Author: S.D. Kelly

Rockport Sculptor Jenna Powell to Exhibit Work Based on the Paint Factory!

Posted on by S.D. Kelly
A piece by Jenna Powell based on the Paint Factory in Gloucester.

Rockport sculptor Jenna Powell is showing at Lesley University from February 16th to April 16th. The work in her show is based on the castings from the iconic Tarr & Wonson Paint Factory in Gloucester, with results both aesthetically and historically important. From Jenna:

I began the Tarr and Wonson Paint Manufactory project in Gloucester Massachusetts with the assumption that the remaining historic structures would be of primary interest, not the story of paint discovered within. Inside, multi-colored traces of history are frozen in varying stages of liquidity: flowing, dripping, oozing, splattering, lumping and layering. The paint evokes the memory of mass production recorded throughout and between multiple stories, floorboards, ceilings, and walls.

Check out her website: 
The show is located at:
Gallery @ University Hall

 

1815 Massachusetts Ave 
Cambridge, Ma
Atrium Gallery 2nd floor 9am – 9pm

 

Bearskin Neck has its Own Website! Update From Angela Cook

Posted on by S.D. Kelly

Some of the merchants on Bearskin Neck created a great new website with photos provided courtesy of Angela Cook of Oasis Rockport (near Helmut’s Strudel at the end of the Neck). Check it out for maximum information on all things ‘Neck-related in Rockport, www.bearskinneck.net, and be sure to tell ’em you heard about it here on GMG!

Clarification from Angela Cook-

Hi Joey

I heard that you posted about the BearskinNeck.Net site.  Thank you.  One thing that I want to clarify, though, is that this was not set up by the merchants.  It was a joint effort between Oasis Rockport and WebWeDoIt.  This is a site that offers a source of information for people visiting the area and listings for all the merchants.  It will be a valuable resource and a great method of generating more business for the downtown Rockport merchants.  Prior to the start of the season, there are some great promotions going on for enhanced listings and online promo packages for merchants.  There are plans for growth and expansion of the site as time goes on and a focus on activities in the area as well as featured businesses listed on social media sites associated with BearskinNeck.Net.  It will be the go-to place for all things Rockport.

Thanks
Angela

Local Musician Hits the Big Time! (and could use your help)

Posted on by S.D. Kelly

Local Singer-songwriter Brad Byrd’s latest release “Mental Photograph” was nominated for Album of the Year for 2011 along with some industry heavyweights like Bon Iver, Ryan Adams, and more. If you haven’t checked out Brad’s work, you are missing out; you can listen at www.bradbyrdofficial.com. And be sure to click this link to head over to Melodic.net to vote for Brad’s album as the singer-songerwriter Album of the Year. When you get to the page, make sure you click Brad’s album cover before scrolling down to the bottom of the list to vote so that every click is counted. This is a good chance to show some local love for some serious Cape Ann talent!

the melodic.net site

Gloucester’s New Twin Lights

Posted on by S.D. Kelly

The potential to save $450,000 in energy costs by installing two industrial turbines near Varian is definitely an exciting prospect. But just to put this into some perspective (pun intended), we all need to be prepared for the visual impact of these turbines. They are massive, measuring 404-feet in height, taller than the Statue of Liberty. Here’s a depiction of a 418-foot turbine next to the Statue of Liberty:

Wow. For a little extra amusement, check out you tube videos of industrial turbines being brought in on trucks – this sight alone should make for some local excitement as these massive pieces of equipment are installed. The video featured below is of a 1.5 megawatt turbine, significantly smaller than the 2.0 megawatt turbines being installed in Gloucester.

New Year’s in Rockport: TOMORROW!

Posted on by S.D. Kelly

Spend your Saturday night on the town in Rockport! Click the image for more information and get ready to have a fantastic time – something for people of all ages!

New Year’s Rockport Eve: Volunteer for a GREAT Event!

