Category: Art

Ring Out, Wild Bells

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns
Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light;
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.
 
Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
 
Ring out the grief that saps the mind,
For those that here we see no more,
Ring out the feud of rich and poor,
Ring in redress to all mankind.
 
Ring out a slowly dying cause,
And ancient forms of party strife;
Ring in the nobler modes of life,
With sweeter manners, purer laws.
 
Ring out the want, the care the sin,
The faithless coldness of the times;
Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes,
But ring the fuller minstrel in.
 
Ring out false pride in place and blood,
The civic slander and the spite;
Ring in the love of truth and right,
Ring in the common love of good.
 
Ring out old shapes of foul disease,
Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;
Ring out the thousand wars of old,
Ring in the thousand years of peace.
 
Ring in the valiant man and free,
The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
Ring out the darkness of the land,
Ring in the Christ that is to be.        -Alfred, Lord Tennyson
 
Our daughter Liv posted this Christmas poem on her blog Boston to Brooklyn.
The sentiments expressed befit our times equally as well as when Tennyson wrote Ring Out, Wild Bells in 1850. Jonathan Dove (1959), the contemporary British composer of opera, choral works, plays, films, and orchestral and chamber music has written a beautiful arrangement to Ring Out Wild Bells, performed in this video by the Antioch Chamber Ensemble.


Rubber Duck and Homie Wishing you all a Merry Christmas

Posted on by paultmorrison

Rubber Duck and Homie with their very own Lobster Trap Christmas Tree all decorated:

Hey, you try decorating without opposable thumbs!

Rubber Duck: “You just crack yourself up, dontcha Homie?  That’s why I stick around.”

Community Stuff Saturday

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro
Alchemy of Art Series features Kathy Roberts for January 2012 show

Alchemy Bistro continues it’s “The Alchemy of Art” Gallery Series, a yearlong art showcase featuring local artists and benefiting arts education in Gloucester through the Gloucester Education Foundation.
This month’s featured artist is beloved Gloucester painter Kathy Roberts.  The January show will open Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 5:30-7:30 with an open gallery night at the bistro featuring complimentary appetizers, the music of Chelsea Berry and our weekly Ladies’ Night Specials on selected Wine, Appetizers and Desserts for $5.
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
There are many ways to creatively express oneself. I chose to express myself through watercolor & acrylic painting. An expression that requires discipline, persistence, and lots of experimenting with different brush strokes and color techniques. Sometimes I have been inspired by the enthusiasm of an art teacher, my imagination, a vision I have had or something I have been passionate about. This has helped to shape my interpretation of a subject; my own vision of how I see a finished painting.
I am a native of Gloucester, have a spouse who supports my creative journey and we have two adult children.  I have painted part time for the last 10 years, after receiving my Masters in Social Work and working in the community. I became a member of Local Colors, an artisans’ cooperative, where I was able to paint full time and publicly display my work. I have continued to paint full time and teach art classes for youth and adults  for the past two years. I have combined my skills as a therapist and artist to help children use expressive art as a means for healing while experiencing grief or loss.

I have received most of my art education at the school of Cape Ann, where my classroom changes with every new painting venture and venue. I have participated in art workshops, classes and seminars in watercolor painting at the Northshore Art Association and the Rockport Art Association where I studied with many Master Artists’: Betty Lou Schlemm, Margaret Laurie, Marilyn Swift, Bernie Gertsner and Ruth Hagstrom.
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This seacoast community has inspired and challenged me to capture its natural beauty. The views of the inner harbor, numerous beaches with shifting sand dunes and changing tides, daily walks around the backshore,  changing sunlight on the warm, rugged rocks and the rhythmic ocean waves crashing towards them have been my constant teachers Our native spring and summer flowers have always inspired me to paint their varied shapes, vibrant colors and delicate beauty.

Artists often are drawn to subjects that carry a strong emotional connection. For me it is Cape Ann’s scenic coast, where I spent my summers at the beach as a child and teen; I always feel at peace when I am painting in that environment. I am a member of NSAA, NAA and SeARTS. I have exhibited in many solo shows and group shows on the North Shore. Many of my paintings are included in art collections nationally.
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All paintings are available for purchase on-site at Alchemy Bistro, 3 Duncan Street in Gloucester with cash or credit at the event and throughout the month.  The series benefits the Gloucester Education Foundation with a 10% donation from the sale of all paintings throughout the year donated to that organization to support and grow arts programs in the schools.  A year-end gala auction is in the works with 100% of the sale of auction proceeds also going to the GEF.
Alchemy would like to extend our Request for Artists and invite local artists who are interested in potentially showing their art at Alchemy to contact us and we will send out our “Guidelines for Consideration” package. Artists to be showcased in 2011 will be contacted by Alchemy. For more information please contact Matt Rose at mattalchemy@gmail.com or at Alchemy at 978-281-3997.  For information on the GEF and it’s mission go to http://www.thinkthebest.org
Serenitee Restaurant Group, owners of Alchemy and Latitude43 and Minglewood Tavern in Gloucester, Cala’s in Manchester, 15 Walnut in South Hamilton, Backstage Bistro at North Shore Music Theater in Beverly and Hale Street Tavern in Beverly Farms share news from their restaurants.

