Henry Cooper Granite Visions New Short Film “Porcelain”

The short movie PORCELAIN, a bittersweet scene about a father battling dementia and reconnecting with his son, was created for the 24 Hour Film Race (www.filmracing.com). The story and production have to be completed in the 24 hour period and the story needs to include the three elements (theme: an unexpected guest, prop: a cookie, action: watering a plant). Pre-production work (prior to the 24 hour period) included location scouting, casting, building the crew, weekly meetings, and release forms. Starring Ariel Sargent, Topher Hansson, and Gordon Baird. Cast and crew hail from Gloucester, Rockport, and Worcester. Please enjoy!

John Sloan Lecture Series at the Cape Ann Museum

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Breezy Day Gloucester by John Sloan

Three Moderns Paint Gloucester: Sloan, Hartley, and Hopper on Cape Ann

GLOUCESTER, Mass. (July 10, 2015) – The Cape Ann Museum is pleased to present Three Moderns Paint Gloucester: Sloan, Hartley, and Hopper on Cape Ann on July 23 at 7:00 p.m. This is the first in a series of three lectures being offered in conjunction with the John Sloan Gloucester Days exhibition on view at the Museum through November 29, 2015.

Presented by Carol Troyen, an independent scholar and author, and the Kristin and Roger Servison Curator Emerita of American Paintings at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Although they never overlapped in Gloucester, three of the greatest painters of the early 20th century – John Sloan, Edward Hopper, and Marsden Hartley – spent significant parts of their careers on Cape Ann. The three artists’ responses to the region differed markedly, but the area’s appealing vistas led each to a new and modern style. The lecture will trace their steps through Gloucester and compare what each found there.

Tickets for the lecture series are $10 for members and $15 for non-members. For the series, tickets are $25 for members and $40 for non-members. For more information, call 978-283-0455 x10 or email:info@capeannmuseum.org.

The series continues with John Sloan, Robert Henri, and John Butler Yeats: A Portrait of Friendship presented by Avis Berman on August 13th and Passing through Gloucester: John Sloan Between City and Country presented by Michael Lobel on October 30th.
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About the exhibition:

One of this country’s most important artists of the early 20th century and a highly respected teacher, John Sloan (1871-1951) spent five summers—1914 through 1918—living and working on Cape Ann. During that time he created nearly 300 finished oil paintings, using Gloucester’s rugged landscape as a backdrop to experiment with color and explore ideas about form, texture and light. Arguably the most productive period of his career, the body of work that Sloan created during this time continues to astonish and delight viewers a century after it was completed.

The Cape Ann Museum is proud to have five major works by John Sloan in its permanent collection:  Sunflowers, Rocky Neck, 1914; Old Cone (Uncle Sam), 1914; Glare on the Bay, c.1914; Red Warehouses at Gloucester, 1914; andDogtown, Ruined Blue Fences, 1916.  Approximately 30 additional works, drawn from public and private collections across the country, will also be on display.

Exhibition Sponsors:

John Sloan Gloucester Days is sponsored by Carpenter & MacNeille Architects and Builders, Inc. and by Cape Ann Savings Trust & Financial Services.

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BREAKING: MAYOR SEFATIA ROMEO THEKEN OFFICIALLY THROWS HER HAT INTO THE MAYORAL RACE

Mayor Romeo Theken made the announcement from her office at City Hall that she has officially entered the race for Mayor. She joins City Councilors Paul McGeary and Greg Verga. To be listed on the ballot, a candidate must return nomination papers by August 11th for the November 3rd election. A primary will be held on September 29th.

HUGE SHOUT OUT TO ANN MARGARET FERRANTE FOR PROPOSED LEGISLATION TO GROW OUR ECONOMY!

Hearing-1Saturday morning a public meeting was held to provide State Representative Ann Margaret Ferrante the opportunity to introduce the four pieces of legislation that she has put forth to help grow the Massachusetts creative economy. The meeting was organized by Judith Hoglander, Chair for the Gloucester Committee for the Arts, and took place at the Gloucester Stage Company. Judith and Ann Margaret’s hope was to have an open exchange regarding the legislation prior to its moving forward and to create an opportunity to hear and discuss new ideas. Special guest Matt Wilson from MASSCreative also spoke about the importance of arts advocacy.

