#GloucesterMA national news | Delaware Art Museum John Sloan retrospective

Gloucester, MA is one of four featured walls –and the backdrop for this interview– in the major retrospective exhibition,  AN AMERICAN JOURNEY THE ART OF JOHN SLOAN at the Delaware Art Museum through January 28, 2018. “The exhibition includes nearly 100 works–drawings, prints, and paintings–produced between 1890 and 1946. The Delaware Art Museum holds the largest collection of work by the American artist and illustrator John Sloan, as well as a rich trove of archival materials. This exhibition draws from and celebrates this extraordinary collection, made possible by the artist’s widow Helen Farr Sloan.” The Cape Ann Museum has five Sloan paintings and featured dozens of Sloan’s Gloucester paintings in a major 2015 exhibition.

2017 Video and excerpt from the Brian Drouin WHYY report and interview with Heather Campbell Coyle, Chief Curator at the Delaware Art Museum, on the occassion of the Delaware Art Museum major John Sloan Retrospective.

“His brightest colors are probably when he is working outdoors in Gloucester, Massachusetts from 1914-1918.” By this time Sloan would have been exposed to European painters. “The work of CĂ©zanne, the work of Matisse, the work of Vincent van Gogh, and all of those artists are influencing his work as well,” Coyle said.

Curator Coyle interviewed Delaware Art Museum in front of Gloucester wall of John Sloan retrospective

Gloucester Writers Center knocking out must read and see projects: Cape Ann Veterans book launch at Gloucester House

Sunday December 10, 2017, 1PM, at the Gloucester House

Book launch for THE INNER VOICE AND THE OUTER WORLD: writings by veterans and their families from the Cape Ann Veterans Writers Workshop, a Gloucester Writers Center project, supported by Cape Ann Veterans Services (also stunning outreach and programming)

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Martin Ray’s new book! Cape Ann Narratives of Art in Life

Cape Ann Narratives of Art in Life, by Martin Ray

December 4, 2017 at Trident Gallery

“The book will be offered for sale at $30.00 during a SIGNING PARTY at Trident Gallery, 189 Main Street, Gloucester, 3:00-5:00 Sunday afternoon December 10. At 4:00 I will give remarks of acknowledgement to the profilees and to the team which coalesced to grace the printed book with elegance. I hope to see you there.” – Martin Ray

January 13, 2018 Cape Ann Museum reception and panel

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8 local artists, The Aqua Divas, upcoming exhibition in Marblehead

“Reflections: A Group Show by the Aqua Divas” is an upcoming exhibition opening December 4 at the Carten Gallery, Marblehead’s Abbott Public Library, 235 Pleasant Street, Marblehead, MA. The show features 8 artists from Gloucester, Manchester, Marblehead, and Sudbury.

Monday, December 4 –  Saturday, December 30
Public Reception: Saturday, December 9, 2:00 – 4:00PM

From their printed matter:

“The Aqua Divas are a group of eight like-minded ladies who love to experiment with water media. We are all individuals with our own styles and palettes and like to think our paintings reflect who we are. We paint together once a week and help each other achieve our own artistic goals. Any subject is fair game as our motto is “give it a try”. We use a wide range of techniques, as we help each other become better painters. We hail from Marblehead, Manchester, Gloucester and Sudbury.”

The Aqua Divas participating artists: Pat Flaherty, Marion Hall, Jeannie McIntyre, Brenda Lee Rangel, Charlotte Roberts, Bonnie L. Sylvester, Ginny von Rueden, Jean Yeaple

Stephanie Benenson HARBOR VOICES light show #GloucesterMA | immigration, conversation & acts of generosity manifest as public art

Stephanie Benenson, artist studio, discussing 2017 Harbor Lights 20171122_091510

Stephanie Benenson, artist studio, discussing Harbor Lights, GIF 1122091429
from a studio visit with Stephanie Benenson Nov 2017

You can join in Stephanie Benenson’s fascinating big vision, Harbor Voices, a public art and cultural piece that’s made from light, sound and community participation. Part of the project is a  large-scale and temporary LIVE light & sound installation which will happen on ten minute loops from 4-8pm on Friday December 8th, and Saturday December 9th, one of many featured events for the 2017 Middle Street Walk. Harbor Voices will be held inside the Kyrouz Auditorium in City Hall , 9 Dale Avenue, Gloucester, MA.

