Category: Good Morning Gloucester

GLOUCESTER, MA – The City of Gloucester’s Community Development Department, in partnership with the 2025–2026 Making it Public Program and with support from the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), is now accepting applications from artists and artist teams for a new public art initiative on Main Street. This program invites artists to create original, hand-painted temporary window murals that will be displayed during the second half of 2026. Selected artists will be paired with local businesses to transform storefront windows into vibrant works of art that celebrate Gloucester’s identity and future.

The theme, “Imagining Gloucester’s Future,” encourages artists to explore creative visions of the city through lenses such as community, art, fishing, tourism, and coastal geography. The initiative aims to activate Main Street with engaging, place-based artwork that reflects Gloucester’s culture and inspires residents and visitors alike. Any businesses on Main Street in Gloucester that are interested in hosting a mural on their windows should reach out to Miranda Aisling Hynes, contact details listed below.

Up to eight artists or artist teams will be selected to participate. Each will receive a $1,500 honorarium to cover all project-related expenses, including materials, travel, insurance, and installation. Murals will be installed on windows typically measuring up to 6 by 10 feet, though artists are not required to fill the entire space. Applications are open to US-based artists aged 18 and older. While all eligible artists are encouraged to apply, preference will be given to those with connections to Gloucester or similar working waterfront and arts communities. Emerging and diverse artists are strongly encouraged to participate.

Selections will be made by the City’s Committee for the Arts, a volunteer body established to promote and celebrate Gloucester’s cultural heritage. Applications will be evaluated based on artistic vision, community impact, and relevant experience, particularly in large-scale or site-specific work.

Applications must be submitted by June 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET via the online form: https://forms.gle/ViQZsBnqhFCJKvvq8

Printed applications are also available and may be submitted to:
Gloucester City Hall Annex
3 Pond Road, Gloucester, MA 01930

Applicants must provide contact information, a portfolio, a brief mural proposal, relevant experience, a resume or bio, and work samples. Optional letters of support may also be included.

The timeline for applicants is below:
Info Sessions:
– Thursday, May 26, 2026 from 6:00 – 7:00 pm. In-person Info Session at the Harbormasters Conference Room. Please RSVP here.
– Tuesday, June 2, 2026 from 12:00 – 1:00 pm. Virtual Info Session on Google Meet. Please RSVP here.
Application Due: June 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM 
Selection Announced: July 2026
Grant Agreement Finalized: July 2026
Mural Completed By: September 3, 2026

For questions or additional information, please contact Miranda Aisling Hynes, Arts, Culture and Events Coordinator, at mhynes@gloucester-ma.gov or 978-325-5237. You can see the online call here: www.harbortownculturaldistrict.org/for-artists 

—
Mayor Paul Lundberg
City of Gloucester

The Monument in Fog…

Thursday, May 7, 5:00-8:00pm

Friday, May 8, 5:00-8:00pm

Saturday, May 9, 10:00-5:00pm

8 Larch Row, Wenham MA, 01984

Join us for our 3^rd Annual, Mother’s Day Weekend, Home Studio Show. Original artwork by Wenham artist Jeff Pacione who’s work ranges from realistic/semi-realistic plein air oil paintings created in numerous places across the country, to still lifes produced in his intimate home studio. With Jeff’s broad stylist scope and ability to capture dramatic color, lighting, and mood ­— you’ll be sure to find something that piques your interest. 

 jeffpacionestudio.bigcartel.com

@jeffpacione

A branding and design specialist by trade, Jeff studied at Carnegie Mellon, worked in Boston and London for many years, and co-founded and ran Catapult Thinking from 2000 – 2015. 

Following a stroke during a triple by-pass in 2015, Jeff’s recovery process was long and difficult, bolstered by refocusing on the more artistic side of himself. He found his love of fine art again and has enjoyed honing his skills over the past six years. Despite having to relearn many things with his less dominant side, he now draws with his right hand and paints with his left. Jeff’s main challenge remains language retrieval (Aphasia).

We hope to see you there.

Hi Joey,

Could you please add this to your ever growing list!  We were very happy to announce that we donated  $1500 to the Lily Jean fund from having these fundraisers.

Thank you again,

Lisa Accardi

The Annual Spring Plant Sale – Saturday, May 16,  8:00 am to  noon

On Leonard Street in the yard between the Village Hall and the Annisquam Exchange, Gloucester MA 01930

Picture lots of beautiful flowers growing in your garden and the pleasure they bring to you and your neighbors.

Are you looking to add a splash of color this year? Whether it’s in your garden, on your deck, or in window boxes and planters  we’ve got you covered. How about a gift to a friend!

Our two experienced buyers carefully source plants locally, searching for the best quality annuals and perennials available. . Guidance is offered in selecting plants right for your applications.

Mark your calendar! Saturday, May 16,  8:00 am to  noon

Proceeds from this sale support nonprofits serving those in need on Cape Ann. We thank you for your support. Your participation is greatly appreciated.

MAY 5, 2026 BY ANGEL WINGS WELLNESS

How Horses Can Heal: The Power of Equine Wellness

There’s something quietly transformative about being in the presence of a horse. It’s not loud or forceful—it’s subtle, grounding, and deeply felt. In a world that often moves too fast and demands too much, horses offer a return to something simpler, more honest, and profoundly healing.

A Different Kind of Connection

Horses don’t care about your job title, your past, or how productive you’ve been this week. They respond to energy, intention, and authenticity. That means when you’re around them, there’s no room for pretense—you’re invited to show up exactly as you are.