Posted on by S.D. Kelly

If you’re not familiar with it, New Year’s Rockport Eve is an amazing event that takes place throughout downtown Rockport with awesome entertainment and activities for all ages, from babies to far-from-babies.

This massive event is organized almost single-handedly by Rockport’s own Claire Franklin, who plans NYRE out of the goodness of her heart and true community spirit. She sent along a message asking for volunteers, which, as she puts it “is the hardest part” of her job. But volunteering for NYRE should be a no-brainer, as you’ll receive a free badge just for helping out! So you can put in some time and then spend the rest of the evening listening to some great tunes before heading to Dock Square for Rockport’s very own ball drop! For more info see below and check back on Good Morning Gloucester next week for a schedule of events and activities taking place on December 31st for New Year’s Rockport Eve:

From Claire:

“The hardest part of my job of organizing New Year’s Rockport Eve each year is finding enough volunteers to help make this night run smoothly.  If you could help in this small way, hopefully this year I can enjoy my holidays with my family a little more.

The night of New Year’s Eve, Sat. Dec 31st I need a pair of greeters at each performance door to check buttons. Also, in Spiran Hall I need volunteers to help in the Coffee Shop from 5:30-11:30pm, to sell buttons and souveniers 5pm-11pm. An finally, I need people to help with the set up 5 pm the night before, Fri. Dec. 30th and to help clean up several of the buildings the morning after, Sun. Jan. 1st at 9am.   Each volunteer that donates two hours receives a free NYRE 2011 admission button.

Please have them email me at claire.nyre@comcast.net or phone (H) 978-546-9038 “

Rockport Music Hosts a Sing Along with Scrooge

Posted on by S.D. Kelly

Well, sort of. After the Pageant on Saturday, everyone is welcome to head over to the beautiful Shalin Liu Performance Center to enjoy a sing-along followed by a screening of “A Christmas Carol”. What a great way to close a beautiful tradition!

Here’s the deets:

Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and
Holiday Sing-Along
December 17, 7 PM

 

Enjoy festive holiday cheer with Rockport Music! After the Town of Rockport’s annual Christmas Pageant festivities, continue the celebration at the Shalin Liu Performance Center. Sing classic carols in our first Holiday Sing-Along, then enjoy an exclusive screening of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” in the newly restored 1951 version featuring Alastair Sim as Ebenezer Scrooge.

 

The event is free of charge. There are no advance reservations and tickets are not required.

 

Vintage Home Style

Posted on by S.D. Kelly

The Roving Home collaborated with Rockport’s own Esther Mathieu, a photographer specializing in natural light photography, on our first Roving Home Stylebook, a monthly catalog featuring vintage goods from The Roving Home. Check it out HERE (or by clicking the image). If you’re interested in receiving updates about events and publications from The Roving Home featuring vintage home style, sign up for our newsletter HERE. And be sure to check out the work of Esther Mathieu at www.esthermathieu.com. She creates beautiful images and is especially great at creating portraits with the natural beauty of Cape Ann as a backdrop.

Curious about Rockport’s Beautiful Inns & Kitchens? Take a Holiday Tour!

Posted on by S.D. Kelly

Don’t miss Rockport’s Sea Shells & Jingle Bells Holiday Inn & Home Kitchen Tour this Saturday, December 10th. Enjoy the sight of Rockport’s Inns and homes decked out in their holiday finery along with delicious treats, a raffle, Santa’s Cottage, and much more. Proceeds to benefit the Rockport High School DECA Club, with special thanks to Sue Andersen & Diane Ambrose for organizing this unique and festive event. For more information go to the Sea Shells & Jinglebells website HERE and check out www.christmasinrockport.org for even more fun events taking place over the holidays in Rockport.

