Good Morning Gloucester

I needed a change of scenery from my chair  So I got another painting out of the storage unit that my dad’s paintings are stored.

I removed the painting of “Good Harbor Beach winter” scene and replaced it with a painting my father did En Plein Air from the late 70’s of a Schooner docked in Gloucester Harbor.

Can you guess where this painting below was painted from?

CLICK HERE to check out information on my Dad’s paintings that are for sale

Piano prodigy Aaron Wonson is headed to Germany in June to play piano at the homes where Liszt and Schumann composed their masterpieces. Grandson of John and Dianne Wonson of Rockport and son of Rockport High graduate Brian Wonson, the 16 year old junior at Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School discovered his love and inherent talent for the keyboard after he first played in his 8th-grade music class.

Neither Aaron nor his two younger siblings had ever expressed an interest in music before. Just like his father Brian who played hockey and baseball for Rockport, Aaron always liked sports. He now studies at the New England Conservatory Preparatory School in Boston where he was selected by the faculty to travel to Germany this summer along with 12 other students.

The tour will begin with a sendoff concert in Boston at the Conservatory’s Jordan Hall followed by two concerts in Germany, in Weimar at the Liszt-Haus and in Leipzig at the Schumann-Haus.

In 2012, he started piano lessons with a local piano teacher who discovered he was immediately able to read very complicated classical music and was almost immediately playing at a college level.

“Aaron completely immersed himself in piano and classical music,” his mother Paula has said.

That’s when his teacher recommended Aaron audition to study at the New England Conservatory where the instructors could not believe he had been studying for just eight months.  “He literally brought tears to their eyes and ours. The incredible passion he has while playing is so intense,” his mother said.

Aaron’s favorite composer to play is Debussy. “There’s not a note he wrote down that didn’t matter. He gives the pianist a lot to work with,” he said.

His favorite composer to listen to is Chopin, calling him quiet and reserved and whose music is understated, elegant and deeply moving.

“A lot of people say he wrote the human experience,” Aaron said adding, “A good composer can exploit the harmonies in a way that’s heart wrenching.”

Aaron and his parents were both surprised and honored that Aaron was invited to tour.  Sending Aaron to the Conservatory was not part of the long-term financial plan for this family of five and the trip to Germany will cost $5,000. But it’s an opportunity his parents wouldn’t want him to miss out on.

“He loves to share his passion with everyone and his friends have always been very supportive,” says Mom.

Aaron will be sharing his passion with friends and family on Cape Ann this Sunday in a fundraising concert from at 1PM at The Lutheran Church, 1123 Washington Street, Gloucester where he will be playing a variety of classical pieces by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Debussy and others. To support his tour in Germany, donations can be made on his go fund me page gofundme.com/3kmcakm4.

Refreshments will be available and the free will offering will help to fund Aaron’s tour as well as the youth of the St Paul Lutheran’s church trip to the 2018 ELCA gathering in Houston, Tx.

Local Website everyone should know about (excluding GMG)

http://capeanngiclee.com

How long have you lived in Gloucester?

14 Years. I moved to Rockport in 2002 from Providence RI to join my lovely bride, Anna. We did a “Brady Bunch” thing merging families, her three kids and my two. These have been the best years of my life.

What is your favorite season In Gloucester?

Late Spring / Early Summer

Do you have any secret outdoor spots in Gloucester where you go to “get away”?

Anywhere along the coast. I love the sound and sight of the ocean. It’s rejuvenating and peaceful. When the kids were young we used to go to “Little Parker” Quarry in Rockport after a day at the beach to rinse off. I suppose that is my favorite “inland” spot.

What is your favorite pizza joint in Gloucester?

Being from New Jersey and New York, It’s not easy to impress me with pizza. I must say that Cape Ann has some of the best pizza I’ve had in New England. We order most from Rockport House of Pizza, Sebastian’s and Mike’s.

What is your favorite sub shop in Gloucester?

Well, now that I’ve had a chance to explore my options since the podcast when I answered this question with “Subway” (WTF?), I like the Italians at Mike’s and Sclafani’s!

What place would you go for a romantic dinner in Gloucester?

Anna just loves to go to Duckworths so that’s my favorite!

What is your favorite bar in Gloucester?

This is a tough one. There’s a bunch go great watering holes here. However, I most often end up at the Rhumb Line.

What is your favorite breakfast joint in Gloucester?

It’s a toss up between George’s Coffee Shop on Washington and Lee’s on Main St. 

What is your favorite local event in Gloucester?

