Reminder in the today’s Gloucester Daily Timesthat the Cape Ann Reads deadline to register for the original children’s picture book contest is two weeks around the corner– November 15th. The deadline for the book submissions by registered applicants is December 15.
Thank you to Rockport glass sculptor, John Bassett, www.basglas.com
for responding to the GMG post last week calling for   Volunteer artists and illustrators to assist local writers with their book submissions! There are three or four writers hoping to find a match. John made the generous offer of use of his images for a book applicant, plus the possibility of creating new work in response to their book. If you or an artist you know would like to volunteer please email capeannreads2016@gmail.com.
For more information about registration and the guidelines, see this dynamite flyer designed by Valerie Marino at Sawyer Free Library. Thanks to Cape Ann Chamber At-A-Glance weekly newsletter and Rocky Neck’s This Week on Rocky Neck- Art Opportunities for helping to get the word out!
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Visit the Cape Ann Libraries and the Cape Ann Reads website. Huge shout out and great feedback for Amanda Cook, the Gloucester Writers Center, for leading a monthly writers group at Sawyer Free for Cape Ann Reads which concluded yesterday.
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24 NEA National Medal of Arts and NEH National Humanities Medals will be awarded to artists from our country in a special ceremony on September 22, 2016. NEA and NEH “serve different constituents”. Right. Anyhow, celebrating 24 exciting nominees rather than 12 is great! The event will be live streamed at www.whitehouse.gov/live. Both agencies are celebrating their 50th anniversary and request and receive nearly identical budgets, ie. 146 million FY2015.
NEH National Medal (awarding since 1996) recipients
Rudolfo Anaya (author), Jose Andres (chef), Ron Chernow (author), Louise Gluck (poet), Terry Gross (radio host), Wynton Marsalis (composer/musician- he received an NEA one in 2005), James McBride (author), Louis Menand (author), Elaine Pagels (historian), Prison University Project (San Quentin), Â Abraham Verghese (Physician/author), Isabel Wilkerson (journalist)
There are past NEH recipients with Massachusetts ties. A direct Gloucester match includes Hilton Kramer (2004 NEH). I bet Israel Horovitz and Deborah Cramer will be announced one year soon!  Louis Menand to be honored next week wrote about TS Eliot. Prior years there are Gloucester connections like Monuments Men Foundation (NEH 2007/ Walker Hancock.) A wider North Shore net pulls out big names like John Updike/Ipswich (NEH 2003). From the NEH press release: “Since 1996, when the first National Humanities Medal was given, 175 individuals have been honored, inclusive of this year’s recipients. Thirteen organizations have also received medals. A complete list of previous honorees is available at this link:  http://www.neh.gov/about/awards/national-humanities-medals”Â
Rudolfo Anaya’s novel Bless Me, Ultima, is a part of the NEA Big Read, grants awarded mostly for one town events with a book that’s pre-selected. Our local  Cape Ann Reads effort will target 4 communities and as Deborah French, Director TOHP Burnham Library comments, “ WE will create one book to be read by four communities!”
NEA National Medal (awarding since 1984) recipients
Mel Brooks (cinema/broadway/tv), Sandra Cisneros (author), Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, Morgan Freeman (actor), Phillip Glass (composer), Berry Gordy (music producer/Motown), Santiago Jimenez Jr (musician), Moises Kaufman (theater), Ralph Lemon (dance), Audra McDonald (singer/actor), Luis Valdez (playwright/film/tv), and Jack Whitten (painter)
Any U.S. citizen or group who, in the President’s judgment, “…are deserving of special recognition by reason of their outstanding contributions to the excellence, growth, support and availability of the arts in the United States.” [U.S.C. Sec. 955b (b) (1)] Have you submitted a nomination? You can- here’s how. And here’s a link to a list of the prior NEA National Medal recipients.
