Arts Abound

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

21 C Lexington Avenue

magnolia Village, Gloucester, MA  01930

603-359-2173

if you wish to subscribe to our newsletter please email:
artsaboundmagnolia@gmail.com

  LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHY

JOHN ABISAMRA

Arts Abound is pleased to announce our new Featured Artist, John Abisamra. He has a large following in the local area for his intriguing photographs.

His large framed prints are available for $230 each for 19×25″; smaller 11×14″ framed versions are $95; unframed, with mat is $65. Please contact us at: artsaboundmagnolia@gmail.com to order. They make fabulous gifts for friends, family, or for yourself! Come visit Arts Abound and view this amazing photography.

John’s Artist Statement
My real passion is to capture the beauty of nature through the eye of my camera. A native New Englander, my inspiration primarily comes from photographing New England landscapes. I try to capture the uniqueness each season brings along with the magic light that exists. I love capturing the beauty of the coastline. I particularly enjoy photographing during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset and also am drawn to images where nature and man made elements meet. Photography for me is all about capturing a moment in time which may never be repeated. I spend a good amount of time driving on backroads or hiking to secluded places to capture the beauty of nature. My photographs have been published in the Photographer’s Forum Magazine, Cape Ann Magazine (including three cover photos), Lowell Sun and Gloucester Times. I am a juried member of  Gallery 53 on Rocky Neck, Rockport Art Association, and Newburyport Art Association where my work can be viewed along with the Depot Diner in Beverly and Cape Ann Coffee in Gloucester. I can make matted/framed photos in a variety of sizes or as framed canvas, metal or glass photos.

Cape Ann Magazine cover photo
Lantern Reflections
Rockport, MA
Dinghies at Rest
Rockport Harbor
Rising from the Fog
Arts Abound is pleased to announce our new Featured Artist, John

Abisamra. He has a large following in the local area for his intriguing

photographs.

John’s large framed prints are available for $230 each for 19×25″; smaller

11×14″ framed versions are $95; unframed, with mat are $65. Please contact

us at: artsaboundmagnolia@gmail.com to order. They make fabulous gifts for

friends, family, or for yourself! Come visit Arts Abound and view this amazing

photography.

John tries to capture the uniqueness each season brings. along with the magic

light that exists. He loves capturing the beauty of the coastline. He particularly

enjoys photographing during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset and also is

drawn to images where nature and man-made elements meet. Photography for

him is all about capturing a moment in time which may never be repeated.

GREAT GIFTS

As we continue to endure the financial challenges of the pandemic, Arts

Abound believes it is more important than ever to buy local. Below are some

gift suggestions – for an upcoming birthday or anniversary perhaps, or yourself!

Stop in and see what other treasures we have, or set up an appointment to do

a FaceTime session.

Joyful Sunflowers – Sue Wheeler, mixed media

Gloucester-made Ryan & Wood hand sanitizer, paired with a hand-sewn

mask or two, makes an ideal gift. Ryan & Wood is a local distillery that

has temporarily converted their production to hand sanitizer to help folks stay

safe during the pandemic. $40 as shown here with mask.

 

Donna’s beach towels featuring local images have been a huge hit! At $30 each, they are soft and beautiful.

Our wonderful lobster prints, created by Martha (Landfall Gallery), are

perfect for celebrating summer! Available in several different sizes; framed

and unframed.

Ceramic artist Jenny has a wonderful selection of pottery, including these

stunning bowls!

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!Ann’s beautiful seagrass jewelry makes a fabulous gift!

 

 Arts Abound continues to sell many masks! We recently developed a new

style of mask that includes a pocket for a filter. You can use a coffee filter or

a vacuum bag filter, to name a couple of options. We also have way cool

summer fabrics as seen above. And our nose piece has been improved. The

traditional style face mask is still available.

Check out our new face masks page.

