This Weekend in the Arts

ROCKPORT ART IN BLOOM 2017

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The Rockport Garden Club invites you to attend its 2017 garden tour: Rockport in Bloom. This self-guided tour consists of 11 private gardens clustered in the three Rockport neighborhoods. Each garden celebrates the diverse geography of Rockport, from sweeping ocean vistas, to enchanting gardens with water features, to unique granite sculptures and arches evoking the legacy of the granite industry in Rockport.  Lunch, including a vegetarian option, is also available for your purchase and enjoyment in a seaside garden.  An additional feature for this year’s tour includes artists in the garden.  Several local artists will be painting ‘en plein air’ during the tour and are sponsoring a wine and cheese reception that will take place following the tour on Saturday, July 8th at the Rockport Community House, 58 Broadway from 4:00 to 8:30 pm. All are welcome.

Tour dates are: July 7 and 8 from 10am to 4pm each day. Tickets purchased prior to June 1 are $20 and $25 thereafter. Tickets may be purchased in advance through Eventbrite or by check mailed to:  Rockport Garden Club, PO Box 712, Rockport, MA 01966.

On tour days, tickets may be purchased at the Rockport Police Station (cash, check or credit card), 168 Main St. and Toad Hall Book Store (cash or check only), 47 Main St, Rockport, MA.  Tickets purchased in advance may be picked up at the police station. The tour is held rain or shine. Please see the RGC website: www.rockportgardenclub.org for additional information.

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MANCHESTER IN BLOOM

The Estate Gardens, Designers, Gardeners
and the North Shore Horticultural Society

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Manchester’s summer estates, home to beautifully designed gardens, were maintained by highly skilled gardeners and nursery workers who helped to keep Manchester in bloom all season. Many of the highly skilled gardeners came from Europe where they were trained in formal gardening and greenhouse techniques. Some of the gardeners began meeting to discuss gardening tips which resulted in the formation of the North Shore Horticultural Society – which still exists today encouraging local gardeners with horticultural tips and knowledge. This year’s exhibit highlights a few of the talented landscape architects, gardeners and nurseries sharing their stories and images of their work.

In addition, we will be featuring special monthly floral displays at the beginning of each month generously provided by North Shore Horticultural Society in July, Manchester Garden Club in August and Manchester Memorial School 4/5th Graders in September.

The exhibit, which will run July through September, opens on Friday, July 7 to the public and is free. MHM is open Tuesdays-Fridays (10-3pm) and select Saturdays this summer – July 8 & 15, August 5 & 19, September 23 (10-1pm). For more info call 978-526-7230, email info@manchesterhistoricalmuseum.org. or visit our website http://www.manchesterhistoricalmuseum.org/

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Surf’s Up, Colors of the Coast

Mary Taddie, Mosaics/ Bonnie Maller, Oils
Eleanor Fisher, Glass Shard Paintings
Cynthia Curtis, Ceramics

Summer is the theme at LEXICON GALLERY’S next show. “Surf’s Up,” combines Mary Taddie’s, Mosaics (Surfboards, wall art and jewelry), Eleanor Fisher’s Glass Shard paintings, Bonnie Maller’s richly colored oils with Cynthia Curtis’ melted sea glass ceramics. Show dates are July 6, 2017-August 19, 2017 with an opening reception Friday July 7, 6-8pm. The artists will be speaking at 6:30pm, sharing their creative process. This is also Magnolia’s monthly Sip & Stroll with live music by Joe Militello and complimentary nibbles and libations. A fun night not to be missed.

