Tag: Cape Ann Reads

First solo museum exhibition for artist Marion Hall opens October 5th, 2018 Manchester Historical Museum

Posted on by Catherine
Marion Hall exhibition opening at Manchester Historical_20180929_©Catherine Ryan
Annoucement for Marion Hall solo exhibition opening October 5th, 2018 Manchester Historical Museum, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Ma. ©Catherine Ryan

 

The Manchester Historical Museum opens the first major solo museum exhibit of Manchester based artist, Marion Hall, October 5th, 2018 with an artist’s reception from 6:30-8:30PM.  The show features recent watercolors and will be on view through November 10. The museum is located at 10 Union Street, within the historic Trask House (1823), Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts.

About the artist and scenes from the artist’s studio Continue reading “First solo museum exhibition for artist Marion Hall opens October 5th, 2018 Manchester Historical Museum” →

Gail McCarthy features Diane Polley and Marion Hall “Celebrating a new illustrated children’s book” today’s paper

Posted on by Catherine

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.

Celebrating a new illustrated children’s book by Gail McCarthy, Gloucester Daily Times, September 6, 2018

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.”

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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.

Juni VanDyke street art public murals coming to Rose Baker Senior Center and more great news!

Posted on by Catherine

Juni VanDyke is busy working on a figurative mural series that will be installed along the Rogers side of Rose Baker Senior Center in Gloucester, Massachusetts. VanDyke resides in Cape Ann and has been the stellar Director of the arts program at Rose Baker Senior Center since 1993.  Her classes are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, “elbow to elbow on Tuesdays and Thursday mornings, and in the afternoons.” All are welcome.

In addition to teaching art classes, she rotates exhibitions of art created by participants in the various art programs. Fine artist Mary McCarl and Helen Burgess will have their work on exhibit in the lobby of the senior center beginning April 4th though July 5th.

VanDyke is also curating the show “Closely Related” for Flatrocks gallery opening May 27 – June 24, 2018. The exhibit “attempts to identify and examine artistic elements that appear congruently in works by artists related by friendship or marriage, or by filial kinship, or by the duality of artist and place, or…other. Is our art influenced by our environment; our politics; the company we keep and/or by our generic connections? And is what we create truly unique? Or was Picasso right when he said: Every painting already has a mother and a father?” Exhibiting artists: Kathleen Archer, Shelly Champion, Loren Doucette, Paige Farrell, Jay McLaughlin, Barbara Moody, Hans Pundt, Lynne Sauselle, Patti Sullivan, Juni VanDyke

 

 

Juni Van Dyke discusses her Rose Baker Senior Center mural project ©c ryan March 2018 (2)

Phase II Rose Baker Senior Center site for a second new Juni Van Dyke mural  –after the lively figurative series is completed.

 

Juni’s geraniums at home and work- top floor windows at Rose Baker

Read more about Juni Van Dyke: Artist of such expressive power and spirit. Last year Room & Board commissioned art from Juni,  and her illustrations for children’s books were recognized by Cape Ann Reads and will be featured in a group exhibit in 2018. The collage media informed her approach with the Rogers Street series.

GloucesterCast 264 with Jim and Pat Dalpiaz, Nichole Schrafft, Erinn Whitmore, Kim Smith, Host Joey Ciaramitaro Taped 1/28/18

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GloucesterCast 264 with Jim and Pat Dalpiaz, Nichole Schrafft, Erinn Whitmore, Kim Smith, Host Joey Ciaramitaro Taped 1/28/18

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When you subscribe you need to verify your email address so they know we’re not sending you spam and that you want to receive the podcast. So once you subscribe check your email for that verification. If you don’t see it, check your spam folder in your email acct so you can verify that you’d like to get the GloucesterCast Podcast sent to you for listening at your convenience..

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Topics Include:

Free Tickets To Cape Ann Community Cinema – Share this post on Facebook for a chance to win two free tickets to Cape Ann Community Cinema, The Cinema Listings are always stickied in the GMG Calendar at the top of the blog or you can click here to go directly to the website

Meat Hoodie Gift From Rick Doucette

YMCA TEEN LEADERS CANS/NON-PERISHABLE FOOD DRIVE IS CLOSING IN ON THEIR GOAL!

Nichole’s Picks- February School Vacation Ideas: Providence Bruins, Dave and Busters, Nestlenook Farm Jackson NH, Patriot Place Hall of Fame, Ice Skating, Bass Pro Shops, Bodaborg, Escape This Live, The Escape Room, Tubing At Nashoba Valley, Amesbury Sports Park, Stray Boots, Geocaching.

