“Welcome to a once in a life time opportunity to view the Gruppe family’s art legacy highlighting art and talent in Gloucester and Cape Ann. This extraordinary exhibition will showcase 25 pieces from Robert Gruppe’s collection of historic marine paintings. Some never before seen paintings from world renowned Emile Gruppe will also be on display, along with sculptures from Karl Gruppe, and a display of the Gruppe family history.”
Karen Tibbetts, Curator, Gruppe Family Legacy Exhibition, Gloucester City Hall, 2023
Gruppé generations
Charles P. Gruppé (1860-1940) painter | Helen Elizabeth Gruppé
Paulo* (1891–1979) cellist | Karl (1892-1982) sculptor | Emil (1896-1978) painter | Virginia (1907-1980) watercolorist, gallery owner|
Robert Gruppe** (b. 1944) painter, gallerist | Emilie gallerist
*Son Charles C artist; and granddaughter artist
**Son Scott painter
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Opening Reception on Saturday June 11th from 3-6pm.
Artists working in Gloucester, and more broadly on Cape Ann, have a unique vision of the promontory. What is their feel for our place along the sea? And how do they wish to present it to us, the viewers of their thoughts? Each exploration of light, land, sky, stone, architecture, industry, and countless other features is singular. There is communication between artist and place; and we sense, we hear, those conversations in their art. Participating artists include: Coco Berkman . Ann Conneman . Celia Eldridge . Paige Farrell . Erin Luman . Jeffrey Marshall . Adin Murray . James Paradis . Michael Porter . Christopher Pullman . Esther Pullman . Beverly Ripple . Caleb Hershey Rulli . Juni Van Dyke.
My interest lies in how artists living and working in Gloucester, and more broadly on Cape Ann, express their vision of the promontory. What is their feel for our place along the sea? As they encounter it, and closely observe it, how do they wish to present it to us, the viewers of their thoughts? Each exploration of light, land, sky, stone, architecture, industry, and countless other features is singular. There is communication between artist and place; and we sense, we hear, those conversations in their art.
The New York Times recently penned the phrase to see it all anew, an apt phrase that could easily have been the title for this show.
After giving the gallery to regional artists for their own exhibitions these past months, I am happy to be back at JDG for the summer season. Join me for this first show which celebrates seeing and hearing anew this place of home.
Jane Deering, June 2022
Gallery hours: Friday & Saturday 1-5pm; Sunday 1-4pm; and by appointment @ 917-902-4359 . 19 Pleasant Street, Gloucester. janedeeringgallery.com
The South Shore Art Center press release for September/October 2020 exhibition:
From North Shore to South Shore…Gloucester Comes to Cohasset
Featuring three artists: COCO BERKMAN, PIA JUHL, JUNI VANDYKE
Cape Ann artist printmaker Coco Berkman creates images that delight her and hopefully others through the process of linoleum printmaking. Inspired by literature, the natural world, and the free play inherent in drawing, Berkman uses sharp Japanese tools to carve images into sheets of linoleum and then prints them one color at a time over several months to complete an edition. A member of the Boston Printmakers, Berkman’s work is represented by 13 Forest Galleryin Arlington and The Square Circle Gallery in Rockport.
Pia Juhl, is well known for her light filled paintings depicting quarries and giant rock formations indigenous to her surroundings. She has had numerous exhibitions in Europe and on Cape Ann including Jane Deering Gallery.
Juni VanDyke will exhibit paintings related to her connection with Gloucester. “The Cape Ann landscape is a subliminal force directing my art and tethering me to a love of color and the infinite configurations of abstraction. Traveling to my work in Gloucester, I cross over the elevated Annisquam Bridge where below the sea is an ever changing miracle of patterns and light holding promise for later.” VanDyke’s work is held in the permanent collection of Cape Ann Museum. Her work is represented by Jane Deering Gallery, and throughout the US by Room and Board, Inc.
