Exhibit Dates: March 22 to March 30, open daily from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Last admittance: 4:15 PM with the exception on Sunday, March 30 when the exhibit will host a closing reception from noon to 2 PM.
Two of Gloucester’s admired cultural institutions, Rocky Neck Art Colony and Hammond Castle Museum, proudly announce their collaboration on a special exhibition in celebration of Women’s History Month. Portraits of Women by Women will be on display in the historic Great Hall of Hammond Castle Museum.
This inspiring exhibit showcases recent portraits by distinguished women artists from the Rocky Neck Art Colony, including Elizabeth Bish, Janice Brand, Robin Colodzin, Susan Ellis, Elizabeth Gauthier, Janet Grover, Joyce Roessler, Amy Sudarsky and Helen Tory. The exhibition highlights the profound impact of portraiture in capturing the essence, strength, and diversity of women’s experiences.
Joyce Roessler is a Cape Ann-based painter and former glass blower whose award-winning work, spanning charcoal, pastels, oil, and watercolor, captures nature’s essence from her Annisquam studio.
Janice Brand is an editor and multi-disciplinary artist exploring media from Chinese ink painting to pottery, while also pursuing diverse interests like tai chi, fencing, and fly fishing.
Helen Tory is a lifelong artist who transitioned from printmaking to painting in 2020, deeply influenced by a self-portraiture class with Amy Sudarsky during the pandemic.
Robin Colodzin is a Gloucester-based artist and software engineer whose work examines the relationship between private and social identities, recently showcased in her solo exhibition Embodied.
Amy Sudarsky is a North Shore figurative painter, former college professor, and Artistic Director of the Rocky Neck Art Colony, where she continues to teach and exhibit.
Elizabeth Bish is a Gloucester-based chiropractor and painter who co-runs the Amend Bish Gallery, where she creates work ranging from landscapes to abstractions.
Elizabeth Gauthier is a Boston and North Shore artist and educator whose Gauthier Gallery serves as both a creative workspace and exhibition space for her paintings.
Janet Grover is a Gloucester artist who, after years away from art, has returned to her lifelong passion with the support of fellow artists.
Susan Ellis is a Massachusetts-based Master Pastelist whose work, inspired by North Shore clam diggers, is exhibited in Newburyport, Essex, Ipswich, and Cape Cod.
In addition to contemporary works, the exhibition will feature a copy of Winslow Homer’sThe Lookout – All’s Wellpainted by Irene Fenton Hammond, wife of John Hays Hammond Jr., who resided at Hammond Castle Museum until her passing in 1959 and was a member of the Rocky Neck Art Colony.
Also on display will be a painting by Natalie Hays Hammond, the accomplished artist, playwright, and sister of museum founder John Hays Hammond Jr. Her painting, Costume Designs, Series B, No. 3, Medieval Abbess, is on loan from the Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden in North Salem, NY, which Natalie founded in 1957.
This exhibit is open daily from Saturday, March 22 through Sunday, March 30daily from noon to 5 PM and the last entrance is at 4:15 PM, with the exception on Sunday March 30 when the exhibit will host a closing reception from noon to 2 PM during which time purchased paintings may be picked up.
Attendees will have access to the small interior rooms leading down to the Great Hall and the Great Hall. The Museum will be closed to tours.
Admission: Children ages 12 and under are free with tickets. Teens and adults are $15.
Opening and Closing Receptions:
Opening Reception: (Open to the Public) Saturday, March 22, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Rocky Neck Art Colony and Hammond Castle Museum guests are invited to attend.
Closing Reception (Open to the Public): Sunday, March 30, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
The public is invited to attend the closing reception, during which time purchased paintings may be picked up.
Attendees of the opening reception will have the unique opportunity to meet the artists and experience the works within the stunning setting of Hammond Castle Museum. The closing reception offers a final chance to appreciate and acquire these exceptional artworks.