Ann Margaret’s proposed legislation could not be more on target and will have a tremendously positive impact on communities throughout Massachusetts. Time and again, around the nation, and the world over, we have seen how a thriving artistic community improves the spiritual, educational, and economic well being of a region.

 

Summary of the four pieces of legislation:

 

  1. Tax credit for live-theatre-to-Broadway. What does that mean? Pre-Broadway theatres would be granted a tax-credit for the six to twelve weeks of the show’s run. How does that benefit our communities? Ann Margaret explained that Boston and Massachusetts regional theatres were formerly considered the best place for theatres in New York to test their upcoming shows. It was easy and economical to pack up the show and head to Massachusetts. Not any longer because Chicago, New Orleans, and Rhode Island now offer tax exemptions for pre-Broadway shows. Boston and Massachusetts theatres are dark during pre-Broadway runs, which means the restaurants and surrounding businesses are also empty of patrons. Did you know that the Colonial Theatre in Boston is slated to close this winter? And become luxury condos??

 

  1. Sales tax exemptions for art sales (with a cap).

 

  1. Sales tax exemptions for developers to create artist live-work space. This is huge and would also contain wording to prevent the dwellings from becoming luxury condominiums.

 

  1. Simple red/green rating system for the handicap accessibility of cultural institutions. This would not compel any change to the institution, but simply make it easier for people with a handicap to attend the venue.

 

A true advocate for the arts, it is worth noting that Representative Ferrante was instrumental in maintaining the film industry tax credit. She was the point person fighting this serious threat to our regional economy. There isn’t one person in Massachusetts who has not benefited directly or indirectly from our growing film industry. The business of filmmaking creates exceptional and well paying jobs (with benefits) and supports local businesses, while also generating worldwide interest in our region. Hats off to Ann Margaret Ferrante for the stellar work that she is accomplishing for Cape Ann and for all of Massachusetts.

Judith Hoglander ©Kim Smith 2015

Judith Hoglander, meeting organizer, and Chair to the Gloucester Committee for the Arts.

Jon Wojciechowski ©Kim Smith 2015

Jon Wojciechowski, Executive Managing Director Gloucester Stage Company

Matt Wilson ©Kim Smith 2015

Matt Wilson, Executive Director of MASSCeative

Matt explains that the mission of MASSCreative is threefold: 1) to educate communities about the importance of the arts, 2) advocate for the arts on a political level, and 3) teach communities how to advocate for themselves. Read more about MASSCreative here.

Why does Gloucester Stage looks so funky? GO SEE OUT OF STERNO TO FIND OUT WHY!

Please Note: Ann Margaret is not running for re-election in the fall of 2015 (she will be running for re-election in 2016) and I feel strongly that by presenting the above information I am not going against the Good Morning Gloucester policy of not advocating for candidates during an active election campaign. As we have done many times in the past, it is of great value to our community to highlight the good work that is being done by our elected officials, especially in this case where the legislation that is being put forth by Representative Ferrante will directly benefit a large percentage of our community. 2010_FERRANTE_4585Jason Grow Photo

PADDLE BOARD YOGA!

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Beautiful Mandy!

Mandy Davis reports that Cape Ann S.U.P will deliver and pick up their paddle boards to Niles Beach!Comsos 12 ©Kim Smith 2014 copy

Friend me on Facebook and follow me on TwitterInstagram, and Vine. You can also subscribe to my design website at Kim Smith Designs, and film’s websites at Beauty on the Wing ~ Life Story of the Monarch Butterfly,Gloucester’s Feast of Saint Joseph Community Film Project, and Life Story of the Black Swallowtail Butterfly.

 

Nadine Boughton Opening Today at 5pm at the Trident Gallery!

Opening Reception for Nadine Boughton: American HomeToday at 5:00pm

11072322_912001862193189_3181911435623536272_oTrident Gallery is pleased to present American Home, an exhibition of collage and photography by Nadine Boughton.

For the last twelve years, Boughton has used a digital process to compose collages of mid-century vintage materials. By placing disparate imagery into creative juxtaposition, she creates witty, provocative narratives that engage and reveal the popular cultures and the psychologies of both the mid-century and contemporary eras. Her creations delight with humor, surprise, and uncategorizable blends of fantasy and the familiar, and of darkness and fun.

