Category: Art

Community Stuff 9/12/12

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Don’t Forget The Farmers’ Market Tomorrow!

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Rockport, Massachusetts

You Be the Judge!

Filmgoers in Rockport, Massachusetts, will unite with audiences in over 300 cities spanning six continents to view and judge the work of the next generation of filmmakers from around the world when the 15th Annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival screens at The Shalin Liu Performance Center Sun Sept 30 at 3:00pm & 7:00pm and the following Friday Oct 5th at 8:00pm. For tickets, please visit the Rockport Music website at http://www.rockportmusic.org or call the box office at 978-546-7391.

Out of 520 entries received from 49 countries around the world, MANHATTAN SHORT selected ten short films as finalists. Each film is 18 minutes or under in length. Countries represented this year include Norway, The Netherlands, Russia, England, Ireland, Peru, France, Romania, Spain and the USA, in what festival organizers describe as the “United Nations of Film Festivals.”

These short films will not only entertain a global audience, but will be judged by them as well. Filmgoers will be handed a voting card upon entry and asked to vote for the one film they feel should win. Votes are tallied at each participating cinema and submitted to festival headquarters where the winner will be announced in New York City, as well as posted on the net at http://www.ManhattanShort.com on Sunday, October 7th, at 10:00 PM.

With past finalists achieving the ultimate in recognition by being nominated and even winning the Oscar in the short film category, the Manhattan Short has become known as a breeding ground for the next big thing.

In one week, over 100,000 people from as far north as St. Petersburg, Russia, to as far south as Buenos Aires, Argentina, as far east as Kathmandu, Nepal, and as far west as Perth, Australia, to over 150 cinemas in 47 US States will come together to view and vote on these 10 films. “While the goal of any festival is to discover and promote new talent, the real aim of this festival is bringing communities together via stories from around the world,” says Nicholas Mason, MANHATTAN SHORT founder and director.

“Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that what started as a small, relatively simple event when I projected a handful of short films onto the side of a truck on a downtown Manhattan street 15 years ago, would grow into what it is today, with communities all over the world getting together to celebrate via ten short films…it’s become like Earth Day—but with film,” adds Mason.

For more information on the Festival and to read detailed interviews with the 10 Finalists visit http://www.ManhattanShort.com or click on the following links: 

Download 300 dpi stills of the finalists’ films – http://www.manhattanshort.com/p_press_finalist_stills.html
                              To see a list of cinemas taking part in 2012 – http://www.manhattanshort.com/cinemas.html
                              To read interviews and view film trailers – http://www.manhattanshort.com/finalists.html
                             To view the trailer of the Festival: -  http://www.manhattanshort.com/trailer.html

WED, Sept 12, 7pm : Goeteman Resident Viktor Valasek

Introductory Slide Presentation at The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck

Victor Valasek
This Used to be My Spot, Viktor Valasek, spray, acrylic ,oil on board; 210×407

Painter Viktor Valasek is a native of Czechoslovakia and has a Master’s Degree from the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague. He studied at Cooper Union in NYC in 2009 and his work from that time was included in an Exchange Students Exhibition. He has had numerous solo and group exhibitions including at Trafo Gallery and AVU gallery both in Prague. He is currently a resident artist at Meetfactory, a center of contemporary art in Prague.

Artist Statement: Even though I have been recently working on a body of work that is more abstract, most of my work is figurative. I am trying to comment and depict my own surrounding, including cultural stereotypes and memories from my own nation’s collective consciousness. It is a view which is only possible after a person leaves his own culture and looks back from the ‘other’ location. At once, one feels trapped within his or her own stereotype. This is who I am. This is who I am expected to be. We are expected to conform to the view imposed by ‘them’ on ‘us’. I am balancing on the edge between doing a good show – as ‘expected’ and self-reflection. The ‘folklore’ otherness of Central European post communist contemporary art is the product which is delivered to the spectator, yet it comes with a self-critical edge. Is it myself, or is it the image of myself, as defined by others? The most recent abstract paintings are different not only in the attitude but also in the whole visual impact on the viewer. By covering the space of the painting with a symbol of thinking, I am also stepping out of the previous stereotypes. viktorvalasek.com/

