Fishtown Art: A new exhibit and Reception

Local Colors Artists' Cooperative, now in its 26th year on Main St, celebrates its annual FISH event from May 30th to July 4th with a special art exhibit titled FISHTOWN ART. This annual event, which also coincides with St. Peter's Fiesta and celebrates the fishing tradition and natural beauty of Cape Ann through art. The highlight of this celebration is a reception at Local Colors, 121 Main St. in Gloucester on Friday, June 19th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. The public is invited and light refreshments will be served.

This year's theme FISHTOWN ART captures a broad view of our fishing history and traditions as well as Cape Ann's natural and manmade resources. Each of the 16 artists interprets the theme according to their artistic calling. For special events as this, the artists are encouraged to create works outside their usual medium to allow for growth and expansion of their creative talents. The members installing the exhibit never know for sure what to expect until the actual installation. All the work for this event is displayed on the featured wall and in the front windows of the gallery.

This event has evolved over the 25 years I have been a member" says Kathy Bucholska, a mixed media artist and jewelry designer. "To honor the relevance Cod fish have been in the historical development of Cape Ann's fishing industry, I designed a mixed media piece that pays homage to the mighty cod fish." The mixed media piece is designed from embellished domino, scrabble and tile pieces entitled "In Cod, we trust." 

Donna Amero, the only remaining founding member, created a 20" round clear and iridescent stained glass piece with beveled pieces of swimming dolphins. "I was inspired by the playful and carefree nature of the dolphins I have seen on local whale watches. I am so grateful to have such natural resources in our backyard."

Sally Seamans, aka Tin Can Sally, created a one of a kind, intricate tin collage using her most colorful tins. "I thought about what Fishtown means to me and designed my interpretation of Fishtown's scenic skyline to honor the exhibit." 

Another piece, submitted by Ann Schlecht, is a pendant made from a vintage silver plated fork in the form of a fish. "I see a connection between an ordinary dinner fork transformed into an abstract fish as it symbolizes the nourishment fish have provided for us over the ages."

Pat Doherty painted a 12 x 24" oil of a Gloucester cove at sunset. Pat says "The vivid colors and special lighting we experience in Gloucester is like no other place in the world. We are so fortunate. I am forever trying to capture that beauty in my art."

Also, Rusty Kinnunen will debut his latest handmade fine art screen print, “Early Start, Gloucester Harbor”, 18 x 24 inches, in a limited-edition of 150 prints and Virginia Townsend has hand painted one of the most iconic Gloucester images on to a serving platter, seen here in her kiln in Magnolia  The Man at the Wheel speaks for itself.  "Our theme this year - Fishtown Art - represents the incredible history of art in Gloucester" says Virginia.

Each member is asked to submit 2 to 3 pieces for the exhibit, so there will be much more on display.  Other members displaying work are Bob Kulchuk for his wheel thrown pottery, wood turning and fused glass; Bonnie Gray for her oil paintings, Darren Taylor for his woodworking and functional art furniture, Jim Sousa and David Katz for their creative photography, Ian Commissiong for his fiber art and fish skin framed pieces, Joe Higgins for his fish prints, Kate Webster for jewelry, mixed media and fiber arts, and Teri Scott Ludwig for her wearable art made from upcycled sweaters.

The current hours are 10am to 6pm, Sunday through Thursday and 10am to 8pm on Friday and Saturday. The members will be identified with name tags and look forward to greeting the public at the June 19th reception, but the exhibit is on view now.

25 Years on Main Street

Local Colors Artists' Cooperative celebrates its 25th year on Main St, Gloucester this October. The celebration which is open to the public includes an artists' reception on October 25th from 6 to 8 pm with new original artwork, live music, refreshments and a raffle to benefit the Cape Ann Animal Aid. The raffle item is a stained glass nautilus piece donated by the remaining founding member, Donna Amero. "Having this raffle as part of our 25th anniversary celebration is our way of thanking the community for it's support over the last 25 years," says Donna.

Local Colors was started by a small group of local artists in the fall of 1989 in the space which is now Passports Restaurant. After a few years they moved further up Main St and came to their present location at 121 Main Street after a fire in the building on, ironically, Friday, July 13, 2001 forced the last move . "I was very lucky to secure our current location by Monday and we were up and running again in a little over a week. We are so fortunate to have our present space and landlord," remarks Donna.

As the only remaining founding member Donna still regards the ability to be part of such a business venture not only a great opportunity to display her work and be part of the community by meeting the public on her work days but also a chance to continue to grow artistically. Over the years, her membership was a catalyst in building up her stained glass business and commission work.