Come experience a sweeping ocean of sound, stories and light, drawn by the voices and acts of generosity of neighbors and friends.

Benenson, a Rockport native and North Shore based fine artist, received a prestigious and competitive RISD grant to create Harbor Voices. Benenson collected over 100 stories in eight languages of recent and ancestral immigration to Cape Ann. For the past year she led (and continues to lead) practical and creative storytelling sessions and workshops at area schools like Veteran’s Memorial and Gloucester High School,  as well as community organizations and centers such as Sandy Bay Historical Society. Students talked with Benenson about “their ancestors* and families bringing cultural heritage to Cape Ann.” She said that kids mentioned “family members that started businesses here (like Jalapenos, Sclafanis, and other cultural destinations on Cape Ann)…and how meangingful that was to them…and people that they had deep respect and admiration for…” They discussed “family recipes, music, food and how immigration historically has made American art and culture come alive.”  Mayor Romeo Theken was the first story collected. Other Cape Ann storytellers outside of the schools and non profit partners include: Jean Testaverde (Portuguese fishing ancestry), Ingrid Swan (Swedith quarrying ancestry), Heather Lovett (descendent of Roger Babson), Sal Zerilli (Awesome Gloucester and Rockport), Jan Bell, Buddy Woods, Susannah Natti (Finnish and descendent of Folly Cove designer), Rich Francis (GHS teacher), and Celestino Basille (GHS teacher).

Depending upon age and preference, stories were written, recorded, or drawn. All were mixed into materials and audio that will choreograph connections directly into the light installation, and an enlarging community. At first, Benenson thought the light might guide any audio. Instead voices continue to guide the light.

Every story and act of generosity is linked to the installation and transformed into light.

Blurring the lines between public art and social sculpture, LIVE happening and virtual action, Harbor Voices emblematically presents stories, shared connections and actions. Participants of all ages are encouraged to interact with the project www.harborvoices.com and its installation– to bathe so to speak in a community of vibrancy and waves of interconnectedness and support.  Benenson adds that from 4-6PM during the two days of this installation iteration, “children will be offered a small flashlight to engage with this artwork, allowing them a tangible moment to consider their part in this interconnected network of community and local history by creating their own beam of light.” Also, before the installation opens to the public, one hundred Gloucester High School students –including some who have already added into the piece– will come to City Hall to experience Harbor Voices.

Benenson’s promotion for Harbor Voices launched in September. Leveraging attention for this remarkably ambitious project is an essential component as more involvement means more impact. Straight away it fostered community and brought opportunities. For example, Benenson spoke about the project and shared audio of the stories with Rose Baker seniors, Gloucester Rotary and the Cape Ann Museum’s Red Cottage Society. Someone from Beverly has already underwrittten  support for a class at Veteran’s Memorial Elementary School. She spoke about the project with Joey as part of GMG podcast #253

As a third generation Cape Ann artist, Benenson is especially excited to “create art and conversations around our cultural heritage and our contributions to the vibrant mix of people that live on Cape Ann.”