Note to artists from Viktor

For my project here, in Gloucester, I need old canvases, nothing very valuable, rather something damaged or something that noone needs or wants anymore. It is not important what is in the painting or how old it is, as long as it is about to be thrown away. Instead of creating brand new paintings I will try to investigate possibilities of the "recycling idea" in art, painting in particular. By removing and adding layers of paint, I will, in fact, make my own paintings but on top of someone else’s work.

If you have old canvases for Viktor, please drop them off at the Residency Studio, 51A Rocky Neck Ave.
Wine & Cheese tasting – half price dinner entrees at the Castle Manor Inn – Wednesday, 9/12 5:30pm

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Wine and cheese pairings on the deck Wednesday, September 12 from 5:30-6:30
with dinner reservations with all entrees at 1/2 price tomorrow evening.  We
will be filming a commercial for the restaurant so you may even be a
celebrity!  Join us at the Castle Manor Inn  Please RSVP as to number in
party with phone number

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Temple Ahavat Achim (86 Middle Street, Gloucester, MA) invites you to the High Holiday Services!
Come celebrate Rosh Hashanah on:
Saturday, September 16th at 6:30 pm
Monday, September 17th at 9 am
Tuesday, September 18th at 9 am
… and Kol Nidre & Yom Kippur on:
Tuesday, September 25th at 6:30 pm
Wednesday, September 26th at 9 am
… and Sukkot on:
Sunday, September 30th at 6 pm
Monday, October 1st at 9 am
All are welcome!!! No tickets required!!
Interfaith families welcome!
For more information, please visit www.taagloucester.org

Opening Night of Community and Identity

Posted on by Matthew Green

Last Saturday was the official opening of the “Community and Identity” show at the Rocky Neck Cultural center.  It’s quite a nice show, and well worth the visit!

The opening was very well attended, and the food – provided by curator Rocky Delforge’s mother – was absolutely amazing.  She could take up catering professionally, in my opinion.

But, back to the show itself.  A variety of artists are showing works related to the theme of the show, with a wide variety of approaches and media.  Give yourself time to contemplate them!  Community participation is also encouraged: there is a wooden lattice cube in the center of the room with cards inviting visitors to write or draw reactions to the exhibit or to questions and ideas on the front of the card.

Many of the artists were present, so I snapped photos of them with their work:

Curator/artist Rocky Delforge
Leon Doucette
Corinne Grant
John Swayze
Danny Diamond
John Sarkin. (I had autofocus on, and the camera went crazy trying to decide which face to focus on…)

The most beautiful thing at the show, though, was this little baby.  She was looking around at the art with the expression of a connoisseur as her mother carried her from place to place:

The Rocky Neck Cultural Center is easy to locate. It’s at 6 Wonson Street, and is quite distinctive:

It is in easy walking distance from the parking lot at the beginning of Rocky Neck – from which vantage point I took this panorama:

– Fr. Matthew Green

Update: Sold. New Good Harbor Beach Footbridge At Dawn Canvas Wrap Just In

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

The last one sold in minutes so I decided to have another one made.

I’d be just as happy if no one buys this one because I’m gonna make up one for the house if it sells anyway.

It’s dream like. 16×20 with and inch and a half thick frame.  Also comes with backing and mounting hardware.  No need to pay for expensive framing, the canvas giclee is ready to hang.  If you need a present for someone that loves Gloucester or Good Harbor Beach or Thacher Island, it’s got it all.

Let me know at goodmorninggloucester@yahoo.com $120 and $16 if it needs to be shipped in the continental US.

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check out www.capeanngiclee.com for your canvas wrap needs

Update: This One Sold In Minutes Too-

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If you would like one for a present or a leaving Gloucester for the winter gift to yourself let me know and I’ll order up another one.

