FOLLOW YOUR HEART

LOCAL COLORS ARTISTS' COOPERATIVE PRESENTS

"FOLLOW YOUR HEART” FUNDRAISER

Artist members of Gloucester’s Local Colors Artists' Cooperative are, for the ninth year, using the Valentine season as an opportunity to support the community who has supported them for over 30 years with their "Follow Your Heart" fundraiser.  Each of the 14 members of the Cooperative created unique Valentine cards in which 100% of the proceeds will be donated to a local non-profit organization. They are on for sale January 21 through February 14th.

The membership selected four local organizations to be on the ballot for the event including the Wellspring House, Pathways for Children, The Open Door and Cape Ann Animal Aid.   The organizations provide a variety of worthy services including shelter, education, food or animal rescue. The voting ballot lists all four charities. For each card purchased, customers may cast a vote to their charity of choice so members urge the public to buy many and vote often! The organization with the most votes will receive 100% of the proceeds from the sale of all the Valentine cards.

"During what can be a dreary and cold time of year, I find doing this event fun and cheery,” says Kathy Bucholska, a jewelry and mixed media artist and member for 29 years. "My crow cards are back for another year with new quips hoping to get a laugh or at least a smile.” Kathy embellishes a photo she took of two crows appearing to commune with each other.

Donna Amero, the only remaining founding member and stained-glass artist says, “The event is also fun for me to do as I am creating outside my medium and look forward to doing something unique for the community.” Among her creations are animal print cards with bold feathers.

This year Ann Schlecht, a silversmith who often uses sea glass in her jewelry designs, created a few valentines with sea glass hearts that she found right here on Cape Ann.  She claims “finding sea glass hearts is truly special and meaningful and is not a regular occurrence that makes a special card and gift.”  

Due to their popularity in past years, Sally Seamans, also known as “Tin Can Sally” has again made her tin heart bookmark and key chain cards which usually sell out fast!

Pat Doherty, a painter who has been involved with this event for several years created original handmade cards. She says, “Valentines for charity is a favorite project of mine. It makes me feel good to be able to give something back to our community.”

These are just a few examples of the types of Valentine cards available beginning January 21 through February 14th at Local Colors Artists' Cooperative at 121 Main Street in Gloucester. Other members contributing cards for the event include:  David Katz and Jim Sousa, photography; Bob Kulchuk, wheel-thrown pottery/fused glass; Virginia Townsend, pottery and basket weaving; Jim Trudeau, pottery; Susan Ingram, paintings; Sarah Fris, paintings and children’s clothing; Claire Perrault, fiber arts; and Judy Plank, paintings

For more information about Local Colors, visit www.local-colors.org or call 978-283-3996.

30 Years of Local Color

The Members of Local Colors Artists’ Cooperative invite you to our 30th anniversary celebration on Saturday, November 2 from 6 to 8PM. We are so thankful for your support over these last 30 years. To show our appreciation we are offering 15% off our already low studio prices during the Saturday reception. We will also have refreshments and live music by one of our own members. Please join us in this celebration! We look forward to seeing you.

Photographs of Rob Coviello

Local Colors would like to invite you to a reception to celebrate and share the amazing photographs of 18-wheelers by Rob Coviello. Rob is well known across the country for his work. There will be refreshments and hors d'oeuvres - open and free to the public.

Rob Coviello displays his 18-wheeler photographs for sale. Mark your calendars for this 3 hour-only event on March 29th from 5-8 p.m. sponsored by Local Colors, 121 Main Street, Gloucester
Join us and enjoy Rob's work and light refreshments.

UP IN THE AIR

"Up in the Air":  A New Exhibit and Reception at Local Colors 

Local Colors Artists' Cooperative, now in its 29th year, celebrates its annual art event with a special art exhibit titled UP IN THE AIR. The gallery will highlight the new work of the 16 members from October 5th through October 26th with a reception (free and open to the public) on Saturday, October 6th from 5 to 7 PM at Local Colors Artists' Cooperative, 121 Main St. in Gloucester.

Each of the 16 artists is free to interpret the theme according to the artist's 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.