Our Fabulous Artists

Sue Wheeler (owner), Stephanie Mason, Brenda Malloy, Melissa Cox,

Karen Keough, Lisa Knebel, Tin Can Sally, Donna Ardizzoni, Deb

Schradieck, Erik Hahr, Alissa Cohen, John Abisamra, Alan

Bourgault, Hermit Hill, Jenny Rangan, and Larry Parsons

BUY LOCAL

Major Field House restoration progress at Gloucester High School | Big DPW project #GloucesterMA #GHS #Basketball #Track

Posted on by Catherine

After twenty plus years in need and many years of planning, the Gloucester High School field house deficiencies are no more. Restoration is underway on this 1.6 million capital improvement directed by Gloucester Public Works.

The old bleachers are being replaced with top notch product.

Issues with the original concrete and under laying have been resolved. “The new work will be done correctly.” This mean new hardwood flooring. New usable track. Gloucester DPW hired Capital construction for this big project.

Views of the progress July 2020– so exciting!

 

Gloucester High School Field House summer construction major renovations_20200727_Gloucester Mass photographs ©c ryan (5)

 

The old bleachers were punched out all over, holes like confetti. Rumor one I’ve heard was shot put tosses caused the damage (whether practice misses or on purpose, I’m not sure) Rumors two is the holes were a result of indoor baseball and softball practice. What do you think caused the holes? Cue up GMG poll.

Whatever the results, counting on community taking care of the new fieldhouse.

The  Benjamin A. Smith Field House, aka Smith Field House, was formerly dedicated to  Albert Bachelor. 

 

Shuttle Smiles-35

Posted on by Manuel F. Simoes

Shuttle Smiles on the Lady Jillian operated by Cape Ann Harbor Tours.

2020-07-26-1271

You Go Days Without Even Noticing Them, Then One Day…Wow, Those Are Big.

Posted on by Nichole S.

Remember when they were first built and you couldn’t help but notice them from every angle and every vantage point in town. Now, I barely notice them.   But, every once in a while, you catch them at a certain view and they shock you still.  They look pretty impressive standing strong and tall up behind Gloucester Crossing.

IMG_2395IMG_2393

Hummingbird Takes a Bath

Posted on by Pat D

This might be the sweetest video you see today. One of our hummingbirds also need a break from yesterday’s heat and came to take a shower on our deck. She also dipped her tail feathers!

Gloucester Gaiters and Masks

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

 

Here’s the link to purchase

Show your team/City/Town pride and easily follow new face mask guidelines.  Simply wear the gaiter around your neck, slide it up when you need it and slide it down when you don’t.
Gaiters: 
These high end, machine washable, 83% polyester / 17% spandex neck gaiters are a must have for athletes and fans.   They are are a breathable, single layer gaiter with hemmed edges for a more finished look. They are stylish and comfortable.  They have moisture-wicking properties that move moisture away from the body to the exterior of the fabric so they can evaporate quicker and easier.
Gaiter Sizing:
  • YOUTH typically fits ages 4-12.  If your child had a big noggin, you’ll want to size up.  On the Flat Dimensions  Length 9″ Width @ Top 8″ Width @ Bottom 7″.
  • ADULT is perfect for Teens and Adults.  On the Flat Dimensions  Length 10″ Width @ Top 10″ Width @ Bottom 9″.

I’m Reluctant To Share That @LateJulyOrganic Jalapeño Lime Tortilla Chips Are The Greatest Tortilla Chips Ever Produced

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

For fear of a huge run on them at my local supermarket.

But guilt got to me so I knew I had to let our readers know.

There are some other flavors I’d like to try. Maybe if they send us some we will do an on air podcast breaking down the different flavor profiles. On the bag they were touting a Bacon Habanero  one that can only imagine to be stupid delicious or the Korean Barbeque one.

My lord these are delicious.

