ann Artisans Prepare for June Open Studios
Experience Art Where It’s Made!

Gloucester and Rockport, MA.
Spring Tour: Sat & Sun, June 6-7.   10AM-5PM 

The Cape Ann Artisans have laid the groundwork for the Spring Open Studios to be held Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7.  The 2026 brochures are now completed with a suggested route for visitors to drive around Cape Ann over the two-day period.    

With several artisans on sabbatical, the tour includes a manageable twelve studios affording visitors more time with each artisan. Open Studios offer the unique opportunity to see the workings of each maker in an intimate, working environment.  Many of the studios are found in Cape Ann neighborhoods where relatively few people would normally venture.  

Here’s a sampling of what to expect as you follow the map or choose your own route:

Along the Annisquam River, visit with Nina Goodick to see her endearing collection of pottery reflecting her passion for family and community and Jacqueline Ganim-DeFalco with a vast selection of sea glass wearable art and garden steppingstones.  Approaching Annisquam, head up Holly Street to find John Abisamra’s tantalizing fine art photographs of nature in all its forms.   Just around the corner, you will find Tina Frassica’s colorful quilts in her studio known as the Art Hatchery.   Take a turn into Annisquam and see Katrina Abbott’s hand-built pottery and hand printed textiles.

Enroute to downtown Rockport, near Pigeon Cove you will find Sara Wright’s Handwoven and Knit Accessories and a demo of her work on the loom.  As you continue toward town, visit with new Artisan, John Bassett in his barn studio featuring exquisite wall pieces of eco-friendly glass  formed using a kiln, glass cutter and wet saw.  John writes in a recent post, “Most of my shapes come from bottles saved by friends and recycled.”

Pam Stratton’s Mosaic studio is just above downtown Rockport.  Here you will find mosaic wall pieces, sculpture, jewelry, and garden art.  Check out her ever-evolving mosaic “tree” and new mosaic QR code.   Leaving Rockport along South Street, turn off to see Rob Diebboll’s oil and watercolor paintings in his delightful studio and beautifully tended gardens.

Following 127A along the coast, you will find yourself in East Gloucester to visit with Cindy Efinger, Jane Keddy, and Kathryn Roberts.   Cindy’s studio is full of surprises – the latest will literally turn your head.  Check out her new living mixed media block sculptures.  Jane, another new artisan will delight you with her textile prints and mixed media. Jane uses natural dyes and fiber reactive dyes working in various techniques including Shibori.  

Just around the corner off of Eastern Avenue, you will find Kathryn Roberts.  Kathryn’s watercolors are a true reflection of all that is treasured on Cape Ann.  In her latest blog, Kathryn shares, “My strong connections to this special place have inspired and challenged me to capture the rugged beauty of its coastline, which began as a child while spending summers at the beach and picnics at Stage Fort Park… I enjoy bringing joy, hope and creating connections with my viewers.”

Brochures are available at the Cape Ann Chamber, via Discover Gloucester, the visitors’ centers, the 128-north kiosk, hotels, inns, and major tourist attractions around Cape Ann.   You can also download the brochure and map from the Cape Ann Artisans website.   While visiting artisans in their studios, you can participate in the grocery gift card drawing and also receive complementary copies of North Shore Magazine and New England Home on a first come, first serve basis.

The full list of Artisans and the new tour route are shown below.  New members are marked with an asterisk.  Read more about each artist in the “From the Studio” blog.

1. Nina Goodick:  Functional Pottery
2. Jacqueline Ganim-DeFalco: Sea Glass Wearable Art, Garden Stones & Sculpture
3. John Abisamra: Fine Art Photography
4. Tina Frassica:  Quilting
5. Katrina Abbott: Pottery and Textiles
6. Sara Wright: Handwoven and Knit Accessories
7. John Bassett: Eco-Friendly recycled glass art*
8. Pam Stratton: Mosaics, Mixed Media, Eco Printed silk scarves, Jewelry, Sculpture
9. Rob Diebboll: Oil and Water Color Painting
10. Kathryn Roberts:  Watercolor Painting
11. Cindy Efinger: Mosaic and Sculpture
12. Jane Keddy: Textiles, Prints, and Mixed Media*

The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson Street, Gloucester, MA

May 22 – June 28, 2026

Opening Reception: Sunday, May 24, 2026, 4-6pm

Gallery Hours: Thursday – Sunday, Noon – 5pm

GLOUCESTER, MA — ROCKY NECK ART COLONY (RNAC) announces the opening of Rhythm and Rhyme, a juried exhibition showcasing work inspired by music or musical lyrics. The structural pattern of music, including melody, harmony, tempo, and texture, has long been a muse for the visual arts. A song’s lyric quality may also evoke powerful imagery and stir the imagination. The works in this exhibit represent the full range of musical inspiration, from highly literal responses to deeply emotional.

Please join us at the Opening Reception of Rhythm and Rhyme on Sunday, May 24, 2026, from 4-6pm. Experience the collection, meet the artists, and enjoy an afternoon of refreshments and lively conversation.