 “It’s always interesting to see how the artist interprets the theme whether literally, humorously or philosophically,” says Kathy Bucholska, a member for 28 years who designed jewelry using sun, moon and star motifs. “The sun is a powerful symbol for me representing warmth, strength, growth and renewal.”

The Cooperatives two newest members Allyson Christopher, a fiber artist, and Judy Plank, a painter, enthusiastically designed pieces for the show. Judy says she took a “twist” on interpreting the theme. Her work is primarily bold, coastal inspired paintings on wood with carved accents and a high gloss finish. She submitted three pieces including one with three row boats tied to a pier titled Row v Wade as she believes the “current law is up in the air.” The second piece is called “Sabrina Maria” representing the fishing industry which is similarly up in the air as well and her third piece titled “Citgo” which she says is “dedicated to the amazing year the Red Sox’s are having.”

Allyson whose work is beautifully dyed silk scarves and other items created a one of a kind silk scarf using professional silk dyes for the brilliance of color. Her piece is titled, “Falls Glory” which reminded her of the colorful leaves blowing in the air during the fall.

Pat Doherty, a painter, enjoys painting the tranquility of a Cape Ann sunset and sunrise. Pat says, “With all the stress we can experience today, the beauty of a sunset can help the worries of the day fade away. With each sunrise I wish to bring the hope of a new day.”

For Up in the Air, Ann Schlecht created sculptural leaf earrings of mixed metals made with aluminum, copper and brass to signify the variety of colors found in foliage - leaves that crumple and fall from the sky.  These earrings are very lightweight and with each movement they catch the light. 

Sally Seamans aka Tin Can Sally, made hanging mobiles of various sizes and mediums. Her mobiles combine line, color, joy and motion.

One of our potters, Virginia Townsend, inspired by her love of the ocean, created beautiful glass ornaments filled with sand, sea-glass, shells and sparkle. She says, “It brings the feel of the ocean to the home.”

Things that fly is the interpretation by Jim Sousa, a photographer, who will exhibit photographs of birds, fighter jets and kite surfers.

Donna Amero, a stained-glass artist and the only remaining founding member of the cooperative, created a sun mirror and a stained-glass panel with mountains and a loon that she titled “Loon Mountain.”

Other members displaying work are Christine Garrigan, a tie-dye artist who will have pieces symbolizing the colors of the sky, Bob Kulchuk and Jim Trudeau for their wheel thrown pottery, Susan Ingram and Marion Rayner for their inspiring and often locally themed paintings, Dave Katz, a photographer with his sea-glass and abstract water photography and Gary Lucas, a relief artist with his unique coastal scenes.

The members are excited to offer to the community, a new show with so many interpretations. The UP IN THE AIR show runs from October 6th through October 26th with an evening reception on October 6th from 5 to 7pm, open and free to the public. The hours are from 10am to 6pm, Sunday through Saturday. The phone number is 978-283-3996.

Celebrating Flowers

Marion Rayner, a member of Local Colors Artists’ Cooperative, will be presenting a special show of her new work in acrylics. There will be a wine and cheese reception on June 23, 5:30-7:30 pm at the Cooperative, 121 Main Street, Gloucester, MA. The show will run from June 23-July 13.

Marion has been creating landscapes, seascapes, and florals in watercolor for the past 25 years. “I love how fluid, vibrant, and unpredictable watercolors can be. I had been thinking recently about creating in another medium. With spring here and all the beautiful flowers blooming on Cape Ann, it seemed natural to want to create something that would celebrate the emergence of all that beauty. I have long admired the work of Georgia O’Keefe. Her large and exaggerated forms bring a sense of importance to each flower she paints.”

Marion’s canvas pieces are large (2”by 4”), bright and appealing. The poppies stand out from a dark background. In fact, the poppies seem to “pop out.” Each piece makes a particular flower the star of the show.

Also during the show work by Donna Amero, a founding member of Local Colors Artists’ Cooperative, will be Celebrating Dragonflies with dragonfly themed stained glass in the alcove. “Dragonflies signify happiness, speed and purity,” says Donna.

Please join us for this special reception June 23, 5:30-7:30 at Local Colors

Artists’ Cooperative, 121 Main Street, Gloucester.  The organization is also seeking new members. The group is Cape Ann’s oldest artist cooperative, and is managed and run by the artists who all share an equal status. The reception is an opportunity to meet the artists, see their work and find out about membership benefits.