See more pictures and read more about the artist

Continue reading “Stephanie Benenson HARBOR VOICES light show #GloucesterMA | immigration, conversation & acts of generosity manifest as public art”

Holiday markets and fairs |Annisquam Sewing Circle, Rocky Neck, Cape Ann Artisans, Rockport Art Association

save the date Reminders:

  • Annisquam Sewing Circle Christmas Fair, Satuday Dec 2 ONLY 8am-noon
  • Rockport Art Association – Cape Ann Artisans Dec 1 (4-9) & Dec 2 (10-5)
  • Rocky Neck 2017 Annual Holiday Show at the Cultural Center weekends through December 10th

Rocky Neck 2017 Holiday Show

“December in November–Giving the Gift of Art” Rocky Neck Art Colony members’ fine art and crafts sale, through December 10th, OPEN Fridays 5-8pm, Saturdays and Sundays 10AM-4PM. Downstairs is a beautiful John Nesta tribute.

photo caption: Orginal watercolor painting, Birch on the Neck, by Deb Schradieck, booth at the Rocky Neck Art Colony 2017 Annual Holiday members show

 

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Rockport Art Association

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TWO DAYS ONLY Cape Ann Artisans at the Rockport Art Association Friday December 1 and Saturday December 2nd (10-5). Cape Ann Artisans has also announced their special 2018 Cape Ann Artisan tour dates- June 2nd and 3rd and Oct 6-8

Cape Ann Artisans at Rockport Art Association

 

Annisquam Sewing Circle Christmas Fair

Sat Dec 2nd 8am-noon, 34 Leonard Street, Gloucester, MA 01930

  • Beautiful Wreaths to decorate your Home
  • Potted plants and bulbs to Give or to Keep
  • Elegant Table Arrangements
  • Gourmet Foods for your Guests and Family
  • Exquisite Hand-crafted Gift Items
  • $3 Grabs for Mom, Dad and your Favorite Pets wrapped and ready to go!

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Cape Ann Big Band holiday concerts at Shalin Liu are sold out, but…

SOLD OUT- on line and in person. You can still buy tickets to the 5th Annual Cape Ann Big Band Swing www.capeannbigband.org concert at O’Maley on December 20, 6:30PM

Here’s the link to other upcoming shows at Rockport Music Shalin Liu Performance Center.

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Cape Ann Big Band Swing

7PM tonight | Dogtown National Heritage project kicks off at Gloucester city hall

Reminder-  Dogtown could be eligible for the National Register. A team of archaeologists began surveying and reviewing Dogtown the week of November 13. Come to a special public presentation TONIGHT – November 29th in Kyrouz Auditorium, Gloucester City Hall, 9 Dale Avenue, at 7pm.

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 Artistic practice inspired by Dogtown takes on many forms across generations and centuries. I’ve shown examples of 20th century artists and writers connected to Dogtown. Here’s a 21st century one to note: Deborah Guertze, Babson Boulders # (Courage), original small and lovely hand colored etching, ed.50. This particular impression is currently for sale at Rockport Art Association.

Oct 28 GMG post announcing tonight’s public meeting: Before Dogtown was Dogtown: archaeological survey project to be presented at City Hall November 29! Maybe hello blueberries bye bye lyme disease

“Presenters at City Hall on Nov 29th will include Betsy Friedberg from the Massachusetts Historical Commission, who will explain how the National Register program works and what it does and does not do, and Kristen Heitert from the PAL, who will present an initial plan for defining the boundaries of Dogtown as a National Register District. People attending the meeting will be asked to respond to that plan and to express their views about what makes Dogtown special. What should be the boundaries of the proposed National Register District, and what cultural features should be included in it? What would be the benefits of National Register status, and are there any drawbacks?”

Massachusetts Cultural Council Power of Connection Tour in #GloucesterMA | Cultural Center @RockyNeckArt

The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson Street, Gloucester, MA, was one of the few cultural districts selected as a host venue for the MCC Power of Connection Tour launch. Today’s gathering includes city and state officials: Mayor Romeo Theken, Senator Bruce Tarr & Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante of Gloucester.

Guests are just arriving for the welcome reception. I will post all we glean from MCC new grants and updates. Gloucester has two districts: Rocky Neck and downtown Harbortown. On the walls at Rocky Neck center–the holiday group show is installed upstairs and a John Nesta tribute downstairs. I am looking forward to the upcoming poetry night featuring Jay Featherstone, Suzanne and others.