The Artists

Willie Alexander, Stephen Bates, Marcy Bergeron, David Curcio, Leslie Davison, Dennis Flavin, Gordon Goetemann, Paul Cary Goldberg, Seth Goldfine, Don Gorvett, Don Gropman, Elliott Kaufman, Alison Landoni, Helene Levin, Eileen Mueller, Joan Mullen, R. Ellis Orrall, Iku Oseki, Howard Pohl, Marion Powers, Jon Sarkin, Suzanne Ulrich, Juni Van Dyke and James Wickey.

Save the date: The Journey of a Song, music and musings with Dan King and Dave Mattacks, Saturday, June 6, 2026. 

Details to follow.

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The Rocky Neck Art Colony (RNAC), a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, nurtures excellence in the arts through exhibitions, workshops, residencies and vibrant cultural events for its members and the public. On picturesque Rocky Neck in Gloucester, Massachusetts, RNAC operates three exhibition spaces, open to the public for free, The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck (6 Wonson Street); The Salted Cod Arthouse (53 Rocky Neck Ave.), a partnership gallery and café; and Cove Gallery (37 Rocky Neck Ave.), open seasonally in the former gallery of local artists Gordon and Judith Goetemann. Check the website, www.rockyneckartcolony.org, for hours, openings and special events. For more information, see the website or call 978-515-7004.

Thursday, May 7, 5:00-8:00pm

Friday, May 8, 5:00-8:00pm

Saturday, May 9, 10:00-5:00pm

8 Larch Row, Wenham MA, 01984

Join us for our 3^rd Annual, Mother’s Day Weekend, Home Studio Show. Original artwork by Wenham artist Jeff Pacione who’s work ranges from realistic/semi-realistic plein air oil paintings created in numerous places across the country, to still lifes produced in his intimate home studio. With Jeff’s broad stylist scope and ability to capture dramatic color, lighting, and mood ­— you’ll be sure to find something that piques your interest. 

 jeffpacionestudio.bigcartel.com

@jeffpacione

A branding and design specialist by trade, Jeff studied at Carnegie Mellon, worked in Boston and London for many years, and co-founded and ran Catapult Thinking from 2000 – 2015. 

Following a stroke during a triple by-pass in 2015, Jeff’s recovery process was long and difficult, bolstered by refocusing on the more artistic side of himself. He found his love of fine art again and has enjoyed honing his skills over the past six years. Despite having to relearn many things with his less dominant side, he now draws with his right hand and paints with his left. Jeff’s main challenge remains language retrieval (Aphasia).

We hope to see you there.

Mark your calendars! Our annual Exhibit New England Regional Juried Show applications are being accepted now through Saturday, May 30th by 11:59PM.

The show will run June 27 – July 24, 2026, and the Gala is on Friday, June 26 from 6 – 8 PM and we are excited Vinwood is catering and the Bill Dwyer Band is playing!!

Renowned artists Amy Sudarsky and Loren Doucette are the jurors for the show with over $8,000 in awards! Click here for all important dates and requirements.

Apply via Smarter Entry; https://client.smarterentry.com/nsarts. Email us at arts@nsarts.org with any questions. (All NSAA members receive a discount on the application fee, to be re-emailed the discount code please reach out.)

Thursday, May 7, 5:00-8:00pm

Friday, May 8, 5:00-8:00pm

Saturday, May 9, 10:00-5:00pm

8 Larch Row, Wenham MA, 01984

Join us for our 3^rd Annual, Mother’s Day Weekend, Home Studio Show. Original artwork by Wenham artist Jeff Pacione who’s work ranges from realistic/semi-realistic plein air oil paintings created in numerous places across the country, to still lifes produced in his intimate home studio. With Jeff’s broad stylist scope and ability to capture dramatic color, lighting, and mood ­— you’ll be sure to find something that piques your interest. 

 jeffpacionestudio.bigcartel.com

@jeffpacione

A branding and design specialist by trade, Jeff studied at Carnegie Mellon, worked in Boston and London for many years, and co-founded and ran Catapult Thinking from 2000 – 2015. 

Following a stroke during a triple by-pass in 2015, Jeff’s recovery process was long and difficult, bolstered by refocusing on the more artistic side of himself. He found his love of fine art again and has enjoyed honing his skills over the past six years. Despite having to relearn many things with his less dominant side, he now draws with his right hand and paints with his left. Jeff’s main challenge remains language retrieval (Aphasia).

We hope to see you there.

The Manship Artists Residency is pleased to announce that Ansa Stamper has joined the team as Administrative & Operations Manager. Previously serving as the Collections & Exhibitions Manager at Gloucester’s North Shore Arts Association and as the Resident Program Assistant for Gordon College’s Gordon in Orvieto program, she brings several years of experience in arts administration, nonprofit management, and program coordination, both locally on Cape Ann and internationally. Stamper holds a BFA with a concentration in Graphic Design from Gordon College. She is a visual artist herself and an exhibiting member of the North Shore Arts Association.

