Learn calligraphy basics in a morning class with specialist Albina Papows. Inspired by the special exhibition Unfolding Histories: Cape Ann before 1900. Write your name, use calligraphy tools and leave with a sampler to take home. This family workshop is recommended for children 7 and up with an adult. Registration required. To register, please contact Education Coordinator Kirsten Vega at kirstenvega@capeannmuseum.org or (978) 283-0455 x16.
Last chance to catch the Steve Howard photography exhibition, December 2017, at Matz Gallery, Gloucester Lyceum & Sawyer Free Library, Gloucester, MA. Howard resides in Gloucester and is an exhibiting member of the Rockport Art Association.
Gloucester, MA is one of four featured walls –and the backdrop for this interview– in the major retrospective exhibition, AN AMERICAN JOURNEY THE ART OF JOHN SLOAN at the Delaware Art Museum through January 28, 2018. “The exhibition includes nearly 100 works–drawings, prints, and paintings–produced between 1890 and 1946. The Delaware Art Museum holds the largest collection of work by the American artist and illustrator John Sloan, as well as a rich trove of archival materials. This exhibition draws from and celebrates this extraordinary collection, made possible by the artist’s widow Helen Farr Sloan.” The Cape Ann Museum has five Sloan paintings and featured dozens of Sloan’s Gloucester paintings in a major 2015 exhibition.
2017 Video and excerpt from the Brian Drouin WHYY report and interview with Heather Campbell Coyle, Chief Curator at the Delaware Art Museum, on the occassion of the Delaware Art Museum major John Sloan Retrospective.
“His brightest colors are probably when he is working outdoors in Gloucester, Massachusetts from 1914-1918.” By this time Sloan would have been exposed to European painters. “The work of Cézanne, the work of Matisse, the work of Vincent van Gogh, and all of those artists are influencing his work as well,” Coyle said.
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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.”
Gloucester, MA: Cape Ann Museum has generated more good news. Check out the article in North Shore Magazine’s current issue: “Collaborative & Commercial: Cape Ann Museum’s latest exhibit focuses on the printmaking skills of Gloucester artists Fitz Henry Lane” , by Robert G. Pushkar
North Shore Magazine holiday gift guide highlighted specialty items from the Cape Ann Museum gift shop like Michael Updike slates and Sarah Eliz pillows. Another article about Sweetgum Textiles Co and its new magazine, PLACE, mentions Gloucester woodworkers Alyssa Pitman and Winston Daddario of Spire Woodshop.
Beyond Gloucester and Cape Ann articles: Who knew The Stories Podcastwas produced in Haverhill, the Gambino Prosecco co-founders (and couple) live in Swampscott and grew up in Lynn, and that an Amazon store opened at Lynnfield Market?
The must see Cape Ann Museum exhibition Drawn from Nature & on Stone: The Lithographs of Fitz Henry Lane- opened October 7, 2017 and continues through March 4, 2018. Drawn from Nature & on Stone is the FIRST comprehensive exhibition focusing on Fitz Henry Lane (1804-1865) as a printmaker. Georgia Barnhill, Andrew W. Mellon Curator of Graphic Arts Emerita at the American Antiquarian Society in Worcester, MA, served as guest curator and worked closely with the Museum to organize this special show. Barnhill will be giving another curator gallery talk Saturday, December 2, 9:30AM.
On the beach side, Precision Roofing is working on the concession topper
While on the parking lot side, Jason Burroughs continues some touch up on the original studiovo Carry In Carry Out mural. More before – after photographs coming.
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The blanketing New England autumn is stronger on the walls at Cape Ann Museum than the fall landscape all around us just now. (When I saw this ravishing exhibit at the beginning of June, I had that same feeling about ‘summer’.) Though the seasons of color may disappoint us one year to the next, the impact of these paintings only intensifies with close observation. This is a show for anyone with an interest in painting. Rockbound at Cape Ann Museum features a terrific variety of iconic Cape Ann seacoast scenes and artists. There’s an added urgency to see the show in person: most are on loan from private collections, shown together for the first time. Come fill your eyes and heart before this exclusive opportunity passes by.
Rockbound: Painting the American Scene on Cape Ann and Along the Shore closes October 29th.The Cape Ann Museum “gratefully acknowledges the many collectors* who lent to this exhibition and the following individuals: Mary Craven, Margaret Pearson, John Rando and Arthur Ryan.” *anonymous private lenders, Endicott College, Roswitha and William Trayes, JJ and Jackie Bell, and others
(The wonderful Fitz Henry Lane exhibition that just opened will be on view through March 4, 2018.)
