My View of Life on the Dock
Final weekend for Women Talking **Closing party Sunday April 13, 2023 3-5pm**
In Motion at the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck is on view through August 20, 2023
Sense of place and artists- Installation views before the closing party March 24, 2019 Rocky Neck Now 2019 Looking All Around at Rocky Neck Cultural Center
The creative response to military service is vast.
Several Gloucester and Cape Ann artists and writers were veterans officially engaged as combat documentarians and/or military artists, like Larry O’Toole (1908-1951), marine artist, official USCG artist and WWII Veteran.
Addison Center’s 1866 portrait of Ulysses S. Grant is to the left upon entry in City Hall. (On the right is a 1946 memorial commission by Marguerite Pearson to 5 WWII marines: Sherman B Ruth, Ralph Greely, Wilfred Ringer, John M. Sweet, and Robert M. Maguire.)
Others created art in response to their service experience like fine artist, Robert Stephenson (1935-2013).
Good Morning Gloucester readers have been following an indeliable original illustrated series, Stories from Vietnam, with illustrations and writing by David Hussey. The Gloucester Writers Center established a Veterans Writing Workshop in the fall of 2013 and published a compilation book, The Inner Voice and the Outer World, launched in December 2017. Cape Ann Veterans Services brought copies of the children’s picture book, Veterans: Heroes in Our Neighborhood, and super volunteer readers, into local Kindergarten, first and second grades to read aloud in the classes. Copies of the book were gifted to the classroom libraries. (Veterans: Heroes in Our Neighborhood ©2012 is by Valerie Pfundstein with illustrations by Aaron Anderson and foreword by John Vigiano Sr., a Marine Veteran and retired FDNY Captain, who honors his sons’ memories –both lost on 9/11– by volunteering his time and resources to Gold Star families and wounded heroes.) Gloucester native and Gold Star mother, Anita Coullard Dziedzic, helped support this outreach through Cape Ann Veterans Services, to honor her son Sgt. David J Coullard.
NEXT MONTH, Rocky Neck Cultural Center will present a visual arts group exhibition featuring artists who are currently active or served in the military curated by fine artist and veteran Ken Hruby:
IN WAR AND AFTER: The Art of Combat Veterans, Curated by Ken Hruby
May 17 – June 24, 2018
Courtesy photos credit info and press release below from Rocky Neck.
PRESS RELEASE – “The Rocky Neck Art Colony (RNAC) proudly presents “IN WAR AND AFTER: The Art of Combat Veterans”, a multi-media, juried exhibition of over sixty works by more than thirty combat artists from the military services and by veterans making art from their experiences in zones of combat…Congressman Seth Moulton of the 6th congressional district of Massachusetts, himself a Marine Corps veteran of four tours in Iraq, states of this exhibition, “The ‘incommunicable experience of war,’ as Oliver Wendel Holmes once described it, indeed often defies explanation by words alone. That veterans can share some of their experience through art can help us all better understand what they went through. And as a veteran myself, who returned to war with a camera after I left the Marines, I know how cathartic art can be for those of us who were there. The work of combat artists is important for civilians as well, to deepen their understanding of the lives of our service men and women, and their families. “In War and After” is an a very important exhibition for both communities.”
Few people are aware that when US military forces go to war, some of them carry, in addition to their weapons, their sketch pads, graphite pencils, watercolor brushes and cameras. These are combat artists, tasked to not only serve the combat mission but to record that mission in ways only an artist can.
Continue reading “IN WAR AND AFTER: The Art of Combat Veterans curated by Ken Hruby at Rocky Neck”
If you can’t make the coyote presentation on Monday February 26th, we added another presentation on February 27th! Dr. Jonathan Way will present an additional seminar on Tuesday, February 27th at 10am at the Senior Center.
These talks will discuss Eastern Coyote behavior based on Dr. Jonathan’s Way research and experience. We hope this will help us to learn about coyote behavior and how we can live with our coyote neighbors and avoid conflicts.
I hope to see you there!
Alicia Pensarosa
Photos and press releases shared with Good Morning Gloucester: two spring update releases from Patricia Conant with Rocky Neck news– save the date, deadlines, exhibition info, panels, celebrations and a poetry reading.