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North Shore Magazine on superb Cape Ann Museum #GloucesterMA Lane art exhibit

Gloucester, MA:  Cape Ann Museum has generated more good news. Check out the article in North Shore Magazine’s current issue: “Collaborative & Commercial: Cape Ann Museum’s latest exhibit focuses on the printmaking skills of Gloucester artists Fitz Henry Lane” , by Robert G. Pushkar

North Shore Magazine holiday gift guide highlighted specialty items from the Cape Ann Museum gift shop like Michael Updike slates and Sarah Eliz pillows. Another article about Sweetgum Textiles Co and its new magazine, PLACE, mentions Gloucester woodworkers Alyssa Pitman and Winston Daddario of Spire Woodshop.

Beyond Gloucester and Cape Ann articles: Who knew The Stories Podcast was produced in Haverhill, the Gambino Prosecco co-founders (and couple) live in Swampscott and grew up in Lynn, and that an Amazon store opened at Lynnfield Market?

CAM Lane exhibition featured in Dec 2017 North Shore Magazine

The must see Cape Ann Museum exhibition Drawn from Nature & on Stone: The Lithographs of Fitz Henry Lane- opened  October 7, 2017 and continues through March 4, 2018. Drawn from Nature & on Stone is the FIRST comprehensive exhibition focusing on Fitz Henry Lane (1804-1865) as a printmaker. Georgia Barnhill, Andrew W. Mellon Curator of Graphic Arts Emerita at the American Antiquarian Society in Worcester, MA, served as guest curator and worked closely with the Museum to organize this special show. Barnhill will be giving another curator gallery talk Saturday, December 2, 9:30AM.

TV coverage about the Lane print exhibition includes a WGBH story.

UPCOMING

Continue reading “North Shore Magazine on superb Cape Ann Museum #GloucesterMA Lane art exhibit”

Sawyer Free announces 2018 Matz Gallery exhibitions | Michael Oleksiw now

photos: Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Public Library Adolph I Matz Gallery, 2017 November exhibition- Michael Oleksiw, Digital Photography, Hale Street Studios

upcoming in 2018: 

Linda Bourke (January); Kirk Williamson (Februrary); Alice Gardner (March); Bradley Dickinson (April); Gloucester High School Students (May); Where is it photography contest (June); Andrew Manning (July); Jurek Schreiner (August); annual Art Auction (September); Willam Travis (October); David Lyman (November); Delpine Zohn (December)

Looking forward to Andrew Manning, and all the shows! There are Manning paintings at Pleasant Tea and here are photos of 2017 work from his solo exhibition at the Hive.

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#GloucesterMA on WGBH TV & Morning Edition radio: Jared Bowen Open Studio covers Cape Ann Museum Fitz Henry Lane exhibition

In case you missed the tv and radio coverage:

The Cape Ann Museum was featured on the WGBH TV program, Open Studio with Jared Bowen on November 10 and 11. Bowen interviewed Cape Ann Museum staff Martha Oaks and Georgia Barnhill about the fabulous new Fitz Henry Lane exhibition.  “They also toured the Lane House, so there are some good outside shots of Gloucester!”  Click the picture below or follow the link.

#GloucesterMA Cape Ann Museum Fitz Henry Lane exhibition featured on WGBH Open Studio with Jared Bowen.jpg
WGBH Open Studio with Jared Bowen espisode 2162 aired Nov 10th and 11th 

VIDEO LINK FOR THE WGBH REPORT timestamp 1:08- 5:18min

Bowen was interviewed on WGBH radio Morning Edition, and high lighted this special Lane exhibition (begins at the 4:47 mark)

WGBH Morning Edition high lights  Cape Ann Museum new Fitz henry Lane exhibition.jpg