The Details:

Visit 4 beautiful seaside homes and 6 inns of Rockport, decked out for the holidays. Along with wonderful winter scenes, there will be demonstrations and fun events at each location! Organized by Rockport High School’s DECA Program, The Inns of Rockport and Rockport PTO, seasonal food sampling, gingerbread house making, and a visit to Santa’s cottage can all be experienced on the
 Seashells and Jingle Bells
Inn & Home Kitchen Tour 2011

The tour and registration will begin at Rockport Inn and Suites

183 Main Street in Rockport
Saturday, December 10, 2011
1 pm to 6 pm

Tickets

$15 in advance ~ $20 on event date
Separate ticket for Santa’s Cottage – $5 if on the tour/$8 if not on the tour
Santa’s Cottage ticket price includes a craft & photo
Advance tickets may be purchased at
Ace Hardware Stores in Gloucester and Rockport, Brothers Brew in Rockport
Toad Hall Books in Rockport and Rockport Inn and Suites
Cash or Personal Check
Information – slarsen@rockport.k12.ma.us
978-546-1234
All proceeds benefit the RHS DECA program

Discounted Shopping, Holiday Treats & Hot Chocolate This Friday in Rockport!

Posted on by S.D. Kelly

Big stuff in Rockport tomorrow night, December 9th, from 4 to 8pm! Over 30 (thirty!) stores throughout downtown Rockport will be offering discounts and promotions for holiday shoppers. The Old Firehouse Trust in Dock Square will be open serving hot chocolate, coffee and homemade holiday treats. And so that you can do two good deeds at once by shopping local and donating to the food pantry, donations of canned goods can be dropped off at The Old Firehouse Trust building as well.  All donations of food benefit The Open Door, Cape Ann’s food pantry. Come enjoy the festivities and a fun night in downtown Rockport during this holiday season! Feel free to print out this handy shopping map to bring along with you so that you know what’s available tomorrow night – and don’t forget to stop in at The Old Firehouse to make your donation and enjoy something warm to drink!

Just download and print for your Rockport Shopping Guide!
Food Drive for The Open Door!

 

Wulla Says Thanks…

Posted on by S.D. Kelly
Felt boots at Wulla, just in time for winter.

This Saturday, December 3rd, we will be enjoying some holiday fun at Wulla. There will be wine and treats from 4 until 7 in the evening and a 15% discount on purchases all day.

In case you don’t know about us yet, Wulla makes hand made, natural fiber clothing right here at 1074 Washington Street in downtown Lanesville. Since we opened last summer, all our neighbors and friends have done a great job making us feel welcome and helping to make our little shop a success. So if you’ve never been in, now is a good time to stop by for a drink and a chat, and to help us say “thanks” to everyone.

Show Opens on December 3rd in Rockport!

Posted on by S.D. Kelly

Don’t miss the upcoming show at the Tusinski Gallery in Rockport, opening this Saturday, December 3rd. Called white out, it features the work of five local artists in colors perfectly suited to winter in New England. Call 978-546-2244 for more information.

And for those of you keeping track of such things, this same group of artists was featured in September’s Art Now event, which highlighted the contemporary art scene in Rockport.  To see the latest Art Now Rockport newsletter, click on the image below and if you want to stay in touch on what’s going on with the visual arts in Rockport, feel free to subscribe to Art Now Rockport through the link.

Art Now Rockport Newsletter

Public Meeting in Rockport on 11/16

Posted on by S.D. Kelly

Citizens of Rockport, be sure to come by the library on Wednesday night at 7 o’clock to learn more about the proposed Cultural District. A representative from the Mass Cultural Council will be on hand, so it will be a great time to learn more about this great initiative and what it will mean for Rockport and other Cape Ann communities. To keep updated on all things Rockport Cultural District-related, check out the local Facebook page HERE and hit the Like button to stay in touch.

For more detailed information, read below:

The public is invited to attend an information session on Wednesday, November 16th, at 7PM in the Rockport Public Library’s Peggy Brenner Room, concerning Rockport’s proposed application for a cultural district designation. This designation is part of a new Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) marketing and promotion initiative in which Rockport was invited to participate, along with other communities throughout the Commonwealth.