Erinn Whitmore- www.growlinc.org 
Coyote Meeting At The  Cultural Center at Rocky Neck on February 26th at 7pm
Cape Ann Art Haven Buoy Auction
The Female Snowy Owl On The Back Shore
Warren Waugh auctioned off Patriots Tickets With The Proceeds Going To Alzheimer Association
Mile Marker and noticed they have Family Night every Tuesday 5-8 PM : swimming and fun for the whole family.  Kids pay their age and no one pays more than $10 at the Aqua Room.

They also have an upcoming Wine Dinner Feb 22: https://capeannmarina.com/event/winter-wine-dinner/      and other special events.

The Bridge Cape Ann ran a great benefit last night and we learned Left-Right-Center!  We’ll be on the lookout for other events they run  https://www.bridgecapeann.com/

Sandpiper Bakery comes through with twice baked almond croissants (Pat and Jimmy Placed An order
https://www.sandpiperbakery.com/

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Only a complete psycho eats a croissant like this-

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HUGE SHOUT OUT TO CATHERINE RYAN, CAPE ANN READS ORGANIZER AND DIRECTOR EXTRAORDINAIRE!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

There are so many to thank for the tremendous success of the Cape Ann Reads Book Fair and Celebration, but one huge extra special shout out goes to Catherine Ryan for all that she did to make the day sing.

Thank you Catherine ❤ ❤ ❤

 

Unfortunately I didn’t take very many photos today, but here you can see Mayor Sefatia giving accolades to Catherine for not only the tremendous job she did helping to launch and organize Cape Ann Reads, but for her role as the Mayor’s art liaison, and for all that she does each and everyday for the Cape Ann arts community.

Ribbon Cutting for the inaugural Cape Ann Reads celebration, the first of what promises to be an annual event.

SUPER FUN KID ACTIVITIES AT CAPE ANN READS TODAY AT CITY HALL!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

From noon to four this afternoon City Hall will be abuzz with a special celebration exhibiting the work of Cape Ann children’s book authors and illustrators. Each author has a table with their projects. Come meet and talk to the authors about their original stories. The illustrators have created art coloring sheets taken from the pages of the books to give to guests. The award ceremony, hosted by Mayor Sefatia, takes place at 1:30. This is a unique and new book fair created by Cape Ann’s four library directors, Deborah Kelsey (Gloucester), Deborah French (Essex), Sara Collins (Manchester), Cindy Grove (Rockport), and art director Catherine Ryan.

I am looking forward to seeing all the artists coloring sheets. My Monarch Butterfly project and documentary film Beauty on the Wing: Life Story of the Monarch Butterfly first incarnation was an illustrated book, then photo exhibit, and now film.

The illustration above is of a male and female Monarch mating. The Monarchs fly up into a tree and stay joined together, abdomen to abdomen, for about four hours. The blue butterflies are a cousin of the Monarchs, the Blue Tiger of India (Tirumala limniace), but you can color your butterflies anyway you see fit–I’d love to see a pair of rainbow Monarchs 🙂

Read more about the Cape Ann Reads celebration in a post by Catherine about Gail McCarthy’s Gloucester Times article here.

coming home to sunset and nice news

Posted on by Catherine

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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Gail McCarthy highlights Cape Ann Reads and Cape Ann Art Haven in Gloucester Daily Times

Posted on by Catherine

in the news- Gail McCarthy highlights two family fun events in today’s Gloucester Daily Times

Friday – The annual Cape Ann Art Haven buoy auction is tomorrow night at Cruiseport!

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

All Booked Up spotlight Cape Ann Reads Celebration by Gail McCarthy for Gloucester Daily times January 25 2018.jpg

Continue reading “Gail McCarthy highlights Cape Ann Reads and Cape Ann Art Haven in Gloucester Daily Times” →

COUNTDOWN TO CAPE ANN READS CHILDREN’S BOOK FAIR AND CELEBRATION!!

Posted on by Kimsmithdesigns

CAPE ANN READS BOOK FAIR is happening Saturday!

Don’t miss this wonderful celebration, the first of what is hoped to be a recurring fair. Cape Ann’s four library directors and Mayor Sefatia are planning a fantastic reception for the attendees, authors, and artists in what promises to be a super fun and unique new event. The fair will take place at Kyrouz Auditorium at City Hall from noon to four with the award ceremony scheduled for 1:30. See the list of authors and artists in the flyer below, but I just want to draw attention to several of my very favorite local artists, names that you will surely recognize, that are participating–Daisy Nell, Mary Rhinelander, Juni VanDyke, Sarah Kelly, Mary Faino, Alice Gardner–I think you get the idea of the caliber of work that is going to be exhibited. Shoutout to Catherine Ryan for all that she is doing to make this fantastic and original celebration possible. When you see her, please give her a huge thank you. 