Esther Mathieu Photography Gift Certificates

Hi Joey!
I have gift certificates available for last minute Christmas gifts! $125 for a session and 8×10. 15% off until Christmas. May even be able to deliver them in person!

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I’d love for you to share these with your readers if you get a chance.
Happy Holidays!
—
Esther Mathieu
esthermathieu.com
about.me/esthermathieu
info@esthermathieu.com

A Visit from Saint Nicholas

Posted on by Sharon
Saint Nicholas, circa 1890 Anonymous/©Fredrik D. Bodin
I always make sure I have Santa on display in the gallery for the holidays. There is a magical quality about him – a certain timelessness, for this is the real Santa. People who collect Santa Claus related objects love this photograph. So when the Christmas decorations come out of the attic, so does old Saint Nicholas.

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro’ the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar plums danc’d in their heads.
Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
Fred
Printed from the original 8×10 inch glass negative in my darkroom. Image #88810-045

Chris Coyne fine art

Posted on by Matthew Green

On one of my recent expeditions to Bearskin Neck I ventured into Chris Coyne’s gallery, “Chris Coyne Fine Art + Design“.

The entrance to his gallery at 37 Bearskin Neck

The painting in his window is almost identical to a photo I posted not long ago. He has good taste in subject matter…

My photo of the same subject:

Chris was kind enough to pose with his artwork, which is quite beautiful:

I really liked his painting of a Rockport landmark, Tuck’s. The façade seems to glow with its own light!

His work is offered at a wide range of sizes and prices. It’s worth stopping by for a visit, maybe for a last-minute Christmas shopping trip. According to his website, the gallery is “open year-round by chance or by appointment.”

Pew Sale and Other Happenings At The Center On Rocky Neck- Update From Karen Ristuben

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hello all,
Three things:
*  The Center WORKS! At Thursday’s Pew Party, we removed and moved the pews, creating the kind of open space we’ve been envisioning, just perfect for our first neighborhood potluck feast that followed.  A great gang of folks, young and old, artists and non-artists, from all parts of this amazing community had the chance to meet, connect, talk, and just be together.  Which is exactly the point of this venture: to develop a place where the Rocky Neck Art Colony can help to strengthen our community spirit as we create, recreate, and celebrate with our shared passion of place, the arts, culture, and community.   The feeling on Thursday was one of community and potential, of inspired discussion and just plain fun.  We are sure to have many more such moments in our future…!!
*  Be one of the 100%:  We are nearing our initial fund drive goal; we’re at just under $20,000.  Now that the Feasibility Study is funded, work on it will start very soon.  However, we have only received donations from about 1/3 of the Rocky Neck Art Colony members!  Back in September, when we voted 55-3 in favor of this project, we discussed striving for a 100% contributing membership.  Having the strength of that 100% will go far to help us secure grants and other funding for the building, so we need you to contribute  at any level – $10 or $1000, it’s up to you – it’s the 100% that matters now…it’s easy on the website at www.rockyneckartcolony.org.  We’ll be making some phone calls in the next couple of weeks to those members who have not yet donated – we’re happy to talk about the project with you and answers any questions you may have.
* PEWS FOR SALE:  Steve Archer has begun, with some able assistance by Doug Fox and others, to tear up the rug and floor tile, revealing a wide pine floor that will be refinished in mid-January.  Steve would like to sell eight of the pews (8 1/2′ long), to pay for the floor work and to buy new front railings (to build them to code).  We sold one pew today, and the rest are first come-first served!  They are beautiful painted oak pews, in perfect shape, $250./each.  You can contact me or Steve (sarcherkw@gmail.com) to pick one up.
Yours as always,
Karen
978-758-1210

We shot this video a couple of months ago-

Isabel Natti Tribute Day II

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Isabel Natti in the doorway of The Sara Elizabeth Shop where she been created for decades.

I’m not sure how to express how fortunate I feel to have been able to capture the interviews with Isabel and document so much of what it is that makes our community special.

These videos belong in an archive somewhere.

Video 1- Isabel Natti At The Sara Elizabeth Shop

Video 2- Isabel Natti At The Sara Elizabeth Shop Part II

Video 3 Isabel Natti at The Sara Elizabeth Shop Part III

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Isabel Natti Squid Factory Print At The Sara Elizabeth Shop

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Isabel Natti Cape Ann Postcard At Alexandra’s Bread

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Community Stuff Friday

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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Happy Holidays,

On behalf of the International Dory Racing Committee, I would like to thank all of our members and contributors for helping to make 2011 a successful year for us.  It takes a lot of volunteers and financial contributions to keep this 60 year tradition alive and well.  I am thankful for the efforts you have made and look forward to even more help in the coming year!  Best wishes to all of you for a happy and healthy 2012.

I would also like to invite you to join the IDRC next Wednesday, December 21st at Jalepenos Restaurant on Main Street in downtown Gloucester (sorry the date was wrong in the last email).  What could be better than good food, drinks and holiday cheer with your friends from the Dory Committee?  (Some of the night’s profits will be donated to our organization!)  I am sure we can also find time to share some rowing stories at the bar!

