The Rockport Art Association & Museum (RAA&M) in Rockport, MA is currently receiving consignment submissions of works by Historic American Artists, Highlighting the Cape Ann School, for its Annual Art Auction. The consignment deadline is March 8, and the Auction will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 – Live Online Only. The Auction Preview Exhibition will be on view for two weeks prior to the auction in the Hibbard and Maddocks Galleries of the RAA&M. 

Each year, this prestigious fundraising event attracts serious collectors from across the country, as well as those just starting an art collection. The auction features works by master Cape Ann artists of the past such as: Aldro T. Hibbard, Emile Gruppé, Anthony Thieme, Antonio Cirino, W. Lester Stevens, Jane Peterson, Frederick Mulhaupt, Harry A. Vincent, Max Kuehne, Frederick J. Waugh, Marguerite S. Pearson, Charles Paul Gruppé, Harrison Cady, Theresa Bernstein, Charles Vickery, Paul Strisik, Charles Movalli, and many more. The RAA&M auction specializes in Cape Ann art, but is not limited to this region and also includes works by numerous other prominent historic American artists.

The auction, now in its 40th year, began with a bequest by founding 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.

For more information about the Rockport Art Association & Museum and its Annual Art Auction, please visit www.rockportartassn.org/auction.

To make an appointment or to inquire about consigning, please contact Margaret Redington at 
978-546-6604, ext. 1002 or auction@rockportartassn.org.

The Annual Members Show at Rocky Neck Art Colony

Location: The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson Street, Gloucester, MA
Exhibition Dates: February 21 – April 6
Opening Reception: Sunday, February 23, 4–6 PM
Gallery Hours: Friday–Sunday, Noon – 5 PM

Gloucester, MA – The Rocky Neck Art Colony (RNAC) is thrilled to kick off the 2025 exhibition season with Rocky Neck Now, the much-anticipated annual members show. This dynamic exhibition brings together an exciting and diverse collection of recent works from 92 RNAC artists, offering a stunning reflection of talent, vision, and artistic passion. With pieces spanning painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, and more, visitors will experience a rich and varied exploration of contemporary creativity—from bold abstracts to evocative realism.

Celebrate with Us!

We invite the public to immerse themselves in art and community at our lively Opening Reception on Sunday, February 23, from 4 to 6 PM. Meet the artists, engage in conversation, and enjoy refreshments, drinks, and a welcoming creative atmosphere.

For details on additional public programs and special events accompanying this exhibition, visit www.rockyneckartcolony.org for updates.

About the Rocky Neck Art Colony

The Rocky Neck Art Colony (RNAC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to nurturing excellence in the arts through exhibitions, workshops, artist residencies, and vibrant cultural events for both members and the public. Located in the historic Rocky Neck Cultural District of Gloucester, Massachusetts, RNAC operates three unique exhibition spaces, free and open to the public:

The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck (6 Wonson Street) – A hub for exhibitions and events.
The Salted Cod Arthouse (53 Rocky Neck Ave.) – A collaborative gallery and Wine Bar, fostering artistic connections.
Cove Gallery (37 Rocky Neck Ave.) – A seasonal space in the former studio of Gordon and Judith Goetemann, celebrating local artistic heritage.

For gallery hours, exhibition details, and upcoming programs, visit www.rockyneckartcolony.org or call 978-515-7004.

Group introduces five new artisans, media, partnerships, and a tour-route!

After a brief pause in 2024 to reflect on the 42-year-old event, the Cape Ann Artisans have refreshed the tour with new faces while other long-term members – Beth Williams and Cynthia Curtis, have stepped back to enjoy a sabbatical.    The Artisans are pleased to welcome five new members – each offering a new unique twist in their respective media.  Here’s a sneak peek at the new CAA artists:

• From her studio on the Annisquam River, Nina Goodick shares that her passion for family and community inspires her work as a functional potter. Her gallery shelves are stacked with bowls, platters, and mugs. 
• Art composed of textiles is the focal point of Tina Frassica.  Some of Tina’s works take inspiration from traditional quilt patterns while others depart significantly from the symmetry and color palette one might expect from a quilt. 
• Katrina Abbott has always loved objects that are made by hand which have the mark of the maker on them. She brings this idea to life by hand building most of her work, each object made with a sense of its own personality and joy.  
• Watercolor Artist, Kathryn Roberts, a native of Gloucester, enjoys painting local landmarks. Her work echoes contemporary realism, with splashes of vibrant colors and translucent washes depicting local beaches, ocean waves & lighthouses on Cape Ann. She strives to bring joy, hope and emotional connections to viewers through her art.
• Cindy Efinger creates treasures in several forms: mosaics made of glass, tiles and or crockery shards. Her inventions adorn gardens front yards, tables and some hang on walls or in windows. She also sculpts wood and incorporates her mosaics into her sculpted pieces.

Cape Ann is certainly home to many fabulous art organizations, so what really makes the Cape Ann Artisans stand out? As the group reflected on its history, it reinforced the reason that the Artisans have gained such a long-term following.  

The Artisan’s tour is among the oldest studio event in the US.  It was founded in 1980 by men and women from the Gloucester/Rockport arts communities who were interested in connecting with each other to share professional and creative perspectives, and in blurring and challenging the line between art and craft. The founding members created a supportive network to survive and thrive, to grow their businesses and to cultivate their artistic visions.   The group became friends, shared knowledge, created shows and opened their studios to the public, designing a self-guided Tour that explores neighborhoods and back roads that may otherwise remain unknown to the casual traveler.   The full list of Artisans and the new tour route are shown below.  New members are marked with an asterisk.

1. Jacqueline Ganim-DeFalco: Sea Glass Wearable Art, Garden Stones & Sculpture
2. Nina Goodick:  Functional Pottery*
3. John Abisamra: Landscape Photography
4. Tina Frassica:  Quilting*
5. Katrina Abbott – Pottery and Textiles*
6. Danette English- Ceramics
7. David Archibald – Plum Cove Pottery, porcelain and stoneware
8. Sara Wright – Handwoven and Knit Accessories
9. Pam Stratton -Mosaics, Mixed Media, Eco Printed silk scarves, Jewelry, Sculpture
10. Rob Diebboll – Oil and Water Color Painting
11. Kathryn Roberts – Watercolor Painting*
12. Sinikka Nogelo -Contemporary Painting & Experimental Arts
13. Cindy Efinger -Mosaic and Sculpture*
14. Melody Phaneuf -Oil Painting

_________________________________________________________  

What:  The 42^nd  Annual Cape Ann Artisans Open Studios and Celebration

Where: Gloucester and Rockport, MA.

When:   Spring Tour: Sat & Sun, June 7-8   Fall Tour: Sat & Sun, October 11-12 10AM-5PM Daily

Special Events: TBA 

For General Information Contact: info@capeannartisans.com or leave a message with Pam Stratton, 508-284-0086.   For Media inquiries, contact Jacqueline Ganim-DeFalco, 978-283-8333.

Jacqueline Ganim-DeFalco, Cape Ann Artisans – Marketing & Media Committee

Presented by: New England Experimental Art Group

Where:  ZOOM

When:  March 19, 2025, 7:00pm

Please join us as we listen to respected Paul Balmer discuss his artistic journey. This exciting talk is open to all members of New England Experimental Art Group.

Paul Balmer was born and raised in South Africa. At seventeen he moved to Australia where he studied Fine Art at the Drawing School in Sydney and Graphic Design at the Sydney Institute of Technology. After university Paul spent several years working in illustration and advertising in Australia and America. Paul eventually left commercial art and moved to Europe to pursue his passion for painting. While living and traveling through England, Italy and France he explored various subject matters but was always drawn to Neoclassical architecture and sculpture. This exploration led to Paul’s first gallery shows in London and Boston featuring large scale Neoclassical paintings. Moving to New York City in 1999 was a turning point in his career. What started as a journey into traditional academic painting gave way to works of the imagination. His paintings took on a naive and abstracted quality. And although his subject matter continues to evolve, the colors, shapes, and primitiveness of his work is markedly influenced by his roots in South Africa and Australia. 

Paul’s work is included in many private and public collections including Delta Airlines, Marriott Hotels Boston, The Queen Mary 2, The Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Yale New Haven Hospital, Bridgeport Hospital and Suffolk University. His work has been shown in galleries in the U.S., UK, Holland, South Africa, South Korea and Australia.