I hope to see you there!

Cape Ann Reads celebrates picture books Jan 27 City Hall #GloucesterMA

Posted on by Catherine

Cape Ann Reads invitation for aritsts and writers

Gloucester Daily Times update on Cape Ann Reads

Posted on by Catherine

Look for special group exhibits and readings to be announced later in 2018- “Cape Ann Reads to Hit the Road” 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.

Gail McCarthy Gloucester Daily Times announcing Bruce J Anderson grant award for Cape Ann Reads January 8 2017

Cape Ann Reads Children’s Picture Book Celebration reception and fair

Posted on by Catherine

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.

SAVE THE DATE Cape Ann Reads celebration reception Jan 27 2018 (3)

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.

Essex National Heritage: 7 Cape Ann awards, Bass Rocks Golf Club, & just how many people visit Salem?

Posted on by Catherine

There are 49 National Heritage Areas throughout the United States. Massachusetts shares three of its four with neighboring states: CT, NH and RI.  The fourth, Essex National Heritage Area, is the only one located entirely within the Commonwealth. The enviable Essex National Heritage Area was established in 1996 for all of Essex County, Massachusetts, its 34 cities and towns, nearly 10,000 historic places on the national historic register, 26 national historic landmarks and 2 National Park headquarters (Salem and Saugus Iron Works).  Trails and Sails is just one of Essex National Heritage’s memorable rallying efforts. Make sure to participate! Another initiative is the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway which calls attention to our county via its lovely, historic roads. You may have noticed the brown byway signs which were installed in 2012 after years of establishing the best routes to re-connect and highlight Essex County. This is one of the signs installed in Gloucester, MA. David Rhinelander helped with the Gloucester and Cape Ann part.

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2017 Essex National Heritage Presenters

The Essex National Heritage Commission (Essex Heritage) held its Annual Fall Meeting on Thursday, October 4 at the Flint Public Library in Middleton. Business and community leaders throughout the county were in attendance. John Farmer, Essex National Heritage President, mentioned that he joined Bass Rocks Golf Club and that he enjoyed visiting the Gloucester HarborWalk for this year’s Trails & Sails in his opening report. Farmer is the Senior Vice President & Senior Credit Officer, of Eastern Bank, Lynn, one of the major Lightkeeper Sponsors* for Essex National Heritage.

 

President Essex National Heritage, John P. Farmer, Senior Vice President & Senior Credit Officer, Eastern Bank, Lynn 20171004_083544
John Farmer, Essex National Heritage President, Essex National Heritage Commission. Farmer is the Senior Vice President & Senior Credit Officer, of Eastern Bank, Lynn, one of the major Lightkeeper Sponsors* for Essex National Heritage

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Massachusetts House of Representatives Ted Speliotis
Paul DePrey, Superintendent National Park Service, Salem and Saugus Iron Works
Mr. Rick Jakious, District Director for Congressman Seth Moulton
Annie Harris, CEO Essex national Heritage
Annie Harris CEO Essex National Heritage
Essex National Heritage great staff
Melissa Gaspar, Library Director Flint Library
busy – Emily and Meredith from Essex National Heritage
Andrew Sheehan, Middleton Town Administrator
Catherine Essex Nationl Heritage Flint Library

Can you guess how many guests the busy Salem vistitor center welcomed since 2013? Paul DePrey, the National Park Service Superintendent for the Salem Martime & Saugus Iron Works National Historic Sites, shared this update…

Continue reading “Essex National Heritage: 7 Cape Ann awards, Bass Rocks Golf Club, & just how many people visit Salem?” →

New children’s picture book by Maura Wadlinger! Faraway Grammie

Posted on by Catherine

Faraway Grammie: A Rockport Story is a fantastic, original new children’s picture by Maura Wadlinger with illustrations by Christina Ean Spangler.

You may know Maura from the major part she played in establishing Rockport’s Cultural District, or from her gardening, especially with Rockport’s Millbrook Meadow. Contact Maura for pre orders. Stay tuned for more about this beatiful new book, and details announcing when and where we’ll be able to purchase it on Cape Ann.

As a Cape Ann Reads finalist, the book will be featured in the Cape Ann Reads group exhibition and readings!

 

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Don’t miss the Alice Gardner art exhibition at The Bookstore of Gloucester | dozens of Fiesta books already sold!