Unbelievable.

check them out at www.latejuly.com

latejuly

New business! Argentino Plastering helping Carl’s Cones ice cream open “the sooner the better!” 185 Washington Street #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

Argentino plastering  is building out the new Carl’s Cones ice cream parlor (in the space formerly occupied by  Paprika Grill and Scroo Cooking). Fixtures from Salah’s ice cream at George’s across the street were acquired and repurposed for this site.

Carl’s Cones hopes to open… “the sooner the better!”

New pub: The Office at George’s plus outdoor seating at George’s Coffee Shop

Posted on by Catherine

George’s Coffee Shop expanded.

The Office at George’s — “Thirsty…You won’t be!”– a new local pub and local music and events will be open soon in the space of their former ice cream shop, Salah’s. (Some of the fixtures related to the ice cream business were repurposed for new owners opening across the street.) Also, George’s Coffee Shop added **new** outdoor seating as an option in response to Covid-19 phased re-opening.

 

The Office at George's local pub_20200727_Gloucester Mass ©c ryan (2)

 

Upgrades at O’Maley School thanks to DPW #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

Before*(about March 2020) | After (July 2020)

INSIDE

Mike Hale, Director of DPW,  and Jeff Destino, VP at O’Maley, reviewed top to-do list items at O’Maley back in January 2020, before Covid-19 hit. They also consulted with the principal and teachers, mentioning Ms. Crosby as one point of contact. The third floor (7th grade wing) was deemed “the most tired”. DPW slated work for February and April vacations with more lined up for the summer. When the pandemic closures ensued, many of these projects were ready to roll. Essential improvements and remodel efforts inside O’Maley include a wide assortment of interventions and upgrades by the DPW team: floor cleaning/refinishing/buffing (perpetual! a la Golden Gate Bridge painting); fresh coat of paint in various classrooms (in consultation with the teachers); wall repairs; 8 bathroom renovations; custom murals with hand painting by Jason Burroughs; built-in benches and high top counter; remodel of the resource officer’s room; renovation of one of the teacher lounges; and new classroom clocks.

About those classroom clocks. Ralph B. O’Maley (O’Maley) school was built ca.1972 and first class welcomed in ’74. The original classroom clocks were synced (hardwired and controlled from the main office) and no longer operational and hadn’t been for some time. They were kept up until they couldn’t be; after so much time the manufacturer was long gone. Bids for repairing the classroom clock system were astronomical. Instead, DPW replaced them with new clocks, automatically synced and operated via a wireless station in the Commons.

(update: *phase one is 50 replacement clocks- 30 more to be added if these do all they should)

 

 

The hodgepodge assortment of abandoned seats and folding tables in the teachers’ break room were replaced with quality and safe amenities.

 

Two large bathrooms on the ground floor and six small bathrooms on the third floor were renovated. The bathrooms looked rough and dated. Swapping out elements with smart design choices have made a huge difference. New non-porous epoxy flooring in stock colors, fixtures, ceiling tiles, and brushed aluminum wall squares (to clean up and conceal fifty years of mismatched accessory drill holes) work wonders.

 

AFTER bathroom remodel_DPW renovations at O'Maley school since March 2020 Gloucester Mass_photo copyright ©c ryan (5)

Similarly, spot design choices in long halls appeared to complete punch items lingering from the original build. For instance, random walls of cinder blocks– where banks of lockers were planned for and never needed–are now sheet rocked and finished. Others were repaired and painted. The odd, old wood base runners and lifts (again related to locker banks) were removed. Built in custom benches in one hall and a counter for another clean up long corridors and are functional for these spaces in ways they hadn’t been before. Paint color, good quality “brag” boards, and painted quotes were selected by teachers and students. Jason Burroughs hand painted the custom selected phrases.

 

Custom built-ins

 

Wall murals hand lettering by Jason Burroughs

 

Classrooms – Cleaned up walls and fresh coats of paint (colors selected by teachers)

 

Teacher’s desk rather than folding table (bonus- match case goods already there)

Acquisition of case-goods in some classrooms was necessary. For instance, this teacher’s desk is no longer a folding table.