Christopher Wood’s paintings at Addison Gilbert Hospital

Posted on by Matthew Green

In the course of my ministry as a priest, it’s not uncommon that I go to the hospital to visit the sick and the dying.  Along the wall of the lobby of Addison Gilbert hospital, on the way to the elevator, there is usually a display of art.  I hardly ever stop to look, but I was really struck by Christopher Wood’s current display of abstract watercolor paintings.

To me, it seems somehow odd to go visit a hospital in order to see art, but at the very least, I recommend stopping to see the paintings if you are at the hospital for any reason at all.  Or maybe you can stop in to see the paintings, and pretend you are on your way to visit a sick relative or get some x-rays done…

He describes his work thus, on an explanatory panel next to the paintings:

“My work is organic, bold, gritty, sensual, and completely inspired by my mad scientist tendencies. I paint ferociously; this creates real energy within the piece.  My painting style and its looseness makes watercolor and optimal medium for me.  I paint wet on wet, this allows the colors to mix themselves on the paper, and allows little experiments/accidents to be created within the piece.”

Besides being an artist who has worked in various media, he has a Masters in Conservation Biology.  Check out his website…

 

Community and Identity at the Rocky Neck Cultural Center

Posted on by Matthew Green

The Rocky Neck Art Colony is pleased to present Community and Identity, a group show at the Cultural Center on Rocky Neck (9 Wonson St., Gloucester, MA) curated by Cape Ann artist and RNAC member Rocky Delforge. The opening reception is tonight from 5 to 8 PM. Click on the image below to see it full-sized.

Are you a sculptor? Here’s a great opportunity!

Posted on by Vickie & Peter

This just in from Mark McDonough (you saw it FIRST on GMG, baby!)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Serenitee Restaurant Group Commissions Three Sculptural Light Fixtures for Next Restaurant

Gloucester, MA  Sept 10, 2012  Calling all North Shore “found art” sculptors. Serenitee Restaurant Group is commissioning a large scale, sculptural light fixture over the bar at its next restaurant in Salem. The new restaurant is on the site of the former Greenland Café on Washington St. in Salem.

sculptural octopus at Latitude 43

This sculptural art piece will serve as a principal focal point much the way the sculptural octopus functions over the sushi area at Latitude 43 in Gloucester.  In addition, unlike the octopus sculpture, it will serve a critical functional and marketing role in the bar area. The primary functions of the piece include the following:

  • Creates stem glass and wine or liquor storage accessible to bartenders
  • General lighting (LED) and visual interest which creates richness and sparkle but no glare
  • Incorporates found objects related to the bar trade and liquor manufacture, past and present
  • Captures the visual variety and richness of the craft of mixology
  • Creates a memorable impression both from within the restaurant as well as from the street
  • Contributes to the brand and overall aesthetic experience in the restaurant

The approximate size of the piece will be roughly 4 to 5 feet high and 2 to 3 feet wide. It will be hung approximately 6’-6” above the floor.

Depending upon cost, two related chandeliers may also be commissioned for the front windows.

Please contact the owner Mark McDonough immediately to discuss the design if you are interested in submitting a proposal. Collaboration between artists with complimentary talents is encouraged but not essential. Proposals are due by Sept 28 and the winner will be announced Oct 1.  The restaurant opens the first week in November. All artists will be given each other’s contact information.

Contact:
Mark McDonough
Owner
northshorerestaurantgroup@gmail.com
Serenitee Restaurant
185 Main St.
Gloucester, MA 01930

Peter Vincent, The Man and the Sea

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro
Peter Vincent, The Man and the Sea

Atlantic Moon by Peter Vincent

On Tuesday, at the family plot in Marblehead, we buried the ashes of my uncle Peter Vincent. It seemed fitting that it started down pouring rain before the small ceremony of family members. All we needed was some wind to recreate some of the raw feeling of the fisherman on the decks of many of Peters etchings and paintings.