ROCKY NECK NOW 2018: The Annual Spring Members’ Show
Exhibition Dates: March 1 –April 8, 12-4 PM
Cultural Center at Rocky Neck 6 Wonson Street, Gloucester, MA
Galleries open: Thursday through Sunday, Noon-4 PM
Opening Reception: Saturday, March 3, 2-5 PM
Panel Discussion with Artists: Sunday, March 11, 2018, at 2 PM.
(DEADLINE Gallery 53 application March 15, 2018 see below)
Poetry Reading: “Rising Spring” Three poets present, Sunday, March 25 at 3 PM.
The Rocky Neck Art Colony (RNAC) opens the season with the highly anticipated “Rocky Neck Now 2018: The Annual Spring Members’ Show” running for six weeks from Thursday, March 1 through Sunday, April 8, 2018. The exhibition features recent work by more than 30 of the Rocky Neck Art Colony’s artists. This show, in both the upper and lower galleries of the Cultural Center includes a wide range of artistic interpretations with abstract, representational and expressive styles in all media, 2D and 3D. The galleries are open each Thursday through Sunday Noon-4 PM. The public is invited to meet the artists at the opening reception on Saturday, March 3, 2-5 PM. All are invited to receptions and events with refreshments, admission and nearby parking free of charge.
The Artists
Some of the more than 30 RNAC well-known, participating artists include Nubar Alexanian, Kathleen Gerdon Archer, John Bassett, Katherine Coakley, Mary Cole, Yhanna Coffin, Terry Del Percio, Robert Diebboll, Judith Goetemann, , Leslie Heffron, Richard Honan, Jane Keddy, Randolph Kelts, Otto Laske, Brenda Malloy, Ruth Mordecai, Ed Mowrey, Tom Nihan, Regina Piantedosi, David Piemonte, Mary Rhinelander, Martha Swanson, Marilyn Swift, Bonnie Twomey, Connie Vallis, Rokhaya Waring and Karen Watson among many others.
Special Events
The Art Colony presents two special events during the exhibition. On Sunday, March 11, 2018, at 2 PM, the public is invited to a panel discussion featuring selected participating “Rocky Neck Now” artists. Audience participation will be encouraged, and the discussion will cover a wide range of topics, many based on questions asked by audience members.
For a lovely afternoon of inspiring words and art, be sure to attend “Rising Spring,” a program of poetry readings by Nadine Boughton, Mary Cole, and Patrick Doud on Sunday, March 25 at 3 PM.
A Celebration
As this is the first exhibition since major renovations to the main gallery of the Cultural Center, “Rocky Neck Now 2018” serves as a grand re-opening celebration. Cultural Center renovations were funded in part by a generous grant from the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency that promotes excellence, inclusion, education, and diversity in the arts. The work that included the installation of updated lighting, the application of acoustic materials to improve sound quality in the hall, the addition of hangers to allow ceiling mounted installations are in place as are painting and repairs. More information on all Cultural Center events is available by visiting the website at www.rockyneckartcolony.org, by email at info@rockyneckartcolony.org or telephone 978 515-7004.
The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson Street, Gloucester, MA 01930, the official Welcome Center for Rocky Neck and home of the Art Colony, hosts exhibitions, workshops, meetings, lectures and cultural events of all kinds. The Center accommodates up to 100 people. For information about renting the facility for a meeting, theatrical or musical performance, a small wedding or anniversary, both private or for the community, please contact: director@rockyneckartcolony.org
Rocky Neck Art Colony Seeks New Members for Gallery 53 on Rocky Neck Application Deadline: March 15, 2018
The Rocky Neck Art Colony (RNAC) is seeking new members for Gallery 53 and is currently accepting membership applications for this cooperatively run gallery. Gallery 53 is ideally situated between the Rudder and Studio Restaurants on Rocky Neck Avenue in Gloucester, MA. Applications must be received by March 15, 2018. For more information see http://rockyneckartcolony.org/gallery-53-on-rocky-neck/ or call the RNAC office at 978-515-7004.
Hi All,
The Animal Advisory Committee is hosting a coyote awareness program at the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck on February 26th at 7pm. Dr. Jonathan Way will be giving a presentation based on his eastern coyote research. We hope the presentation will be educational on how we can peacefully coexist with coyotes. We anticipate this will be a packed event and hope to do more of these events in the future.
Hope to see you there!
