Tag: Cape Ann Reads

this Week! Special Guests Jean Woodbury and Bonnie L. Sylvester Join The Paper Mermaid, Essex, Sawyer Free, and Manchester Public Libraries For #PictureBooks Holiday Storytimes

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Award-winning author Jean Woodbury and illustrator Bonnie L. Sylvester join The Paper Mermaid and the libraries on Cape Ann for holiday fun featuring the children’s picture book, The Tree in Dock Square.

The free family events will include story time, book and holiday crafts, autographed copies with Jean, and in Gloucester custom art with Bonnie, too.

Cape Ann READingS: The Tree on Dock Square on the go.

Schedule:

Dec. 1 The Paper Mermaid at 4:00PM | 57 Main Street, Rockport

Special story time event: Jean Woodbury

Dec. 2 TOHP Essex Burnham Library at 4:00PM

Special story time event: Jean Woodbury

Dec. 3 Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Public Library at 2:00PM

Special story time event: Jean Woodbury and Bonnie L. Sylvester

Dec. 10 Manchester Public Library at 2:00PM

Special story time event: Jean Woodbury

Visit The Tree in Dock Square website www.thetreeindocksquare.com

Check out the new release: The Tree in Dock Square Book Trailer by Megan Mathieson!

Claire Wyzenbeek | Still Alight: Opening Reception with the artist Saturday October 1st from 2-5pm Jane Deering Gallery #gloucesterMA

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Save the date for upcoming solo exhibition:

CLAIRE WYZENBEEK | Still Alight

October 1 – October 30, 2022

Opening reception: Saturday, October 1st from 2-5pm

Jane Deering Gallery, 19 Pleasant St., Gloucester, MA

Works from the exhibition can be viewed at:https://www.janedeeringgallery.com/claire-wyzenbeek-still-alight

The imagery in Claire’s paintings uses life events, emotions and states of awareness as
inspirations. This awareness comes from an internal truth or a deep connection to the natural world. Color has an emotional resonance that is often the starting point of a painting. Her figures and landscapes exist in symbolic settings, painted from both memory and life. Some juxtapose opposing sensations like joy and suffering, or love and anguish. In other works, she explores a specific feeling or physical experience. Recurring themes are renewal, journeys, the female body, relationships, and the spiritual power of Nature.

About the artist

Claire Wyzenbeek holds a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and a Diploma (Painting and Art History) from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Massachusetts. She maintains a studio in Gloucester on Cape Ann, Massachusetts. Wyzenbeek teaches art at Yes Art Space in Beverly, Massachusetts. Her work has been exhibited in numerous shows regionally and nationally. Follow her at clairewyzenbeek.com and on Instagram @claire_skylark.

Fireworks Rockport Illumination Night & Day Saturday August 13, 2022

Posted on by Catherine

Reminder this coming Saturday: Rockport Massachusetts is hosting the annual Rockport Illumination day of free family summer fun!

Volunteers help place the enchanting paper lanterns in earnest this Thursday.

Illumination Day Schedule 2022 – Saturday August 13th
11:00-2:30

Art and merchant raffles. Join us in paint your own lantern, face painting, kids activities, and…storytelling! Sponsored by “Institution for Savings”

Storytime Readers
11:00 Rockport Chief of Police John Horvath
11:30 Selectman Paul Murphy
12:00 Selectwoman Denise Donnelly
12:30 Emily Souza Children’s Librarian Rockport Public Library
1:00 Jean Woodbury local author of “The Tree in Dock Square”

Music in Dock Square
2-4 Rhiannon Hurst, Steve Lacey, Jace Mason / Jazz Music
4:15-6:15 – RPS Band / Rhythm/Soul
6:30-8:30 Northwest Fox Trio / Alternative Rock

Fireworks

9pm (will last about 20-25 minutes)

Rain date August 14th.

featured storytime reading 1pm

paper lanterns photo- c. ryan, 2016

2022 GRANT OPPORTUNITIES! BRUCE J. ANDERSON AND ESSEX HERITAGE DEADLINES ARE DUE IN FEBRUARY.

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What ideas would you submit? See below for application details and links.

