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FOCUS ON CAPE ANN, MA assachusetts is blessed with two “Capes.” They each share similar characteristics—the sea, of course, an invigorating salt air, gulls, arguably the world’s best seafood and a staggering amount of working artists. While Cape Cod has enjoyed its dependable status as a vacation haven, Cape Ann has balanced its history as both renowned fishing industry and artist magnet. Though quieter and less publicized, it’s nonetheless a worthy and charming vacation retreat with numerous surprises in store. Cape Ann is a mere hour north of Boston by car or rail yet it’s a world apart. The air changes in temperature and density after a certain spot on Rte. 128 and the light becomes quite mysterious. The Cape Ann light—a phenomenon that the most eloquent of artists find challenging to capture in words. In photographs and paintings, most definitely, yet words continue to elude the light. After more than 30 years of study, even I cannot describe the descending dusk of mauves or the crazy light show Cape Ann calls a sunrise. Here, a storm constitutes an attraction in and of itself, and yellow-slickered visitors rush to the beach, enraptured, to watch its descent. Considering Cape Ann as a summer or fall destination? You’ll discover exceptional cuisine, comfortable and cozy accommodations, world class theater and music and a mesmerizing array of art—from ceramics to photography; fine drawings to contemporary; handcrafted jewelry to sculpture. Enjoy this suggested itinerary—and, yes, there’s even golf.
Judythe Evans Meagher www.judythe.com 37 Rocky Neck Avenue Gloucester, MA 01930
(978) 281-7575 (617) 347-1792
Open weekends noon to 5pm and by appointment or chance
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ART NEW ENGLAND
July/August 2013
Part of what makes a Cape Ann vacation so restorative and fun is a great place to stay. Allow The Inns of Rockport to be your personal concierge and homebase while exploring Rockport, Gloucester and beyond. Peruse their website for the type of accommodations you’re seeking (inn, hotel, B&B, etc.) and, once selected, these innkeepers and their staff will ensure your stay is memorable and stress-free. Whether directly on the water, near the town center or off the beaten path, you’ll find a tranquil location and unrivaled New England hospitality. Plan to spend several days—there is much to explore. If you’re driving north from Boston veer off Rte. 128 to walk through lovely Manchesterby-the-Sea. If jewelry is your preferred art form, visit Elaine Souza and Charles Gladstone, the husband-and-wife team behind Gladstone’s unusual antique and contemporary fine jewelry. Against a complementing backdrop of paintings and photographs, the jewelry is elegant and eminently wearable. The work is hand-selected from international designers as well as their own original work. Journeying further on into Gloucester, park at the Pleasant Street lot across from the Cape Ann Museum. There is a terrific cluster of galleries here, anchored, of course, by the Museum itself (page 42). Directly across the street you’ll find one of Gloucester’s most intriguing art spaces, The Law & Water Gallery, located in the storefront law office of Ken Riaf. Displaying provocative works by artists in mixed media, paint, ceramics and