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Join us for a guided map and compass treasure hunt around the sanctuary. Bring your own compass or use one of ours and learn to find north, orient yourself, count paces, and use the map and compass to find your way. After some basics, we’ll hit the trails and use the new skills learned to search for some hidden natural treasures. No experience necessary. This program is a good introduction to orienteering for the whole family.
Instructions and Directions:
Meets in the Nature Center. Please dress for the weather and bring a compass if you have one (we will have some to lend as well.)
Explore the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary after hours and join us for a night of camping under the stars. Have an early dinner at home, and then come with your family and your tent, and prepare to have fun.
This campout will focus on the Ipswich River. We will start the evening by setting up our tents at the top of the hill, and then head down to the river for an evening canoe trip. We’ll look and listen for otters, beavers, muskrats, and owls. After we return, we’ll cook up s’mores around the fire pit and play games. Then it’s off to bed so we can wake up for an early-morning breakfast (provided). Afterwards, we will paddle downstream to look for turtles, frogs, herons, and creatures that live above and below the water’s surface. Basic canoeing instruction will be provided, along with all equipment.
Instructions and Directions:
The campout begins at 4:30 pm on Saturday, September 10 and ends at 9:00 am on Sunday, September 11. Rain date: Saturday, September 17 to Sunday, September 18. The campout will only be rescheduled in the event of extreme weather. Please note that refunds will not be issued if the campout is rescheduled to the rain date and you are unable to attend. A confirmation with a list of what to bring will be sent.
SATURDAY: Â Â NED’s 50th Anniversary Celebration featuring Funny Cars Under the Stars
8am – 8pm
Nitro Funny Cars, Nostalgia Funny Cars, Pro Mods, Jet Funny Cars, Pro 7.0, VP Race Fuels ET Series Championship Finale, Iannotti Bros. Select Cars Top Sportsman.
Spectator $30
Reserved Seating additional $10
SUNDAY: Â Â Â Outlaw 10.5, NEDX-275, Top Bike, Street Fighter, Iannotti Bros. Select Cars Top Sportsman, & T&T
8am-5pm
Spectator $15
Pick #3: Â Second Saturdays at the Cape Ann Museum
Traveling to Cape Ann
Bring the kids! Make a postcard inspired by the Museum’s collection of historic cards written by vacationers telling of their adventures on Cape Ann. The second Saturday of every month is free for families with school-aged children. Families are invited to the Activity Center to participate in hands-on activities that delve into the art, history and culture of the region. Each Second Saturday focuses on a specific theme based on the Museum’s collection and/or special exhibitions.
This Saturday’s Event: Â Please register at the link above.
CAPE ANN READS Pirate’s Tea Party in Manchester
When:  Sat, September 10, 11am – 1pm
Where: Â Manchester Public Library, 15 Union Street, Manchester, MA (map)
Description: Â Ahoy all mateys wishing to attend this fun filled festivity! There will be adventurous activities and refreshments fit for rapscallions.
Co-sponsored, the tea party will be offered on the Manchester Public Library (15 Union St) lawn, activities following at the Manchester Historical Museum (10 Union St).
Please register at kstadt@mvlc.org with Miss Kate, or 978-526-2016.
Cape Ann Reads is a collaboration among the Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Public Library, Manchester Public Library, Rockport Public Library and TOHP Burnham Library in Essex and regional partners promoting children’s picture books throughout 2016.
Each month there are special free programs. For a complete list of events visit the website or check with your local library. http://www.capeannreads.wix.com
As always, for a comprehensive list of family activities, please visit our friends at North Shore Kid
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Cape Ann Reads offers the chance for the 4 libraries to collaborate and work together on community, literacy, and art. They’ve partnered with beloved organizations to celebrate the art and writing of children’s picture books.
The four Directors and Kate La Chance from Cape Ann Museum confer, early gorgeous morning on the grounds of the Manchester Public Library. Seated left to right in the nice new outdoor furniture: Â Kate LaChance, Cape Ann Museum; Debbie French, Essex TOHP Burnham; Deborah Kelsey, Sawyer Free; Cindy Grove, Rockport; Sara Collins, Manchester by the Sea Public Library.
