Heavy duty resin and made from the wood of a classic Gloucester fishing boat.

Leave a comment on this post if you’re interested.

Barbara and I are here with Ann, Jonathan, Shanti and Raj. Tomorrow we go to Massa Lubrensi, outside of Sorrento, where we will be met by Brian, Karen and Yitz with Priva arriving the following day for week’s stay. Temps here in the 90s with low humidity. Regards to all.

Marty

Why is it short weeks feel longer than full work weeks?  Enjoy a restful weekend!

The juxtaposition of beginnings and endings and excitement and sorrow, struck me profoundly yesterday morning as I stood, torn, between two very different scenes unfolding around me in complete (and utterly opposite) unison.

T-Wharf, Rockport….8:00 a.m.

To my right (starboard), eager and bouncing junior yacht club members worked busily preparing their sailboats for transport to their very first regatta. Up the ramp. Like a little hive of worker bees they happily grabbed their sails, tillers, centerboards, and optis and helped sailing instructors and parents load up their boats for transport to Manchester Yacht Club.  They were clearly excited, yet keenly aware that the air was thick and heavy. Something looming. Among them, my Thatcher.  I was trying to be present for him. Water, snacks, suntan lotion, life jacket.  Take a moment….say a little prayer. Opti on my roof, ratchet straps tightened, loose ends wrapped…ready to go. Take a moment….say a little prayer.  A circus of children ready for a new beginning. A couple of summers’ worth of hard work culminating.  Noise, chatter, laughs…happy.  Take a moment…say a little prayer.  

To my left (port), ready…prepared for action…. First responders, emergency personnel. Four police cars, three ambulances, Harbormasters, and more.  As we were loading sailboats on…to the left, stretchers, medical bags, life saving equipment was being taken off. Down the ramp.  T Wharf closed….no further entry.  An accident on the water. Take a moment…say a little prayer.  Sirens, lights, a choreographed dance of professionals ready to help…and save.  No happy frenzy….instead, standing alert and poised for action.  Take a moment….say a little prayer.  Waiting, watching the entrance to the harbor….for the victim to arrive. Rescue boat, Harbormaster, lights….closer, closer, closer… arrived. Take a moment….say a little prayer.  

In the end, one seasoned fisherman had just taken his last trip.  Simultaneously, six new sailors were off to their first race.  Rockport. Life on the water. Beginnings and endings….excitement and sorrow. Starting whistle, final alarm. 

Take a moment….say a little prayer. 

La Vida Adventure Camp is an award-winning day and overnight camp that gives your kids a sense of confidence and adventure as they rock climb, mountain bike, kayak and take on the Gordon College challenge course. We aim to build character, positive self-identity and a commitment to serve and care for others through our adventure programming. On- and off-campus options for ages 10–18. Some sessions are full so apply soon to secure your spot!www.gordon.edu/adventurecamp

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Is it strange that every time I drive by someone’s woodpile, I’m immediately sizing it up?

ROCKPORT ART IN BLOOM 2017

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.

MANCHESTER IN BLOOM

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

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/

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.

Bonnie Maller – water

Bonnie Maller- Shore Road tree.jpg

Eleanor Fisher – Cynthia Curtis gallery display (1)

Eleanor Fisher- Beta Fish (1)

Mary Taddie- Mosaic Surf Board

Mary Taddie- Surf Board Fish

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

SCOTT TUBBY

Summer Artist Gallery 53 on Rocky Neck

Scott_Tubby – Houses

Scott_Tubby-Raku

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.

Painting Workshop for Kids

CAM Kids Favorite Flowers

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.