Local Colors is Cape Ann's oldest artists' cooperative where the artists share in the duties necessary to manage an ongoing business. The artists are able to offer "studio" prices as they receive 100% of their sales without paying a commission on pieces sold. Over the years the number of members have varied from a high of 33 to a low of 13. "I remember that low point," says Kathy Bucholska, a jewelry and mixed media artist and 24 year member. "There was real concern about our ability to continue with only 13 members, but we managed to recover fairly quickly." Kathy, who submitted a silver chain and gemstone necklace for the special anniversary display, appreciates her membership at Local Colors for the lasting friendships she has developed.

Many members stay for years while others sometimes don't go beyond the initial 6 month commitment. Some former members see Local Colors as having given them a start in the arts and others move on to open their own businesses. When Larry Martin-Bittman, a former member, joined Local Colors he felt he had a great interest in visual art but no formal artistic education thinking the label "primitive artist" reflected his artistic professionalism at the time. "It was the warm, friendly atmosphere and professional advice of the cooperative members that helped me to find my own artistic and visual language and opened the door to large Cape Ann audiences and customers. I feel very lucky that I was able to spend 10 years with this gallery. It was the most creative period of my life," says Larry.

There are currently 17 members whose reasons for being part of Local Colors varies as much as the artwork in the gallery. "I not only enjoy the artists with whom I work, I also enjoy getting to talk with people from all over the world who come into Local Colors," says Pat Doherty oil painter and member for 5 years who recently received a thank you note from a customer from Florida thanking her for her assistance when she was working. Pat is well known for her paintings of the Gloucester sunset.

A long time member, Kate Webster, a jewelry, fiber and mixed media artist who designed colorful necklaces for the exhibit, has a practical approach: "being a member of Local Colors keeps me in touch with other local artists and allows me to sell my work, which in turn enables me to buy more supplies to continue making new artwork."

The newest member, Teri Ludwig, who makes unique "upcycled" clothing feels "honored to be a part of such a fantastic group of artists" and gets her inspiration from the work in the gallery and appreciates the opportunity to explain her art to customers and answer questions that folks may have."

Members were asked to "go all out" in creating work for the anniversary display. For group displays, members are encouraged to create outside their medium. Ann Schlecht, a jeweler, did just that: "For our 25th anniversary, I have created a vest made with ribbon yarn with a newly designed sterling silver shawl pin sold separately." Jim Sousa, a photographer, submitted two photographs but not printed in the usual manner. One, a photograph of the Nubble Lighthouse in Maine, is printed on textured metal while the other of Fire Island Light in Long Island is printed with a triple diamond printed mat.

Bonnie Gray, a painter, submitted a piece called "Summer Bouquet" and believes the Cooperative provided her the opportunity to reinvent herself as an artist after her retirement from the Rockport School system. Sally Seamans, a tin artist and jeweler, appreciates the support of the community and it brings her immense joy when a customer says "You're Tin Can Sally? I LOVE your stuff!". She submitted a beautifully fabricated "tin" bird for the occasion. Virginia Townsend designed a profile of Thatcher Island for her platters representing the history and strength of Cape Ann.

These are just a few of the many pieces on special display from October 18 through November 7. The artists' celebration on October 25th from 6 to 8 pm is open to the public and current members invite all former members to come and help them celebrate!

A Little Bit of Cuba at Local Colors Artists' Cooperative

The Local Colors Artists' Cooperative at 121 Main Street, Gloucester, now in its 25th year, is excited to offer a new type of event: a book signing featuring John Verlinden and his newly published Nuevo Cuban cook book To Cook Is to Love, a unique work of art which is equal parts memoir and cookbook. The members of Local Colors will be sponsoring his book signing for one evening only, Saturday, July 12 , from 5 to 9 pm. John will give a brief presentation at 7 pm and will be offering a tasty Cuban treat and refreshments from his book from 7 to 9 pm which is open and free to the public.

Chef Johnny, as he is also known, has been a long time supporter of Local Colors going back 24 years when he was first introduced to the artists and their art by a then new member, Kathy Bucholska, currently a jewelry and mixed media artist. During these years as the idea for his book was forming, John and his husband, Oz, established a non-profit organization that brought humanitarian aid to libraries, hospitals, community centers, elderly meal programs and schools serving children with disabilities to Cuba. Many members of Local Colors supported these efforts through art contributions to their annual silent auction fundraiser.