Schooner Festival is the one I never miss. Although I hope to get to the Blues Fest this summer.

In the summer do you prefer the beach or to be on a boat?

I do the best of both by bringing a kayak to pebble beach.

Who is your favorite local artist?

There is simply no way I could answer this one. At Cape Ann Giclée, I work with hundreds of artists. All of theme have knocked my socks in one way or another. The trait that I find most impressive in an artist is the ability to explore a technique, experiment with it and then master it  by applying it in their work.

Which is your favorite local beach?

Cape Hedge (unless Felicia has food at Niles)

Who has the best chowder in town?

Anna makes the best clam chowder ever. In a public place, I like it when they add bacon like the Fish Shack.

Excluding GMG what is your second favorite local blog?

The Clam < http://www.gloucesterclam.com > is damn funny.

Do you prefer haddock chowder or clam chowder?

Both, all day every day!!!

What were your thoughts on The Downtown Block Parties last year?

I missed it last year. Normally I like to hang a Passports and watch the insanity.

What is your favorite local band?

I always like who ever is playing at the Rhumb Line. However, though we’ll never play in public, “The Old Folks Novice Acoustic Jam” who meets at my studio on Wednesday nights is definitely my favorite local musicians.

What about Gloucester sets it apart from anywhere else?

Holy Smokes! I could write volumes on this topic. I’ve lived in many, many places and I can confidently say that there is no place like Cape Ann. The thing that stands out most is the amount of friendly, open generous people that live here. 