Posted on by Catherine

The Bookstore of Gloucester
hosts
Alice Gardner | St Peter’s Fiesta Gloucester, Massachusetts
A solo exhibition featuring the original illustrations (gouache, pen&ink, some acrylic) for her NEW children’s picture book published ©2017 the 90th Anniversary of Gloucester’s St. Peter’s Fiesta!
Address: 61 Main Street. Gloucester, MA 01930
Exhibition dates: June 3, 2017 – Fiesta and beyond!
Bookstore phone: (978) 281-1548

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday June 17

The first St. Peter’s Fiesta book launch and debut reading will be held at Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Public Library as a special part of a celebration program for the 90th Anniversary Party of St. Peter’s Fiesta thrown by the library, The Bookstore and Caffe Sicilia on Saturday June 17, 10-11:15AM 

“After coming to Gloucester so much I finally said I have to get a studio so I can spend my days here!”

She did. Alice Gardner maintains a studio in downtown Gloucester, next to the Cape Ann Museum. She has lived on the North Shore for more than 40 years. St. Peter’s Fiesta is a subject Gardner has photographed, chronicled and painted for over a decade.

Gardner says that multiple programs and contacts stemming from the Cape Ann Reads initiative and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators were critical in getting this new book into production. “Just do it!” was a motivating topic from a Steven Pressfield talk sponsored by the latter. She did. She created an entire new body of some of the Fiesta moments that have touched her most, alive with color and completed in time to coincide with the 2017 90th year Anniversary. Gardner was also inspired by Anita Silvey’s Cape Ann Reads presentations. She said Silvey mentioned “calling all these celebrities for “Everything I need to Know I learned From A Children’s Book.” It made me think that. Why don’t I just call? I wanted to talk to the Mayor. I wanted to talk to many people…This is a Gloucester story. They all grew up with Fiesta. I did not. They became part of creating the book…”  Gardner’s generous acknowledgement narrative is given great attention in the design.

The new paintings on exhibit are not for sale, but you can see a small selection of Gardner’s joyous responses to the spirit of Fiesta in larger, earlier works at The Book Store; or call ahead and visit her studio. “I am inspired by public events that make people happy, they’re doing things where there’s a unique sense of place and culture.” Gardner painted a series inspired by Boston icons– like the Boston Common swan boats– for Massachusetts General Hospital’s Illuminations. She’s also captured the seasonal charm of Manchester by the Sea at Fourth of July.

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Studio next to Cape Ann Museum http://www.alicegardnerstudio.com/

The Bookstore has a substantial children’s book section The Bookstore of Gloucester Facebook link

Alice print exhibit at the books store for Sebastian Junger reading and Fiesta 2016 

Alice photos OF Fiesta featured on GMG

Live: Beauport Hotel hosts Cape Ann Reads jury selection panel

Posted on by Catherine

How cool is that? Thank you Beauport Hotel for this community support. What a gorgeous venue and fitting locale for this work! Cape Ann Reads is led by the 4 public libraries of Cape Ann. Deliberations for the first ever Cape Ann Creates for Cape Ann Reads Picture Book Contest are in process and underway!

 

 After a year of monthly programming by the libraries and community partners, the Cape Ann Reads contest is in full swing. Cape Ann residents of all ages, students attending school on Cape Ann, and people who work on Cape Ann were invited to create part or all of a picture book for consideration to be published.  A first edition printing of one of these submissions will be published in 2017, timed to coincide with the 75th anniversary of a Caldecott award for the children’s book, Little House, by Virginia Lee Burton, eminent Gloucester artist, author and illustrator. 
To read more about the jurors, please follow this link
Here is the link to the Cape Ann Reads website. 

Opportunities to contribute or sponsor the Cape Ann Reads contest are available.
Sponsors and contributions can boost awards that the jury panels may suggest as they complete their evaluations and determine recognition options.  Sponsor contribution opportunities could include prizes to  artists and writers, underwriting the publishing, and any exhibitions and readings to be held after publication in all the communities.

  • Various sponsorship, naming and friend levels
  • Juried award sponsor (2 prizes $500 each and up to 8 $100 each)
  • honorable mentions, awards, certificates and prizes (varies)
  • Exhibitions/Readings (at least one at each library)

Thank you, Beauport Hotel!