Paul recently moved to New Canaan, CT where he lives with his wife and young children.

The New England Experimental Group is a creative forum, its main mission is to increase public awareness and to foster self-expression by bringing artists together to explore and share ideas that cultivate creative freedom.   

If you would like to learn more about The New England Experimental Art Group please contact: Nella Lush, Experimental Group, Chair, via email at experimentalartgroup@gmail.com.

“Genius girl” will shock and delight audiences

Women’s History Month stage play celebrates a pioneering woman of science

You’ll flunk this quiz: Who wrote the first computer program?

Believe it or not, it was a brilliant young woman in the U.K.

Now guess when.

Answer: the 1850’s. That’s right: long before computers were even invented.

And if you remember the classic poet Lord Byron, here’s a bit you’ll really love: That young girl, Ada Byron Lovelace, was the poet’s only daughter — and he abandoned her.

All of which somehow makes for a heartwarming, heartbreaking, inspiring stage play, Ada and the Engine, presented by Castle Hill Productions, at the Crane Estate in Ipswich February 27 through March 9.

Featuring some of the North Shore’s most beloved actors, Ada reveals a tangle of family tensions and an intriguing glimpse into the mind of a child genius who produced revolutionary scientific work in spite of rigid Victorian-Era attitudes about women.

“It’s the perfect production for Women’s History Month,” says director Kristina Grundmann, who founded the theatre company for The Trustees, the non-prof that owns and operates the Castle Hill property. “A girl haunted by her absent celebrity father, partnering with a male inventor but mentored by a female scientist, navigating her mother’s anger — it’s a whirlwind. But a beautiful whirlwind, because it’s such a brilliant, delightful script.”

Ada and the Engine was written by Laura Gunderson, one of the theatre world’s most popular new playwrights.

The play will be presented in the intimate ballroom of the Crane Estate’s grand mansion. As a result, seating is extremely limited. Theatre lovers are urged to buy tickets online immediately. Trustees members will pay $28, non-members $35. For more information: www.TheTrustees.org/Ada, or phone 978.356.4351.

Ada and the Engine stars Stanis Ames (of Salem) as Ada, along with Karen Dervin (Billerica), Chris DeStefano (Ipswich), Conor Burke (Somerville), Julie Butters (Salem), and Gary Ames (Salem).

WHERE: Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, 290 Argilla Rd., Ipswich

WHEN: February 27-March 9, Thursday-Saturday at 7 pm, Sundays at 6 pm

HOW: Tickets may be purchased online in advance. Trustees Member: $28. Nonmember: $35. Please visit TheTrustees.org/Ada or call 978.356.4351 for more information.

# # #

About the Trustees

Founded by landscape architect Charles Eliot in 1891, The Trustees has, for more than 125 years, been a catalyst for important ideas, endeavors, and progress in Massachusetts. As a steward of distinctive and dynamic places of both historic and cultural value, The Trustees is the nation’s first preservation and conservation organization, and its landscapes and landmarks continue to inspire discussion, innovation, and action today as they did in the past. We are a nonprofit supported by members, friends and donors and our more than 120 sites are destinations for residents, members, and visitors alike, welcoming millions of guests annually. www.thetrustees.org.

Gallery Number One, 1 Main St. Rockport, Ma

Come Sip, Snack and Shop at the gallery and enjoy our deepest discount on original artwork of the year! 30% off one night only! Also shop prints at 15% off. We have beautiful Gifts of Art by local artists and makers, hope you’ll join us for a fun night of shopping!

Cape Ann Makers Market •• The Cut Live

December 20th, 2024, 7:30 – 9:30 pm
Upstairs on Main, Shalin Liu Performance Center

Join the Cape Ann Guitar Society on Friday, December 20th, at 7:30 pm, for Shalin Liu’s Upstairs on Main series featuring an evening of guitar, with music from the Renaissance, Sephardia, and right here on Cape Ann. The Guitar Society’s founder Brendan Evans will present a classical guitar program of music from 16th century Spain and Italy, and will be joined by violinist Scott Moore for a set of Sefardic Airs arranged for guitar and violin. The acoustic trio Night Owls will then take the stage for a set of original music, blending three-part harmonies with classical guitar, playing songs about love, change, and mystery.