The Cape Ann Museum Drawn From Nature and Stone: Lithographs of Fitz Henry Lane exhibition opened October 4th and will continue through March 4, 2018. Cape Ann Museum is located at 27 Pleasant Street in Gloucester, MA. Look for special programming inspired by the exhibition. Next up: Emerald Rae concert at the Cape Ann Museum
Saturday, November 25 at 3:00 p.m
a concert inspired by Fitz Henry Lane’s Sheet Music covers

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Exhibition Sponsors include John Rando| Jerry and Margaretta Hausman  |  Linzee and Beth Coolidge  |  Jay Last | J.J. and Jackie Bell  |  Bill and Anne Kneisel  |  Arthur Ryan | International Fine Print Dealers Association  |  American Historical Print Collectors Society, Inc. | Beauport Hospitality Group

LIVE: James Prendergast Library only sold 3 at Sotheby’s! Rockwell fetches 6.2 million

Christie’s and Sotheby’s held dueling LIVE auctions on November 21, 2017. Christie’s American sale offered 93 lots resulting in $34,131,500 total sales, nearly 7x the total sales of Sotheby’s which featured less than 67 lots because the Berkshire Museum lots were pulled from the sale. Sotheby’s* failed to sell more than 1/2 of the first 45 lots. I’ll update after the sales have ended. *Sotheby’s sale is now closed. The auction house sold just 34 of 67 lots, total sales  (including Buyer’s Premium) were $5,858,250. Christie’s sold 72 of 91 lots today.

It turns out that the James Prendergast Library deaccession (see prior GMG post) would have made more money and kept the art in Jamestown if they had not brought the art to market at Sotheby’s. Here are the three of  nine paintings to find collectors; two went under estimate.

 

One of Sotheby’s best lots today was a Dame Laura Knight which sold for $560,000, right within its estimate range.

dame laura knight  BRIT 1877-1970 The Fairground Penzance ca 1912 oc 55 x 75 sotheby's last sold in 1983 est 400 to 600000.jpg

Hammer prices unless otherwise indicated:

Christie’s Lot 15 Norman Rockwell What Makes it Tick, a 1948 oil on canvas, sold for 6.2million  (just above its pre sale high estimate, 4 million to 6 million) which came to $7,287,500 after buyer’s premiums were factored. Rockwell’s Returning from Camp fetched 1.9 million. A Winslow Homer Tynemouth watercolor fetched a hammer price of $170,000, above its presale estimate range of 100,000-150,000. The Martin Johnson Heade failed to sell; the Milton Avery self portrait went for $45,000 at the gavel drop; and the Paul Manship sculpture was unsold, bidding failing to climb past $240,000 (pre sale estimate was $300,000 to $500,000.)

 

Berkshire Museum on hold, but James Prendergast Library a go

On November 21, 2017, Sotheby’s (New York) will be holding a European sale and Christie’s (New York) will be holding an American sale. Both auctions feature works by artists with ties to Gloucester and neighboring shores, among them:

Christies Martin Johnson Heade 1819 to 1904 Haystacks oc 1878-1892 est 120 to 180000
Martin Johnson Heade (1819-1904) Haystacks, 1878-1892, oil on canvas, (Christie’s presale estimate $120,000-$180,000)
Paul Howard manship 1885-1966 Lying Doe cas 1932 est 300 to 500000
PAUL MANSHIP (1885-1966), Lying Doe, ca. 1932 (Christie’s presale auction estimate $300,000-$500,000)

There are a few Norman Rockwell works, including the classic What Makes it Tick (The Watchman), a 1948 commission for the watchmakers of Switzerland, oil on canvas. Christie’s presale estimate is 4 million – 6 million. Christie’s is offering a Cecilia Beaux 1916 portrait in its American online auction, ending tomorrow as well. It’s titled Mrs. Albert J Beveridge (Catherine Eddy/Lady Primrose) and measures 57 x 38. Bids open at $12,000 on this Beaux.