You can follow the Animal Advisory Committee on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GloucesterAAC/
Alicia P.
save the date Reminders:
“December in November–Giving the Gift of Art” Rocky Neck Art Colony members’ fine art and crafts sale, through December 10th, OPEN Fridays 5-8pm, Saturdays and Sundays 10AM-4PM. Downstairs is a beautiful John Nesta tribute.
photo caption: Orginal watercolor painting, Birch on the Neck, by Deb Schradieck, booth at the Rocky Neck Art Colony 2017 Annual Holiday members show
TWO DAYS ONLY Cape Ann Artisans at the Rockport Art Association Friday December 1 and Saturday December 2nd (10-5). Cape Ann Artisans has also announced their special 2018 Cape Ann Artisan tour dates- June 2nd and 3rd and Oct 6-8
Sat Dec 2nd 8am-noon, 34 Leonard Street, Gloucester, MA 01930
De-Installation of the group show: LOOK AGAIN: FOUR LOCAL ARTISTS NANCY LeGENDRE, KAREN KOCH-WESER, KATHERINE COAKLEY, AND LEIGH SLINGLUFF at Rocky Neck Cultural Center. Endicott faculty and student exhibition is coming next. The center is open all year.
Photos: Paintings by Leigh Slingluff coming down from Rocky Neck Cultural Center 2017 group exhibition. This show pulled from a colony of 4 artists that meet to paint en plein air, for years. They are not exclusively plein air artists, but they are when they meet up. Slingluff was awarded second place at the Cape Ann Plein Air Quick Draw for the second year in a row.
The City of Beverly and The Cabot hosted a Massachusetts Cultural Council north shore cultural district meeting today. The theater was getting ready for tonight’s sold out Celtic Sojourn with Brian O’Donovan and they still made time for the districts. Mayor Cahill welcomed the group. The current exhibition installed in this sunny space is a solo show by fine artist and commercial sign maker, Andrew Bablo.
Cultural districts and organizations coming together for this meeting included the following: Beverly Main Streets and the BAD district; Montserrat College of Art; Chris Sicuranza, Gloucester’s Director of Communications & Constituent Services,Office of the Mayor; the two Gloucester cultural districts, and local cultural council; Rockport’s cultural district; Essex Historic Society and Shipbuilding Museum and district; Historic New England and Cogswell’s Grant; Lynn’s district; Haverhill’s; and Concord’s. Concord will be hosting their regional meeting tomorrow. Currently there are 35 cultural districts across Massachusetts with 40 possible by the end of June. Salem may come on next year. Interactive MA cultural districts as Google map.
OUR HOSTS photo L-R: Kevin Harutunian, Chief of Staff, Beverly; Aaron Clausen, City Planning Director, Community Development, City of Beverly; Gin Wallace, Director Beverly Main Streets; Meri Jenkins, MCC; J Casey Soward, The Cabot, Beverly; Steve Immerman Montserrat College of Art, Beverly; Annie Houston, MCC
Open today and tomorrow 12-4 including Sunday Closing Reception, Raffle event 2-4pm
Continue reading “Last Chance: Fresh art exhibit at Rocky Neck Cultural Center”
Anna Vojtech’s weekly course begins March 28 (not March 14th). Please adjust your calendars.
Your antidote to February ~ don’t miss the beautiful FRESH show at the RNCC!
The gallery exhibit runs from February 2nd to March 12th. For the full schedule of events and workshops held in conjunction with the exhibit visit Backyard Growers Events here.
Leon Doucette “Barn Shelf Arrangement” Oil Painting
Stevens Brosnihan’s “Colony” Photograph
Leon Doucette “Stopping to Think” Oil Painting
Looking forward to attending the opening of Fresh Saturday evening at the Rocky Neck Cultural Center!
Brett Gamache “Fresh Oranges”
Last night Ray Hassard gave a painting demonstration and talk at Rocky Neck Cultural Center. Hassard is the 2016 Cape Ann Plein Air Awards Judge.
You may recognize some of the artwork on display. Montserrat College of Art Presents: Plein Air – Here and Abroad is installed upstairs at RNCC through November 13th. Artists include faculty, alumni and students. The large painting seen directly behind Ray Hassard’s live demo staging is by Maria Malatesta, Fields #31. Also scheduled through November 13th is Beyond Plein Air, an RNAC member group show installed downstairs in the Studio Gallery. Mary Rhinelander’s Patience beckons.