Ticketing and info: Tickets on sale here

Saturday, December 14, 12 PM – 5 PM
Rocky Neck Cultural District, Gloucester, MA

The Rocky Neck Art Colony and the Rocky Neck Cultural District are thrilled to invite you to the 2024 Rocky Neck Holiday Art Trek on Saturday, December 14, from 12 PM – 5 PM. Celebrate the festive season by exploring an enchanting variety of locally crafted gifts, set in the vibrant and creative atmosphere of Rocky Neck.

Twenty participating galleries, shops, studios, and eateries will welcome visitors with warm holiday cheer, spanning the district from Cripple Cove Studios to Mad Fish Wharf on Rocky Neck Avenue. From colorful paintings and sculptures to intricate ceramics and handcrafted jewelry, you’re sure to find unique treasures for everyone on your holiday list!

Download the Holiday Art Trek Passport [HERE] to plan your day. Visit eight or more participating locations, collect stamps on your passport, and earn complimentary Rocky Neck swag! (pick up at Salted Cod)

Event Highlights

• Cove Gallery presents:  Holiday Art Pop-Up Sale: On Saturday and Sunday (11 AM – 5 PM), enjoy a wide selection of artworks, paintings, drawings, ceramic sculptures, glass creations, and fiber art, all beautifully infused with the holiday spirit.
• Salted Cod Café: From 2 PM – 4 PM, warm up with complimentary bites, including soups, grilled sandwiches, and nachos.
• Salted Cod Arthouse: Experience the festive glow as Rocky Neck artists transform the space with holiday decorations, gifts, and ornaments. The Salted Cod Arthouse and Wine Bar also offer Gift Cards – a perfect option if you don’t find the exact gift you’re looking for!
• The Cultural Center: Saturday and Sunday (12PM-5PM) Last show of the year – “YES!” features work by 80+ RNAC Artist Members showcasing all manner of subjects, styles, sizes, and prices.
• Don’t Miss:  PRESENT, Pop-Up at Last Stop and Gloucester Stage’s Craft Market Pop-Up featuring local makers sharing wares that make perfect gifts for loved ones.

·       Be sure to pick up your Passport/Brochure at participating locations or download it (HERE] to start planning your Holiday Art Trek today!

About the Rocky Neck Art Colony (RNAC):
The Rocky Neck Art Colony, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to fostering excellence in the arts through exhibitions, workshops, artist residencies, historical tours, and dynamic cultural events for both members and the public. Located on scenic Rocky Neck in Gloucester, Massachusetts, RNAC operates three free-to-visit exhibition spaces:

• The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck (6 Wonson Street)
• Salted Cod Arthouse (53 Rocky Neck Ave.) gallery and café partnership
• Cove Gallery (37 Rocky Neck Ave.), Holiday Pop Up Dec. 14-15

For more information, visit www.rockyneckartcolony.org for photos of the swag and a Google map.

returns for a…
3 Week Holiday POP-UP

December 10 through Christmas Eve
OPEN DAILY

M & N Contemporary Art Gallery
20 Pleasant St. Gloucester

Featuring artwork by Loren Doucette & Matthew Billey and select pieces by Rebecca Anne Nagle & Vanessa Michalack

Cape Ann Makers Market •• The Cut Live

Cape Ann Makers Market •• The Cut Live

Celebrate the holiday season with the 5th Annual Winter Lights on Cape Ann! Discover Gloucester, in collaboration with the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, invites you to experience the magic of the season in the charming coastal towns of Gloucester, Essex, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Rockport. The festivities begin on Small Business Saturday, November 30, 2024, and continue through New Year’s Day, January 1, 2025.

Businesses across Cape Ann will light up the season with enchanting storefront displays, transforming their communities into a sparkling holiday wonderland. The illuminated streets and festive windows create a beautiful backdrop for exploring, shopping, and enjoying the magic of this special time of year.“

This event brings together the heart of Cape Ann—our small businesses and our community spirit—to create something truly special for residents and visitors alike,” says Steve Buckley, CEO of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce. “We’re thrilled to see so many businesses participating again this year, each contributing their creativity and holiday cheer to make the season shine even brighter.”