A cultural district, as defined by the MCC, is a specific geographical area in a city or town that has a concentration of cultural facilities, activities, and assets. The District should be an attractive, walkable, compact area that is easily identifiable to visitors and residents and which serves as a center of cultural, artistic, and economic activity. It is not a town zoning designation and has no regulatory impacts.

According to Karen Berger, who has volunteered to coordinate the application process for the town, “The statute that created cultural districts has specific goals: to attract artists and cultural enterprises, encourage business and job development, establish the district as a gateway for visitors, preserve and reuse historic buildings, enhance property values, and foster local cultural development.” She continued, “It is strongly supported by Senator Bruce Tarr and Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante and offers Rockport an opportunity to more effectively reach out to those visitors who may be interested in the arts and the cultural opportunities we have to offer.”

Several members of the Rockport Board of Selectmen and members of organizations currently working on the application process will be joined by Meri Jenkins, program manager for the Massachusetts Cultural Council, to explain the program and the applications process and answer questions. For those who can’t attend, comments and /or questions may be submitted via email at rockportculturaldistrict@gmail.com or by phone at 978-502-1854.

Art Show Featuring Recycled Beach Finds

Posted on by S.D. Kelly

Don’t miss a special exhibit beginning with a lecture on Tuesday, November 15th at 7 p.m. in honor of National Recycling Day. The art show will feature the work of Nina Cassel Samoiloff (read more about her work HERE on Good Morning Gloucester) and the pieces she creates using elements she finds washed up on the beaches of Rockport.

From the NOAA:
NOAA Fisheries Service Sponsors Marine Debris Lecture and Art Show
NOAA Fisheries Service is sponsoring two local artists who have focused recent efforts on the impacts of marine debris in our oceans.  Gloucester’s Karen Ristuben will present her recent sailing expedition from Honolulu to Vancouver, British Columbia to document marine debris in the Pacific Ocean. Nina Cassel Samoiloff will present art work crafted from marine debris collected from Rockport beaches.  Her work will be on display in the NOAA Fisheries lobby weekdays from 8:00am – 4:30pm from November 15th until December 15th.  This event will take place at NOAA Fisheries Service, 55 Great Republic Avenue in Gloucester at 7:00 pm on November 15th.  For more information, please contact Eric Hutchins, NOAA Fisheries, at 978-281-9313.

Photos of Rockport’s HarvestFest

Posted on by S.D. Kelly

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Great local food (steamed lobsters!), a beer tasting with brews from Cape Ann Brewing Co., cooking demonstrations with Frank McClelland, Laurie Lufkin, Christian Collins, Eric Lorden and Heather Atwood, hayrides, lots of scarecrows, local non profits, art activities for kids (including a Rockport Music-sponsored instrument making workshop) and great live music. Rockport’s HarvestFest was beautiful and a whole lot of fun. Cape Ann residents and visitors were able to celebrate the best of the season in one of the most beautiful towns in the New England. Many thanks to Esther Mathieu of Esther Mathieu Photography for documenting the day and allowing us to share her photographs!

Go to www.rockportartfestivals.com to stay in touch about upcoming events in downtown Rockport.

Philosophy for High School Students!

Posted on by S.D. Kelly

Still some openings for the Fall session. A great chance to discuss big ideas, drink coffee, and feel smart, for a little while at least. The sessions are lively and informal. Call Paul at 978-290-2514 for more details.

Plan Your Day Now! HarvestFest Schedule of Events

Posted on by S.D. Kelly

Many thanks to Joey for promoting Rockport’s annual HarvestFest tradition. We offer a little something for everyone this coming weekend. And we just KNOW it will be beautiful weather. But even if it’s not, we’re partying in Rockport come rain or…snow. The following is the Schedule of Events for Saturday, October 15th, with live music, great local food, cooking demonstrations, scarecrows, a movie, hayrides, art events, and MORE! Our website with a ton of information can be found HERE.