Eoin By Peter Vincent

As I try to clear my mind to reflect on the passing of my uncle, artist, teacher and friend, I think of the complexities that made this man a man that strived to be simple. He was an artist that changed the concept of what marine painting could and should be. He studied everything around him and brought the emotion and strength of the Gloucester and Nova Scotia fishermen in their sloops to life. With the creation of the face of the strong men of the sea and the pain and trials that came with the work.

Peter’s paintings are in many private and museum collections, and over the years he has received many awards recognizing his outstanding work. The Rockport Art Association, Mystic Seaport, Copley Society and the Cape Ann Historical Association are a few of the arts organizations that have honored him and his work

For the rest of this entry about Peter Vincent written by nephew Eoin Vincent click here

Sunset from the deck of the Adventure

Posted on by Matthew Green

Taken last Saturday evening, as we ate, sang, and waited for the parade of lights.

Click here for a slideshow:

 

– Fr. Matthew Green

 

Reminder About Greg and Francie Bover’s FREE Concert and Demonstration ~ TONIGHT!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

Not to be missed! This evening at 7:00 pm in the Lane Gallery at the Cape Ann Museum Francie and Greg Bover are giving a free concert and presentation celebrating the decades-long project of the building of Francie’s beautiful harpsichord.

To read more about Greg and Francies’ program about The Making of a Harpsichord see GMG posts:

Greg Bover and Francie Fitch from “A Thousand Sunday Mornings” concert at the Shalin Liu photos by Rick Isaacs

Concert invitation from Greg and Francie Bover

Interview and story on NPR

Peter and Vickie’s gimmesound featured Artist of the Week video ~

Community Stuff 9/5/12

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro
Phyllis A. sail on the schooner Lannon

Hi Joey,

The Schooner Lannon is doing a benefit sail on Monday, September 17th for the Phyllis A.

Gloria Parsons

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Hi Joey – great to see you this morning & can’t wait to steam up those lobsters!

Here’s a little blurb from me & Beth!

On Sunday September 9th, 9AM – 3PM – we are having a little gathering at the home-studio of  Jackie Ganim’s sea glass jewelry studio.  Enjoy work from – Beth Williams – who makes beautiful glass beads and jewelry and lives in the neighborhood, Jo-Anne Crawford, who has a lovely silk collection from female tribes in Southeast Asia, and Mahroussie Jabba who will treat us to a demonstration of Lebanese bread-making – thus “breaking bread at the barn.”   Please stop by for a cup of coffee & bite if you are around that day…. check out some beautiful work, and meet some new neighbors!

Jackie Ganim-DeFalco 44 Thurston Pt.– www.capeanndesigns.com  978-283-8333

Beth Williams – www.bethwilliams.com – 978-283-5566

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On the next Cape Ann Profiles show host Rich Sagall interviews Cape Ann Ruth Salinger. They discuss her political activities in Massachusetts and Washington, DC, her work in international peace negotiations, and her current activities acting as an agent for Russian artists and crafts people. In addition, she relates her interactions with Eleanor Roosevelt, Mikhail Gorbachev, Boris Yeltsin, Jimmy Carter and other well known politicians.
Cape Ann Profiles can be seen on Cape Ann TV Channel 12 on Friday, September 7 at 10:30AM and 7:00PM and on Sunday, September 9 at 2:00PM. It repeats on Friday, Se ptember 14 at 10:30AM and 7:00PM and on Sunday, September 16 at 2:00PM.
Rich Sagall is a physician and the president of NeedyMeds, a national non-profit that provides information on programs that help people unable to afford their health care costs. He also publishes Pediatrics for Parents, a children’s health newsletter.