 

Mike Hale describes the recent DPW O’Maley interior projects as small yet necessary and beneficial to staff and students alike. He added,

“Coming in at roughly $100,000/ $10,000**, all in all they’re worthy, and relatively short money on the return.” 

-Mike Hale

Note from author- typo- $100,000 for this work (includes less than $10,000 for clocks).

OUTSIDE

Exterior efforts at O’Maley include: new trees; garden sprucing; and sign appearing brand new and now sporting Gloucester colors–out with the green/gold in with the red. See prior post related to the completed (long planned) courtyard improvement phase

 

BEFORE O'maley green sign_ courtesy photo_O'Maley Gloucester Mass. © Mike Hale
before

AFTER O'Maley sign repainted_20200727_Gloucester Mass ©c ryan (3)
after

AFTER exterior- DPW renovations at O'Maley school since March 2020 Gloucester Mass_photo copyright ©c ryan

*Before snapshots courtesy Director of  Public Works, Mike Hale.

Whales off of Dolliver’s Neck this morning from Tom Cronin

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hi Joe,

Long time visitor to the site (thanks!) first time submitter.
This morning (Tuesday) at about 7:30 there were whales in the harbor near Dolliver’s Neck.
In case it is postworthy, here are three images.
Tom Cronin
Smaller Whale off of Dolliver's Neck 7 28 20 IMG_0822A_01.JPG
Smaller Whale off of Dolliver's Neck 7 28 20 IMG_0822_01
Smaller Whale off of Dolliver's Neck 7 28 20 IMG_0817_01.JPG

Part-time Ice Delivery Driver needed!

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Part-time Ice Delivery Driver needed! As the summer winds down, several of our very “cool” seasonal drivers head back to school, both as teachers & students, and we need to fill their positions.

Cape Pond Ice is looking for a reliable truck driver / Ice Delivery person for 2-3 shifts a week. Must be fit & have good driving record. Operating from Peabody & Gloucester; Delivering to the North Shore, Merrimack Valley, Southern New Hampshire & Cape Ann.

Please email: office@capepondice.com to apply, or visit our 104 Commercial Street, Gloucester, Ma location during office hours, 9 – 2 weekdays.

Thanks!

Scott

-- Scott Memhard, President CAPE POND ICE COMPANY, INC. aka Bresnahan Ice/United Party Rental, Lawrence & Peabody Icehouse 104 Commercial Street, Fort Wharf Gloucester, MA 01930 tel:  978-283-0174 FAX 978-283-3714 cell:  978-879-9394

Looking out from the back side of Kettle Island

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

Such a beautiful summer this has been, on Sunday we kayaked out to Kettle Island.  Such a pretty sight.

Jellyfish at Magnolia Beach

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Hi Joey, This is Claire from Magnolia.
On my walk this morning, I saw two large jellyfishes on Magnolia Beach. This one is about 11“ x 14“. The other one was slightly smaller and reddish. So be careful if you are thinking of dipping your feet in the water.

Amy Miller Loves Gloucester

Posted on by Joey Ciaramitaro

Dear Joey,
Good afternoon. Hi. My name is Amy and I have loved Gloucester since I was a little kid.
Now, I’m a big kid and live in the North Shore , and am taking photography lessons and come up to Gloucester to walk and take photos for class
Well, I’ve gotten really good and this morning, I met a guy who writes a little blog for you
I don’t know his name
But I wondered if you might like to see or have some of my photos.Let me know
And stay cool up there
Amy Miller

Magnolia Community Farmers Market

Posted on by Donna Ardizzoni

Remember to shop local to help our neighbors businesses.

Welcome to a new market week!!! You all should know that because of YOUR support by shopping locally, the market busted through our previous sales record this past week, setting a new milestone with sales 33% HIGHER than our last highest record! We can’t thank you enough, for your continued support of our vendors and the market!
And with that, happy shopping this week, the market is OPEN!