DEADLINE FEBRUARY 14, 2022

We are pleased to announce the 2022 Request for Proposals for the Bruce J. Anderson Foundation, a supporting organization of The Boston Foundation. The Bruce J. Anderson Foundation has been making grants on Cape Ann and in the Nashoba Valley for over 30 years. The Bruce J. Anderson Foundation provides grants for programs, direct services and new initiatives in the fields of mental health (treatment, research and suicide prevention, with a particular interest in mental health services supporting LGBTQIA young people), environmental protection, historic and archival preservation, and the arts.  

Please review the guidelines carefully and note that the application deadline is Monday, February 14, 2022. Grant announcements will be made in mid-June.  

Applications must be submitted online. Please find the application here: https://bostonfoundation.submittable.com/submit.  

We hope you will consider taking advantage of this Bruce J. Anderson Foundation funding opportunity. Questions regarding program eligibility can be directed to the attention of Sophia Hancock at shancock@tpi.org.  

The Bruce J. Anderson Team 
Sophia Hancock
Program Associate
The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI) | The Boston Foundation

DEADLINE FEBRUARY 25

The Essex Heritage Partnership Grant Program is a reimbursable, matching grant program for municipalities and qualified non-profit organizations whose activities support our mission to preserve and enhance the historic, cultural, and natural resources of the Essex National Heritage Area (Essex County, MA). Interested applicants have until Friday, February 25, 2022, at 11:59 PM to submit applications for eligible projects focused in one of four categories:

Education: Create or further develop educational opportunities for youth 
Interpretation: Increase awareness and understanding of the region’s heritage 
Preservation: Preserve or enhance historic structures, landscapes, or cultural resources 
Access and Inclusion: Enhance access to the many resources offered within the Essex National Heritage Area through structural or programmatic updates or transportation. Examples of this category can include projects such as social justice-focused presentations, transportation for youth to access natural and cultural resources within the heritage area, or ADA improvements including wheelchair lifts, ramps, and interpretation aids.

Detailed information about the Essex Heritage Partnership Grant Program, including application materials and guidelines can be found here.

-Please email Charles Smith with questions at charless@essexheritage.org or call 978-226-8154.

Final days and Leap Year reception for authors & artists – Once Upon a Contest children’s picture book show at Rockport Public Library

Posted on by Catherine

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Closing Reception Saturday 11AM 2/29/2020

Final days to catch Once Upon a Contest at beautiful Rockport Public Library, and the delightful installations by Betty Allenbrook Wiberg, CAR Invited Artist, Rockport. Please spread the word!

The library is open until 8pm today, Thursday, February 27, 2020.

The library is closed Fridays!

The library is open 10-5 on Saturday RECEPTION 11AM (some nice surprises )

(The library is open Sunday 1-5)

Fun extra: Enjoy this short video about acclaimed  picture book artist and author, Giles Laroche, creating paper art. His most recent book is coming April 2020!

https://video214.com/play/NpH3oe6MuPEWhZJ5h6lymw/s/dark

video by Meghan Gocke

still from Giles laroche short video feb 2020 by Meghan Gocke

Good read! Front Page Rockport art show in Cape Ann Beacon

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Cape Ann Beacon front page_20200217_Betty Allenbrook Wibert and Cape Ann Reads Rockport show February 2020
photo: Cape Ann Beacon Front page | Twin Lights, February 17, 2020

“…In 1954, I met my husband Lars-Erik Wiberg outside my father’s Rockport studio while he was working on a car. Yes, in those days one could park there. We married in 1957 and lived at the Fish House, 27 Bearskin Neck, while I transferred to UMass Art…” – excerpt Betty Allenbrook Wiberg

The front page Cape Ann Beacon story, Rockport is show’s final stop: Betty Allenbrook Wiberg is featured artist for Cape Ann Reads picture book exhibit, published on February 14, 2020, includes a great note by Wiberg. You can read the complete piece on the Beacon’s website here https://gloucester.wickedlocal.com/news/20200214/rockport-to-host-once-upon-contest . The exhibit is on display at Rockport Public Library through Feburary 29, 2020. There is a reception February 29 starting at 11am. Wiberg installed a concurrent temporary installation in the children’s room and display case in the hall, across from the wonderful Recchia Mother Goose sculpture.