Featuring Masterworks by Historic Cape Ann Artists Offered in Rockport Art Association & Museum’s 41st Annual Art Auction on Saturday, May 2, 2026, 2:00 PM (ET).

Live Online Only Auction via LiveAuctioneers:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/413071_rockport-art-association-and-museum-art-auction/

Auction Preview Exhibition in the Hibbard and Maddocks Galleries of the RAA&M:
Saturday, April 18 – Saturday, May 2, 2026.
Auction Preview Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10am – 5pm; Sunday, 12–5pm (Saturday, May 2nd, 10am – 12pm).

Noted Cape Ann historian and author Judith A. Curtis will give a gallery talk during the Auction Preview Exhibition on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM.

Bidding is available live online via LiveAuctioneers.com (with advance registration) or by submitting an in-house absentee bid directly with the RAA&M in advance.

See the RAA&M website for more information and an online photo catalog of all 189 auction lots: www.rockportartassn.org/auction

RAA&M’s Annual Art Auction is a major fundraiser and a highly anticipated event. This prestigious auction attracts serious collectors throughout the country as well as those just starting an art collection.

Live online from the RAA&M’s Hibbard Gallery, this year’s auction features works by master Cape Ann artists of the past including Emile Gruppé, Aldro T. Hibbard, Anthony Thieme, Antonio Cirino, Jane Peterson, Frederick Mulhaupt, W. Lester Stevens, Harry A. Vincent, John Whorf, Max Kuehne, Charles Vickery, Paul Strisik, Kathryn E. Cherry, John F. Carlson, Hayley Lever, Aiden Lassell Ripley, Carl W. Peters, and Charles Paul Gruppé, among many others. The auction specializes in Cape Ann art but also includes works by numerous other prominent historic American artists. Also represented in this year’s auction are John Edward Costigan, Robert Lewis Reid, and Félix Ziem.

The auction, now in its 41st year, began with a bequest by founding RAA&M member Antonio Cirino (1888-1983). Cirino left his artwork to the association with the stipulation that the art be auctioned to help support the organization. The auction quickly evolved to include other historic Cape Ann artists and has been the RAA&M’s major annual fundraising event ever since.

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The Rockport Art Association & Museum is one of the oldest and most active art organizations in the country, with a long and distinguished history spanning over 100 years. Each year, the RAA&M welcomes thousands of visitors from around the world and stands as one of Cape Ann’s most prominent cultural beacons. Founded in 1921, the Rockport Art Association & Museum today includes nearly 300 Juried Artist Members and several hundred Contributing Members. By promoting year-round programs including workshops, classes, demonstrations, exhibitions, and community outreach as well as maintaining an impressive Museum Collection, the RAA&M remains dedicated to making fine art appreciation accessible to all.

Mission Statement:

Rockport Art Association & Museum’s mission is to foster the creation and appreciation of the fine arts through a rich and diverse program of exhibitions and educational offerings. RAA&M provides opportunities for a wide range of people to engage with art, maintains an impressive Museum Collection and carries forth the legacy of its founders by inspiring and cultivating artistic excellence and creative community on Cape Ann and beyond.

The New England Experimental Art Group presents its twenty-sixth group exhibition,

Parallel Passions,

at Whale Rock Studio, 27 Lexington Avenue, Gloucester, Massachusetts

The exhibition features a range of work across disciplines, including painting, mixed media, graphics, sculpture, digital art, and photography. Parallel Passions explores the intersection between artistic practice and the influences that shape it beyond the studio.

The exhibition runs from May 3 through May 30. An artist reception will be held on Saturday, May 16 from 5 to 7 pm. Gallery hours are Thursday and Friday from 1 to 4 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 pm.

The New England Experimental Art Group is a creative forum whose mission is to foster self-expression and expand public awareness of contemporary art. The group brings artists together to explore ideas, take risks, and cultivate creative freedom.

For additional information, to schedule an interview or walkthrough, or to request promotional images,
please contact: Nella Lush – President – 978 886 4582 or at experimentalartgroup@gmail.com

Saturday . March 28, 2026 . 7:00pm

Reception and refreshments to follow

Annisquam Village Church
820 Washington Street . Gloucester MA

$40, suggested donation

Tom Palance & Friends will perform Saturday, March 28, 2026 @ 7:00pm at the Annisquam Village Church, Gloucester MA. This popular quintet is led by veteran trumpeter Tom Palance, who has performed for five US Presidents and shared the stage with Clark Terry, Arturo Sandoval, Doc Severinsen and other celebrated artists.  He will be joined by two-time Grammy Nominee Mark Earley on saxophone, percussionist Jim Latinni, the piano wizardry of Jeff D’Antona, and Dave Landoni on bass.

These seasoned performers play regularly North of Boston and never disappoint. Their repertoire includes both classic and contemporary jazz standards, blues, and popular songs — all with the quintet’s unique twist. This will be their second appearance at the acoustically superb AVC.  

Don’t miss this special musical evening!

Click Here for details