Jane Deering Gallery presents two new exhibitions! Opening Saturday September 5th is Ephemerata | a timeline of creation, a timeline of change. Works by Cape Ann artist Deborah Brown explore the shared juxtaposition of intent and materials. Brown studied at the San Francisco Art Institute and exhibits nationally. This exhibition will be at 19 Pleasant Street in downtown Gloucester, adjacent to the Cape Ann Museum. Hours: Saturday & Sunday 1:00-3:00. Works can be viewed at janedeeringgallery.com
Deb Brown Constellations Under the Sea 2007 Mixed media 7×8 inches
Also on view from Friday September 4th in the SHED @ 18 Arlington Street, Annisquam is Late Summer Selection | New Painting by Adin Murray. Murray continues his superb Horizon series, serene and luscious oils on canvas. Hours: Friday, Saturday & Sunday 12noon-3:00pm. And always by appointment at either location. 917-902-4359. Works can be viewed at janedeeringgallery.com
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Today visitors to Cape Ann Museum were in for a special treat. They came excited to learn about linocut prints from artists Mary Rhinelander and Julia Garrison. Some watched. Many gave it a go. Best of all they left with an impression they pulled from the ingenious homage block Mary carved in tribute to the Folly Cove designers!
Willie Alexander; Bob Anderson; Kurt Ankeny; Peggy Badenhausen-Roma; Joan Benotti; Coco Berkman; Kyle Browne; Debbie Clarke; Pat Lowery Collins; Anne Marie Crotty; Jane Crotty; Pam Courtleigh; Jill Demeri; Loren Doucette; Barbe Ennis; Billy Evans; Jack Evans; Nina Fletcher; Brooke Gibson; Paul Cary Goldberg; Joy Halsted; Frances Hamilton; Leslie Heffron; Andrew Houle; Pia Juhl; Ann Lafferty; Otto Laske; Victoria Lopez; Erin Luman; Roger Martin; Jay McLauchlin; Shaun McNiff; Ann Melancon; Ruth Mordecai; Lee Nadel; Mary Lou Nye; Hans Pundt; Mary Rhinelander; Margaret Rack; Jenny Rangan; Kay Ray; Anne Rearick- Katlin; Katherine Richmond; Judy Robinson-Cox; Joyce Roessler; Gabrielle Rossmer; Lyla Roth; Lynn Sausele; Mary Jane Sawyer; Jill Solomon; Dawn Southworth; Marty Swanson; Karen Tusinski; Juni VanDyke; Anna Vojtech; Rokhaya Waring; Jane Weinshanker; Mark Williamson; Judy Wright
Here are a few installation views (click to enlarge and view credit)
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Last chance to see Boustrophedons (“…every other line is flipped, or reversed or mirrored”) group show at Flatrocks Gallery. Exhibition features 8 artists: Joan Benotti, Paul Cary Goldberg, Ann McArdle, Valerie Weigand McCaffrey, Nick Neyeloff, Conny Goetz Schmitt, Linda Lagano Sojda, and Juni VanDyke. The closing Reception and special event is Sunday September 16, 2-4pm
(installation views – the natural light and architecture were in sync today with the show’s theme.)
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Great article about the new children’s book, Let’s Go: Animal Tracks in the Snow! by Diane Polley illustrated by Marion Hall, an award winning entry in the Cape Ann Reads contest.
Deborah French, Director of Essex’s TOHP Burnham Library says Diane Polley “is an excellent example of a hidden children’s writer that was brought together with Marion Hall, the illustrator, through the Cape Ann Reads initiative to create a wonderful picture book. I’m sure she has more to come for us all to enjoy.”
BOOK LAUNCH CELEBRATION: Saturday, Sept 8 11:30-1:30, Cape Ann Cinema & Stage, 21 Main Street, Gloucester. “This is a free family drop-in event with children’s activities. Meet Diane Polley of Essex, the author and Marion Hall of Manchester, the illustrator, who will be signing copies of their book.”
Visually stunning and original, Let’s Go Animal Tracks in the Snow, is a gentle and clever story and non-fiction picture book that engenders shared experiences. Vivid wintery scenes are intimate and expansive, and beautiful watercolors match and extend the text. Expressions of color notes pop from the pages like finding fresh tracks in new snow. This children’s book is an irresistible inside outside story: snuggle up for a good read and wondrous exploration.