Hammond Castle Museum Executive Director, Linda Harvey said, “Being able to collaborate with our friends at the Rocky Neck Art Gallery as well as the Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden fulfills our mission to support and promote the arts as a STEAM Museum and a cultural arts hub for the community. We’re delighted to host this very special exhibit during our first winter season open for events.”
Historical Context:
The collaboration between Rocky Neck Art Colony and Hammond Castle Museum holds deep historical significance. Irene Fenton Hammond’s strong ties to the Rocky Neck Art Colony highlight the artistic heritage of the region and its enduring connection to the museum. Natalie Hays Hammond’s artistic legacy was honored in a special exhibition at the museum last fall, and her influence continues to resonate through this exhibition.
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Cape Ann Symphony presents selections from Mendelssohn, Saint-Saens, and Beethoven on Sunday March 16, 2025. Read more about the concert program below from the symphony’s printed matter.
Sunday Concerts in Spring: Scroll further to see printable flyers for two more delightful programs scheduled in April and May.
Press Release
The program for Mendelssohn, Saint-Saëns, and Beethoven includes Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture; Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 and Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto, featuring Owen Young, Cello. The March 16th Concert marks the first time CAS has performed the Beethoven Symphony No. 4 during Maestro Udagawa’s 25 year tenure as Music Director and Conductor of Cape Ann Symphony. Maestro Udagawa looks forward to bringing the exciting piece to CAS audiences, “We have never performed the Beethoven Symphony No. 4 in Cape Ann during my time as conductor of the orchestra. It’s a real masterpiece, and it was definitely time to do it. It sits between the very famous 3rd and 5th symphonies, so it’s definitely been overshadowed by those pieces, but I know that the audience will love this piece. It has everything that Beethoven is known for – power, energy, melodies of tremendous beauty – and in addition, it comes along with a huge dose of high spirits and humor. “
Written in 1830, Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture also known as Fingal’s Cave was inspired by a trip the composer took to Scotland. His travels took him to the Hebrides Islands and the island of Staffa – known for its puffins and its atmospheric cave. With its echoing acoustics, which magnified the sound of rumbling waves, Fingal’s Cave made a profound impression on Mendelssohn. Through the Hebrides Overture he sought to capture the swell and feel of the Atlantic, and the sound of waves crashing against rocks. “The Hebrides Overture of Mendelssohn is such evocative music and a perfect piece to perform on Cape Ann,” points out Maestro Udagawa, “The opening is Mendelssohn’s depiction of the ocean waves, and it gently rolls along. Eventually the music builds up to a stormy sequence, and towards the end when the music is again peaceful, one can imagine seagulls soaring over the ocean. The music has such color and sparkle, and it’s always wonderful to prepare this piece with the musicians of the orchestra and to perform it.”
Owen Young last played with CAS in March 2022. He performed the Brahms’ Double Concerto for Violin, Cello and Orchestra with his BSO colleague violinist Lucia Lin.MaestroUdagawa is eager to collaborate with Owen Young again, “Owen Young is an incredible cellist and musician. In addition, he is an incredibly warm and nice person, and that really comes across in everything he does. That’s definitely one of the reasons the orchestra, I and our audience love him so much.” On March 16th world renowned cellist Young will play Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto with CAS. Many composers, including Dmitri Shostakovich and Sergei Rachmaninoff, consider this concerto to be the greatest of all cello concertos. In this demanding concerto Saint-Saëns broke with convention. Instead of using the normal three-movement concerto form, he wrote the piece in one continuous movement which contains three sections sharing interrelated ideas. “The Saint-Saens is a gorgeous concerto which is wildly difficult and virtuosic for the soloist,” says Maestro Udagawa,” in spite of the fireworks, Saint-Saens has written a piece of great charm and beauty. The main melody of the second movement is so beautiful and touching. The first movement is fiery and the last movement is also full of difficult passages for the soloist. It’s always amazing to see Owen play it with such command and ease. He makes it look easy, but we all know it isn’t! I can’t wait for CAS audiences to see this thrilling performance!”