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Sotheby’s Nov 21 Auction a tale of two AGOs

The Berkshire Museum story has several updates. As a reminder, the Massachusetts Appeals Court ruled last week that the Berkshire Museum could not sell its artworks on consignment with Sotheby’s until the courts settle. The Berkshire Museum is pushing for an accelerated court case. They have issued a press release which I’ve posted below the break. One trustee has quit in protest of the Museum’s intent to sell. The Massachusetts Attorney General office filed responses. It’s been reported that the AG is repeating unanswered requests for archives, financial papers and other material as well as questions related to museum contruction projects completed by another board member (speculating unconfirmed reports of conflict of interest.) Official filings and documents from both sides have been shared with media outlets. The injunction decision impacted Sotheby’s American and Impressionism & Modern art sales last week, and its European sale tomorrow only in that there are fewer lots for sale. The cover of tomorrow’s European sale catalogue featured a Berkshire Museum painting, Lot 18 now unavailable.

x LOT 18 Berkshire Museum Bouguereau featured on the cover of the Sotheby's catalogue 70 lots Nov 21 sale L'Agneau Nouveau-Ne THE NEWBORN LAMB oc 65 x 34 est 1500000 to 2mil.jpg
Sotheby’s lists Lot 18 as “upcoming” sale. Bouguereau L’Agneau Nouveau (The Newborn Lamb) oil on canvas, 65 in x 34 in (Sotheby’s presale estimate 1.5million to 2 million)

 

Additional Sotheby’s Berkshire Museum lots described as “upcoming”, on hold till the courts decide:

 

Sotheby’s European sale features fine art consigned from another public repository: the James Prendergast Library, Jamestown, NY. Unlike the Berkshire Museum, the library attempted to maintain its collection, but was unsuccessful. It did not receive as much press as the Berkshire Museum brouhaha. The New York Times ran a story this weekend, too little too late for any with aims to hold on. According to the article, the library had even lined up angel collectors willing to buy the great works to ensure they remained in Jamestown, NY.

Some critics of the sale are particularly upset that the library rejected a plan by two art patrons, Cathy and Jesse Marion of Houston who had proposed keeping the collection in Jamestown by buying about 40 of the works for $1.2 million and finding a new home for them in the city.” 

The New York State Attorney General’s office declined this proposal, instead requiring that the library sell at public auction.

“Mr. Rankin said the library had to pass on that offer because the New York State attorney general’s office, which oversees nonprofit organizations, had objected to a private sale without testing whether the paintings might actually bring in more if sold through public auction.”

The library founders made careful selections amounting to an encyclopedic world tour of artists and contemplative, dreamy scenes to enrich the experience of patrons of all ages. They are fascinating together. I love this beguiling and chatty magpie narrative!

James Prendergast Library Jehan Georges Vibert Le Nouveau commis oil on panel est 30 to 40000
James Prendergast Library collection: Jehan Georges Vibert Le Nouveau commis oil on panel. Sotheby’s Eurpean pre sale estimate is $30,000- $40,000

 

More works to be sold at Sotheby’s to benefit and from the James Prendergast Library collection

 

Continue reading “Berkshire Museum on hold, but James Prendergast Library a go”

BREAKING #GloucesterMA: Passing the legacy– an historic Folly Cove Acorn printing press for the outstanding art department at O’Maley Middle School

Thanks to Mayor Romeo Theken, teacher Brett Dunton, Principal Lucey, and the extreme generosity of Manship Artists Residency & Studios (MARS) under the direction of Rebecca Reynolds, the O’Maley Innovation Middle School ramped up in a powerful fashion with an amazing and enviable addition to the art department:

a rare loan of a Folly Cove Acorn fine art printing press for the art room!

Acorn printing presses were used by Gloucester’s legendary Folly Cove guild of artisans, most notably Virginia Lee Burton, an internationally renowned artist, children’s picture book author-illustrator, dancer, teacher and Folly Cove co-founder. O’Maley students study Gloucester, printmaking, and the history of Folly Cove artists through a myriad of units in each grade and subject, often in partnership with Cape Ann Museum, local artists and other community partners. And now, to have this pedigree press, … Wow! Enjoy some photographs from Brett Dunton from the exciting installation day.