Meet and Greet

Join us June 2, 5:30-7:30, for a wine and cheese reception
to meet the artists. Local Colors is always looking for new artist members. This is an opportunity to learn and talk about the gallery and membership.
We are looking forward to meeting you June 2.

"HEARTFELT"

LOCAL COLORS ARTISTS' COOPERATIVE PRESENTS

"HEARTFELT"

Artist members of Gloucester’s Local Colors Artists' Cooperative are, for the seventh year, using the Valentine season as an opportunity to support the community who has sustained them for over 28 years with their "Heartfelt" fundraiser.  Each of  the 16 members of the Cooperative created unique Valentine cards in which 100% of the proceeds will be donated to a local non-profit organization. They are on for sale January 16th through February 14th.

The membership selected four local organizations to be on the ballot for the event including the  Wellspring House, Pathways for Children, The Open Door and Cape Ann Animal Aid.   The organizations provide a variety of worthy services including shelter, education, food or animal rescue. The voting ballot lists all four charities. For each card purchased, the customer may cast a vote to their charity of choice. The organization with the most votes will receive 100% of the proceeds from the sale of all the Valentine cards.

"In addition to the general public supporting one of the organizations by the purchase of an original, unique card, we encourage each organization to contact their supporters  about the event to come in and purchase a card or two!" urges Kathy Bucholska, a jewelry and mixed media artist and member for 27 years. "There's a vote for each card purchased. We have combined this event with our member drive. We are looking to increase our membership this year so it's also a chance to not only buy a card for a worthy cause but to inquire about becoming a member of Cape Ann's oldest cooperative."

"I look forward to the Valentine’s charity promotion we do every year at Local Colors," says Ann Schlecht.  "It’s a great way to give back to the community and I love that people come in looking for them.  For the last few years I have gotten together with my good friend Maryanne and together we cut, paste, glue and of course, have some laughs!"

Jacqueline Bennett, a painter and one of our newest members, says "My love of nature and plants just keeps bringing me back to these natural forms." She works into her mixed media cards work some of the natural elements. Pat Doherty, a painter who has been involved with this event for several years claims "It's so much fun creating valentines to raise money for local charities. It's Local Artists at Local Colors for Local Charities, so heartfelt!" Susan Ingram, another painter, used the image of her swan painting for this year's card noting that the inside says "Mates Forever".

“Tin Can Sally” Seamans, Re-cycled Tin Artist, made Valentine cards with tin bookmarks. Sally notes that she appreciates that Cape Ann customers become a part of this event in helping a non-profit organization. Jim Sousa, a photographer, who submitted a romantic photo of two cardinal birds says that when he took the photo he knew it was going to be the next Valentine Day card!

Kathy Bucholska is bringing back her crow and skeleton cards updated with new quips. "These two photos bring back personal memories and are part of my art family so I have a hard time letting them go. It's always fun imagining what they are thinking around the Valentine theme." Donna Amero, the only remaining founding member and stained glass artist, created a card with a photograph of a single rose framed in quilling paper with a single heart shaped rhinestone. Donna is grateful for the support of Cape Ann these 28 years and sees the event as a small thank you to local residents.

These are just a few examples of the types of Valentine cards available now through February 14th at Local Colors Artists' Cooperative at 121 Main Street in Gloucester. Other members contributing cards for the event include:  Marion Rayner, painter;  Joe Higgins, fish prints; David Katz, photography; Christine Garrigan, tie dye artist; Bob Kulchuk, wheel-thrown pottery/fused glass; Virginia Townsend, pottery, basket weaving; Penn Westman, wood carver and Jim Trudeau, pottery.

For more information about the event or member drive, visit www.local-colors.org or call 978-283-3996.

Tiny Art

"Tiny Art":  A New Exhibit and Reception at Local Colors

Local Colors Artists' Cooperative, now in its 28th year, celebrates its annual art event with a special art exhibit titled TINY ART. This theme, which also coincides with Local Colors Artists' Cooperative 28th anniversary, is a new undertaking for the Co-op as most shows have a more specific subject such as a "fish" or the "sea". This show challenges the artists by limiting the size of the work, but not the subject or medium  they choose. The gallery will highlight the new work of the 16 members from September 30 through October 20th with a reception on Saturday, October 14th from 5 to 8 PM at Local Colors Artists' Cooperative, 121 Main St. in Gloucester.