Every month features Cape Ann Reads events! Here arethe next 5 CAPE ANN READS EVENTS FOR AUGUST
ENDING SOON- August 4th, Where’s Gulliver at Manchester Public Library
Manchester Public Library visitors have until August 4th to play Where’s Gulliver for a scratch card.Â
Manchester gets creative with their t-shirt sales at pop up library events. I am told Benedict has made it to the beach! t-shirts are $15 for adults / $10 for kids, designed through Cape Ann Art Haven art center. They are for sale at the libraries, Cape Ann Art Haven and Cape Ann Museum. Proceeds will go towards the original picture book contest.
Rockport: August 11th (THU), 6pm. Children’s Book Publishing.Â
Damaris Curran Herlihy, a local resident and owner of a publishing firm will speak at theRockport Public Library. She will discuss how to prepare for publication and what to expect from the process. No registration required. FREE.
Essex: Â August 18th (THURS) 1:00PM. Does your boat float?
Assorted materials will be available to create your own distinctive vessel. Test it out in our pool. Ages  four and up. Please sign up to calculate for materials @ mes.mvlc.org or 978-768-7410. TOHP Burnham Library, 245 Western Ave, Essex. FREE.
Director Debbie French
Essex: Teen Activity August 22nd (MON) 6:00PM
Experiment with modge podge using nautical charts. Cover books, boxes, frames or whatever to create your nautical decoration! Please sign up to calculate for materials @ mes.mvlc.org or 978-768-7410.TOHP Burnham Library, 245 Western Ave, Essex. FREE.
Gloucester: August 27 (SAT) Ed Emberley will be at Cape Ann Community Cinema & Stage!
Come to Cape Ann Community & Stage for an afternoon with acclaimed author illustrator Ed Emberley and his wife Barbara. Emberley has published close to 100 books. He collaborated with his wife on earlier works including the 1968 Caldecott winning Drummer Hoff, and more recent books with his daughter, Rebecca, such as Chicken Little and Red Hen. Please RSVP Cape Ann Community Cinema & Stage, 21 Main Street Gloucester, MA. ticket event $15 adults; $10 kids under
Meet Ed Emberley! Cape Ann Cinema & Stage will feature the documentary Creative Inspirations: Ed Emberley, Children’s Book Illustrator on Saturday, August 27th at 2PM. That special showing benefits Cape Ann Reads.
Cape Ann Reads is a community wide initiative celebrating art and literacy of children’s books from the 4 Cape Ann libraries — Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Public Library, Rockport Public Library, Manchester-By-The-Sea Public Library, and TOHP Burnham Library Essex– and many wonderful partners. An original picture book contest is part of this initiative. Thanks to Rob Newton and Ed Emberley for their support!
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Check out Cape Ann Reads snazzy new website header designed by Ashley Curcuru with the Teen Artist Guild instructors at the Hive, part of the illustrious Cape Ann Art Haven art center. Ashley did the seagull logo for the newly named, Gulliver!
Cape Ann Reads programs in July:
THIS WEEK:Â The first ever story hour at Backyard Growers on Thursday at 10am!
THIS WEEK: Ocean in a Bottle at TOHP Burnham library (15 people have already signed up!) on Friday 2pm. Who knows what the initials stand for- TOHP?
NEXT WEEK
Wednesday July 20: If you’d like help writing your original Cape Ann Reads picture book entry, Amanda Cook from the Writer’s Center leads this monthly workshop.
Thursday July 21st Cape Ann Reads at the Cape Ann Farmer’s Market. Sawyer Free Library Children’s Department will be hosting a pop up library. Cape Ann Art Haven will be on hand! Breaking news:Â Cape Ann Art Haven has added middle school Open Studio drop in hours Monday-Thursday from 3:30-5pm ($10 drop in class), enter at the 180 Main Street address. You can see their new screen printed t-shirt and apron PRODUCE ART. Awesome!