Printed, Painted, Folded or Torn: Paper Work at the Rocky Neck Cultural Center ~ Opening reception Saturday, July 11th 4-6pm

July 2-26, 2015

Opening Reception: Saturday, July 11, 4–6 pm

Closing Celebration: Sunday, July 26, 4-6 pm
Presentation of Juror’s Choice and People’s Choice awards
Curated by Katherine French, Director Emerita at Danforth Art, Framingham MA

6beba40d-5beb-468a-b1be-ff900c9a682aAngel Face, Robin Solit 2015, 30 x 40 inches, paper, acrylic

For this juried exhibition, juror Katherine French, chose 64 pieces from over 200
submissions that present a wide range of creative usage of paper as a primary component.

French has singled out a print by Julia Talcott, a multimedia collage by Ruth Mordecai, and a
trio of small collages by Kimberly Quint for the Juror’s Choice special recognition.

The Artists
Janet Albert, Justin Barfield, Deborah Barnwell, Kristi Beisecker, Joy Buell, Kevin Carr, Elizabeth Carter, Katherine Coakley Yhanna Coffin, Mary D. Cole, Christiane Corcelle, Anne Marie Crotty, Kay Dolezal, James Flahaven, Carol Flax, Jean Fogle, Conny Goelz-Schmitt, Sarah Graziano, Mike Grimaldi, Leslie Heffron, Sarah Hulsey, Daniela Hyacinthe, Laura Louise Lester, Karen McCarthy, Ruth Mordecai, Veronica Morgan, Sinikka Nogelo, Kimberly Quint, Lauri Rakoff-Chertok, Ilene Richard, Judith Robinson-Cox, Lisa Russell, Elaine Sapochetti, Carolyn Sirois, Robin Solit, Lorraine Sullivan, Martha L. Swanson, Julia Talcott, Lois Tarlow, Barbara Trachtenberg, Constance Vallis, June Vernon, Timothy Wilson and Philip Young

SHARK DRONE VIDEO BY MARTIN DEL VECCHIO

In celebration of Shark Week (July 5th through the 12th), I thought it would be fun to see Martin Del Vecchio’s amazing basking shark video shot in 4K with his drone off of Bass Rocks. So cool that Martin captured and so cool we have Basking Sharks visiting our shores!

Greasy Pole Walker Matt Militello In the House! #GreaseGang

Thanks so much to Matt Militello from McGrath Plumbing. Matt did an outstanding job repairing our tub fixtures. Prompt, courteous, professional, and with our old house, I am sure we’ll be seeing more of Matt in the future!

Matt Militello ©Kim Smith 2015

 

 

JETT STREAM!

Jett Sayess, a fifteen-year-old student of the pipe organ, will give a recital on Sunday, July 12 at  11:00 AM,  just after the morning service at the Annisquam Village Church (820 Washington Street in Gloucester).  The program includes repertoire from J.S. Bach to Elton John, assisted by young colleagues in the choir, and vocalist, Jack Favazza.  Jett began his piano studies when he was 7, winning a Young Organists Initiative Scholarship from the American Guild of Organists in 2011. He continues his studies with Kathleen Adams, Music Director at the Village Church where he is Organ Scholar.

A sophomore at Gloucester High, Jett is the pianist for the Docksiders, and will accompany the HS Chorus this year. Later this summer, Jett  will attend a Pipe Organ Encounter (POE) based at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY, where he will have an intensive week of lessons with master teachers on many of the extraordinary instruments in New York.

The public is cordially invited.  FREE  (Donations will benefit the POE and Heifer International).

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DUCKLINGS APLENTY AT NILES POND!

Niles Pond Duckling ©Kim Smith 2015Last week, Mom Mallard had to cut a path through the lily pads.

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This morning, the duckling led the way!

Niles Pond Ducklings -5 ©Kim Smith 2015

There are half a dozen duckling families at Niles Pond, all at seemingly different ages of development, from the smallest, an “only” duckling, to “tweens,” and “teens.”  I am happy to see many have made it past snapping-turtle-breakfast-age!