Each of the 16 artists created work that is approximately 6 by 6 inches or smaller on any subject(s) according to the artist's 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.

Donna Amero, a stained glass artist and the only remaining founding member of the cooperative, created a 1 1/2" square glass treasure box with a small pearlized nautilus shell in the lid. She also designed 3" by 6" stained glass "window" panels. She found the theme fun and challenging. She says, "It gives us an opportunity to offer a small piece of art that will fit anywhere at an affordable price."

Kathy Bucholska, a member for 27 years, submitted small sculptures, mixed media and jewelry.  Kathy says,  "My favorites are my "Tiny" sculptures. All three have a petrified wood base supporting either a jasper sphere, an ancient ammonite or carved bone animal totem ranging from 6 by 3 inches to 3 by 3 inches and relate the meaning of the symbols, stones or fossils."

“I love when we do these shows and need to come up with something new,”  Ann Schlecht, a jewelry designer remarks. Ann created a 2 1/4" by 1 1/4" Flower Pot Pendant using her grandmother’s thimble and filled it with wire soil and many different colored sea glass flowers. She recognizes it is always a challenge to come up with a theme that appeals to a diverse group of artists as well as to the public.

Jacqueline Bennett, a painter and our newest member did several 6" by 6" paintings called "Sparkle Flowers" in acrylic with a gold and copper leaf. "My initial reaction to the theme was feeling constricted by the small size, but I had fun with these," says Jackie.  Penn Weston, a woodcarver and another recent member, carved a 6" by 1" baby cormorant. "The idea came to me when I saw a likeness (of it) at a display in Norway at a village near the Arctic Circle," says Penn noting he also carved the mother cormorant which is also available.

Sally Seamans aka Tin Can Sally has made a series of tiny house collages. Each piece is a little over 3" square. "Making these small collages entirely out of found recycled tin was quite a challenge for me," Sally says "but I enjoy challenges."

Pat Doherty, a painter, painted a 4" by 4" oil on canvas of a Gloucester sunset. "I love painting the bright colors found in our Gloucester sunsets. It doesn't change the pleasure I feel when painting whether it is a two foot by four foot painting or a four inch by four inch painting. The color and light found in Gloucester cannot be surpassed," adds Pat.

One of our potters, Virginia Townsend, used sticks from her hydrangeas to create whimsical 4" by 4" ceramic fish tiles. She says through her inspiration from the Cape Ann sea, salt and sand, she keeps her coastal pottery fun.

You'll also find small alarm clocks with 2" diameter photos of Cape Ann in the face made by Jim Sousa, a photographer. He sees these creations as fun mementos that allows you to take a little bit of Cape Ann with you anywhere yougo.

Other members displaying work are Bob Kulchuk and Jim Trudeau for their wheel thrown pottery, Susan Ingram and Marion Rayner for their inspiring and often locally themed paintings, Joe Higgins for his fish prints, Christine Garrigan, a tie-dye artist and Dave Katz, a photographer.

The members are excited to offer to the community, as the founding member Donna Amero says, "a small piece of art that will fit anywhere at an affordable price." The TINY ART show runs from September 30th through October 20th with an evening reception on October 14th from 5 to 8pm, open and free to the public. The hours beginning October 1 are from 10am to 6pm, Sunday through Saturday. The phone number is 978-283-3996.

For the Birds

"FOR THE BIRDS":  A New Exhibit at Local Colors 

September 9th till September 29

 Jim Sousa, an 8 year member of  Local Colors Artists Cooperative, is presenting a special show of his photographs of various birds on various mediums entitled "For the Birds".  He is donating half of all sales from the show to the Mass Audubon Society.  There will be a reception with light refreshments on September 9, 2017 from 5 to 8 PM. Penn Westman, another member and woodcarver,  will be giving a bird woodcarving demonstration during the reception. The reception and show are free and open to the public at Local Colors, 121 Main Street, Gloucester, MA. The show will run from September 9 to the 30th.

