We were invited to preview the upcoming “Gertrude Cawein at Hammond Castle Museum” Exhibition and chat with Dr. Gregory Conn, a well known expert on artist Eric Pape. Pape had a number of connections to Gloucester which you will be able to learn by visiting this exhibition Friday April 5 – Saturday April 28. It’s going to be a rare opportunity to view this collection of artwork with the Gertrude Cawein full length portrait as its centerpiece.

But, don’t rely on me. Here’s the release from the Hammond Castle Museum with more details and in depth information:

The “Gertrude Cawein at Hammond Castle Museum” Exhibition Offers A Rare Glimpse into the World of Eric Pape’s Society Portraits

Hammond Castle Museum Brings the Former Annisquam Resident’s Rarely Seen Works Back to Cape Ann with an Extensive Exhibit of Nearly 60 Pieces.

Gloucester, Massachusetts – 2/26/2024– Hammond Castle Museum is proud to present “Gertrude Cawein at Hammond Castle Museum,” a new exhibition featuring the works of Eric Pape (1870 – 1938). A former Annisquam resident and designer of the Tablet Rock Memorial in Gloucester’s Stage Fort Park, this exhibit marks a homecoming for this extraordinary collection of nearly 60 pieces from Pape’s extensive portfolio.

At the heart of this exhibition is the full-length portrait of Gertrude Cawein (oil on canvas, 75 x 52 inches framed), painted by Pape in 1907 and loaned by the Filson Historical Society in Louisville, KY. For the first time outside the Filson, visitors can witness this rare example of Pape’s work as a society portraitist. Upon arrival to the Museum, Gertrude will undergo important conservation by conservator, Timothy Neill, prior to the exhibit opening.

With many pieces on loan from the private collection of esteemed Pape collector and
biographer, Dr. Gregory Conn, this exhibit offers a unique insight into Pape’s multifaceted talents. Renowned as a painter and society portraitist, Pape’s brilliance shines through various mediums, including pencil, pen, watercolors, and oils.
Admission to the “Gertrude Cawein at Hammond Castle Museum” exhibition will include self- guided tours of the Museum. Hammond Castle Museum members enjoy free access to the exhibit. During the school vacation week (April 15 – 19 th ) children aged 12 and under will have free admission to the exhibit with reservation. Virtual tour access will also be offered making this the most accessible Pape exhibit ever offered.

The exhibition not only showcases Gertrude’s portrait but also highlights the intricate world of Eric Pape’s artistry, offering a unique glimpse into Pape’s role as a portraitist and including examples of his celebrity portraits created during the Great Depression. A limited selection of artworks from the Hammond Castle Museum’s previous 2023 “Pape at Hammond Castle Museum” exhibit will also be on display. The three Pape paintings on permanent display within the Museum, including the sole surviving mural of the celebrated artist, “The Wireless Naval Battle of Gloucester Bay,” will also be featured. The Museum Shop will host a limited number of copies of Dr. Conn’s newest biography, “Eric Pape in the New York Herald Tribune,” which delves into Pape’s work as a society portraitist. The exhibition also marks the announcement of
the launch of Dr. Conn’s new website, ericpape.com, featuring free flip books of all five of his published Pape biographies.

The connection between the Cawein family, Eric Pape, and Gloucester runs deep. Madison Cawein, known as the Keats of Kentucky and Gertrude’s husband, wrote a poignant Ode to the founding of Gloucester for the 1907 Gloucester Day celebrations, during which time Pape presented his iconic Tablet Rock Memorial. The exhibition will also feature an elaborate pen and ink drawing by Pape, representing Madison’s moving elegy upon the death of Pape’s first wife, Alice Monroe Pape, in 1911.

Hammond Castle Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built from 1926 through 1929 and incorporated as a museum in 1930, the castle was the home and laboratory of John Hays Hammond Jr. Known as “The Father of Radio Control,” he is one of the nation’s most prolific inventors of the 20th century. Hammond’s extensive list of patents, his work with radio control, and his work on guided torpedoes for the military are on display. The Museum offers tours and numerous educational and cultural events throughout the year. It is also available for private event rentals. For more information, please contact Hammond Castle Museum at 978-283-2080 or visit hammondcastle.org.

Thank you Mary Goldberg for the invitation as well as photo credit for the Madonna and Child photo shown here.

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This is to answer a question from a viewer – I also wondered what this bird was at the bottom of the bird feeder photo. It didn’t look dark enough for a Red-winged Blackbird, but our ornithologist daughter assured us it is, but is a one year old male.

Back to current events with our wildlife.

MARCH 23, 2024 ~ CHAMBERCACC

The Rockport Division of the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce will hold the 32^nd annual Rockport Community Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 30 at 2 PM.  The event is for the children of the town – preschoolers through grade one – and will take place at Millbrook Meadow, Beach Street, Rockport.

Pre-schoolers will be grouped in one section and kindergarteners and first graders in another.  In addition to assorted candies, chocolates, and small prizes, the hunt will feature four golden eggs to be redeemed for larger prizes. The Easter Bunny is also expected to make an appearance.  Children should bring a basket and arrive early – the hunt will begin promptly at 2.

This year’s event is being organized by the Chamber’s Rockport Division with key support from Institution for Savings and donations from Rockport Inn & Suites and The Seafarer Inn.

Gray Ray Day…

The beach is endlessly fascinating but especially for a toddler who doesn’t get to see the ocean very often.

Link to purchase here- https://gloucesterapparel.square.site/

More great gift ideas-

Croc shark or marine jibbits (great to put in Easter eggs for kids that wear Crocs. SPF performance hoodies $35 Gloucester Tuna Design/ Gloucester Lobster Design.

Link to purchase here- https://gloucesterapparel.square.site/

Racing Stripe…

Update from Hammond Castle on the Easter Egg Hunt originally scheduled for tomorrow Saturday March 23. Now scheduled for Saturday March 30. I had an opportunity to view ALL the eggs waiting to be hidden! There are so many. It’s sure to be a fun event.

Submitted by Will Bloomberg