Temple Ahavat Achim invites families to the SCRS ("Sylvia Cohen Religious School") Open House and "Back to School" Celebration on Sunday, September 9th at 10 am!
This Open House is a chance to reconnect with friends and teachers before school, bring and meet prospective families.
There will be dancing, music, games, photo booths, storytelling and more fun!
Interfaith families are welcome!!
For more information, please contact David Wesson, TAA’s Director of Congregational Learning and Programming, at davidwesson@gmail.com.

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Musician Bitten by Alligator on Madfish Wharf

Posted on by God's Morning
Photo by E.J.

You never know what you’ll see on Rocky Neck.  This photo was taken during June Night on the Neck on Madfish Wharf of a small alligator leaping and attacking one of the musicians in rockin zydeco blues band, Squeezebox Stompers – no one was injured. 

This Thursday, September 6th, is the final Night on the Neck for the season on Rocky Neck.  Don’t miss it.  Always a great time, great music, fun, awesome galleries to check out as well as the new Center at Rocky Neck.  Make sure to do the scavenger hunt, and watch out for alligators!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.J. Lefavour

www.khanstudiointernational.com

 

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Posted on by Matthew Green

This is the sunset last Friday night, while I waited for the blue moon to show itself… These colors are what came from the camera with no significant editing. It’s oversaturated somewhat, but pretty close to what I was seeing.  I set my camera’s white balance to “incandescent bulb” to get these colors; on automatic or “sunlight”, it was making everything golden – pretty, but nowhere near the real colors.

I got up to the roof of the rectory early to wait for the sunset/moonrise, and the seagulls, which usually occupy our small roof, were NOT amused that I was usurping their prized vantage point for observing the world.

Homie is giving me the evil eye.

– Fr. Matthew Green

 

 

Community Stuff September 2, 2012

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro
"Is There Value in Your Old and Rare Books?" Find out September 20 in Gloucester

SAWYER FREE LIBRARY TO HOST LECTURE:
“Is There Value in Your Old and Rare Books?” Thursday September 20, 2012

ken-books front side&back

    
Kenneth Gloss, proprietor of the internationally known Brattle Book Shop in Boston’s Downtown Crossing section will give a free and open talk entitled, "Is There Value in Your Old and Rare Books?”  The 7:00 p.m. talk, sponsored by the Sawyer Public Library, will be held at the library located at 2 Dale Avenue in Gloucester.

The Brattle Book Shop is one of America’s oldest and largest antiquarian bookstores. Kenneth Gloss succeeded his late father, George Gloss – a well-known figure both in Boston and national antiquarian circles. 2012 is the 63rd year of Gloss family ownership. He had worked in the store since childhood and chose to go into the book business rather than pursue a doctorate in chemistry. He became the sole proprietor upon his father’s death several years ago. "I found that books were in my blood and that I would never be really happy if I abandoned the business."

Gloss will bring to the lecture several examples of notable books, magazines and ephemera from the store’s private collection, such as a 1912 World Series scorecard and examples of old LIFE Magazines. He also will show a sales brochure for the Titanic. "New England homes are treasure-troves for old and rare books that have increased in value over the years," says Gloss. Following the talk and question-and-answer session he shall give free verbal appraisals of all books that attendees have brought with them or will do so anytime at his 9 West Street emporium in downtown Boston.

Among the many organizations in which Kenneth Gloss is a member is the Antiquarian Booksellers Association, the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America (ABBA), the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB), the New England Antiquarian Booksellers of America (NEBA), the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Antiquarian Booksellers Association (MARIAB), the Committee for the Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair, the Boston Society. He also is a Fellow of the Massachusetts Historical Society as well as serving  on the Board of Overseers of the USS Constitution Museum.

The Brattle Book Shop is proud to have been a contributor to the WGBH Annual Auction each year that the station has held this fund drive. He has been on PBS’ Antiques Roadshow numerous times over the years and has been a popular guest on WBZ Radio as well as other radio, TV and cable stations numerous times. His bylined articles continue to appear in various antique journals and in print and online consumer publications. The Brattle Book Shop is also the recipient of several “Best of Boston” awards in the categories of Best Book Shop or Best Antiquarian Book Shop.

