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.

Don’t miss out on the final days of the progressive sale of Sea Glass Stepping Stones at the Cape Ann Designs Studio.  Open Saturday, November 9 from 10-4 – 44 Thurston Pt. Rd. Back Barn.

The artists of Rockport invite you to the Second Saturday ArtWalk! This Saturday, November 9th, from 5:00-8:00 pm our galleries will be open, with many offering snacks and beverages. This is a great chance to shop local and get a jump on your holiday shopping list! Visit our website RockportArtists.com for a list of participating galleries and an interactive map. 

It’s a great chance to shop local and get a jump on holiday shopping

KRISTIN CZARNECKI

Encounters with Inscriptions: A Memoir

Saturday, November 2, 4PM
North Shore Arts Association
11 Pirates Lane, Gloucester, MA

North Shore Arts Association is excited to have a book reading and signing by Kristin Czarnecki, Executive Director of the Rockport Art Assocation & Museum. In her new book, Kristin writes about the books that have been inscribed and given to her by her parents over the years – an array of novels, short stories, poetry, nature writing, cultural criticism, and a cookbook. To purchase “Encounters with Inscriptions” and to learn more about the author please click HERE.

We would love for you to join us in celebrating Kristin’s recently published book with fresh-baked pies, hot cider, and mulled wine. This warm and cozy autumn experience is not to be missed! 

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

What: HOLIDAY POP-UP
Where: North Shore Arts Association, 11 Pirate’s Lane, Gloucester, MA 01930
When: November 2 & 3, 2024
Cost: Open and free to the public
Images: 1 attached

It’s that time of year! Come enjoy our LAST OPEN WEEKEND of 2024 (November 2 & 3), with mulled wine, hot cider, fresh-baked goodies, and of course, lots of art. Both our annual Silent Auction (Champagne & Strawberries Closing Reception on November 3, bidding ends at 3PM) and the Artists on Cape Ann: Past and Present exhibit will be on display. Find the perfect gift for friends or family this holiday season, right here at NSAA! All are welcome!

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.

Please visit our Holiday Pop-Up Event Page for more information about this weekend’s festivities.

It’s the end of one season and the start of a new one!  Cape Ann Designs inventory of steppingstones will enjoy a “progressive sale” through November 11th.  

The studio will be open 10-4 on Saturday, November 2 & 9th and by appointment at the back barn of 44 Thurston Pt. Rd., Gloucester.    Join me for a hot cider and to toast to end of a fabulous summer and fall!  Questions and appointments – 978-283-8333.

If you are in Rockport, don’t miss the FALL PROMOTION  at Gallery Number One – One Main Street.   Check out the special table in the back for special art deals including sea glass, painting, and more!

8 p.m. Friday

Shalin Liu Performance Center,
37 Main Street in Rockport, Mass.

Effervescent and engaging, Boston-based fiddler Hanneke Cassel’s fiddle music fuses influences from the Isle of Skye and Cape Breton with Americana grooves and musical innovations. Her music is a blend of the contemporary and traditional, described by the Boston Globe as “exuberant and rhythmic, somehow wild and innocent, delivered with captivating melodic clarity and an irresistible playfulness.”  For this duo project, Hanneke joins forces with pianist Dave Wiesler who has built a national reputation for his rhythmic and innovative piano playing, and his sensitive accompaniment of dance music, choruses, and soloists.  Hanneke and Dave have played together for over 20 years, recorded together on six albums, and have toured the East coast of the United States and across France, performing concerts and playing for Scottish Country Dances. 

Keith Murphy and Yann Falquet are masters of contemporary Celtic guitar, representing the compelling textures, harmonies and rhythms that the guitar has brought to traditional songs and instrumentals since the Celtic music revival in the 1970s. As singers, they bring a rich blending of the Franco and Anglo song traditions. Falquet comes with a wealth of songs from the French-Canadian tradition. He is probably best known for his work with the Quebecois trio, Genticorum, with whom he has been a driving force since the group’s inception.  Murphy is a highly respected traditional singer and brings a song repertoire filled with gems from his native Newfoundland as well as Quebec and his current home, Vermont. He was a founding member of the groundbreaking trio, Nightingale. https://www.hannekecassel.com/