"We are so thrilled to offer this event on Cape Ann that supports the arts in a different way," says Kathy Bucholska. "The book entertains and inspires as well as offers 180 healthy recipes that are part Cuban and part American. To me, what makes the book really special is Aida's story of her life in Cuba and later as a single immigrant mother and the food that sustained her family. It is so compelling that I couldn't put the book down."

The instant readers open To Cook Is to Love, they find themselves transported straight to Mami Aida’s home, where she welcomes them like old friends for a delicious dinner, shares her sought after cooking secrets, and tells captivating stories of her remarkable past. To Cook Is to Love is a multigenerational cultural tapestry of Cuban history, life, food, wine, and music told through the heartwarming experiences of Mami Aida who immigrated to the United States and raised her family. 

"I'm delighted to have an opportunity to bring To Cook Is to Love to Cape Ann, because it remains the heart of New England's fishing industry", says John. "Despite the distance and differences, Cape Ann and the Caribbean have had a long and profound relationship going back to Colonial times. Sailing vessels from New England brought dried and salted cod to the islands for trade. Cod from New England has been an important ingredient in Cuban cooking for hundreds of years."

To Cook Is to Love isn’t just a collection of delicious, healthy, Nuevo Cuban recipes. It includes a beautifully crafted collection of pre-revolutionary Cuban memorabilia, vintage family photographs and original illustrations that all help tell Mami Aida’s challenging, compelling and inspiring story. Readers will not want to leave Mami Aida’s table until they’ve heard her entire story and tasted every dish! For those who can't make the July 12th date, To Cook Is to Love will be available at the Toad Hall bookstore in Rockport. 

Aside from the continuously changing array of art, the featured artists at Local Colors during the book signing are Kate Webster with her bead jewelry and knitwear in soft, pretty colors, inspired by sandy beaches, warm water, sea glass and summer flowers and Virginia Townsend with her new line of dinnerware (now available in a Wedgewood blue) featuring sperm whale and codfish designs so reflective of Cape Ann.

Fish Tales

The Local Colors Artists' Cooperative, now in its 25th year on Main St, celebrates its annual FISH event from June 1 to July 4th with a special art exhibit titled FISH TALES. This annual event, which also coincides with St. Peter's Fiesta, celebrates the fishing community and natural beauty of Cape Ann. The highlight of this celebration is a reception at Local Colors, 121 Main St. in Gloucester on Friday, June 21st from 6 - 9 pm with refreshments that is open and free to the public.

This year's theme FISH TALES captures a broad view of our fishing community and Cape Ann's natural and manmade resources. Each of the 18 artists is free to interpret the theme according to their artistic calling. For special events as this, the artists are encouraged to create works outside their usual media to allow for growth and expansion of their creative talents. The members installing the exhibit never know for sure what to expect until the actual installation. All the work for this event is displayed on the featured wall and in the front windows of Local Colors.

"This event is so meaningful to me on many levels" says Kathy Bucholska, a mixed media artist and jewelry designer at Local Colors for 24 years. "Not only is it a celebration of the fishing industry and way of life, but the fish symbol brings special meaning to me. In my work I use the fish to represent abundance and spiritual nourishment." She submitted a 3 strand amethyst necklace with schools of fish beads. "Not only do I feel abundance and spiritual nourishment from the fish, but amethyst brings peace, protection and contentment."

Kate Webster who does jewelry, fiber art and mixed media expresses a similar sentiment. "When I make something fish related, I feel that I am honoring and celebrating the community that I live in and love so much."

Virginia Townsend was inspired by the biggest "fish tale" ever told by Herman Melville celebrating man versus nature here in New England. "I would like to honor this history by painting whales on a large platter representing the huge part whales play in the New England culture."

A few of the other pieces already submitted are:

· Bonnie Gray painted a dynamic surf fishing scene. "Surf fishing for striped bass is a popular sport here on Cape Ann. Fishermen can often be spotted along the Back Shore of Gloucester, all hoping to catch the big one. In my painting, I have tried to capture the thrill and excitement of the first cast of the day for that elusive striped bass. "

· Jim Sousa submitted some unique photographs. "Wood and rope were two of most used materials that were used in the early days of the Gloucester Fisherman. This has inspired me to use these in my prints where the Fisherman and the dolphin/mermaid were printed on birch plywood and used manila rope in the framing" says Jim.

· Ann Schlecht created a brand new charm of St. Peter, the Patron Saint of fishermen. Schlecht created the charm in celebration of the Fiesta and Gloucester's fishermen. "Each charm comes with a small picture of the iconic statue as well as a brief history and is available in silver or bronze. There is just one more of many other charms available."