This is where equine wellness begins.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, equine-assisted experiences are rooted in presence rather than words. Horses are incredibly intuitive animals. As prey animals, they are highly attuned to their environment and the emotional states of those around them. They can sense subtle shifts in body language, breathing, and energy—and they respond in real time.

That feedback becomes a mirror.

Emotional Awareness and Regulation

When you’re feeling anxious, scattered, or overwhelmed, a horse will often reflect that back—perhaps by becoming restless or disengaged. When you begin to slow your breath, soften your posture, and settle into yourself, the horse responds by relaxing too.

This immediate, nonjudgmental feedback helps people become aware of their inner state in a way that’s hard to access in everyday life. Over time, it builds emotional regulation skills naturally, without force.

Visit our website for more information or call/text dréa to book a session 978-985-4592

PeaceLoveHorse.com

Treat yourself today with some of our customer favorites 🍕🦞🦃

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Perfect day to grab lunch or dinner with family & friends!

📍Stop in or call ahead for takeout!

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7 Parker St Gloucester MA.

If you are a boater you’re gonna need supplies for the season. You’re crazy not to take advantage of the annual sale where just about everything is on sale!

DeCKlyn’s is set to re-open for the season soon!

MAY 5, 2026 ~ WELLSPRING HOUSE

Annual fundraising event draws nearly 300 supporters for a spectacular evening of storytelling, song, and generosity on the North Shore

Wellspring House hosted its annual Celesongfundraising event on Friday evening, May 1, 2026, at the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport, raising over $250,000 in support of its housing, education, job training, and career readiness programs across the North Shore. Nearly 300 guests gathered for an unforgettable evening of music, storytelling, and community, set against a breathtaking sunset over Rockport Harbor.

The night featured a Nashville-style songwriters’ round with nationally acclaimed artists Darrell Scott, Beth Nielsen Chapman, and Marcus Hummon – three Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees whose music and storytelling moved the audience throughout the evening. Billy Costa returned as emcee, bringing his signature energy to a live auction that included an exclusive Tim McGraw at Fenway Park package and a custom guitar signed by the night’s featured artists.

“Celesong is a magical night for a powerful purpose,” said Melissa Dimond, President and Executive Director of Wellspring House. “The generosity of this community, and the beauty of the evening, was a powerful reminder of what we are building together and why it matters. Every dollar raised helps ensure we can keep removing barriers and creating pathways to opportunity for the more than 2,000 people who turn to Wellspring each year.”

The funds raised at Celesong 2026 will directly support Wellspring’s work across the North Shore. Wellspring serves residents in 20 cities and towns, with an emphasis on Gloucester, Lynn, Salem, Peabody, and Beverly. Combining workforce development with wraparound housing and stabilization supports, Wellspring helps adults and young people navigate the challenges to completing training, securing viable employment, and earning wages that better align with the true cost of living. As housing, childcare, transportation, and other everyday expenses continue to outpace wages, Wellspring provides longer-term advising, coaching, and resource navigation designed to drive lasting economic mobility – because at Wellspring, every person has a story worth telling, and worth investing in.

“The Celesong event for Wellspring is a winning night for all of us – and the real winners are the families who receive much-needed assistance from the amazing work Wellspring does,” said featured artist Darrell Scott. “It is community helping community – good people helping good people.”

Wellspring House extends its deepest gratitude to the event’s sponsors, board members, volunteers, and guests whose generous support made the evening possible.

To learn more about Wellspring House or to make a gift in support of its work, visit wellspringhouse.org.

Darrell Scott, Beth Nielsen Chapman, and Marcus Hummon perform at the Shalin Liu Performance Center during Wellspring House’s benefit Celesong 2026

Island Idyll…

Mark your calendars! Our annual Exhibit New England Regional Juried Show applications are being accepted now through Saturday, May 30th by 11:59PM.

The show will run June 27 – July 24, 2026, and the Gala is on Friday, June 26 from 6 – 8 PM and we are excited Vinwood is catering and the Bill Dwyer Band is playing!!

Renowned artists Amy Sudarsky and Loren Doucette are the jurors for the show with over $8,000 in awards! Click here for all important dates and requirements.

Apply via Smarter Entry; https://client.smarterentry.com/nsarts. Email us at arts@nsarts.org with any questions. (All NSAA members receive a discount on the application fee, to be re-emailed the discount code please reach out.)

http://www.capeannpride.org/

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➡️ Get an 18” cheese pizza for just $5!

PLUS… check out today’s BONUS specials 👇

🦞 Lobster Roll $18.99 + tax
Served with chips & pickles

🍕 Buy any 16” pizza
➡️ Get a 16” cheese pizza for $5

🍕 16” pizzas are HALF PRICE

🦃 Turkey sandwiches & wraps are HALF PRICE

⚡ Perfect day to grab lunch or dinner for the whole crew!

Excludes gluten free
Excludes online orders
Pizza specials cannot be combined

We were delighted to discover that at least 2 pair of Great Blue Herons have returned to a nearby rookery to build nests. This area previously hosted at least a dozen nests which I understand were destroyed in a windstorm a couple of years ago. Now I see at least 2 nests being rebuilt. Part of their courtship includes the males bringing nesting material back for the females to accept as an indication of the intention to accept a partner. I was lucky enough to witness this. Good luck Great Blues!