For further information about book-collecting, appraisals and future free and open talks, please call the Brattle Book Shop at 1-800-447-9595 or visit their website, www.brattlebookshop.com.

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FREE PAINTING RESTORATION ASSESSMENT AT NSAA

North Shore Arts Association proudly presents the Fourth Annual Painting Restoration Assessment with NSAA artist member Roy Blankenship.  On Saturday, September 15 from 1 – 3 p.m., the public is invited to bring up to three paintings in need of restoration to the Gallery for evaluation. 

Roy Blankenship has worked extensively with the New England Historic Genealogical Society to restore many of the works of fine art the Society has collected in its 150 year history.  In addition to his experience in art restoration, both he and his wife Lois Showalter are professional artists.
For more information about Roy’s restoration work, please visit www.royblankenship.com     
North Shore Arts Association has a thriving artist membership of over 300 contemporary artists recognized regionally and nationally. They come not only from Cape Ann, but throughout North America.

NSAA’s historic old building, located at 11 Pirates Lane in East Gloucester, provides the opportunity to view one of the largest collections of paintings and sculpture on Cape Ann. 
North Shore Arts Association is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to  5 p.m. and Sundays from Noon to 5.p.m. In addition to exhibitions, NSAA offers demonstrations, adult, teen and children’s workshops, lectures, concerts, a live art auction and more. Please call 978-283-1857 or visit http://www.nsarts.org for more information.

Chickity Check It! Greg Cook Writes about John Bassett and seARTS Partner with An Artist Program

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Bassett turns glass from dump into art

 

John Bassett of Rockport, Massachusetts, will transform glass he finds at the town dump, via kiln heating, into “colorful, textured sculptural panels” as part a $1,500 grant from the “Partner with an Artist” program of the Cape Ann arts promotion group SeArts.

Click here for the entire story at The New England Journal of Aesthetic Research

Jeff Weaver painting on Pleasant Street

Posted on by Matthew Green

I was walking down the Pleasant Street several days ago when I saw him with his easel on the sidewalk, almost right across Prospect Street from St. Ann’s School.  He courteously let me snap a photo of him while he worked – apparently, I was something like the 15th person to photograph him that day… He has a gallery at 16 Rogers Street here in Gloucester (open Friday and Saturday 1-5 p.m., also by chance or appointment). His website gives you an idea of his beautiful work.  I haven’t made it to his gallery yet, but after perusing his web gallery, I really want to go!

– Fr. Matthew Green

Community Stuff 8/28/12

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro
Maritime Gloucester Heritage Day

Maritime Gloucester will hold its 9th annual Heritage Day celebration on Saturday, September 1st, from 10 am – 5 pm. The Center’s exhibits and aquarium will be open free of charge throughout the day.
The Schooner Ardelle will be berthed at its home on the Harriet Webster Wharf at Maritime Gloucester. The Ardelle, built and operated by Harold Burnham, will be joined at the dock by other visiting schooners, Spirit of Massachusetts and Summerwind, in the city for the schooner races.

The festivities will feature music by local favorite, Daisy Nell at 12 noon. Daisy will also be reading from her children’s book, The Stowaway Mouse.
Many local crafters will demonstrate their skills and sell their work. Windrush Books will feature vintage local history and maritime related books.
The Cape Ann Ship Modelers will offer ship model building and ship-in-a-bottle demonstrations. Art Haven will help the visiting children create their own work of art. The Essex Shipbuilding Museum will display its 15’ long model of the schooner Evelina Goulart. Exhibitors also include the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey Association, the Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team, Ocean Alliance, the Gloucester Gig Rowers and the National Marine Fisheries Service. Marine Archaeologists from Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary will be exhibiting the Wreck of the Portland.
Lunch food and drinks will be available for purchase at the event.
Maritime Gloucester is located at 23 Harbor Loop in Gloucester. For further information, call 978-281-0470.