1985 Holiday Lights decorated homes competition | throwback Gloucester Daily Times article #GloucesterMA from Pauline

Posted on by Catherine

In response to the recent Holiday Lights posts on GMG, Pauline Bresnahan shared a fun memory about a holiday lights competition sponsored by local realtors on Cape Ann in 1985. Her father, Philip McComiskey, won the most festive home category that inaugural year. This First Lighting Contest held by Lufkin & Brown Inc., awarded prizes in three categories.

Reporter Ken Fish wrote that “Midge Kart’s display on 729 Western Avenue, Magnolia – a combination of red velvet ribbon, Christmas lights and spotlights — won in the most traditional category…Philip McComiskey’s lighted trees at 514 Essex Avenue won the festive award…The creche at Lester Mountain Sr.’s home at 2A Pigeon Hill Ct., Rockport won in the religious category…”

Judges were Fitz Lufkin, Ruth Pino, John Kent, Sharon Surma, Diane Polley (author of Let’s Go! Animal Tracks in the Snow, a Cape Ann Reads Honor book), Susan Scola and AnthonyMilitello. Read the article for the fun details and bonus – find out who was awarded the honorable mentions!

Gloucester Daily Times article, “A Light Touch for Christmas: Light Displays”, by Ken Fish (click to enlarge the photos of the article or here for a Printable PDF “A Light Touch for Christmas” GDT article)

 

 

Hazel the dog sang with gusto at Cape Ann Reads library storytime! She inspired Mary Rhinelander’s charming picture book Why Does My Dog…?

Posted on by Catherine

 

 

Sawyer Free Library Children’s Services presented a fun family program featuring Mary Rhinelander for a weekly storytime with Christy.  Rhinelander read from her smart and funny new picture book, ‘Why does my dog…?” inspired by her lovable pet, Hazel, and fast facts about dogs. To everyone’s delight, her dog made an appearance and many new friends! 🙂🐾🐶

Hazel was so comfortable amidst all the bustle, she left us with a song when Rhinelander played a tune; a first time the dog shared her endearing talent in such a crowd. (And no treats were involved!) My battery died but there’s enough here to convey the joy:

Fine artist, Mary Rhinelander, works in a variety of media.  “Why does my dog sniff other dogs’ butts? (and other important questions),” is one of several picture books underway by Rhinelander as author & illustrator. Images below of original works and/or design in process © copyright Mary Rhinelander.

 

“Ever wondered “Why Does My Dog…”? Well I have! This picture book answers questions even adult readers ask themselves. Indeed, why DOES my dog chase her own tail? Dig holes in the back yard? Lick me all the time? These questions and many more are simply answered through a combination of words and humorous illustration.” – Mary 

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Library flyer for special event 9/11/19 

 

 

Save the date! Artist Mary Rhinelander reads from her children’s picture book for a special Cape Ann Reads storytime with Christy Rosso at Sawyer Free Library

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Sawyer Free Library Children’s Services shares the flyer for this fun family program with special guest, Mary Rhinelander.  A surprise friend may make an appearance 🙂🐾🐶

Mark your calendars for this Wonderful  storytime September 11 2019 10AM

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scenes from August evening arts reception at Sawyer Free Library

Posted on by Catherine

On August 15, 2019, Sawyer Free Library hosted a beautiful celebration for Once Upon a Contest. A second reception for the artists and writers will be held on September 19th with an opening talk by Claire Wyzenbeek, the invited artist for this leg of the show. Also, look for upcoming special morning programs featuring Kim Smith, Mary Rhinelander and Claire Wyzenbeek.

Special thanks for photos:  credit mostly Linda Bosselman and Justine Vitale, SFL

 

flyer by Linda 2

Front page news| Sawyer Free Library features Once Upon A Contest children’s picture books

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Photos courtesy Sawyer Free Library ©J Vitale

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Gloucester Daily Times tremendous support for arts and library coverage is a big community builder.