3 works by W Lester Stevens
EXHIBIT MYSTERY
I think that the “Unattributed decorative mirror for over mantel” may be the hand of artist Frederick Stoddard. Perhaps it’s from a series or the “Morning Mantle Decoration by Fred L. Stoddard” that’s listed in the 1923 Gloucester Society of Artists inaugural exhibition.
INSTALLATION highlights
Margaret Patterson, Motif Number One Rockport Harbor, ca.1920, goauche, collection Roswitha & William Trayes, installed at Cape Ann Museum 2017 Rockbound exhibition
Artists include Yarnall Abbott, Gifford Beal, George Bellows, Theresa Berenstein, Hugh Breckenridge, Stuart Davis, Marsden Hartley, Aldro Hibbard, Max Kuehne, Emma Fordyce Macrae, Margaret Patterson, Lester Stevens, Anthony Thieme, and more (hover over image to see artist information)
photos pairings below: Finding Cape Ann Museum Rockbound color/mood inspiration just outside in Gloucester October vistas (not literal place/time pairings but that could be done as well!)
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Cape Ann Museum is readying a major print retrospective of Fitz Henry Lane which opens October 7th. The staff is fine tuning the installation, adjusting lighting levels, and so on. I couldn’t resist sharing a few close ups and details to build some excitement. Lane was born in 1804 in Gloucester. He was one of the rare artists that gained worldwide recognition in his own lifetime. Today he is regarded as one of the great marine and luminous painters of the 19th century. His printmaking is stellar and continued throughout his career. Mark your calendars! Cape Ann Museum developed super special events related to the exhibition including walking tours and a full day print symposium (read more below). Sponsors of the Lane exhibition include: John Rando, Jerry and Margaretta Hausman, Linzee and Beth Coolidge, Jay Last, J.J. and Jackie Bell, Bill and Anne Kneisel, Arthur Ryan, International Fine Print Dealers Association (IFPDA), American Historical Print Collectors Society, Inc., and Beauport Hospitality Group. Drawn From Nature & On Stone: The Lithographs of Fitz Henry Lane opens October 7th at Cape Ann Museum, Pleasant Street, Gloucester, MA.
There’s an article in the current Northshore home magazine featuring interiors of one of the gorgeous homes on Bass Rocks Road and JUNI VANDYKE spotlighted in another piece about the impact of Room & Board’s Boston presence and the value of local artists and artisans. Artist Juni Van Dyke was interviewed, and her work is featured.
Room&Board focuses on local and American made modern design and art. They create custom and exclusive pieces with select partners like Lee Industries, Pedleton Woolen Mills, and Pablo Pardo Lighting. Congratulations to Juni and Jane. Founder John Gabbert selected Juni’s work from Jane Deering’s west coast gallery. You can view and visit more work by Juni Van Dyke currently showing in downtown Gloucester, MA.
Juni Van Dyke | Painting is music you can see
Solo exhibition of paintings, drawings, and prints at Jane Deering Gallery, 19 Pleasant Street, Gloucester, MA, through December 17th.
The portfolio on the pedestal and some wall pieces are not by Juni Van Dyke, but are deeply connected to her philosophy and art practice. They were created by participants in various art programs at the Rose Baker Senior Center, Gloucester, MA, which Juni Van Dyke has designed and led for decades. I happened to be visiting the gallery when Juni stopped into her exhibit. She immediately directed my gaze and attention to their work, this shared art and experience.
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James will be posting the following information in the arts calendar, but because Juni is such a tremendous force for good in our community, I wanted to give her an extra shout out. Come support Juni at her opening. I’m looking forward to attending on Saturday afternoon and hope to see you there!!
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Jeremy Adams at Friday night’s lovely gala opening event at the Cape Ann Museum
The outstanding exhibit of Jeremy Adams instruments and furniture is not to be missed. To accompany the exhibit Voicing the Woods: Jeremy Adams, Instrument Maker, the Cape Ann Museum is offering a series of mini concerts and instrument demonstration. The series runs as follows:
Saturday, November 5 at 11:00a.m. – Kevin Birch
Birch has performed throughout the United States, Europe and South America. He holds the Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Iowa with previous studies at the Sweelinck Conservatory (Amsterdam) and the New England Conservatory (Boston).
Saturday, December 3 at 11:00a.m. – Jeremy and Kathleen Adams
Kathleen Adams is the organist and choirmaster at the Annisquam Village Church in Gloucester, MA. She studied singing at the American Conservatory of Music and organ and conducting at Harvard University. Jeremy Adams, one of the most gifted musical instrument makers in New England, studied at the Longy School of Music in Cambridge.
