Cape Ann Artisans Spring Studio Tour 2011

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Cape Ann Artisans is celebrating their 28th Annual Studio Tour Weekend: held on Saturday and Sunday, June 18 – 19  from 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. each day. This self-guided tour along the scenic coastline of Gloucester and Rockport presents a unique opportunity to meet fourteen professional artists and see their work in the setting in which it was created. The work represented includes: pottery, painting, sculpture, photography, mosaics, weaving and jewelry. Several of the artists will be demonstrating their working process during the tour.


Brochures with route maps will be available at the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, the Rockport Information Booth on Rte 127 and at each of the artisans. A bright magenta Studio Tour banner will mark each location.

For further information: tel: 978-281-3347  or download a brochure at:  www.capeannartisans.com

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Last Minute Christmas Gifts

If you’re like me you are about to start panicking because you haven’t bought any Christmas presents. Not a problem. Last year I stopped at Fred Bodin’s Historic Photo right in the West End in Gloucester at 82 Main Street and picked up a ceramic striper and a map of our neighborhood from the 1800s.  My kitchen wall:

Besides Fred’s shop there is Bananas, David Cox’s Antique store and a bunch of other good places along Main street to pick up some weird stocking stuffers.

You might ask, what the hell is that thing to the left it looks like an eel is stuck in the wall?! I call him Spot and I laugh every time I see it.  I picked that up on the 2010 Artisan’s Tour from Twin Light Studio on 52 South Street Rockport. Erin and Scott have a wall of these fish heads. You can click here and download the  2010 Artisans Brochure and circle Cape Ann picking up Christmas presents. The potters David Archibald (Plum Cove Pottery), Marty Morgan (428 Washington St), and Cynthia Curtis (follow signs to Paper House and go to top of hill), are great for picking up that last minute gift. And I just thought of another good gift. Have you got a husband or son you want to punt out of the house this winter for just a few hours? Give him the gift of a set of pottery lessons at Cynthia Curtis’ studio. She and expert potters from across Cape Ann teach you how much fun it is to throw a pot. If you don’t want to teach your husband how to throw a pot, send the kids on the weekend. All the addresses/contact info are in the brochure.

So get Christmas shopping but leave me some, I haven’t started yet.

[edit] Sheesh I called David Cox, Fred Cox. Sometimes I type too fast without thinking. Don’t anyone tell him. He doesn’t go on the intertubes so he’ll never know.

Gloucester Doors- Present On Pleasant Street

Present On Pleasant Street is a shop opened for the holidays by a group of local artisans who sell their incredible hand crafted wares.  I was going to hold off the series of video and pictures until Monday but it’s just too good to hold back.  At 9:00AM I’ll run the first of a five part video series.  Enjoy!

Beth Williams Studio- Sea Glass

If anyone has some sea glass just like this with these colors they would like to sell, let me know.

Beth Williams Studio, originally uploaded by captjoe06.

Beth Williams Studio- Friends and Collections Work

If you click on any of the photos and then select “all sizes” you can see the names of the folks behind the pieces shown here.

Beth Williams Studio, originally uploaded by captjoe06.

Beth Williams Studio

Beth Williams Studio, originally uploaded by captjoe06.

Beth Williams Studio Necklace

Beth Williams Studio, originally uploaded by captjoe06.

Beth Williams Studio -Gorgeous Stone Orgy

Beth Williams Studio, originally uploaded by captjoe06.

Beth Williams Studio Stones and Beads

Beth Williams Studio Stones and Beads, originally uploaded by captjoe06.

Beth Williams Studio

Colored glass rods line the back wall of Beth Williams Studio.  These colored glass rods will be used to make the unique pieces that Beth produces.

I imagine that if you are not extremely well organized this place could turn ito an unmanageable mess in a hurry but Beth keeps everything in colorful order.

You walk into the place and it’s like a huge color orgy.

Beth Williams Studio, originally uploaded by captjoe06.

Beth Williams Studio Workspace

Beth Williams workspace where she transforms glass rods and stone into beautiful, one of a kind hand made jewelry.

Beth Williams Studio, originally uploaded by captjoe06.

Welcome To Beth Williams Studio Week

This is Beth Williams Studio Week.
If you recall, Beth was the winner of the Downtown Merchants GMG Flower Box Competition. For her participation and taking home first place she will be awarded a week long spread in these pages. A well deserved expose if you will.

Beth Williams Studio, originally uploaded by captjoe06.

Beth Williams Studio- Unique Earrings From Beth Williams

Beth Williams Studio, originally uploaded by captjoe06.

Things To Do- Cape Ann Artisans Open Studio Tour

Looking For Something to do today?

Check out the Cape Ann Artisans Open Studio Tour. They are celebrating their 25th year. Today is the last day although they would welcome you year long. Look for the magenta banners-

Cape Ann Artisans Open Studio Tour Banner

Click here for a link to their brochure