· Lois Hertzler has included a unique photograph. She says "Every year, the members of Local Colors look forward to celebrating St. Peter's Fiesta with our community. I couldn't resist photographing the corner of an old gate that reminded me of a fish!"

· A longtime member, Sally Seamans, aka Tin Can Sally, supports the fishing industry by using recycled sardine, tuna and anchovy cans to make whimsical, fish wall ornaments.

· Patricia Doherty hand painted a fish and anchor on mirrors that were decorated using sea glass and pottery pieces we found on local Gloucester beaches with each piece being one of a kind.

Each member is asked to submit 2 or 3 pieces for the exhibit, so there will be much more on display. Other members displaying work are Donna Amero, the remaining founding member, known for her seashells imbedded in stained glass art; Stephanie Bowens for her fiber art; Bob Kulchuk for his wheel thrown pottery, wood turning and fused glass; Darren Taylor for his woodworking and functional art furniture, Ian Commissiong for his fiber art and fish skin framed pieces, Joe Higgins for his fish prints, Dave Katz for his creative photography, Rusty Kinnunen for his screen and linoleum block printing and our newest member, Teri Scott Ludwig for her wearable art made from upcycled sweaters and tee shirts.

he current hours are 10am to 6pm, Sunday through Thursday and 10am to 8pm on Friday and Saturday. The members will be identified with name tags and look forward to meeting the public at the June 21st reception, but the exhibit can be viewed beginning June 1 through July 4.

Special Exhibition: Lawerence Martin-Bittman, March 8th to 29th 2014

Lawrence Martin-Bittman warmly invites the public to a reception and special exhibition of his latest work at Local Colors Artists' Cooperative in Gloucester from March 8 to March 29. This unique artist is presenting a collection of recent paintings - including many vibrant and often humorous works depicting his interpretations of Cape Ann. Martin-Bittman is a permanent honorary member of Local Colors. 

Gallery hours: daily 10 am to 5 pm. 
The reception will be on Saturday, March 8, from 5 to 8 pm.
121 Main St., Gloucester, MA. (978) 283-3996

Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

FIESTA AT LOCAL COLORS ARTISTS' COOPERATIVE

Three artists from the Local Colors Artists’ Cooperative, Donna Amero, Kathy Bucholska and Lois Hertzler, are coordinating a unique event celebrating through art Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. This special exhibit which involves the work of at least 12 other members is on exhibit from October 19 through November 8. There will be a fiesta reception on November 2 from 6 to 8 PM with lively music and light refreshments “to celebrate the artists, family and friends who have gone before us and who have been our inspiration,” says member, Lois Hertzler.

The exhibit will highlight Day of the Dead art by 15 members as well as a festive ofrenda or altar where the public can leave a note of remembrance. “It is a holiday that is often misunderstood by New Englanders as it occurs around the same time as Halloween,” says Kathy Bucholska. “Unlike Halloween with its scary characters, this holiday celebrates the return of departed loved ones two days a year with food, photographs, flowers and drink.”

Celebrated originally in Mexico, this holiday welcomes back departed family members on the1st and 2nd of November through music, brightly decorated sugar skills and orange marigolds. It’s not a sad occasion but a happy one. Death is viewed as the continuation of life where the culture depicts a vibrant afterlife. The Day of the Dead art often depicts brightly festooned skeletons doing everyday activities as imagined in the afterlife.

“Since our Cooperative’s anniversary falls at approximately the same time of year as the Day of the Dead event, we are using this event as an opportunity to also celebrate our 24th anniversary and remember our humble beginning as well as those many artists who have passed through our doors” notes Donna Amero.

Since Day of the Dead art often involves satire and humor about the human condition, the window displays have a satiric theme. “An unsuspecting Miranda, adorned in a colorful tie-dyed shawl by member Christine Garrigan, fastened with a tin flower pin by member Sally Seamans and handmade tissue flowers in her hair by member Donna Amero, patiently waits for her dinner and wine seated at a wine barrel bistro table by member Darren Taylor. It’s a dinner that will never come as Luis, the chef, smartly attired in an apron made by member Ian Commissiong, overindulges on “cooking” wine and is, well, passed out with his spoon, empty wine bottle and pot," offers Kathy Bucholska. “We tried to incorporate the artists’ work into our skeletons and at the same time offer something a passerby can smile at.”

Before coming to Local Colors, Christine Garrigan worked with the Latino community in California where she was inspired by the community’s preparation for the holiday through the creation of art and remembrances. She learned the art of cutting a papel picado banner which is an intricate design created out of colorful tissue paper also on display with her tie-dyed mandala fabric creations.