Saturday, January 7 at 11:00a.m. – Frances Conover Fitch
Fitch is an internationally touring harpsichordist and organist. She is currently on the faculty at the New England Conservatory of Music, Tufts University and Brandeis University.
Saturday, February 4 at 11:00a.m. – Carolyn Day Skelton and John Skelton
Carolyn Day Skelton has served as the summer organist at Emmanuel Church in Manchester-by-the-Sea since 1984 and received her Master of Music degree from the New England Conservatory. John Skelton also began his career at the New England Conservatory and has served as music director at the Maple Street Church in Danvers for 28 years.
Kristina Martin and Jeremy
This program is free for CAM members or with Museum admission paid upon arrival. Space is limited; reservations required. Reservations can be made by calling 978-283-0455 x10, emailinginfo@capeannmuseum.org or online at Eventbrite.
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Drawing workshop with Debbie Clarke 9-11am Saturdays beginning March 5th.
The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, Studio Gallery.
Learn how to see as an artist through the basics of observational drawing.
Space is limited, pre-registration encouraged.
$35 per class, pre-paid contact Debbie Clarke via phone 978-652-8273 or email at debbieclarkeart@gmail.com for material list and additional information.
Debbie giving a workshop at the Cape Ann Museum
Images courtesy Google image search
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Come see Marilyn Swift’s exquisite solo show at the lovely gallery at Saint John’s Episcopal Church in Beverly Farms. The opening is this coming Saturday afternoon, May 9th, from 4 to 6pm. Congratulations Marilyn!
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This will be a series of artist spotlights, showing the work and giving a little inside look into the artists who create it. The first spotlight is on lifelong Gloucester artist, Theresa Testaverde.
Theresa’s art is often a collage of whatever stirs her as interesting and challenging. Some of her work is inspired by loved ones, family and friends.
Theresa is a native of Gloucester, has been drawing since the age of 5, has a BFA with her principle focus in Printmaking, and has worked in the commercial field of Specialty Printing since college.
She is the daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter of Gloucester fishermen. Her maternal grandfather, Joaquin Codinha, was deeply involved in the business side of the Fishing industry. Her paternal grandfather, R. Salve Testaverde wrote, “Memoirs of a Gloucester Fisherman.” And Theresa’s great-grandfather (her mother’s grandfather) was Antonio Santos Cortina, who while on a fishing trip on the Laura Goulart, was lost at sea in 1924. “Passionate followers of the heart; fishers of the sea.”
On Fisherman’s Wharf, her family’s FV, the Linda B, would have schools of fish hauled up in a net and loaded on trucks for market. Her most recent drawings, “Fish Faces, A Series of Drawings’ is dedicated to her young years of growing up – “we had all the fish and more!”
In addition, Theresa’s artwork for her “Daily Fish” Coasters is a salute to the life of a fisherman. “I recognize that a fisherman’s life is a noble and valued life, a dangerous life which requires dedication, heart, strength, intense work during stormy days and an immense respect of the sea from which he earns his daily bread.”
All of this was a way of life for Theresa growing up. In her words, “I embrace all of them, their memory, their stories. The women and men from which I am part. I could not create any of my artwork without these reflections. This life had heart, purpose, was hard working, honest, diligent and had love. To remember us young is to examine the heart of family, in our little town, Gloucester. My family members required the sea to maintain their everyday needs. This “fish” artwork is for them.”
You can see more of Theresa’s work at The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson Street, East Gloucester during the Rocky Neck Holiday Art & Fine Crafts Festival Saturdays and Sundays, Noon-4 PM, November 30 – December 29.
E.J. Lefavour
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Recently Awarded Pulitzer Award Finalist Writer Amy Nutt Wrote Jon’s Biography Which Just Hit The Shelves and Is Killing It On Amazon Hitting As High As The Number 250 Best Selling Book Out Of All The Books Amazon Sells Last Week!
Jon was on NPR With Terry Gross.
Click the picture for the audio-
Amy Nutt who wrote Jon’s biography will be in Gloucester signing copies of her book at The Bookstore of Gloucester
61 Main Street Gloucester, MA 01930
(978) 281-1548
Jon writes-
i will be discussing my biography (“shadows bright as glass”) at “the bookstore” on main street in gloucester on thursday, may 12 at 7:00 with its author, amy nutt.
photos of Jon’s art piled up in his old Birdseye work space-
You gotta see these videos with Jon in his element-
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Good Morning Gloucester 