Niles Pond Ducklings -2 ©Kim Smith 2015The “Tweens”

Niles Pond Ducklings -3 ©Kim Smith 2015The “Teens”

Niles Pond Ducklings ©Kim Smith 2015Camouflaged

Niles Pond Ducklings -4 ©Kim Smith 2015Listen-up!

Gloucester Lobster Boat the Griffin with Captain Randy and Friends

Griffin Lobster Boat ©Kim Smith 2015Busy days at Captain Joe and Sons, nevertheless Joey and Toby are cooking up a storm at lunchtime. Today Joey made the most deliciously tender roasted split chicken halves with grilled onions and sweet buttered corn and it was F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!

Lily and Patty ©Kim Smith 2015While there visiting, friends and East Gloucester neighbors Lily and Patty stopped in to see Captain Randy of the Griffin lobster boat. Love our Neighbors!

Randy, Patty, and Lily ©Kim Smith 2015 copyCaptain Randy, Patty, and Lily

Gloucester City Hall Sunset Photos

Gloucester City Hall Sunset  -1 ©Kim Smith 2015Last night’s sunset just kept getting prettier and prettier! 

Gloucester City Hall Sunset -2 ©Kim Smith 2015Gloucester City hall Sunset -3 ©Kim Smith 2015Gloucester City hall Sunset -4 ©Kim Smith 2015

Walking Tour Historic Middle Street July 18th

Gloucester’s Middle Street – An ever evolving neighborhood

Guided walking tour offers historic perspective

GLOUCESTER, Mass. (July 7, 2015) – The Cape Ann Museum is pleased to present Historic Middle Street, a guided walking tour of one of Gloucester’s many historically rich streets, on Saturday, July 18 at 10:00 a.m. The tour meets at the Cape Ann Museum at 27 Pleasant Street and lasts about 1 1/2 hours. Tours are held rain or shine. Cost is $10 for Museum members; $20 nonmembers (includes Museum admission). Space is limited, reservations required. Emailinfo@capeannmuseum.org or call (978) 283-0455, x16 for more information or to reserve a spot. Additional walking tours are offered throughout the summer – please visitcapeannmuseum.org/events for more.unnamed-1

BEST WEDDING VENDORS NORTH SHORE BOSTON REGION

Esther Mathieu livmatt_06-20-2015-256 (1)Perhaps you are planning a wedding or special event in the coming months. Our daughter Liv Hauck and Matt O’Rourke, married on June 20th, wanted to share about the talented people who helped make their dream wedding come true. From caterers Dan Allen and Andy Maitland to Esther Mathieu Photography, everyone involved did an outstanding job. We wish to express our most heartfelt thanks to all and thought the best way to say a big thank you to each was to provide contact information and a brief description about their businesses.

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Invitation by Shaina Gregory

First and foremost, our tremendous thanks and appreciation goes to Dan Allen Catering. He, along with partner Andy Maitland (Maitland Mountain Farm), prepared an exquisite menu using the most freshest and sweetest ingredients from local farms and fisheries. The theme was New England clambake meets county dinner, based around everyone’s favorite main courses—Ken Duckworth’s sublime recipe for lobster risotto and a wonderfully delicious buttermilk fried chicken. Captain Joe and Sons provided the lobster and the fresh vegetables came from Maitland Mountain Farm, as well as from Appleton Farms. Even the honey butter for the cornbread came from Dan’s own beehives! We were all raving about how delicious and unique were the hors d’oeuvres, which included such tantalizing tidbits as open-faced braised rib sliders, smoked tomato roasted corn arancini, and salmon canapés with mascarpone, capers, and fresh dill. Accompaniment dishes were devoured as equally as were the main courses and hors d’oeuvres—traditional clam chowder, farm fresh succotash, and homemade pickled vegetable—to name only a few.

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Son Alex’s Heaping Helping

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Dan’s assistant Mary made the divinely delicious desserts—raspberry tarts, brown butter chocolate chip cookies, brownie layers—the list goes on and on!

Dan and Andy were an absolute dream to work with. I know you will be hearing more about their catered events in the near future. Dan is in the process of launching his website and in the meantime, he may be reached at 978-491-9493 or dangallen@yahoo.com.