The annual Winter Lights Decorating Contest is back, encouraging everyone to explore Cape Ann and vote for their favorite displays. Voting begins on Small Business Saturday, November 30, and continues throughout the season. Winners will be announced in the New Year, and anyone who votes will be entered into a drawing to win a prize.

“Winter Lights on Cape Ann is one of the most festive times of the year,” says Brittany DiCologero, Marketing Director of Discover Gloucester. “It’s the perfect opportunity to discover what makes our communities so unique—walkable streets, beautifully decorated shops, and the unmistakable charm of Cape Ann during the holidays.”Start planning your holiday adventure today! Find the full list of participating businesses, cast your vote for the best displays, and explore the interactive digital map with event details, local promotions, and more at https://discovergloucester.com/winter-lights-cape-ann/. Brochures are also available at participating locations or downloadable online.

About Discover Gloucester

Discover Gloucester is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Gloucester as a premier visitor destination. Working collaboratively with local businesses and cultural institutions, Discover Gloucester inspires authentic visitor experiences and fosters economic vitality in the region.

About The Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce

Serving Essex, Gloucester, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Rockport for over 100 years, the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting local businesses, fostering economic growth, celebrating cultural heritage, and enhancing the quality of life throughout the region.

Discover Gloucester is pleased to announce this year’s distinguished award recipients who will be celebrated at the 2024 Holiday Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, December 12, at Cruiseport Gloucester. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by a luncheon program starting at 12:00 p.m. 

This annual event brings together community leaders, business owners, and residents to recognize individuals whose contributions have helped shape Gloucester into an authentic and dynamic destination.

The 2024 Discover Gloucester Award Winners are:

Exceptional Service Award
Awarded to “Beauport Bob” of Beauport Hospitality Group
This award honors an individual or establishment that has consistently gone above and beyond to promote Gloucester as a top destination. Through exceptional service, “Beauport Bob” has demonstrated a commitment to providing memorable experiences for visitors near and far, while supporting the core values of Gloucester’s hospitality industry.

Outstanding Appreciation Award
Awarded to Zach Sears of Minglewood Harborside
This award recognizes individuals or organizations whose dedication has strengthened Gloucester’s position as a valuable and authentic visitor destination. Zach Sears has fostered resilient community connections, showing exemplary devotion to both residents and visitors alike. 

Cultural Heritage / Harbor of Learning Award
Awarded to Mary Kay Taylor of Maritime Heritage Charters / Schooner Ardelle
This award celebrates those dedicated to preserving Gloucester’s cultural heritage and educating others on its maritime legacy. Mary Kay Taylor has been instrumental in sharing Gloucester’s rich history and fostering appreciation for the unique experiences that Gloucester has to offer.

The Tobin Dominick Leadership Award
Awarded to John Orlando of Harborview Inn
This legacy award honors leaders with longstanding contributions to Gloucester’s tourism industry. John Orlando is recognized as a community pillar, demonstrating a lasting commitment to supporting Gloucester’s tourism and hospitality sector and embodying the leadership qualities that inspire others to invest in this special destination.

The Awards Celebration and Holiday Luncheon is sponsored by Cruiseport Gloucester.

Join us on December 12, at Cruiseport Gloucester, to celebrate these remarkable individuals and their impact on Gloucester’s vibrant community and tourism landscape. To purchase tickets to the Holiday Awards Luncheon, please visit: https://gloucester-tourism-alliance-dba-discover-gloucester.square.site/

For further details, please contact:
Brittany DiCologero
Discover Gloucester
brittany@discovergloucester.com | (978) 949-1644
discovergloucester.com

About Discover Gloucester
As the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for the City of Gloucester, Discover Gloucester works to promote tourism and the visitor based economy by increasing awareness of Gloucester as a desirable visitor destination while also improving the quality of life for Gloucester residents and local business owners with positive economic benefits.

Discover Gloucester is a nonprofit 501-C-6, with grant support from the City of Gloucester, along with tourism-related local businesses that invest in advertising in our annual Discover Gloucester Visitor Guide and specially designed cooperative advertising packages and social media campaigns.