Visit Cape Ann Reads programs page to read more about the programs, which are free unless otherwise noted. Cape Ann Reads is on James GMG calendar, too!
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**NEW**Â Partner organization Cape Ann Community Cinema &Â Stage announced two super special events in celebration of Cape Ann Reads at the end of the summer. Save the dates!
SATURDAY AUGUST 27, 2016 (@ 2:30pm) Come to Cape Ann Community & Stage for an afternoon with acclaimed author illustrator Ed Emberley and his wife Brenda. Emberley  has published close to 100 books. He collaborated with his wife on earlier works including the 1968 Caldecott winning Drummer Hoff,  and more recent books with his daughter, Rebecca, such as Chicken Little and Red Hen.
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2016 Â CAPTAINS COURAGEOUS: THE LIVE EXPERIENCE at Cape Ann Community Cinema & Stage. This annual event is ramped up with local talent and a one-of-a-kind multimedia performance extravaganza, just in time for the 32nd Schooner festival weekend and closing out the 8th Annual Cape Ann Film Festival.
Cape Ann Reads events are listed on the awesome Good Morning Gloucester arts calendar. For all the latest information and more details, check the Cape Ann Reads website.  Additional programs are added to the calendar. Cape Ann Reads is a collaboration among the Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Public Library, Manchester Public Library, Rockport Public Library and TOHP Burnham Library in Essex and regional partners.
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Back in April, guests lucky enough to attend the Cape Ann Reads program at the Rockport Public Library enjoyed a lecture given by Anita Silvey. She spoke about the development of the American picture book from her years of experience in children’s picture book publishing, editing and most recently as an author. If you went to the afternoon lecture, you would have heard about the staggering success of the Newbury honor awarded Millions of Cats, written and illustrated by Wanda Gag in 1928. (The first Caldecott wasn’t awarded until 1938.) I sold lithographs and wood engravings by Wanda Gag and worked with a few of her artist friends; she died young, aged 53. Gag’s artistic career was going well prior to this book. She was one of the most praised printmakers of the 1920s and 30s and had a solo exhibition at Weyhe Gallery in 1926. (A lot of her prints have cats in them, too.)
Gag’s brother created the wrap around hand-lettering for Millions of Cats, including the memorably repeated refrain: “Cats here, cats there, Cats and kittens everywhere, Hundreds of cats, Thousands of cats, Millions and billions and trillions of cats.” The art and double page spreads revolutionized picture books.  It had immediate and record sales. Silvey related that this book has the distinction of being the longest American picture book continuously in print, and that it was helped along by an editor. (Gag had abandoned a prior version in 1923.)
Anita Silvey with Cindy Grove, Director, Rockport Public Library, Cape Ann Reads lecture series. (Rockport Goes To War, WPA era mural by Sam Hershey)
What’s coming next for Cape Ann Reads?
Don’t miss this Saturday’s June 4 2016 round-trip double Story Walk for the whole family from 10am-2pm at the Manchester public Library and Manchester Historical Museum. Picture book lovers of all ages are invited to walk and read, and act the route together! The featured books are: Stella, the Star of the Sea by Mary Louise Gay and Storm Whale by Benji Davies.
Cape Ann Reads events are listed on the awesome Good Morning Gloucester arts calendar. For all the latest information and details, check the Cape Ann Reads website.  Additional programs will be added to the calendar. Cape Ann Reads is a collaboration among the Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Public Library, Manchester Public Library, Rockport Public Library and TOHP Burnham Library in Essex and regional partners. Check them out!
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1)If you asked us: “I have a story to submit for the picture book contest, and would like to participate in a writing group, is there one?” Â You were not alone. We are pleased to announce:
Free writers workshops all ages at Sawyer Free Library
3rd Wednesday each month May – October, 1-2pm
Led by Amanda Cook of the Gloucester Writers Center
Register here. For more information: contact Deborah Kelsey, Director, Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free Public Library kelsey@sawyerfreelibrary.org. The libraries will be hosting informational help sessions as needed and requested leading right up to the contest submission deadline which will fall in November 2016.