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The Cape Ann Reads inaugural reception celebrating original children’s picture books by local artists and writers was held at City Hall in Gloucester, Massachusetts, January 27, 2018. Linda Bosselman of Sawyer Free Library was the official photographer for the packed event and she captured all its positive energy and people. An upcoming group exhibition featuring these participants will travel to the four Cape Ann communities. As you can see from the celebration pictures, the touring exhibition and its related receptions and readings will be worth a visit! Cape Ann Reads is an initiative by the four public libraries of Cape Ann.
The Cape Ann Reads reception and awards ceremony opened in style – thanks to the red-ribbon cutting courtesy of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and Ken Riehl.
Portraits of the artists and writers
City Hall is a gorgeous venue for an art fair. Linda photographed all the local artists and writers at their individual picture book display booths. Effort was high. Kind friends manned booths for participants who were unable to attend: Ashley was there for Steven Kennedy and Victoria Petway, and Sinikka Nogelo represented Gail and James Seavey.
Cape Ann Reads Medal Book- The Tree in Dock Square, written by Jean Woodbury (L) illustrations by Bonnie Sylvester (R)Dalton Takes Off by Randy Jones and Sara Wester If I were a Moose and other series by James Mckenna and illustrated by Juni VanDykeBike’s Big Adventure and by Charles illustrated by Alexia ParkerFaraway Grammie written by Marua Wadlinger and illustrated by Christina Ean SpanglerCindy Schimanski series with illustrators Jill Chiperinni and GibbonThe Prince of Winter by martha Shaw Geraghty and illustrated by John PlunkettAmy Prichard Gilbert and Gizmo’s Great AdventuresLet’s Go! Animal Tracks in the Snow written by Diane Polley and illustrated by Marion HallThe Best Way Home Barbara McLaughlinMary Rhinelander “Why does My dog…?”Ashley Pengelly sitting in for friends’ booth: Steven Kennedy and Victoria Petway Jimbo and His MustacheWhere in the World is Catherine Abigail written by michael LaPenna and illustrated by Leslie GalacarKim Smith Beauty on the WingPumpkin Carving, poems, Crabs the Lobster- G. and illustrated by Alexia ParkerAlice Gardner St Peter’s FiestaThe Tree in Dock Square by Jean Woodbury illustrated by Bonnie SylvesterMother and daughter- Small Elephant or Small one, written by Kirsten Allenbrook Wiberg and illustrated by Betty Allenbrook Wiberg by Daisy Nell and illustrated by George Ulrich- The Stowaway Mouse, Tilly and the Pirates, and Winnie at the WheelA Day in Rockport written by SD Kelly and illustrated by Mary FainoHenrietta’s Moon Egg by Claire WyzenbeekJim and Gail Seavey’s Above Water
Welcome
Awards ceremony program began with a warm welcome of support for the arts from Mayor Romeo Theken and opening remarks by the Library Directors and special dignitaries
Mayor Romeo ThekenKyrouz Auditorium Cape Ann Museum Director, Ronda FaloonSenator TarrSara Collins, Director, Manchester Public LibraryCindy Grove, Director, Rockport Public LibraryDeborah Kelsey, Director, Gloucester Lyceum& Sawyer FreeDeb French, Director, TOHP Burnham Library, Essex
Jurors
Deliberations were held at Cape Ann Museum and Beauport Hotel.
Cape Ann Reads convened a nine member selection panel that included representatives from each of the public libraries: Justine Vitale Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Public Library; Carol Bender, former Children’s and Teen Librarian, Rockport Public Library (now at Manchester); Kate Strong Stadt, former Head of Youth Services, Manchester-By-The-Sea Public Library; Ann Cowman, Young Adult Librarian, Manchester-By-The-Sea Public Library; and April Wanner, Assistant Librarian at the TOHP Burnham Library, Essex. Joining these talented library staff members were three artists and award winning children’s book author-illustrators: Pat Lowery Collins; Giles Laroche; and Anna Vojtech. Bob Ritchie proprietor of Dogtown Book Shop provided another crucial area of book world expertise. Cape Ann Reads is grateful for their time and considerable talents to help the participants and the process.