Lois Hertzler offers several photographs showing skeletons doing everyday activities such as listening to an iPod while reading a book and Dave Katz, another photographer depicts a jubilant skeleton Red Sox fan. Jim Sousa, inspired by the famous artist Andy Warhol, offers a photograph of brightly colored skull heads in the Warhol tradition.

There are colorful paintings by members Bonnie Gray and Pat Doherty in the spirit of the theme as well as a skeletal like fish print by Joe Higgins. Donna Amero offers a unique stained glass skeleton fish and Tin Can Sally created an impressive mirror and frame of flowers, skulls and bones made from recycled tin. Kathy Bucholska designed mixed media pieces with unusual skeletons and skulls as well as jewelry using skull heads in various stones and metals. Virginia Townsend designed a sushi plate with a fish skeleton as the highlight.

Not to be missed are the diverse pieces of festive skeleton jewelry by Kate Webster and sterling silver fish skeletons on sea glass by Ann Schlecht. Ann went a step further by creating tributes to both her departed Mom and Dad who were a source of inspiration for her current work. Also offered are humorous Day of the Dead greeting cards.

The artists invite the public to enjoy the display, write a remembrance for the altar and celebrate the free event on November 2nd from 6 to 8 pm with light refreshments and festive music at 121 Main Street, Gloucester, MA, 978-283-3996

"Autumn's Up" at Local Colors

With summer winding down, things are warming up at Local Colors. The cooperative will open its “Autumn’s Up” exhibition on Sept. 7th. The exhibition will run through Sept. 28th, and will feature new work by the artists. On Sept. 14th, the artists will welcome the public to their semi-annual evening reception and open house, at 121 Main Street in Gloucester, from 6PM to 9PM.

The “Autumn’s Up” theme is a play on words with an oblique reference to Oktoberfest (think “bottoms up.”) In this spirit (so to speak), Cape Ann Brewery will present a tasting of microbrews at Local Colors on the evening of the reception. Appetizers and other beverages will also be served.

“Having our own early Oktoberfest is fun,” said Stephanie Bowens, a fiber artist at Local Colors, “But you can also draw a connection between the autumn, or harvest, season, and the new directions a number of our artists have been taking. A good harvest is the result of a season of growth and development. The same can be said for much of the new work currently exhibited, itself the result of artistic growth and development.”

Christine Garrigan, also a fiber artist, is presenting tie-dye pieces dyed to her signature color saturation. Pastel painter Kathy O’Brien is displaying her beautifully rendered views of the Ipswich and Essex marshes. Ian Commissiong, a fiber artist who creates colorful designs using Marimekko textiles, continues his experiments with the translucency and patterning of fish skin in glass-framed displays. Water-colorist Rusty Kinnunen has expanded into the graphic arts and is offering hand-pulled linoleum block prints of ocean motifs.

Other works include Sally Seamans’ (Tin Can Sally) collection of tin clocks, new work by photographers Lois Hertzler, Dave Katz, and Jim Sousa, Donna Amero’s colorful stained glass creations, and oil paintings by Pat Doherty and Bonnie Gray.

Woodworker Darren Taylor is presenting new furniture pieces, gyotaku artist Joe Higgins now offers prints of his larger scale original work, and Kathy Bucholska continues her mixed media experimentation with fossils and contemporary found and recycled materials. Stephanie Bowens offers knitted pieces in autumnal tones, Ann Schlecht has new beach glass, copper, and silver jewelry, and ceramicist Virginia Townsend now offers pieces in customized geographic coordinates. Pottery and fused glass by Bob Kulchuk, and creative mixed media work by Kate Webster complete the extensive offerings on display.

Local Colors is a cooperative of 19 artists from the Cape Ann area, all producing original art. Its members include glass artists, painters, jewelry designers, photographers, fiber artists, mixed media artists, ceramicists, and woodworkers. It is located at 121 Main St. in Gloucester. The current hours are 10am to 6pm, Sunday through Thursday, and 10am to 8pm on Friday and Saturday. The cooperative’s open house and reception celebrating “Autumn’s Up” will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14th, from 6PM to 9PM.

"Off the Hook"

To kick off the month of St. Peter’s Fiesta, Local Colors Artists’ Cooperative opened its ocean-themed "Off The Hook" exhibition on June 1st. The exhibition will run through July 6th, and will feature new work by the artists. On June 22nd, the artists will welcome the public to their annual evening reception and open house, in honor of the St. Peter’s Fiesta, at 121 Main Street in Gloucester from 6PM to 9PM.