Mary Taddie’s interest in the arts began in Marblehead over twenty years ago where she focused primarily on watercolors. Mary became interested in classical art forms and studied ancient mosaics under Master Lucianna Notturni in Ravenna, Italy. Since her return to the US, Mary has transitioned her work from the ancient mosaic form to a very unique, contemporary form of wall art using a ring saw to shape ceramic tile, marble and stone. Her art may also include other materials such as vitreous glass and Italian smalti (enamel impregnated glass) that are cut by hand. Mary has exhibited in a variety of venues on the North Shore and also teaches mosaics classes. She is a member of the Marblehead Arts Association, and is currently VP of Salem Arts Association, Salem, MA. Mary has a studio / workshop at Little Harbor Studios in Marblehead.

Eleanor Fisher began her mixed media painting in 1991, following a brain tumor removal and near death experience where she was told to “ paint and you will be guided”. Eleanor developed a unique style of glass shard paintings where she paints an oil painting, then cuts and layers glass directly on the canvas. The light and movement combine to form radiant color and depth. Eleanor Fisher’s infectious enthusiasm and creativity continue to be an inspiration for many including her own daughter and Lexicon Gallery owner, Seyrel Williams.

Bonnie Maller makes her first debut as a painter in this show. Bonnie was an internationally acclaimed makeup artist for over 30 years. She worked with all the top fashion designers and magazines as well as countless superstars throughout her career. She was Ralph Lauren’s makeup artist of choice for over 25 years doing most of his ads. In addition, Bonnie designed and made jewelry which sold in upscale stores throughout the New York and Boston areas, working with precious and semi precious stones and doing her own gold and silversmithing. In late 2015, Bonnie moved locally and began devoting her time to oil painting, her lifelong dream. Her discerning sense of light, color and composition contribute greatly to her richly colored paintings.

Cynthia Curtis began working in clay in 1977. A North Shore Native, she is drawn to the colors and moods of the ever changing sea. Wandering the shore, she collects shells, glass and other beach offerings which she uses directly in her work. Cynthia Curtis Pottery Studio is a sunny haven in the Rockport woods. Since its origin, over 1,200 students of all ages have taken classes and created valuable connections that have been nourishing, healing and inspiring on many levels. Cynthia is a true believer in the therapeutic value of working with clay. Many have become part or full time potters. Cynthia’s ceramics often feature her signature turquoise glazes, melted sea glass and found beach objects into her functional pottery. You can also view her work during the Spring and Fall Cape Ann Artisans Open Studio Tour, the oldest studio tour in the country.

LEXICON GALLERY hopes you will join us in honoring Mary, Eleanor, Bonnie and Cynthia with wine, food and good company at the Opening Reception on July 7, 6-8pm, during normal gallery hours, Fri-Sat 10am-4pm or email gallery owner Seyrel Williams, Seyrel@LexiconGallery.com to schedule an appointment. The LEXICON GALLERY is located at 15 Lexington Avenue, #1, in Magnolia, MA. For more info, go to www.LexiconGallery.com

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SCOTT TUBBY

Summer Artist Gallery 53 on Rocky Neck

The Rocky Neck Art Colony Selects Rockport artist Scott Tubby as the season’s Third Summer Artist at Gallery 53 on Rocky Neck. Painter and ceramic artist, Scott Tubby, will exhibit paintings and ceramics at Gallery 53 from July 5 until July 24, 2017. The public is invited to meet the artist at the Opening Reception on Saturday, July 8, from 6 to 8 pm at Gallery 53, 53 Rocky Neck Ave., Gloucester, MA.

Scott began his career 39 years ago as a ceramic artist. He returned to art school in the 1990s to study painting and now works in two mediums: oil paint and clay. Gallery 53 is excited to show both of these mediums together in one show.

“Through the discipline of art, I have learned to work in a more intuitive way,” says Tubby. “I use an idea or sketch a composition as a starting point, but then let the work unfold and influence me as I continue to work with the color, form, texture and light until I feel all the various elements come together in a harmonious way. Working in three dimensions for most of my life has had a strong influence on what I create on a two dimensional surface.”

Tubby’s artwork is in many private and public collections throughout the US, Europe and Japan including three porcelain vessels at The Smithsonian Museum of American Art.