Esther Mathieu is simply the most talented life style photographer in our region. Liv first became interested in Esther’s work from her Instagram account and we all fell in love with her luminous imagery. And she is a total sweetheart to work with! The photos are a treasure and we’ll be pouring over all, thanking Esther for capturing Liv and Matt’s wedding day with such grace and beauty. Contact Esther at: info@esthermathieu.com.

Our deepest thanks to Lisa Smith who was our fabulous videographer. Lisa is a producer at Cape Ann TV and is also a dear friend. We so appreciate her time and talent. Lisa was discreet; you would hardly know that she was present. We’ll be looking at the footage in the coming days and can hardly wait to see. Lisa can be reached at: lsmith@capeanntv.org. 

Like a dream, the enchanting music floating throughout the evening was by none other than Cape Ann’s own beautiful songstress Renee Dupuis and the fabulously talented Joe Cardoza and Nathan Cohen. From the sweetly romantic, “Dream a Little Dream of Me,” to which the bride and groom danced their first dance, to one of the bridesmaid’s favorites, “These Boots Are Made For Walkin,” there isn’t a song Renee, Joe, and Nathan could not play, and play beautifully. Could we have been more fortunate than to have these extraordinary talents performing at Liv and Matt’s wedding? Click Renee, Joe, and Nathan to learn more about their current projects. To book the trio, contact Renee at: reneedupuismusic.gmail.com

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Melissa Glorieux of Aster B. Flowers created the exquisite bride’s bouquet, bridesmaid bouquets, and table arrangements. Not only were the flowers full and lush and perfect, they are all locally grown at her farm in Essex! Aster. B grows her flowers using organic practices only. Read more about Melissa and her sustainable farm here: Aster B. Flowers. 

livmatt_06-20-2015-261The very talented Maria Cracchiolo from Caffe Sicilia made the seashore inspired wedding cake as well as the perfectly coordinating 65th anniversary cake for Liv’s grandparents. Delicious and delightful (both cakes), Maria is a pleasure to work with. She also made the cannolis we served at Friday night’s celebration and they too, were devoured by all! Maria can be reached at: 978-283-7345.EM livmatt_06-20-2015-466EM livmatt_06-20-2015-301Emily Reed did a stunning job styling the bride and bridesmaid’s hairdos. Each girl’s hair was perfectly suited to her personality and each was so happy with her work. It was a delight to see their expressions after she had created her magic. Emily can be reached at: ejwatt@gmail.com.

Liv Matt ©Kim Smith 2015

Special thanks to Virgilio’s Italian Bakery for catering the party the night before the wedding—the sandwiches, antipasto, and entrees were a tremendous hit. And Nancy Virgilio helped us order just the right amount so that there would be sandwiches enough for late night snacking! Call 978-283-5295 for information abut Virgilio’s catering menu

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Kathleen Erickson, owner of Savour Wine and Cheese, was instrumental in choosing the wines and Prosecco. We informed her of the menu and of our budget for both the reception and Friday night’s celebration and she knew just what to recommend. Thank you Kathleen for the wonderful selections; they were simply perfect.EM livmatt_06-20-2015-442

Fun and imaginative, the invitation set the tone of the wedding weekend from the get go. Liv and Matt designed the invite and worked with Shaina to refine the look. Contact Shaina at: sbethg@gmail.com.

Gloucester Rental Center did an excellent job and we found nearly all of our event needs there: Gloucester Rental Center.

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Last, but not in the least, we wish to thank Stan Wohlfarth of Stan’s Classic Service for the vintage VW limo service. Everyone loved that bus! Stan may be reached at: stan_wohlfarth@msn.com.

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PHOTOS BY ESTHER MATHIEU*

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Shaina Gregory Invitation

*With the exception of invitation scans and the group photo of the wedding party.

Photos of the guests and wedding party to come after Liv and Matt return from Thailand.

 

HAPPY FACE OF OUR CHIEF JOEY!

Joe’s table is so full of character and he’s so proud of it! It looks fantastic with the many thin coats of the marine industrial strength varnish. Super Job Chief!

Joe Ciaramitaro ©Kim Smith 2015