About Owen Young
Cellist Owen Young joined the Boston Symphony Orchestra in August 1991. A frequent collaborator in chamber music concerts and festivals, he has been featured as concerto soloist with numerous orchestras. Mr. Young has appeared in the Tanglewood, Aspen, Banff, Davos, Sunflower, Gateway, Brevard, and St. Barth’s music festivals and is a founding member of the innovative chamber ensemble Innuendo. His performances have been broadcast on National Public Radio, WQED in Pittsburgh, WITF in Harrisburg, and WGBH in Boston. He has performed frequently with singer/songwriter James Taylor, including the nationally televised concert “James Taylor Live at the Beacon Theatre” in New York City.
Mr. Young was formerly on the faculties of Boston Conservatory, New England Conservatory School of Continuing Education, and Longy School of Music. He is currently on the faculty of Berklee College of Music and is active in Project STEP, a String Training Education Program which provides talented young musicians that identify with historically underrepresented groups in classical music with comprehensive music instruction, envisioning a world in which the classical music profession reflects the racial and ethnic diversity of our communities.
Owen Young holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Yale University. He was a Tanglewood Music Center Fellow in 1986 and 1987. After winning an Orchestra Fellowship in 1987, he played with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in 1988 and with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1988-89. He was a member of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra in 1986-87 and of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra from 1989 until he joined the BSO in 1991. From 1991 to 1996 Mr. Young was a Harvard-appointed resident tutor and director of concerts in Dunster House at Harvard University. His teachers included Elinor Osborn, Michael Grebanier, Anne Martindale Williams, and Aldo Parisot.
About Cape Ann Symphony and Yoichi Udagawa
Founded in Gloucester in 1951, the Cape Ann Symphony is a professional orchestra of over 70 players from throughout the New England area. They perform a subscription season of four concerts per year plus several Pops and youth concerts. The Symphony Board of Directors named Yoichi Udagawa the Music Director and Conductor of the Cape Ann Symphony in the summer of 2000 after a yearlong search. In addition to his leadership of Cape Ann Symphony, he is Music Director and Conductor of the Melrose Symphony Orchestra, and the Quincy Symphony Orchestra and a cover conductor at the Boston Pops Orchestra. Frequently invited to guest conduct, Mr. Udagawa has worked with many different orchestras including the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, Nobeoka Philharmonic Orchestra, the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Boston, the University of Texas Symphony Orchestra, the Indian Hill Symphony, the Garden State Philharmonic, the Brown University Orchestra, the Syracuse Society for New Music, the Boston Conservatory Orchestra, the Midcoast Symphony Orchestra, the Newton Symphony, the Austin Civic Orchestra, and the Mid-Texas Symphony. Mr. Udagawa is at home in popular and contemporary music as well as the standard symphonic repertoire. He is known for his relaxed manner and ability to speak from the podium which has helped new audiences as well as enthusiasts gain a greater appreciation for symphonic music. His programs often include premieres of new works – some specially commissioned for the orchestra — as well as great orchestral works across the symphonic repertoire and lively Pops programs. He is also an integral part of the Cape Ann Symphony Youth Outreach programs to area schools.
tickets
Cape Ann Symphony Mendelssohn, Saint–Saëns, and Beethoven Concert is Sunday, March 16 at 2 pm at Manchester-Essex High School auditorium on 36 Lincoln Street in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA. Single ticket prices are $50 for adults, $45 for senior citizens age 65 and above, $20 for Students of any age with a valid student id; $5 for youth 12 years old and under. For tickets and information, call 978-281-0543 or visit www.capeannsymphony.org.
