Category: Art

Katie McManus Writes-

Hi Joey,  Love your blog and I look forward to it everyday.  I am hoping you could post some info and photos for the Annisquam arts and crafts show, which will be this weekend at the Annisquam Village Hall. 

The Annisquam Arts and Crafts show will be celebrating its 25^th anniversary on Saturday October 9^th and Sunday October 10^th from 10AM to 5PM at the Annisquam Village Hall, 34 Leonard Street, in the center of the quaint village. This year more than 40 local North Shore and New England artists and artisans will be displaying and selling their handcrafted items, which include pottery, jewelry, fabric arts, children’s toys, jams, photographs and paintings. This is a wonderful opportunity to support local artists and artisans and get a head start on holiday gift shopping.

This much anticipated annual event brings to it a longstanding history of celebrating the talents of local artists. Among them are Gloucester residents: Katie McManus of Katie Mac Designs with her one-of-a-kind handcrafted jewelry featuring freshwater pearls and semi-precious gemstones. Margaret Derby with her luxurious and colorful scarves from unique fabrics. Illustrator Penny Neal with her framed prints and whimsical note cards. And, Camilla MacFayden with her exotic seaweed printed silk scarves and nature inspired t-shirts.

Paintings by such Gloucester artists include Alby Waugh, Carolyn Roy, and Ann Ziergiebel, along with photographs by Brad Dickinson reflect and interpret New England’s distinct atmosphere.

As Patsy Whitlock, executive director of this year’s show, explains: “Although this is a fundraiser for the Annisquam Village Church, it has grown to be larger than that. In fact, for many it is a rite of the passage from summer into fall, that especially colorful and invigorating time of year.   2010 marks our 25th consecutive show, which gives some indication of the appeal this display of local talent inspires.  For those of us who set up the show, it is an anticipated time of wonder. As organizers, we are always amazed and humbled by the ways in which artistic eyes have reflected, interpreted and re-created what they see around them.  It arouses our own fantasies of talent and that is an invigorating feeling.  But then, once reality has fallen back into place and we acknowledge that our own untrained and meager talent might not be as alluring as what were seeing, we can feel a sense of accomplishment by buying a striking gift for another.  “Besides,” she adds, “the holidays will soon be here so we can get a leg up on gift shopping!”

As Patsy further explains, “for many Cape Ann residents as well as those from ‘over the bridge’, the Annisquam Arts & Crafts Show serves as a satisfying destination for a fall outing.  It is nestled in the community center of an old New England village; a lovely and calming sight (and site) of tradition at this time of year.  It offers temptation to gift one’s self, but also suggest gifts to tickle the delight of even the most difficult person on your list.”

There is a snack bar filled with homemade soups, sandwiches, and cookies provided by Cape Ann Coffees to keep you fueled as you fantasize about your own creativity or to reward you for your unselfish impulse to give to another.

A portion of the proceeds from all of these inspired works will go to the Annisquam Village Church, Cape Ann’s historic third Parrish, established in 1728. Checks can be made out directly to the Annisquam Village Church. This facility is wheelchair accessible and there is NOT an entrance fee. All sales are tax deductible.