 

teachers Brett Dunton and Ashley Doke with 8th grade students admiring the newly installed famous Acorn press O’Maley Innovation Middle School, Gloucester MA

teachers Brett Dunton and Ashley Doke with 8th grade students admiring the newly installed famous Acorn press O'Maley Innovation Middle School, Gloucester MA

The O’Maley press is one of the last actual Folly Cove presses remaining on Cape Ann. It was owned and used by Elizabeth (Libby) Holoran and Isabel Natti, eventually taking up Holloran’s floor space in the Sarah Elizabeth Store which she opened in 1974. Superstar sculptor, Paul Manship, was Isabel Natti’s grandfather. Aino Natti, Natti’s uncle, was one of the Folly Cove co-founders and the original owner of this particular press. Acorn printing presses were fabricated and distributed by companies like the Adams Brothers in Boston circa 1830-1870. The name “Acorn” comes from the cut away which resembles the shape of an acorn; the presses are RARE and beautiful. One is on view at the Cape Ann Museum.

Mayor Romeo Theken was hopeful that MARS would consider the schools and Gloucester’s students when determing a most suitable location. Teacher Brett Dunton knows Natti and all about this famed press. He was thrilled to build a print room around it and get going. Natti had already given him some of her drying racks. This opportunity would not have happened without MARS working with donors to rescue the press and Mr. Dunton’s expertise and enthusiasm for taking it on. This has to be one of the nicest feel good full circle art stories coming home ever! I look forward to sharing some of the results from the inaugural student printmaking classes, original print editions from this stellar art room addition.

 

 

Leonardo da Vinci Christ at Christie’s was a record breaker cue Gary Larson classic

The highest price an auction buyer paid becomes “fetched” in auction lingo. Leonardo da Vinci painting, Salvator Mundi, (Saviour of the World) fetched a stunning world record price –400million dollars at hammer price (450.3 million with fees)–at Christie’s evening sale November 15, 2017. Couldn’t resist adding a classic Larson into the mix of headlines.

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$400,000,000 Leonardo da Vinci Salvator Mundi record price at Christie’s Auction tonight!

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Confidence was in the room for the Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), Salvator Mundi, painting which climbed from a starting bid of $75,000,000 to $400,000,000 (hammer price) at Christie’s Contemporary art sale Wednesday, November 15, 2017. The Mona Lisa value has climbed tonight as well.

The buyer’s premium for Salvator Mundi will bring the sale to $450,312,500.

Hammer price is the highest bid announced by the auctioneer just before the gavel drops. Additional charges include fees such as buyers premium, taxes, etc added to the hammer price.

Prior record private sales for a William de Kooning (Interchange) and Paul Gauguin (Nafea Faa Ipoipo) reached 300 million. This Christie’s auction sale is public.

The da Vinci was the 9th lot in a sale featuring 58 lots. Prior to the da Vinci excitement a Kerry James Marshall did quite well.

Live Sale still in process. Hammer prices so far

1B Adam Pendleton $180,000
2B Philippe Parreno $420,000 (est $250,000-$350,000 )
3B Kerry James Marshall $4.2 million (est. 1-1.5 million)
4B Frank Stella $3.2 million (est 2.2 – 2.8 million)
5B Eva Hesse $900,000 (est $800,000-$1.2 million)
6B Rothko  $28.5 million (est $25 million – 35 million)
7B Bourgeois $7.5 million (est $10 million-$15 million)
8B Vija Celmins  $3,500,000 (est $1,500,000-2,500,000)
9B   LEONARDO DA VINCI
10B Jean Michel Basquit PASSED
11B Keith Haring sold $3,500,000
12B John Currin PASSED
13B Andy Warhol sold $56,000,000

28B Milton Avery Pale Field, Dark Mountain 1959 approx 40 x 54 oil  hammer price was $1,300,000