 Fascinated by the photographs he saw in National Geographic as a child, he imagined it would be a great job to travel and photograph wildlife. Although not yet a fulltime endeavor, Jim takes every opportunity to photograph wildlife  as often as possible. Jim says that he has a "hobby gone wild." One of his best experiences was photographing puffins in Newfoundland. With research he found an island off the Newfoundland coast where you could walk onto the island to catch the puffins in their habitat instead of taking a boat to an island.

 He further explains why he chose Mass Audubon as a recipient of his sales. "I have been photographing landscapes and wildlife for many years and some of my bird photos were shot in Audubon wildlife sanctuaries.  I decided to donate proceeds to them so people like me will continue to have a place to capture these beautiful creatures" says Jim. He also printed a limited edition of50 of his Bird Posters (24 x 36) for his show in which he will also donate to MASS Audubon.

 Jim will be showing photographs (printed on photo paper, watercolor paper and even wood!) of Finches, Cardinals, Puffins, Ospreys, Hawks, Woodpeckers and waterfowl among others. His show will be on display from September 9 to the 30th.

Local Colors is located at 121 Main Street, Gloucester, MA , 978-283-3996.

"Dramatic Nature" with Patrica Doherty

 "Dramatic Nature" is the theme of Patricia Doherty's new oil paintings which will be on display at Local Colors Gallery, 121 Main Street in Gloucester from July 29 until August 18.She loves capturing on canvas the profusion of color seen in the sky and reflected in the water at sunrise and sunset. Her oil paintings are all one of one with no prints made. There will be a reception on July 29 from 7 until 9 pm when you can meet the artist. There will be live music and light refreshments. Please come and enjoy.

Day of the Dead (Dia de Muertos)

Come and join us on 29th July from 6 pm to 8 pm for refreshments, fun and music. See our Day of the Dead art display and write a message on our remembrance altar. 

Hope to see you there!

Local Colors Artists' Cooperative

COME IN AND MEET MIRANDA IN PERSON!!

We had a wonderful time and thank you all for coming . 

The brains behind the operation . . . . 

Jim Sousa 

Glostoberfest 2016

Glostoberfest

A New Exhibit and Reception at Local Colors

Local Colors Artists' Cooperative, now in its 27th year on Main St, is celebrating art, autumn and Cape Ann with an Oktoberfest flair and  a new exhibit with reception. The exhibit begins October 1 through October 22. The kickoff of this celebration is a  reception at Local Colors, 121 Main St. in Gloucester on Saturday, October1 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. The public is invited and light refreshments will be served.

This year's theme, GLOSTOBERFEST, a play on the traditional Bavarian Oktoberfest with its cultural and beer festivities  "combines the celebration of art, the change in seasons,  Cape Ann, and the Spirit of the Oktoberfest" says Jim Sousa, photographer, who originated the idea. "It brings a festive atmosphere to the expression of new work by the 20 Local Colors' artists." Jim designed a 20 x 48 inch canvas wrapped photograph that combines several images creating a whimsical Gloucester evening skyline with the silhouetting various beer steins with local buildings.

"It's fun to bring into the community ideas from other cultures and make them our own" says Kathy Bucholska, a mixed media artist and jewelry designer. Kathy created a mixed media piece using beer caps from the Cape Ann brewery as it "melds local beer with a German Oktoberfest flair."

In the last 12 months or so, Local Colors Artists' Cooperative was fortunate to welcome several new members as well as a few returning members:

Sydney Smith, a recent member submitted pastel and acrylic images that  depict fall and the harvest.  She says she focused on "small paintings of fruit and the landscape as the colors change into oranges, reds, and brown.” Sue Ingram, a new member, submitted a painting of Good Harbor Beach which she considers "one of the most popular and beautiful beaches in Gloucester."

Two other new members, David Anastasi and Marion Raynor, submitted some very unique pieces. Dave, a photographer  is visually exploring the parallels between beer and fish through macro-photography and Marion, a painter, inspired by the beautiful interior of Cape Ann, painted three watercolors meant to be hung together entitled Cape Ann Woods.