Read Gloucester Daily Times article, “Cape Ann Reads Show Moves to Sawyer Free library”, by Caroline Enos here

 

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KIM SMITH FREE MONARCH EVENT FOR KIDS AT THE SAWYER FREE LIBRARY

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Save the date for my upcoming Monarch Butterfly program for kids at the Sawyer Free Library on August 21st at 10am. This program is free and held in conjunction with the Cape Ann Reads exhibit on display at the Sawyer Free.

Summer smiles for Curious Creatures at Sawyer Free Children’s Library

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Sawyer Free Library (SFL) Children’s Services  shares photographs from Curious Creatures program (July 25, 2019), one of many special summer 2019 events amidst regular weekly busy & fabulous children’s programs. Photo credit: Linda Bosselman. Christy Russo is the children’s services director.

Scroll below to see photographs from the teen program held later that day, Galaxy Tie Dye.

Scenes from Curious Creatures summer program Childrens Services Sawyer Free Public Library July 27 2019 ©Linda Bosselman (2)

 

 

 

Snakes of New England with Rick Roth scheduled tomorrow! Mark your calendar for more summer fun.

SFL flyer for Curious Creatures summer 2019
Snakes of New England Coming Saturday July 27, 2019

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Not to miss ongoing weekly programs PLUS Summer Reading 2019 A Universe of Stories special events

 

Scenes from Sawyer Free Library teen program yesterday,  Galaxy Tie-Dye, programming inspired by the 2019 summer reading theme “A Universe of Stories”.

 

 

 

Now that security help is squared away, let’s open that side door back up to its open space and make it easy on these outdoor programs (and patrons)  to set up and go.

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TODAY! Diane Polley and Marion Hall special fun Friday event at TOHP Burnham Library 4pm

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From TOHP Burnham Librarians: “Don’t miss our last Cape Ann Reads Fun Friday this week, June 7, 4pm on the 3rd floor! Join our very own Essex resident, award winning author Diane Rafti Polley and illustrator Marion Hall as they share their work, “Let’s Go! Animal Tracks in the Snow.” Enjoy hearing the story, learning about its creation and participating in fun, themed activities and crafts!

 

 

If you haven’t been yet, it’s a great day to check out the library and the memorial playground!

TOHP Burnham_20190416_©c ryan.jpg

Kids and family program featuring Barbara McLaughlin TOHP Burnham Library Essex May 31 4pm

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For all those interested in the progress of the Cape Ann Reads Children’s Book Contest story The Best Way Home, written and illustrated by Barbara McLaughlin, McLaughlin will be at the Burnham Library in Essex for a reading with an art demonstration and activities for young artists. 

Friday, May 31 from 4 – 5 PM, art materials will be provided 

Bring children and grandchildren ages 5 and up so they can share their budding talent!

Very best regards,

Barbara McLaughlin

Scenes from Essex TOHP Burnham Library Reception

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Here are a few scenes from the open house on Saturday May 18, 2019 at TOHP Burnham Library, Essex, for the Once Upon a Contest Cape Ann Reads exhibition. Most of the photos were taken at the beginning and at the end. What a great turn out on what felt like the first sunny Saturday this spring! Library Director Deborah French and librarian April Wanner welcomed the artists and writers and the community to a lovely public reception. The Friends of the Library provided coffee and baked goodies.

You can catch the exhibition at this venue through June 21, 2019. The temporary public art series by Alexia Parker is on view in this hall and look for one work in the library on the main floor. Three special upcoming programs in Essex feature Barbara McLaughlin this Friday May 31st at 4pm; Diane Polley & Marion Hall June 7th, 4pm; and Betty Allenbrook Wiberg. Contact the library for more information. Good to know: two fantastic playgrounds are close by the library and this exhibition: Memorial Park on the grounds surrounding TOHP, and Eagle’s Nest at Essex Elementray on Story Street.

