Anticipation

Now that the sun has come out, the anticipation of jumping off the Magnolia Pier.  On Tuesday, saw a couple of kids thinking about jumping.  The tide was too low for the jump.

Cove Gallery presents Play as Practice, exploring the creative space between experimentation and finished work May 21-June 21

Opening Reception: Thursday, May 21, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

May 21 – June 21, 2026
Cove Gallery, 37 Rocky Neck Avenue, Gloucester, MA

Gloucester, MA — Play as Practice is a five-artist exhibition curated by Mallie Loring Pratt and Hanna Taylor Marino that examines the dynamic relationship between formal studio practice and the experimental work that unfolds alongside it. Featuring work by Pratt, Marino, Isabel Bacon, Margaret Sweet, and Julia Von Metzsch, the exhibition offers an intimate look into the creative process and the “side journeys” that quietly shape each artist’s visual language.

Bringing together painting, sketches, collage, and exploratory works, Play as Practice invites viewers to consider what constitutes an artist’s “real” work. By placing finished pieces in conversation with studies and experiments, the exhibition reveals the moments of play, uncertainty, and discovery that often lead to artistic breakthroughs.

Each of the five artists moves fluidly between abstraction and representation, sharing a common interest in where those boundaries blur. Though distinct in style and approach, the artists are united by a willingness to embrace process, curiosity, and experimentation as essential parts of their practices.

Collectively, the artists bring significant professional recognition to the exhibition, including museum exhibitions, gallery representation throughout New England, critical coverage, brand collaborations, and work held in private and corporate collections nationwide.

Rather than presenting only polished outcomes, Play as Practice offers audiences a behind-the-scenes perspective on contemporary painting practices and the evolving decisions that shape them.

Play as Practice will be on view at Cove Gallery in Gloucester from May 21 through June 21, 2026. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, May 21 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Featured Artists

Mallie Loring Pratt
Hanna Taylor Marino
Isabel Bacon
Margaret Sweet
Julia Von Metzsch

ADVISORY FOR MONDAY JUNE 1ST FROM 9AM – 11AM

GLOUCESTER HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERING TRAINING FOR RESTAURANT OPERATORS 

GLOUCESTER, MA – Due to an overwhelmingly positive response from the previous training, on Monday, June 1st the Gloucester Health Department is offering another free training event for restaurant operators. The event will run from 9:00AM – 11:00AM and will feature Berger Food Safety Consulting, a leading food safety team. 

The event will focus on strategies for implementing Active Managerial Control. Participants will learn how to identify common food risks, correct issues efficiently and effectively, and create systems that prevent repeat violations. Restaurant operators are welcome to learn how to improve daily operations, strengthen team accountability, and protect customers and businesses. The event is highly recommended to restaurant leadership staff, managers, head chefs, and supervisors. 

Space is limited, so the Health Department is asking interested parties to RSVP by Monday, May 25th. Parties can RSVP here: https://forms.gle/TUyMAiRgYHVfPeJn8 

The event will take place MONDAY, June 1st at 9AM in the Community Room of the Sawyer Free Library at 2 Dale Ave, Gloucester MA. 

The event is open to members of the media. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to svorias@gloucester-ma.gov and sgross@gloucester-ma.gov 

Full details are as follows:

WHAT:        FREE Restaurant Operator Training 

WHO:          Gloucester Health Department 

Berger Food Safety Consulting

WHEN:        MONDAY June 1st, 2026

9:00AM – 11:00AM

WHERE:     Sawyer Free Library – Community Room

2 Dale Ave Gloucester, MA

Surfside Subs TODAY’S SPECIALS 🔥We’re open 11AM–9PM and serving up some amazing deals today!

🦞 $19.99+tax Lobster Roll served with chips & pickles
🍕 Buy any 18” pizza & get an 18” cheese pizza for just $5
🍕 Buy any 16” pizza & get a 16” cheese pizza for just $5
🍕 16” pizzas are HALF PRICE

Perfect night to grab dinner for the whole family! Call ahead or stop by today!

*Excludes gluten free
*Pizza specials cannot be combined
*Excludes online orders

Gloucester Elks Craft Fair Sunday May 24

The Gloucester Elks on Atlantic Road is hosting their Spring Craft Show Sunday May 24 outside (weather permitting). Your famvorite local vendors will be on hand and we encourage you to stop by.

I feel like you have to be a complete dummy not to protect your vehicle with undercoating with how much new vehicles cost today. Local Greasy Pole Legend Nick Taormina has the solution.

UNDERCOVER UNDERCOATERS
RUST PROTECTION & UNDERCOATING
CALL OR TEXT 978-699-9555
UNDERCOVERUNDERCOATERS.COM
@UNDERCOVERUNDERCOATERS

link to video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wxXbwXyAbY

End of a beautiful early summer day

On Tuesday, went to the beach around 2:00 after work.  Love seeing the little kids getting right into the summer mode.  Actually, went swimming with the saltwater soothing the day’s stress away.

Ringo Tarr and Ted Costa Put up seven flags on the boulevard next to the fisherman’s memorial. Each of the flags has the name of the fishing vessel Lily Jean each flag also has the name of one of the crew members.

SAVE THE DATE FUN EVENT.. 3 DAYS AWAY

Another sign that summer is coming.  This event has been fun and been enjoyed by many.  Enjoy the walk around Magnolia and the music.  See you at 4:00 pm.

Great turnout of youth players & tremendous work by the GHS Boys & Girls Tennis Teams at the 2nd of 3 youth clinics the GHS Teams are hosting. The 3rd clinic is on Sunday May 31st, don’t miss it!

Surfside Subs Make your Wednesday a little more WICKED! ☀️🌊

Beach vibes, pizza deals, and lobster rolls — what more could you need? 🍕🦞

🔥 TODAY’S SPECIALS 🔥
🍕 Buy any 18” Pizza & get an 18” Cheese Pizza for ONLY $5
🍕 Buy any 16” Pizza & get a 16” Cheese Pizza for ONLY $5
🍕 16” Pizzas HALF PRICE
🦞 Lobster Roll $19.99+tax served with chips & pickles

Grab lunch, dinner, or beach-day takeout and enjoy some wicked good savings today! 🌴🌞

*Excludes gluten free
*Pizza specials cannot be combined
*Excludes online order

Colorful Backyard Birds

Our backyard in Magnolia has sprung to life. We’ve been watching a pair or Baltimore Oriole males chase a female around; feasting cardinals and humming-birds (haha). Joey’s hummingbirds are welcome in Magnolia anytime. Ours are pretty happy right where they are.