Coming April 25, 2025
Coming May 11, 2025
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In the next installment of the occasional and random Irish Coffee reviews I like to provide in March leading up to St. Patrick’s Day , we feature the Hale St. Tavern version. We recently went to the Hale St Tavern on Hale St in Beverly Farms for lunch with friends. I had Irish Coffee on my mind from the minute we decided to stop there. As you can see, it comes with a relatively plain and simple presentation…I always say yes to the whipped cream. This one includes the Bailey’s in addition to the Jameson and was perfectly tasty. It was a great way to top off a very satisfying lunch experience. Plain and simple, it does the trick. Slainte my friends.
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Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of FAMILY BINGO at the Sawyer Free Library on Monday, March 10 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Whether you’re a bingo pro or a first-time player, we want you to join us for an afternoon of friendly competition, great prizes, and maybe even some bingo puns! Bring the whole family and see if you can be the lucky winner.
Families with children of all ages are welcome, but this program is best enjoyed by children 5 and up. All children must be accompanied by a caregiver. Space is limited, please register at sawyerfreelibrary.org to save your spot!
Please note that registration priority will be given to families who have not previously attended Family Bingo. So if you missed out last time, make sure to register now!
The event will take place at the Sawyer Free Library located at 21 Main Street in downtown Gloucester. Please reach out to tbalsan@sawyerfreelibrary.orgwith any questions or call 978-325-5500.
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Retired Gloucester Police Chief James Marr Sr. led the Gloucester Police Department as chief from July 1989 through March 2003. (Photo Courtesy Gloucester Police)
GLOUCESTER — Chief Edward Conley and the Gloucester Police Department are saddened to share news of the passing of former Police Chief James Marr Sr.
Chief Marr, a lifelong Gloucester resident, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Beverly Hospital, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief illness. He was 83 years old.
Chief Marr dedicated decades of his life to serving and protecting the Gloucester community. He first joined the Gloucester Police Department in 1964, first as a Park Constable, becoming a Reserve Police Officer and then a full-time Officer for the department during that same year.
Chief Marr rose through the ranks until he was appointed Chief of Police in July 1989. He served as Chief for nearly 14 years until his retirement in March 2003.
Throughout his tenure, Chief Marr was known for his commitment to public safety, his leadership within the department, and his deep ties to the Gloucester community. His legacy continues through the officers he mentored and the positive impact he made on the city he called home.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of retired Gloucester Police Chief James Marr Sr.,” said Chief Conley. “Chief Marr was a dedicated public servant who devoted his career to keeping Gloucester safe. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
Chief Marr was deeply involved in the Gloucester community beyond his work in law enforcement. He was a proud member of the Gloucester Rotary Club for 39 years and was especially passionate about giving back through fundraising efforts. One of his proudest accomplishments was his longstanding participation in the Jimmy Fund Walk, supporting cancer treatment and research. Chief Marr joined fellow members of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association in raising awareness and funds for this important cause through his participation in a relay run from the New York state border to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.
Outside of his professional and philanthropic efforts, Chief Marr enjoyed traveling the world with his wife and family, embracing new experiences and cultures. He also appreciated the simple pleasures of life, relishing a good ribeye steak and a glass of wine. A proud American and a devoted family man, he lived by the principle of putting service above self.
Chief Marr is survived by his beloved wife, Pamela Marr; his son James Marr Jr., together with longtime companion Sarah Harwood; and his daughter Kimberly Marr-Foster and her husband Colin Foster.
Chief Marr’s son, James Marr Jr., followed in his father’s footsteps as a Gloucester Police officer and he now serves as an agent with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Gloucester Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the Marr family, friends, and all who knew and respected Chief Marr. Details regarding funeral arrangements will be shared once they are finalized.
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Connect with Creativity! Join Us for an Exclusive RNN2025 Artist Talk
Dates: Saturday, March 8 & Sunday, March 9, 2025 Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Location: The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, Gloucester, MA
Gloucester, MA – Art enthusiasts, collectors, and community members are invited to experience an inspiring weekend at the RNN2025 Artist Talk! This dynamic two-day event offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from eight talented artists as they share the stories behind their works, creative processes, and artistic inspirations.