Each library and the Cape Ann Museum designated one child representative for the second jury — a thoughtful panel of children: Eli Porter, Alycia Hogan Lopez, John Recroft, Lucas Rodi, and Josie West. They put in tremendous effort to read every entry, prepare notes, and come together for discussion. They were tasked with close reading and instructions to let us know any books that were favorites or that they wanted to compliment. Several came to assist the event as junior staff.
Awards presentation – Cape Ann Reads Gulliver, Honor and Medal books
Thanks Tim McCarthy, Cape Ann Beacon, for this big reminder about the Cape Ann Reads celebration tomorrow, noon to four. Gloucester City Hall is set up and ready for dozens of area artists and writers and their original children’s picture books!
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Saturday – The upcoming Cape Ann Reads celebration at Gloucester City Hall is Saturday January 27 from noon to four. Gail’s article includes interviews with the four Library Directors and Mayor Romeo Theken. The color photograph that’s reproduced is a stunning drawing by Kim Smith from one of her children’s picture books, Beauty on the Wing. There’s also a photograph from Alice Gardner’s drawing installation at The Book Store for her published book St. Peter’s Fiesta. Here’s the link to the article and a clever title design: All Booked Up: Community Reception and Fair Celebrate literature and art for Children by Gail McCarthy, Gloucester Daily Times
This month: come to Gloucester’s City Hall on January 27 for a Cape Ann Reads celebration. Explore early drafts & drawings as well as published children’s picture art and books–all by Cape Ann artists and writers. The Book Store of Gloucester will have a satellite book shop devoted to published picture books right on site.
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From the Cape Ann Museum – Entrance to the museum is free in January for Cape Ann residents. Some programs require registering and tickets.
3PM Saturday, January 6 Quick Steps & Ballads prior GMG post
10AM- 12PM Saturday, January 13 CAM KIDS LEGO STUDIO. See prior GMG post
3PM Saturday, January 13, 2017 Cape Ann Narratives of Art in Life- A Discussion at the Cape Ann Museum
“The Cape Ann Museum is pleased to present Cape Ann Narratives of Art in Life: A Discussion on Saturday, January 13 at 3:00 p.m. This program is free for CAM members and Cape Ann residents or with Museum admission. Reservations are not required. Call (978)283-0455 x10 for more information.
Join Martin Ray and several of the artists featured in his new book Cape Ann Narratives of Art in Life. Ray’s work explores the artistic talent that local residents have brought to their occupations. Whether one is a writer or woodworker, pastor or painter, mayor or musician, Ray classifies each as an artist, and celebrates the mastery that is exhibited in his/her craft. Panelists include Anne Deneen, pastor; Nan Webber, theater director; Brian King, musician; and Stephen Bates, musician/sculptor.
During the month of January the Cape Ann Museum opens its doors to all Cape Ann residents, in an effort to encourage membership, but also to bring the greater community into closer contact with their art, history and culture. This program will do just that, shedding light on locals who take pride in their craft with unwavering commitment and dedication. Does pursuing one’s vocation make one an artist? You decide.” Image credit (book cover): Martin Ray, 2017.
10AM -12:15PM, Wednesdays, January 17-February 7, three Wednesdays– print workshop with Mary Rhinelander
Calling all children’s picture book fans! The four Cape Ann library directors and Mayor Romeo Theken hope you’ll join us for a very special Cape Ann Reads reception at Gloucester’s City Hall on Saturday January 27, 2018, to honor the scores of writers and artists that participated in the Cape Ann Reads contest. The party and pop-up portfolio/book fair will be open to the public from 12pm-4pm. There will be a brief awards ceremony at 1:30. Along with the medal and honor books, the jurors selected several more for special recognition. Breaking news: a group show of these will travel to all four communities in 2018 with support from the Bruce J Anderson Foundation, a Gold Sponsor.
Cape Ann Massachusetts can now boast the country’s FIRST ever picture book contest and programming hosted by four public libraries and wonderful community partners. The contest fostered the local children’s picture book network, and business in the region. Five books were self-published (or in the works) since the contest closed, reviewed and sold in local stores. An original Cape Ann Reads trophy by local artist, Jason Burroughs, has been commissioned and will be unveiled at the celebration.