 

Reception at TOHP Burnham Library Essex Mass._ artists and writers of Once Upon a Contest Selections from Cape Ann Reads exhibition _20190518_about 60 guests all ages stopped by © c ryan (10).jpg

 

Family fun tomorrow! TOHP Burnham #EssexMA party 10am-noon, and Motif #1 all day #RockportMA

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TOHP Burnham Essex Public Reception Saturday, May 18 10AM-NOON

Temporary Public Art: Alexia Parker
Fun Fridays: May 10, 17, 31, June 7 4PM
Author James McKenna & Illust. Juni VanDyke If I were Series 5/10; llust. Alexia Parker Bike’s Big Adventure and Pumpkin Carving 5/17; Author & Illust. Barbara McLaughlin The Long Way Home 5/31; Author Diane Polley & Illust. Marion Hall Let’s Go! Animal Tracks in the Snow 6/7

TOHP Burnham Library, Essex
30 Martin Street, Essex, MA 01929
978.768.7410
Days/Hours: M1-7,T1-5,W1-7,Th10-5,F1-5,S10-12
https://essexpubliclibrary.org

Essex Bicentennial display also on view.

snapshot scenes from Fun Friday May 10th and today below and TOHP Burnham hall installation views, Alexia Parker paper collage series, Hometown, for Once Upon a Contest group exhibition. 

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Rockport Motif #1 Saturday, May 18 all day

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Last chance to catch Once Upon a Contest in Manchester-by-the-Sea and temporary public art by Leslie Galacar

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Tomorrow is the last day to catch the travel exhibition Once Upon a contest in Manchester. Explore fantastic new children’s books by local authors and artists at the lovely Manchester Historical Museum. Friday will also be the last chance to catch Leslie Galacar’s temporary work consisting of a series of intricate illustrations that progress from the entry to the main gallery. Can you find this one on site?

The exhibition changes with each installation as each locale and architecture is unique and special-  as are the programs and public art component. The reading and art exhibit is coming to Essex next, opening on May 4th at TOHP Burnham Library.

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Today’s paper: artist Leslie Galacar featured at Historical Museum

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Once Upon a Contest is on view through April 26 at the Manchester Historical Museum for the Manchester Public Library leg of this travel exhibit.  Leslie Galacar created a site specific 4 part piece that will be displayed for the length of the Manchester run.

Read Gloucester Daily Times “Manchester illustrator featured at Historical Museum” here 

Leslie Galacar temporary works featured in GDT_20190420_Cape Ann Reads at Manchester Historical Museum

one of four Once Upon a Contest temporary public art works_copyright aritst Leslie Galacar Manchester MA.jpg

Skipping to storytime! Big little crowd for Once Upon A Contest event featuring artist Juni VanDyke at the museum Manchester-by-the-Sea

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Today’s program Seaside Saturdays: Cape Ann Reads Book Fun was enjoyed by all ages and featured the Once Upon a Contest group exhibition, stories and special guest artist, Juni VanDyke, who illustrated the If I Were series by James McKenna. Seaside Saturdays is a joint offering by Early Childhood Partners/CFCE, Manchester Public Library & Manchester Historical Museum. Once Upon a Contest Selections from Cape Ann Reads by the four libraries of Cape Ann is on display at Manchester Historical Museum through April 26th. In addition to the new and original books by local artists and writers, don’t miss Leslie Galacar’s four part public art sequence made just for this venue.

Skipping to story time!_Once Upon a Contest Manchester Historical Museum_20190413_© c ryan
perfect timing- skipping to Story Time? (I wondered if they were going to the museum. They were!)

 

Bustle of arriving, exploring (nifty new museum display!), visting, settling, and seat selecting

 

Once Upon A Contest program featuring Juni VanDyke at Manchester Historical Museum_20190413_©catherine ryan (4)
Celebrating collaboration and picture books- photo L to R: Beth Welin, Director Manchester Historical Museum, Carol Bender Librarian (and former Cape Ann Reads jury member) Manchester Public Library, and Melanie Wood with Early Childhood Partners

 

AERIAL Once Upon A Contest program featuring Juni VanDyke at Manchester Historical Museum_20190413_©catherine ryan (20)Busy, busy- Children chose drawings VanDyke created especially for this event and set to work collaging. 

 

detail from public art in four pieces for Once Upon a Contest by Leslie Galacar for the Manchester leg of travel show
detail from site-specific public art in four parts by Leslie Galacar for Once Upon a Contest, Manchester Public Library at Manchester Historical Museum