See you next Wednesday!

Erik

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Cape Ann YMCA 21+ League Report

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The 21+ Basketball League at the Cape Ann YMCA is off to a great start. Every Wednesday starting at 6:30 teams from around Cape Ann square off in a battle of athletics. We welcome you to come watch each week to watch !

Scores from 12/14/11

Rockport Mortgage- 52  vs. Fleet Machine 48

Stone’s Pub 49 vs. Robert’s Catering 76

Espressos 52 vs. Roy Moore Lobster 91

Standings as of 12/15/11

Roberts Catering              3-0

Rockport Mortgage         3-0

Fleet Machine                   2-1

Roy Moore                         1-2

Expressos                            0-3

Stones Pub                         0-3

The News From Rocky Neck via Judy Robinson Cox

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

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THURSDAY, Dec 15, 5-8pm

Evite

A very friendly update and reminder from Karen Ristuben

Our fund drive for The Center’s Feasibility Study and Option to Purchase needs your pledges right away. We are interviewing two excellent consultants this week, and would like to start working with one of them right after the New Year. And, our Center Steering Committee is meeting this Wednesday to get things rolling. But, we are still several thousand dollars short of our goal, so we need you now! Easy pledging & Paypal available under the church on the left.

Support Rocky Neck artists at the RNAC Winter Show

Open Mon – Sat: 10am – 6 pm, Thursdays till 8pm, Sundays 12 to 5pm

Rocky Neck Winter Show

Holiday Cheer at John Nesta Gallery, 37 Rocky Neck Ave

See John’s new collection of paintings, watch Dominic’s hand built model train set, and enjoy some holiday snacks every Saturday and Sunday before Christmas at the John Nesta Gallery on Rocky Neck.

Dominic Nesta

Annual Rocky Neck Plunge

Jan 1st 2012 12:00 PM (Noon) At Oak Cove Beach

Cathy McCarthy is organizing a food drive at the Plunge for The Open Door … Please bring these items that are most needed .. . TUNA, 100 percent juice, Hearty Soups, Peanut Butter, Pasta Sauce, Breakfast Cereal, Baking Items

It is really important that we help out and give back Please do so. Call Cathy McCarthy 978-282-7320 for more info.

Weekends in Rockport : Kathy Archer, Elynn Kroger,
Patti Sullivan,Tom Nihan

Cape Ann Studios, 2 Tuna Wharf, Rockport

Cape Ann Studio
L to R: Elynn Kroger, Kathleen Gerdon Archer, Tom Nihan

This weekend until Christmas, Tom Nihan, Elynn Kroger, Patti Sullivan and Kathy Archer will be showing their work at a new gallery called Cape Ann Studios, 2 Tuna Wharf in Rockport. Weekends, 11 to 5 or call 978-879-6211 to make an appointment. If you’re in the area be sure to stop by.

Cape Ann Studio

Marty Morgan Open House

4 Reasons to Take the Riverdale-Lanesville Stagecoach Route

Khan Studio

Whither the Sign Painter?

Posted on by Sharon

Whither the Sign Painter?Sign Painter, circa 1900 Anonymous/©Fredrik D. Bodin

Before the age of computers and large printers, every sizable town or city had sign painting shops, including Gloucester. Signs were hand made by skilled artisans, who learned the trade by means of apprenticeships. In addition to expert handling of the lettering brush, sign painters had to master gold leafing, carving, stenciling, and silk-screening. When I opened my gallery fifteen years ago, I hired a professional sign painter, Bob Condon (now an attorney), to paint me a sign. Curiously, I have about 60 sign making photographs in my collection. These are a few of my favorites.

Gloucester Signs, circa 1915 Alice M. Curtis/©Fredrik D. Bodin
Merry Christmas, Salem, 1909 Alice M. Curtis/©Fredrik D. Bodin
All photographs printed from the original 5×7 inch glass negatives in my darkroom.

More pictures from the Lighting of the Lobster Trap Tree and the Middle Street Walk

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

wearable Art

SeArts at the Middle Street Walk

As the sun was going down

As the sun was going down

December 10, 2011 abc 026

Little Guy painting his special buoy

December 10, 2011 abc 071

Eugene Quinn gallery reception

Posted on by Matthew Green

Yesterday, I stopped by the Eugene Quinn gallery again (54 Bearskin Neck, Rockport), for a reception and opening of a new show of paintings, including works by Eugene Quinn himself, Colin McGuire, and Jill Demeri.

Eugene with some of his friends, patrons and paintings
More of Eugene's beautiful paintings
Colin McGuire with some of his work
More of Colin's paintings.
Works by Jill Demeri are also on display

It’s well worth a visit!

Get Down To The Lobster Trap Tree For Tonight’s Tree Lighting Tonight at 5PM!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Sista Felicia Bringing Some Bling To The Lobster Trap Tree

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Should fetch some serious dough at the Buoy Auction- The Bedazzled and The Lady Gaga GMG Buoy.  Yikes!