Continue reading “Scenes from Ray Hassard’s Cape Ann Plein Air painting event at Rocky Neck”
Ed writes: “The comments included below reflect understandings of my recent work that I’d like to share.”
Day Sailors, 2016, acrylic/ canvas, 24 ” x 30 ”
“Why Abstract: The Art of Imagination” – “The show is generally strong, and several works, especially those from Maria Malatesta and Ed Touchette, are unforgettable. Malatesta’s two “Field” series paintings (#26, #27), acrylic on paper, are full of air and atmosphere. The canvases don’t “abstract” the image of a field of flowers, but capture a field as if it were made of the stuff we breathe. We recognize that it’s a field, but we could also inhale it, almost hear it. Touchette’s two acrylics, “Phototaxis” and “Day Sailors,” invite interpretation. Bold lines describe something — something elusive. A bright color highlights. The titles intrigue. There is meaning, or suggestions, and we are invited to offer our ideas.” – Keith Powers, reviewing 3 abstract group exhibits for Cape Ann Beacon on view at the Rocky Neck Cultural Center, Trident Gallery and Flat Rocks Gallery.
“Why Abstract: The Art of Imagination” was reviewed by Keith Powers in today’s Cape Ann Beacon. I particularly was drawn over to Ed Touchette‘s piece almost expecting to find my secret location on land pushed against the sea currents navigating the shoreline. Maps of our existence of place or a dance with the China trade? I may have flown over and sailed through this place at one time. The piece has certainly pulled on my imagination. Look deeper and there is more.” – Jo Ann Castano
“Why Abstract: The Art of Imagination” continues through the end of May at the cultural center on Rocky Neck.
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Despite the chilly winds and rain, a fantastic group of friends, fans, and well-wishers came out for Nubar’s book signing, When the Fish Came First. All throughout the evening there were waiting lines to purchase books! Thanks to Karen Ristuben and the Rocky Neck Cultural Center for hosting this very special community event.
Honoring Linzee and Beth Coolidge
Angela Sanfillipo and Nubar
Nubar signing his book Stones in the Road: Photographs of Peru for Ricardo and Diana Fernandez
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Memories from December 1979 – Angela, her husband, daughter, and three-month old baby daughter’s christening
Presentation by Ward One Councilor Scott Memhard tonight at the Rocky Neck Cultural Center. To learn more and see the full power point presentation come to the meeting at 7pm at the Rocky Neck Cultural Center..
“Perhaps the most innovative idea in the report is to consider creating a community boat house — possibly similar to the house boats moored along the Annisquam River — and a dock upon Ten Pound Island that could host the Gloucester High School and YMCA community sailing and boating skills programs, as well as other public programs and access for rowing and kayaking.” ~ Mayor’s Ad-Hoc Recreational Boating Committee, 2016
1644 Early settlers graze rams on the Island.
1817 Mariner Amos Story famously reports seeing a sea serpent (along with many others) near the Island. See account below.
1821 Ten Pound Island Lighthouse Station is established to safely guide mariners through Gloucester’s Inner Harbor.
1833-1849 Amos Story serves as Ten Pound Island Lighthouse Keeper.
1880 Winslow Homer stays with the lighthouse keeper during the summer creating over 50 watercolor paintings.
1881 Present conical cast iron tower, lined with brick, replaces original stone tower. Wooden keepers house is constructed.
1889 U.S. Fish and lobster hatchery is established.
1925 U.S. Coast Guard establishes first in the country air station, primarily to capture rumrunners during Prohibition.
1940 Lighthouse keeper’s wife Evelyn Hopkins honors Edward Snow, the Flying Santa who dropped Christmas presents from a plane for lighthouse keepers’ children, by nailing “Merry Christmas” boldly in newspaper, which could be read from the sky.
1954 Fish hatchery abandoned.
1956 Ten Pound island Light Station is decommissioned and replaced by a modern optic. The original fresnel lens is on display at the Maine Lighthouse Museum in Rockland.
1965 Keepers dwelling razed.
1988 The Lighthouse Preservation Society initiates restoration of Ten Pound Island Light.
1989 A modern optic was installed atop the tower and relit as a Federal aid to navigation.
1995 The oil house is restored.
1996 -1997 (*Possibly longer, checking dates) Shuttle to and from the Island is provided by the Gloucester Harbor Shuttle.
Currently, Ten Pound Island serves as an active aid to navigation.
Good Morning Gloucester 