2)Mark your calendars for Cape Ann Reads programs
Thursday, May 12, DAISY NELL, 6pm, TOHP Burnham Library, 245 Western Avenue, Essex Local author, singer, songwriter discusses the creation of her three picture books
Saturday, May 21, MOTIF#1 DAY, Building Poetry with Picture books, 9AM-5PM. Visit the Rockport Public Library to design, photograph and display poetry created by stacking together picture books.
Saturday June 4, Round -trip double Story Walk, Â 10am-2pm, Manchester public Library and Manchester Historical Museum. This self-guided story walk of two great picture books will be available starting at 10 and will be accessible throughout the day. Picture book lovers of all ages are invited to walk and read and act the route together. Featured books: Stella, the Star of the Sea by Mary Louise Gay and Storm Whale by Benji Davies.
For the complete list of events for the year and all the latest information check the website capeannreads.wix/picturebooks. Additional programs may be added to the calendar.
Cape Ann Reads is a collaboration among the Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Public Library, Manchester Public Library, Rockport Public Library and TOHP Burnham Library in Essex.
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The seagull with spectacles is a logo designed by Ashley Curcuru, member of the Teen Artist Guild (TAG) at The Hive Cape Ann Art Haven in downtown Gloucester. The bird needs a name! Have some fun, jot down a suggestion and give it to your local librarian. And please ask your kids to drop off their ideas, too. I see Paul Morrison has tossed in an entry on the Sawyer Free Facebook page…
Kudos to Valerie Marino for the library’s social media and that cute desk display.
Cape Ann Readsis a dynamite year of FREE programs designed around the world of children’s books. There’s something happening every month,thanks to the four public libraries and community partners. Upcoming for Cape Ann Reads is a major double-header on Saturday, April 16th, with Anita Silvey, a big force in the world of children’s publishing and promotion. Make your reservations soon as the programs are popular!
Who is Eric Carle? Why he created one of the most wonderful and whimsical children’s picture books, The Very Hungry Caterpillar! On Saturday, January 30th, the Cape Ann Museum, in collaboration with Cape Ann Reads and the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, is holding a series of workshops for all age groups, “The Art of Picture Books.”
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, located in Amherst, Massachusetts, is a museum devoted to the art of the picture book and especially the children’s book. Read more about the Museum here.
Eric Carle is acclaimed and beloved as the creator of brilliantly illustrated and innovatively designed picture books for very young children. His best-known work, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, has eaten its way into the hearts of literally millions of children all over the world and has been translated into 62 languages and sold over 41 million copies. Since the Caterpillar was published in 1969, Eric Carle has illustrated more than seventy books, many best sellers, most of which he also wrote, and more than 132 million copies of his books have sold around the world.
Born in Syracuse, New York, in 1929, Eric Carle moved with his parents to Germany when he was six years old; he was educated there, and graduated from the prestigious art school, the Akademie der bildenden Künste, in Stuttgart. But his dream was always to return to America, the land of his happiest childhood memories. So, in 1952, with a fine portfolio in hand and forty dollars in his pocket, he arrived in New York. Soon he found a job as a graphic designer in the promotion department of The New York Times. Later, he was the art director of an advertising agency for many years.
One day, respected educator and author, Bill Martin Jr, called to ask Carle to illustrate a story he had written. Martin’s eye had been caught by a striking picture of a red lobster that Carle had created for an advertisement. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? was the result of their collaboration. It is still a favorite with children everywhere. This was the beginning of Eric Carle’s true career. Soon Carle was writing his own stories, too. His first wholly original book was 1,2,3 to the Zoo, followed soon afterward by the celebrated classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
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Good Morning Gloucester 