All Day Events

Information Booth & Hospitality Tentin Dock Square. Enjoy hot coffee and cider while listening to some great live music in the heart of Rockport!Local Fare Fair on T-Wharf.  Featuring food made locally on Cape Ann and in New England, with Cape Ann Brewing Co. offering a taste of some local brews from noon to 5pm.  Check back for an updated list of vendors.

Scarecrow Stroll throughout Downtown. Don’t miss Rockport’s unique & artistic collection of scarecrows from Front Beach to Bearskin Neck to Harvey Park!  (And be sure to vote on your favorite!). Click HERE for more information.

Kids’ Art Zone in Harvey Park.  Climb the hay bales, enjoy pumpkin-painting and more! Suggested donation to support festival programming.

Dock Square HarvestFest Music Tent in Dock Square.

WOCA Fair in Harvey Park.  The What’s On Cape Ann Fair highlights area non-profits, organizations and sponsors.  Enjoy interactive booths as you learn just what resources are available to Cape Ann residents and visitors!. Click here for more information.

NYRE Food Booth at Harvey Park.  Proceeds to benefit New Year’s Rockport Eve, an annual tradition in Rockport.

Scheduled Events

11 am – 1 pm
Make Your Own Instruments with Rockport Music! Create your own guitar from cigar boxes and other supplies. Sponsored by Rockport Music.

11:30 am
Cooking Demonstration on T Wharf with special guest: the award-winning Laurie Lufkin hosted by food writer Heather Atwood.  Sponsored by the Taste of the Times.

12 noon to 2:30 pm
Daniel Dye & the Miller Road Band playing in Dock Square.  Indie Americana. Click here and here.

Merrimac Valley Rounders playing on T-Wharf.  Bluegrass.

1 pm
Cooking Demonstration featuring Chef Frank McClelland of Boston’s legendary L’Espalier and his own farm in Essex, Apple Street Farm. Taking place under the tent on T Wharf and hosted by food writer Heather Atwood.

1 pm – 3 pm
Hayride!  Pick-up and drop-off in Harvey Park. Sponsored by Seaview Farm.

2pm to 3 pm
Rockport Legion Band in Harvey Park. Click here or here to watch a video clip.

2 pm – 4 pm
103.3 WODS radio station in Barletta Park. Join the WODS street team where they will be giving away tons of great prizes with their WODS prize wheel!

2 pm
The Vanishing of the Bees: Screening in the Old Firehouse Trust building. Click here for information on this fresh documentary.

3 pm
Seafood Throwdown Sponsored by NAMA and emceed by Heather Atwood of the Taste of the Times. For more information, click here.

4 pm
Food Bloggers’ Forum. Powerhouse food bloggers answer the question “Does Local Matter When it Comes to Food?” Moderated by Heather Atwood, who writes a food blog and a column for the Gloucester Daily Times. The featured bloggers are some of the most creative, innovative thinkers around when it comes to food.

3:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Brad Byrd with full band playing in Dock Square. Indie Rock. Click HERE.

3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Allen Estes playing under the tent on T-Wharf. Classic Americana. Click HERE.

4:30 pm
The Great Scarecrow Chase!  Children of all ages can join us for a costumed parade throughout downtown, ending up with a very special surprise and treat!  Parade begins in Harvey Park at the Kids Art Zone. Click HERE for more information.

World Adventures in Wine Tasting

Posted on by S.D. Kelly

Brought to you by the Rockport Rotary Club and sponsor Seabreeze Liquors, the World Adventures Wine Tasting event will no doubt be a good time for a good cause, as proceeds help fund the Rotary’s generous community service projects. And besides that you’ll be on the top floor of the Shalin Liu Performance Center for the event, overlooking the Atlantic while you sip your wine and chat with your pals, accompanied by food and music. The Wine Tasting event is on Saturday, October 8th from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased from a member of the Rotary Club or through the Shalin Liu Performance Center box office, 978-546-7391.