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👏 #GloucesterMA: Dawn’s Studio dance students sparkled on the Walt Disney Stage @WaltDisneyWorld FLA

Gloucester Dawn Studio of Dance student dancers perform at Walt Disney World 2017 449
Photo caption: children from Gloucester MA performed with Dawn’s Studio of Dance at Walt Disney World November 7, 2017. Photos shared from participating families 

On November 7, 2017, 19 children from Gloucester performed with Dawn’s Studio of Dance at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World in Florida. The Gloucester dancers did a fantatstic job performing with Disney Performing Arts under the direction of Gloucester’s instructors, Dawn Koller and Tiffany Smith. The 2017 dancers were a multi-age group, includingseniors from Gloucester High School as well as students from O’Maley and some of the local elementary schools. Many friends and family from Gloucester watched the performance and were thrilled to see Gloucester “sparkle on the Disney stage.” Dawn’s has been bringing dancers for years and some of these kids have performed at Disney World many times before. About 4 years ago, they were chosen to lead the parade at Magic Kingdom over all the other dance studios that were there to be in the parade.

Congratulations to all the dancers! A couple of more photos:
Continue reading “👏 #GloucesterMA: Dawn’s Studio dance students sparkled on the Walt Disney Stage @WaltDisneyWorld FLA”

Sotheby’s auction tanked as Berkshire Museum art yanked & Paul Manship sculpture soared past estimate

The November 13, 2017 evening art sales –counting buyers’ premiums–totaled nearly $500,000,000  between two major NYC auction houses: Sotheby’s American Art sales were $19,407,375 and Christies Impressionism and Modern Art sales were $479,000,000 million.

The Sotheby’s sale was unusual because 7 of its 84 star lots were withdrawn just before the auction, a result of the Berkshire Museum litigation. (The combined conservative value of potential sales for the museum lots was $30,000,000 at the low presale estimate range. If the art is sold in the future its value will be more because of the increased familiarity.) Other Sotheby’s lots went unsold. Two Norman Rockwell works surpassed their estimates.  Of note for Gloucester artists fans, Paul Manship’s sculpture heavily surpassed its estimate. One Milton Avery sold within its estimate range while a second went unsold. There was a selection of original and rare Paul Manship sculpture for sale in Gloucester this summer (here’s the link).

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detail of Paul Manship (1885-1966)  Diana, 1921, which sold for $975,000 at Sotheby’s on November 13, 2017  (hammer Price with Buyer’s Premium) Sotheby’s presale estimate was $400,000-$600,000

Christies sale night had several surprises including records for Leger ($71,000,000)

Christies Leger record breaker Fernand Léger (1881-1955), Contraste de formes, 1913. 36⅜ x 28⅞ in (92.4 x 73.2 cm). Sold for $70,062,500 in the Impressionist & Modern Art Evening Sa

and a gorgeous Vuillard,

Vuillard

and big bidding for Van Gogh ($81,000,000 million).

Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890), Laboureur dans un champ, painted in Saint Rémy, early September 1889. 19⅞ x 25½ in (50.3 x 64.9 cm). Sold for $81,312,500 in the Impressionist & Modern

Christies superstar Fall lot is still to come and in all the news: Salvator Mundi –attributed to Leonardo da Vinci– will be sold in the contemporary sale alongside Warhol tomorrow. It’s been for sale since it was rediscovered in the oughts, but no museum purchased it and experts debate its hand and condition. The opening bid for the “lost Leonardo” will be $100,000,000. A Jean Michel Basquit sold for $110,500,000 last May. Christie’s marketing hype video “The Last da Vinci…”

 

 

Georgia Barnhill curator’s talk “What Makes Fitz Henry Lane’s Lithographs So Special?”

view of gloucester from rocky neck

20170929_162640Curator’s talk at the Cape Ann Museum SATURDAY NOVEMBER 18, 2pm

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS $10 for members ($20 for non members includes museum admission)

read about the talk from the Cape Ann Museum press release:

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