Gloucester’s  new  Arts  and  Cultural  Initiative  is  extremely  pleased  to  announce  that  Cape Ann  artist  and  business  owner  Martha  Wood  is  leading  the  Initiative  as  its  first  Project Manager,  effective  March  25th. Martha  Wood  holds  a  B.A.  cum  laude  from  Harvard  University  and  an  MBA  from  the  Tuck School  of  Business  at  Dartmouth.  She  has  staffed  a  C$9  million  startup  campaign  for  the Alberta  Performing  Arts  Stabilization  Fund,  and  she  has  experience  as  a  management consultant,  as  a  board  member  for  arts  and  education  non-profits,  and  with  historic preservation  on  Cape  Ann.  She  has  operated  her  own  jewelry  design  and  fabrication business  since  2001  and  manages  the  Pop-In!  Gallery  in  Manchester-by-the-Sea. In  September,  2015,  a  partnership  of  three  arts  organizations  —  Rocky  Neck  Art  Colony, ArtsGloucester,  and  seARTS  —  received  $45,500  in  grant  funding  over  two  years  for  the establishment  of  the  Gloucester  Arts  and  Cultural  Initiative,  a  project  whose  mission  is  to champion  innovation  and  excellence  in  the  cultural  landscape,  to  support  private  and public  cultural  development  across  all  sectors,  and  to  strengthen  and  promote  the  cultural vitality  of  the  city’s  waterfront  and  neighborhoods. This  prestigious  grant,  awarded  by  the  Massachusetts  Cultural  Council  through  its  Adams Arts  Program,  is  an  important  step  for  Gloucester.  The  grant  partners  gratefully acknowledge  the  Council’s  continuing  investment  in  Gloucester  and  the  many  people whose  efforts  over  many  years  have  helped  sustain  Gloucester’s  cultural  vitality  by fostering  support  at  the  community,  municipal,  and  state  levels.  Among  these  arts leaders,  the  partners  give  special  recognition  to  Karen  Ristuben,  President  the  Rocky Neck  Art  Colony,  whose  role  in  the  development  of  the  successful  Adams  grant  proposal was  crucial,  and  whose  leadership  and  commitment  to  the  arts  in  Gloucester  is  an inspiration. The  City  of  Gloucester  is  assisting  the  Arts  and  Cultural  Initiative  through  collaboration and  the  contribution  of  in-kind  services.  “This  Initiative  is  critically  important  to  the  future of  our  City,”  said  Mayor  Sefatia  Romeo  Theken.  “I  am  pleased  with  the  decision  to  hire Martha  Wood.    She  is  certainly  qualified,  and  I  believe  that  she  will  be  a  strong  partner  as we  work  together  to  promote  and  sustain  Gloucester’s  arts  and  cultural  heritage.” A central  goal  of  the  Initiative  is  to  plan  for  and  create  a  permanent  City  government  office for  arts  and  cultural  development  led  by  a  full-time  salaried  Cultural  Development  Director and  supported  by  a  broadly  representative  volunteer  Cultural  Development  Council.
The Initiative  will  be  led  by  the  Project  Manager  and  a  Steering  Committee.  In  September, the  partners  convened  a  planning  group  to  lay  groundwork,  including  the  design  of  a process  to  hire  the  Project  Manager.  After  a  state-wide  announcement  for  the  position, an  independent  community-based  Screening  Committee  reviewed  16  applications, conducted  interviews,  and  recommended  Martha  Wood,  whom  the  partners  have unanimously  and  enthusiastically  ratified. Henry  Allen,  Chair  of  the  Screening  Committee,  said  “We  were  looking  for  the  right balance  of  many  important  qualities.  We  selected  Martha  Wood  from  a  field  of exceptionally  qualified  finalists  because  of  her  impressive  accomplishments  in  business administration,  her  extensive  experience  in  government  and  the  arts,  and  her  expertise in  strategic  planning,  and  analytical  studies.  A  working  artist  herself,  Ms.  Wood  has  been a  civic-minded  Cape  Ann  resident  for  19  years.  The  Committee  found  her  to  be  a remarkable  blend  of  the  creative  artist  and  the  effective  planner.  We  trust  that  she  will bring  her  valuable  perspective  to  the  Initiative  and  that  with  her  leadership  the  City  of Gloucester  and  its  arts  and  cultural  communities  will  join  together  in  an  enduring  way.” Suzanne Gilbert  Lee,  Executive  Director  of  the  lead  grant  partner,  Rocky Neck  Art  Colony, praised  the  diligence  of  the  Screening  Committee  and  called  it  a  “wonderful  example  of the  community  working  together  for  everyone’s  benefit.”  “We  were  fortunate  to  have  such thoughtful  and  diverse  Screening  Committee  members,”  added  Jo-Ann  Castano, Principal  of  ArtsGloucester. Guided  by  Ms.  Wood,  the  Initiative  will  engage  in  long-term  projects  including development  of  a  Cultural  Master  Plan  for  Gloucester;  investigating  ways  to  provide affordable  studio  space  for  visual,  performing,  and  other  artists;  and  researching  how  best to  provide  resources  and  advocacy  for  Gloucester’s  many-faceted  cultural  organizations and  communities.  Among  the  Initiative’s  tasks  will  be  to  assemble  the  Steering Committee,  a  council  of  citizens  dedicated  to  the  future  and  sustainability  of  Gloucester as  a  city  rooted  in  its  arts,  culture,  and  the  unique  heritage  of  its  natural  environment. On  behalf  of  the  Gloucester  Committee  for  the  Arts,  Chair  Judith  Hoglander  said “Congratulations  and  welcome!  The  Committee  for  the  Arts  looks  forward  to  partnering with  Martha  Wood  in  promoting  arts  and  cultural  development  in  Gloucester.”  To  that  end, the  Initiative  and  the  Committee  are  working  with  the  City’s  Ward  Councilors  to  hold  a series  of  public  forums  in  April  to  solicit  further  public  input  on  both  the  Committee’s  efforts to  develop  a  new  public  art  policy  and  on  arts  and  cultural  development  priorities  for  the Initiative.  The  Initiative  has  also  created  an  online  survey  to  gather  public  input  at   https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/F62NTPQ

A benefit Bananas Fashion Show to get the hot air out of City Hall.

Richard Leonard, the owner of the iconic Main Street vintage clothing store, Bananas, is staging one of his rare fashion extravaganzas on Saturday April 23 and Sunday April 24. The production will benefit the Gloucester City Hall restoration fund with the proceeds being used to restore the auditorium’s ventilation system. As Maggie Rosa, Chair of the City Hall Restoration Commission says with a smile, “we are aiming to get the hot air out of City Hall!”

This show, Leonard’s third held to benefit City Hall restoration, will include his Bananarettes, a group of both women and men, some of whom travel from New York City to participate.

The creative black tie Saturday gala starts at 7:00 p.m. and will include live & silent auctions, champagne & dessert – tickets are $75 each. On Sunday the doors open at 2:30 p.m. and the show will include a pick-a-prize auction and light refreshments – tickets are $35 each for adults and $15 for people 18 years and under.

“This being Gloucester, you can dress however you want to, but it’s a lot of fun to wear something different. If you have nothing to wear, go to Bananas and you will find something” says Jan Bell, Co-chair of the event.

Tickets are on sale at Bananas (78 Main St., Gloucester,) Alexandra’s Bread (265 Main St., Gloucester,) and online at Eventbrite. For more information, please contact BananasFashionShow@gmail.com.