Big News for Rockport’s HarvestFest!

Posted on by S.D. Kelly

We are thrilled to announce that Chef Frank McClelland of Boston’s legendary L’Espalier, the Sel de la Terre family of restaurants, Au Soleil Catering and Apple Street Farm will be the featured chef in a cooking segment on T-Wharf, scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 15th.

Chef Frank McClelland, photo courtesy of L'Espalier

“…food is best when it’s in its purest form. My job is to enhance that natural flavor to allow the essence of the food to sing.” -Frank McClelland

This is a great opportunity to see a world-class chef at work, one who specializes in bringing the best out of local ingredients while practicing incredible culinary technique. Chef McClelland has a deep understanding of regional ingredients – no one appreciates what New England has to offer more than he does – and this understanding is demonstrated not only in the dishes he creates but in the fact that he sources many of the ingredients for his kitchens from his own farm, Apple Street Farm in Essex. Apple Street will also be featured that day offering produce from the farm’s Autumn harvest – and what could be more fitting for a harvest festival celebrating the best of New England?

Don’t miss the chance to see Chef McClelland at Rockport’s HarvestFest!

Saturday, October 15th 

1 p.m. on T-Wharf under the big tent

From L’Espalier: Chef Frank McClelland’s L’Espalier has been a perennial “best” of America’s restaurants for three decades, earning top accolades from Zagat, Forbes, Food & Wine, Bon Appétit, Frommer’s, Wine Spectator and Condé Nast Traveler as well as nods in international media. L’Espalier is New England’s most decorated independent restaurant with twelve consecutive AAA Five Diamond Awards (the only one in Boston) and twelve consecutive Forbes (Mobil) Four-Star awards. He speaks and judges across the country at events like Taste of Vail, Foxwoods Food & Wine Festival and the Chefs Collaborative National Summit.

At the heart of Chef McClelland’s menus of New England flavors with French interpretation is Apple Street Farm, his organic farm in Essex, Massachusetts that is the primary source of heirloom produce and proteins for L’Espalier and his trio of casual Sel de la Terre bistros. The James Beard chef and cookbook author (Wine Mondays) views his life as a farmer-restaurateur as being on-trend. By living this life from his youth, he was early to the farm-to-table or “locavore” dining philosophy.

More Information:

L’Espalier

Sel de la Terre

Au Soleil

Apple Street Farm

Art Now Event in Rockport in Photos

Posted on by S.D. Kelly

We had a great evening at Art Now Rockport at the historic former Rockport Lodge (now the beautiful home of Abigail Cahill O’Brien & Greg O’Brien) enjoying miniature apple pies & spiked cider while discussing art with local contemporary artists Kurt Ankeny, Renata Fryshara, Nina Samoiloff, Karen Tusinski & Ben Macadam). We even had the chance to sit around the fire for a bit on a cold evening in early Fall before heading inside to hear art advisor Lydia Barry Kutko make a presentation on the local contemporary art scene. For a more detailed account of Art Now Rockport, click here. Meanwhile, enjoy some photos! (And if you didn’t join us this year, and would like to know when the next Art Now event is going to take place, be sure to click this link and sign up for our newsletter. Thanks!)

photos courtesy of Sandi Hickey and Abigail Cahill O’Brien

Relevant Links:

Art Now Rockport

Kurt Ankeny

Karen Tusinski

Ben Macadam

Nina Samoiloff

Renata Fryshara

Lydia Barry Kutko

Lula’s Pantry 

Wernau Asset Management (a big thank you to Wernau Asset Management, Inc, Art Now Rockport sponsors!)

5th Joy (Abby Cahill O’Brien’s blog)