Now in it’s ninth year, the Summer Artist Series is a program of the Rocky Neck Art Colony and Gallery 53 that honors local artists with solo shows at Gallery 53 on Rocky Neck.

A juried co-op gallery, Gallery 53 on Rocky Neck features a distinctive collection of fine arts by Rocky Neck Art Colony members. Located in a historic 19th century building between the Studio and Rudder Restaurants at 53 Rocky Neck Ave, Gloucester, Gallery 53 is open May 25 to October 15 from 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday through Thursday, and from10 am to 8 pm Friday and Saturday. For more information call 978-282-0917 or go to rockyneckartcolony.org.

See Gallery 53 on Rocky Neck on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Painting Workshop for Kids

CAM Kids Favorite Flowers

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Image: Nell Blaine (1922–1996). Rubrum Lily, 1980. Oil on canvas. Gift of Arthur W. Cohen, 1990. Collection of the Cape Ann Museum [2714].

The Cape Ann Museum is pleased to present CAM Kids Favorite Flowers, a painting program for children and families on Saturday, July 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Paint along with watercolor artist Marion Hall in the Museum Courtyard (weather permitting; in case of rain the program will be moved inside to the Museum’s Activity Center) to learn the basics of watercolor painting. Using good quality artist materials, participants will create a small painting of a fresh flower or plant of their choice. Hall will give painting demonstrations and will teach participants ways to experiment with color combinations and painting techniques.

This is a drop-in program and parents are invited to participate as well! This free family program is generously sponsored by David and Lisa Rich. To make a reservation please call (978)283-0455 x10 or email courtneyrichardson@capeannmuseum.org.

Marion Hall is an award-winning watercolorist whose paintings feature seascapes, landscapes, and wildlife from Cape Ann, Florida, England and France. She has exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the north shore of Massachusetts and beyond. Marion is a Cape Ann Museum docent and an Artist Member of the Rockport Art Association and the North Shore Arts Association.

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One Hour at a Time Gang

Hi kids:

Saturday clean up.

Magnolia Avenue near Klondelin Road.

When: Saturday, July 8, 2017
Time: 08:00 – 09:00
Where: Kondelin Road

Hope to see all there, thank you all.

Adventure has returned – and is sailing from Gloucester

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After an early summer of intense activity showing the Gloucester flag in other ports, the 1926 Schooner Adventure has returned and is taking passengers sailing for the rest of the season. In her role as ambassador for the city, she was in the thick of the Tall Ships Parade at Sail Boston in early June, went north for the Portland Schooner Festival, and then on to Boothbay for Windjammer Days, welcoming thousands on board for deck tours and daysails.

Now she is back at her home berth at Maritime Gloucester on Harbor Loop and offering sailing opportunities several times a week, typically Wednesdays and Fridays in the late afternoon and Saturday mornings, as well as special events and group outings. Gloucester’s National Historic Landmark fishing schooner is fully restored and Coast Guard certified, sailing aboard is a satisfying and exciting experience you won’t want to miss. Information and schedules at www.schooner-adventure.org.

 

Tonight! Eric Reardon & Sarah Seminski opening set at the Harbor Loop Concert with Lois Lane & the Daily Planets to close! 6pm 7.6.2017

 

Cozy Covers

Lois Lane and The Daily Planets

https://www.facebook.com/LLDPMusic/

INJURED PIPING PLOVER UPDATE

Our littlest Piping Plover is on its way to Tufts with Catherine and her sons George and Charles.

Photo: Jodi Swenson, Cape Ann Wildlife. Jodi is Cape Ann’s resident bird rescue expert.

BREAKING: TWO CHICKS CELEBRATING TWO WEEK MILESTONE, ONE CHICK HANGING ON BY A THREAD

Mama and the two fourteen-day-old chicks this morning at daybreak.