Set against the immersive backdrop of the RNN2025 exhibition, this special event allows attendees to engage with artwork firsthand while gaining deep insight into the minds of the artists who brought these remarkable pieces to life. Through guided discussions and open Q&A sessions, guests can explore the artistic vision, techniques, and emotions that shape each masterpiece.
Featured Artists:
Saturday, March 8 – Brian Murphy, Kathleen George, Juni Van Dyke, and Beth Delforge Sunday, March 9 – Karen Watson, Alev Davis, Deborah Quinan, and Patricia Scialo
This free event is open to all and provides a unique opportunity to:
Meet and connect with the renowned RNN2025 artists
Gain personal insights into their creative journeys
Deepen your appreciation of the exhibition
Engage in meaningful discussions on artistic expression
Explore diverse artistic techniques and approaches
Seating and refreshments will be provided to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or just beginning to explore the world of contemporary art, this event promises to spark inspiration and conversation.
Don’t miss this chance to connect with creativity! Mark your calendar and join us at the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck for an unforgettable artistic experience.
As one of the oldest continuously operating art colonies in the U.S., Rocky Neck has long been a vibrant hub for artists and art lovers. The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck continues this tradition by fostering artistic dialogue and community engagement through exhibitions, talks, and events like RNN2025 Artist Talk.
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Hello Joey! Hope your 2025 is off to a great start! I just wanted to share with you some fun news! My friends and I at wonsonrockproductions.com (based in Gloucester) created a short film called ‘A Little Human Spark’ (2024) with a local Gloucester cast and submitted it to some film festivals and it just won an Award of Recognition from the IndieFEST.com film awards out in California (Jan. 2025). It is also an official selection of the NewFilmmakers New York Film Festival (2025) as well as placing as a semi-finalist for selections in Beverly Hills, Paris, Rotterdam, Seoul, San Francisco, Austin and Sacramento. The film is a short (13mins, 10secs) and is loosely based on a true story. *A brief description of the film: “Dream Voice Solutions (DVS), a vocal coach and singer-songwriter content placement company is getting driven out of the business after 25 years by artificial intelligence. The tangled web unravels in grand, karmic fashion”. Here are a few trailers: OFFICIAL TRAILER: https://youtu.be/2xRFblBAd3A?si=HaP0j7cgjN6T_QdV. (Ad/Promo clip for 5/10/25 PREMIERE at Cape Ann Community Cinema, Rockport MA: https://youtu.be/EAfXYDOIE-Y?si=itbOlhcdpABu_yDE. *The film will be screening (3) times on Saturday 5/10/25 on all (3) screens in the building at 6:30pm…7:30pm…8:30pm at capeanncinema.com. Tickets are $20. *Each screening time slot will be: the film followed by a Q&A with the cast & crew AND also a 10min “outtakes & bloopers” reel from the making of the film. *Please visit: wonsonrockproductions.com for: more info on the film, the official IndieFEST.com press release on the award, pics, media, etc. **To purchase tickets please email: billdwyerband@gmail.com. We’re hoping you can give this local film a plug for the 5/10 PREMIERE and I bet you’ll know a BUNCH of the cast members in the trailers! I also have two tickets with your name on them! Thanks so much! -Bill Dwyer 617-669-9473
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I found the seals out at Brace Cove a while ago and it was amusing to watch. There were a number of large seals (presumably adults) thermo regulating atop the rocks while a single seal (presumably an active teenager) frolicking around in the water all my itself. It would climb aboard, slide down the other side of the rock then swim around leaping randomly out of the water. It looked joyous and it brought a smile to my face. I was thinking of those large family beach outings where the adults laze in their beach chairs and the youngsters let loose!
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Good Morning Gloucester 