Please contact capeannreads2016@gmail.com if you’d like to sponsor a prize or award–or any cafes or restaurants that want to showcase a small tray of light fare or coffee/tea–as there’s time to be included in the printed matter.
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“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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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.”
American artist Paul Manship (1885–1966) was internationally renowned since the 1920s. He maintained multiple homes and studios: two in the Unites States (New York and Gloucester, MA); Paris; London; and three in Italy. This very special purchase–the only one in the world of a Manship property– Starfield, in the Lanesville section of Gloucester, MA, was made possible by the incredible generosity of the Manship heirs, YOU- Gloucester and MA residents (City of Gloucester & the Commonwealth of MA monies were allocated to this initiative), foundations, businesses and private donations. Congratulations to Rebecca Reynolds and all involved. Early supporters included: the City of Gloucester; Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund (MassDevelopment in collaboration with the Massachusetts Cultural Council); the Boston Foundation; Essex County Community Foundation; McDonagh Family Foundation; Stella and Charles Guttman Foundation; National Trust for Historic Preservation; Massachusetts Cultural Council; New England Biolabs Foundation; and Essex National Heritage.
There are more than 15,000 historic house museums across the county, and just a few that were artists’ home and studios. One of the most influential is the Pollock-Krasner house in East Hampton, Long Island, established in 1988. A welcome recent addition is the Winslow Homer property in Portland, ME. Here’s hoping the Manship estate is a member on this Historic Artists’ Homes & Studios (HAHS) map soon. Currently, the Massachusetts sites include Daniel Chester French’s Chesterwood in Stockbridge, and the Frelinghuysen Morris home in Lenox.
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Here is a digital who’s who catalogue with portraits of the participating artists and scenes from the inaugural Cape Ann Art Show at the Beauport Hotel Gloucester, MA. The art fair and the hotel were jumping on this gorgeous evening. Original works of art (not reproductions) were priced under $100 and up from there. The artists and the hotel were so well prepared and joyous, I was compelled to record their effort. Apologies if I missed anyone. I jotted down contact information and linked to artists when possible.
Read more continues to participating artists (F-Z)
They’re in alphabetical order. Please let me know if you or your contact information was missed. I tried to capture the complete installation. Congratulations to the artists and Beauport Hotel! It was a great fair.
It’s a scene! This affordable art fair is open till 8:30 Local art from dozens of Cape Ann artists! More photos of artists by their booths coming in a follow up post.
What a fabulous idea and venue for this fair. Congratulations to Cathy at Beauport
and all the artists!
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Charles Fine Art is hosting a book launch Tuesday June 13 for the new children’s book about Bobbi, The Girl Who Ran, by Kristina Yee and Frances Poletti with illustrations by Susanna Chapman. The event is co hosted by Sawyer Free Library and The Book Store. Here’s the Kirkus Review:
“In cooperation with Gibb herself, Poletti and Yee tell the story of the first woman to run the Boston Marathon, questioning authority with her feet.
The Boston Marathon had been taking place for 70 years when Bobbi Gibb, a white woman, steps illegally to the starting line in 1966, a hoodie covering her hair. Her road there is strewn with the land mines of bias, everything from “So unladylike” to the official comments on the rejection to her application: “Women cannot run marathons. It’s against the rules.” Poletti and Yee neatly evoke the joy some find in running, simply running. Gibb “ran with her pack, going higher and higher, / the world whooshing by, like the wind in the fire.” Such couplets are found every few pages, the last four words the refrain. Readers gain a sense of the experience through Chapman’s artwork, the light-footed energy of the watercolors slipping outside the pen’s fine line, a veil of wind trailing behind Gibb. Halfway through the race her ruse is up. She is boiling in her hoodie and confides to a fellow marathoner, a black man, that she is afraid of ejection. “We won’t let anyone throw you out; it’s a free road.” Well-told and illustrated, Gibb’s story speaks to not only women’s fight for equality, but the power of community.”
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and all the artists!
Last chance | last week to visit current group exhibition at
“In cooperation with Gibb herself, Poletti and Yee tell the story of the first woman to run the Boston Marathon, questioning authority with her feet.
Good Morning Gloucester 