The 4 Cape Ann public libraries announce the Cape Ann Reads jury panel

Posted on by Catherine

See the 2016 Cape Ann Reads selection panel  

After a year of monthly programming by the libraries and community partners, the Cape Ann Reads original picture book contest is in full swing and has moved into the jury processing stage. The contest is hosted by the 4 public libraries of Cape Ann. They will publish the first edition printing for one book from entries that were submitted by December 15, 2016. The jury selection panel includes representatives from each of the public libraries: Justine Vitale Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Public Library; Carol Bender, Children’s and Teen Librarian,  Rockport Public Library; Kate Strong Stadt, Head of Youth Services, Manchester-By-The-Sea Public Library; Anne 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 participants are three artists and award winning children’s picture book authors and illustrators: Pat Lowery Collins; Giles Laroche; and Anna Vojtech.  Bob Ritchie proprietor of Dogtown Book Shop will provide 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. A second jury of children will select their favorites and is chaired by Liza Browning from the Cape Ann Museum, a Cape Ann Reads partner.

About the Cape Ann creates for Cape Ann Reads Children’s Picture Book Contest:
The 4 public libraries hosted a one of a kind call for entry seeking new and original children’s picture books showcasing local artists and writers. 

Cape Ann residents of all ages, students attending school on Cape Ann, and people who work on Cape Ann were invited to create part or all of a picture book for consideration to be published, and to submit their entries by December 15th, 2016. A first edition printing of one of these submissions will be published in 2017 by the 4 public libraries and with the support of various sponsors. The copyright is timed to coincide with the 75th anniversary of a Caldecott award for the children’s book, “Little House”, by Virginia Lee Burton, eminent Gloucester artist, author and illustrator.

Community photos of Anna Vojtech presentation at Sawyer Free Library

Posted on by Catherine

Anna Vojtech gave a wonderful presentation at Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Library about her working process and experience with children’s book publishing.

The November 26th event was part of Cape Ann Reads.

The photographs were taken by Kristen Jaques, Sawyer Free Library Assistant, children’s services.

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Fine artist and award winning children’s book illustrator and author ANNA VOJTECH @Sawyer Free November 26

Posted on by Catherine

Don’t miss Anna Vojtech‘s special program for Cape Ann Reads from Sawyer Free children’s services. “Informative and casual master class about how to work with publishers and what do to for preparing and sending your children’s books to publishers.”

 

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Don’t miss a chance to publish: still 1 week to register for Cape Ann Reads picture book contest! Plus a shout out to artist volunteers!

Posted on by Catherine

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Entry forms are rolling in! 

Applicants have until December 15th to upload a book submission,

but they need to register by November 15th or they won’t be eligible for the contest.

Shout out to local artists John Bassett, Bonnie Sylvester and Alexia Parker. Last week we reached out to local media including the Gloucester Daily Times, Cape Ann Beacon, Cape Ann Chamber newsletter, This Week on Rocky Neck and Good Morning Gloucester to help us broadcast the contest and/or seeking volunteer artists. Artists (and writers!) generously stepped forward with intriguing and generous offers! Scroll down to read more about three of the artist volunteers that responded to this recent public appeal. At this time we have more volunteers than requests. Amazing and inspiring!

Glass sculptor, artist John Bassett www.basglas.com, was the first to reach out with a generous and flexible offer. His website links to pages of glorious works.

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His offer was quickly followed by Bonnie Sylvester’s thoughtful reasoning: “As an artist and early childhood educator, I would love to add my name to the mix of local volunteer artists that writers may consider. I think it will be a lot of fun to work this way.”  Sylvester works in a wide range of material including mixed media, acrylic, and watercolor. “I believe exceptional picture books are a marriage of story and picture. It’s so important to see the creativity in the author’s vision.”  She has a master’s degree in early education and is a docent at Cape Ann Museum.

Alexia Parker wanted to volunteer after she was urged by a couple of her friends and fans: “I had couple of friends and coworkers who saw it in the Gloucester Daily Times and contacted me. I grew up in Essex…I also work…in Essex. As far as my art goes, I have just recently been exploring avenues to get my name out there a little. Illustrating childrens’ books has been a dream of mine since I was a child, so I thought this could be a fun way to try it out.” She included this stunning collage as an example.

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Stay tuned for more exciting news:

The Jury panel will be announced this week!

There will be a second jury panel made up of children. If you know a Cape Ann K-5th grader who likes to read or be read to, and would be excited to be part of the kids jury panel, let your library know! Names will be pulled out of a hat. For more information contact Capeannreads2016@gmail.com.

Cape Ann Reads children’s picture book contest is open to Cape Ann residents of ALL ages, students attending school on Cape Ann and people who work on Cape Ann. One winning book will be published by Cape Ann Reads in 2017, a first-edition printing prize valued up to $10,000. Additional honors will be announced.

Sponsor opportunities:

The 4 Cape Ann libraries and many regional partners have coordinated a calendar of wonderful events throughout 2016. Additional sponsors and support are sought and welcome! After the registration deadline, the contest organizers will announce additional specific prize categories.