Two of our three Piping Plover chicks are doing beautifully, the third however is hanging on for dear life. The littlest chick was found limp and helpless by beach goers, on the dune edge near the creek. The chick was placed in the wire enclosure where Catherine Ryan and I found it at around nine pm. Jodi Swenson from Cape Ann Wildlife arrived shortly thereafter. She immediately tucked the chick into her shirt and has been keeping the chick in a warming nest. Jodi reports that the chick’s eye is swollen and that it is having neurological problems. More information to follow.Little Chick’s right eye is very swollen.
Jodi’s snapshot from last night.

Nichole’s Picks 7/8 + 7/9

Pick #1:  Thursday Night Concert Picnic Series at Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

READ MORE HERE

We’re celebrating 21 years of Picnic Concerts and we want you to be a part of the fun! Bring a picnic supper, explore the grounds, dance on the lawn, and experience some of the region’s best bands.

Tickets available at the gate only. Gates open at 5PM for picnicking. Concerts start at 7PM and end at 9PM. A weather decision, if necessary, will be announced on this page, by 3PM on the day of the concert.

Concerts start at 7PM and end at 9PM. Gates open at 5PM for picnicking.
Members: $20/car.
Nonmembers: $30/car.

Walk-in, bicycle, & motorcycle: $10.

Tickets available at the gate only.

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Pick #2:  2nd Saturdays Free at Cape Ann Museum

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READ MORE HERE

The second Saturday of every month is free from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for families with school-aged children. Families are invited to the Activity Center to participate in hands-on activities that delve into the art, history and culture of the region. Each Second Saturday focuses on a specific theme based on the Museum’s collection and/or special exhibitions.

This Saturday is CAM Kids Favorite Flowers, Saturday 10:00-12:00.  Register ahead of time.

Paint along with watercolor artist Marion Hall in the Museum Courtyard (weather permitting; in case of rain the program will be moved inside to the Museum’s Activity Center) to learn the basics of watercolor painting. Using good quality artist materials, participants will create a small painting of a fresh flower or plant of their choice. Hall will give painting demonstrations and will teach participants ways to experiment with color combinations and painting techniques. This is a drop-in program and parents are invited to participate as well! This free family program is generously sponsored by David and Lisa Rich. To make a reservation please call (978)283-0455 x10 or email courtneyrichardson@capeannmuseum.org.

Marion Hall is an award-winning watercolorist whose paintings feature seascapes, landscapes, and wildlife from Cape Ann, Florida, England and France. She has exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the north shore of Massachusetts and beyond. Marion is a Cape Ann Museum docent and an Artist Member of the Rockport Art Association and the North Shore Arts Association.

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Pick #3:  Boston’s PIZZA Festival

Jul 8, 2017 at 11:00 am to Jul 9, 2017 at 10:00 pm

City Hall Plaza, Boston, MA

Boston Pizza Festival is a 2-day outdoor festival featuring live music, food and giveaways. Local and international vendors in the food industry will be there. Each pizza vendor will be selling their own product. Giving attendee’s the unique opportunity to try pizza from all over. Vendors will have a chance to enter and win “Boston Pizza Festival Pizza Champion” contest.

BUY TICKETS AND LEARN MORE HERE!

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As always, for a comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid.

The Mighty F/V Trapper John Heads Out Lobstering After Baiting Up. #GloucesterMA #commercialfishing #lobsterboat

GOOD HARBOR BEACH PIPING PLOVERS DAY THIRTEEN

Thirteen-day-old Piping Plover Chicks

Foraging for tiny crustaceans at the high water line.