Pat Tosches, a former member who recently returned, went outside her usual pottery medium and painted a rare blue lobster on canvas paying homage to "Gloucester, home of the ubiquitous lobster - yet if you are lucky you will catch a rare one," she notes. Christine Garrigan, a tie-dye artist and another returning member, submitted a colorful child's dress saying she "drew her inspiration from the ocean, the change of seasons, and the beautiful sunsets we enjoy here in Gloucester." Her designs are festive and bright.

Meanwhile, Donna Amero,  the only remaining founding member, plans to make a stained glass lamp in autumnal colors and a glass Buried Treasure creation housing locally found "treasures." Pat Doherty,  a painter, submitted a magnificent Gloucester September sky painting noting "the fall skies here are so dramatic and beautiful. I love painting them."

Darren Taylor, a woodworker, made a bar with stools and other accessories which  lends a festive Glostoberfest feeling. He reclaimed the cypress wood he used from the water tower of the building originally known as the Good Harbor Fillet built back in 1917. The former location is now the home of  the new  Beauport Hotel. Virginia Townsend, a potter, designed beer steins (a nice complement to Darren's bar) with the "Man at the Wheel" motif as the theme brings to mind "being with friends and drinking local brewed beer."

"For the theme, I thought of autumn using trees as inspiration" says Ann Schlecht, jeweler. "I made amber flow earrings (tree resin) with sterling silver wire, 'leaf peeper' necklace with copper and brass handcrafted leaves, and a copper/sterling vintage leaf with a freshwater pearl acorn." Sally Seamans, aka Tin Can Sally, made bracelets out of many new and vintage beer cans " in recognition of Oktoberfest, the world's largest 16-day beer festival - attended by over 6 million people."

Other members displaying work for the Glostoberfest event are Bob Kulchuk and Jim Trudeau for their wheel thrown pottery,   Bonnie Gray for her oil paintings, David Katz for his creative photography, Ian Commissiong for his fiber art and fish skin framed pieces and Joe Higgins for his Gyotaku fish prints. The work expected is as varied as the current 20 members and their unique art.

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. All the work for this event is displayed on the featured wall and in the front windows of the gallery.

The current hours are 10am to 6pm, Sunday through Thursday and 10am to 8pm on Friday and Saturday and beginning Oct 2, the hours are 10am to 6pm.. The members will be identified with name tags and look forward to greeting the public at the October 1 reception.

Local Colors welcomes Mandela Washington Fellows from Africa

On July 9th Local Colors hosted a reception for 25 Mandela Washington Fellows participating in a six week Business and Entrepreneurship Institute at Cambridge College.  The Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative designed to build connections between rising leaders from across the African continent with individuals and communities across the United States.  The 1000 Mandela Washington Fellows participating in the program this year were selected by the State Department from over 49,000 applicants for this highly competitive program.  The Fellows visiting Local Colors are all entrepreneurs having established vibrant enterprises in a broad range of business sectors.

The Fellows were eager to engage with our artists and learn about the co-operative model used so successfully by Local Colors for over twenty five years.  The Local Colors model of working together as a community of artist entrepreneurs has catapulted several of our artists onto the national scene so successfully.  The energy and enthusiasm was palpable throughout the gallery as the artists and Fellows shared in their mutual love of creativity. One Fellow summed up as "this is incredible."  

New Artist

This past year, Local Colors Artists' Cooperative has been pleased to welcome seven new artists, four in the past month alone. The artists are Dave Anastasi - abstract photography, Christine Garrigan - fiber art of Dancing Barefoot Custom Tie-Dye,  Susan Ingram - watercolor painting,  Pat Tosches - Amethyst Hill Design hand painted ceramics,  Jim Trudeau - wheel-thrown functional pottery,  Sydney Smith - oil and pastel painting,  and Marion Rayner - watercolor painting. The cooperative now has twenty artists and is in its 26th year.  One of the artists is always on duty to welcome the public at 121 Main St. Gloucester. Hours: daily 10am-6pm, Fri. & Sat. 10am-8pm.

Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead

Celebration

at

LOCAL COLORS

ARTISTS' COOPERATIVE

121 Main Street, Gloucester, MA

Saturday, October 24, 6-8:30 pm

Dia de los Muertos is a joyful, colorful fiesta

that honors those who have gone before us and who

have been our source of inspiration

On Special Display - Day of the Dead art

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.