Hi Joey…

Any chance you could post an art show announcement for "Absence of Color, A Collaboration" a unique exhibit of Quill Pen Art, Sculpture and Photography. Public welcome to the reception Sept 1, 7-9PM, Newburyport Art Association.

Thanks,

Skip

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North Coast Angler www.northcoastangler.com

Skip Montello Photos www.skipmontellophotos.com

phone: 508-395-5871 (C)

Bishop Gregory Mansour  of the Maronite Eparchy of the Eastern  United States will celebrate a Pontifical Maronite Mass for living and deceased members of the Lebanese-American community of Cape Ann on Tuesday, Sept. 4th at 6:00 P.M. at St Ann Church, Gloucester.  A reception will follow in the lower church hall.  All are cordially invited to attend.

Community Stuff 8/27/12

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

MusicAsMuseTheCenter

On Saturday September 15, 7 pm, a convergence of music and art will activate the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck!

ADMISSION IS LIMITED
to the first 40 reservations

In a two-hour performance showcasing the musical mastery of
singer/guitarist/composer Michael Gregory, visual artists Rocky Delforge, Loren Doucette, Ruth Mordecai, and Eileen Mueller will make responsive and interpretative artworks
over a broad range of creative expression.
  Ticket price of $100 per person includes hors d’oerves, wine bar, and a completely unique and amazing multi-disciplinary performance demonstrating the power of the creative muse.  An artwork created on site by each artist will be up for bid at the performance’s end.
  Proceeds will benefit the purchase and development of the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck.

Please make your reservations early as seating is limited.  For reservations and info:
karen.ristuben@gmail.com or 978-758-1210.

The Music:
MICHAEL GREGORY
Songwriter, Composer, Improviser, Poet and Music Producer.  A musical innovator and brilliant improviser, always on the cutting edge, Michael Gregory has recorded for Arista, RCA, Island and other labels and headed the power-trio Signal.  Michael has successfully straddled the pop and improvised music worlds since the beginning of his career in the 1970s. Michael’s influences vary widely, from Stravinsky to Cage from Hemphill to Ellington from Wonder to Bacharach.  As a composer and a performer, Michael possesses his own very unique, highly creative and fertile voice; quite simply, he sings like an angel and plays directly from his deeply inspired spirit.  Michael is living in Gloucester, writing poetry, composing music for various ensembles, recording, performing and teaching in Europe and America and producing various projects.

The Visual Art:
ROCKY DELFORGE
Rocky Delforge is a young Rockport contemporary artist/printmaker who embodies a new force of creative energy on Cape Ann.  He has curated the Center’s September show, Community and Identity, which will be on view during Music as Muse; the exhibition presents the concepts of the individual, the community in which they live, and the relationships that form between them.

LOREN DOUCETTE
As a muralist and a water colorist for many years, Loren returned to art school in 2007 in search of a voice and a line of her own. Her dynamic works in pastel, acrylic and collage are driven by a search for truth in drawing. Inspired by both the landscape and the figure, her works bridge the intersection of realism and abstraction. As she works from observation, she thrives by the freedom to depart from her source at any second.  

EILEEN MUELLER
Rockport painter Eileen Mueller works across paint media, capturing the essence of musicians, the figure, and landscape in moments of time and light.  Classic yet experimental in her painting, Eileen’s amazingly deft skill allows for a prolific and wide-ranging practice and has earned her a solid reputation as one of Cape Ann’s finest artists.

RUTH MORDECAI
Ruth Mordecai’s work is defined by a strong, painted, gestural line and her history as a sculptor.  It is inspired by figure, dance, landscape and Biblical story. A partial list of collections include:  the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and the Israel Museum in Jerusalem; the Wiggin Prints and Drawings Department of the Boston Public Library owns 30 of her works on paper 1970 – 2011. She has a BFA and MFA from Boston University School for the Arts. Her studio is on Rocky Neck and overlooks Smith Cove.