This morning at 5am found all three adorable balls of fluff zig zagging in and out of their roped off area. All was going well and I had planned to leave at 6:30 for work when the beach rake arrived on the scene. At the very moment the roaring rake was passing in front of the roped off safety area, the chicks decided to head to the water. It was harrowing trying to herd the chicks back up towards the wrack zone and at one point I lost sight of one. The rake passed twice in front of the sanctuary and both times the chicks were in extreme, extreme danger. The beach rake driver is super conscientious and stopped for Papa Plover when he ran in front of the rake, but not in a million years would a chick have been seen. I think eventually the chicks will learn to run in the opposite direction of the giant noise-making machine, but at this stage of development, they are running directly towards the beach rake. Additionally, while the rake drama was unfolding, half a dozen gulls flew in. I don’t know if they were there to check on what was tumbled up by the beach rake, or if they knew the babies were vulnerable as both parents were trying to herd the chicks away from the rake.

After writing this post, the next order of business is emailing Dave from Greenbelt and our conservation agent Ken Whittaker about the beach rake. I sincerely hope it can be redirected to stay on either side of the safety zone, traveling behind the beach through the parking lot road to clean both sides, but completely avoiding the area the PiPls are using as their morning and night time sanctuary.

Compare the photo on the left of a one-day-old chick and the photo on the right of the thirteen-day-old chick.

Despite their growing size, warmth and cuddles are still needed from Papa and Mama.

One of my favorite images, I think I’ll call this photo OctoPop.

Thirteen-day-old Piping Plover chick looking mighty confident.

HUGE SHOUT OUT TO WICKED TUNA’S CAPTAIN DAVE AND NANCY MARCIANO

After yesterday taking a group of 70 veterans and their invited guests on a fishing trip aboard Captain Tom Orrell’s Yankee Freedom, Captain Dave and Nancy went fishing today with a ship full of local fishermen and fans.

No greater fan than Michael, who was waiting far ahead of the scheduled departure for an autograph from Captain Dave. Autograph in hand, just look at that ear to ear grin!

You can read more about Captain Dave’s efforts on behalf of Wounded Warriors in a previous post: Wounded Warriors with Captain Dave and Nancy Marciano Aboard the Yankee Fleet Celebrate Fourth of July 

 

The Greatest Natural Spectacle on Earth was in Rockport Last Night

I’ve lived in Gloucester since the early 1980s (except 1995-1998, when I lived in CA and NYC) and Vickie has lived here since 1998 … and guess what, neither of us had ever been to the Rockport Bonfire?  Why?  Oh, lots of reasons; but none of them is reasonable — not after what we witnessed last night!

Kevin St. Peter, who chairs the Rockport Firemen’s Association, asked us to be judges in the Rockport Firemen’s Parade and we accepted. Having produced and promoted hundreds of shows & events, Vickie and I keenly appreciate just how much work it takes to pull off an event of this magnitude and, honestly, it was a true pleasure not having to deal with all the details. Kevin did that. And he dealt with all the crazy-last-minute emergencies that always pop during any large-scale event. Plus he took great care to make sure all the judges got where we were supposed to go and knew what they were supposed to do — because we had no idea.

More importantly, we had absolutely no idea what we’ve been missing all these decades.  The breathtaking power and splendor of Rockport’s giant bonfire tore its way into our psyches; seized every ounce of our attention. What struck me at first was how hot it was — those of us in front had to move back as the flames engulfed the outhouse atop the mountain of fiery palates.  Turning around I noticed the crowd of several thousand people all stood transfixed — and very quiet.  So quiet, in fact, that the blaze was the loudest sound you could hear — and it wasn’t nearly as loud as the band at the bandstand had been a few minutes earlier.

Then I realized just how bright it was. That’s when I took the picture, above. Notice how well everyone is lit — and it’s pitch black outside. No streetlights. Just the bonfire. It’s brighter than Times Square. (See Nicole’s awesome photo of the bonfire itself here.)

Fire has a magical power to captivate us in a way nothing else can. I certainly hope this Rockport tradition lives on forever. Thanks to Kevin St. Peter for throwing a giant party for thousands of people featuring one of the greatest natural spectacles our Earth has to offer — and making it feel as though everything is running perfectly smoothly!