2012 Cape Ann Guide – Experience Cape Ann…serving Essex, Gloucester, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Rockport. Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce.
Issue link: http://capeannguide.epubxp.com/i/68289
ARTS & CULTURE Pocket Lab, the center's outdoor aquarium, features a cluster of touch tanks where kids can handle crabs, sea stars, lobsters, sea urchins and other local specimens. Open daily mid- May through November, 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. $5/adults, $4/seniors, $2/children, $10/ family maximum. Gloucester Stage Company (978) 281-4099 www.gloucesterstage.org 267 East Main Street, Gloucester The Gloucester Stage Company was co- founded in 1979 by Geoff Richon, Denny Blodgett, and award-winning playwright Israel Horovitz as a "safe harbor for playwrights and new plays". During its first twenty seasons the GSC successfully realized its mission with the production of more than 35 world premieres, 15 American premieres, and 25 New England premieres. Plays developed at the GSC have gone on to critical and popular acclaim on Broadway, off-Broadway, across the United States, and around the world. The Company has received numerous awards and citations for individual productions and performances. Hammond Castle Museum (978) 283-2080 www.hammondcastle.org 80 Hesperus Avenue, Gloucester John Hays Hammond, Jr. built his medieval- style castle to serve both as his home and as a backdrop for his collection of medieval, and Renaissance artifacts. The building housed the Hammond Research Corporation, from which came over 400 patents and the ideas for over 800 inventions. Second only to Thomas Alva Edison in number of patents, John Hammond was one of America's premier inventors. Visitors can explore the castle on a self-guided tour of many rooms set to reflect the collecting tastes of Dr. Hammond and his wife. In addition to self-guided tours, Hammond Castle Museum offers a number of educational programs and prearranged tour opportunities, and is available for corporate and private rentals. The museum hosts many summer private rentals on Saturdays and Sundays. Call for details. Open May through October. Manchester Historical Society (978) 526-7230 www.manchesterhistorical.com 10 Union Street, Manchester-by-the-Sea One of Manchester-by-the-Sea's most beloved landmarks, the Trask House on Union Street was built in 1823 by local businesswoman Abigail Hooper, who ran a thriving general store on the property. Today, the original rooms of the Trask House contain an impressive collec- tion of period furniture, artifacts and fine art. Guided tours of the Trask House are available Saturdays during July and August (12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. and by appointment). There is no charge for admission. Seaside No. 1 Fire House Museum now serves as a museum and home to Manchester-by-the-Sea's The Paper House (978) 546-2629 www.paperhouserockport.com 52 Pigeon Hill Street, Rockport two antique fire engines, the Torrent, a hand pumper built in 1832 and Seaside No. 2, a horse-drawn steam pumper acquired in 1902. The first floor of the building also contains a collection of fire- fighting equipment as well as memorabilia from both the fire and police departments. Seaside No.1 is open to the public on Saturdays during July and August (12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. and by appointment). The Paper House is a unique structure once used as the summer home of the builder, Elis Stenman. Its uniqueness comes from the newspaper used in the making of the walls and the furniture. An estimated 100,000 papers were used over a twenty year period. The furniture is sturdy; it was used at one time but is strictly for display at present. This is one of those things that have to be seen to be believed. Located on a quiet street in the Pigeon Cove section of Rockport it may be a bit hard to find but worth the trip just for the adventure. Rockport Art Association (978) 546-6604 www.rockportartassn.org 12 Main Street, Rockport Founded in 1927, the Rockport Art Association has served as the cultural center of the town. Its members have provided most of the art which hangs in the public buildings and hosts many town events each year. The association offers continuing art classes and workshops for children and adults, as well as lectures, demonstrations and other educational programs. With over 25 exhibitions of fine art throughout the year, the association represents most of the local artists and many artists from the New England region. In addition to displaying the works of these contemporary artists, the Rockport Art Association also owns and displays an extensive collection of museum works of art by historic Cape Ann artists. Rockport Music (978) 546-7391 North Shore Arts Association (978) 283-1857 www.nsarts.org 11 Pirates Lane, East Gloucester Established in 1922, North Shore Arts Association occupies a unique Harborside setting in East Gloucester. Its 300+ members display original works of art in a variety of mediums. Visitors and the community enjoy the largest collection of paintings and sculpture on Cape Ann in a rotating series of exhibitions. NSAA offers adult, children's, and teen art workshops, lectures, and demonstra- tions free to the public as well as a live art auction fundraiser on August 11. Open May through October. Hours M-Sat 10am to 5pm, Sun., noon to 5pm. Celebrating our 90th year with a special Archival Show in August. Hosting a special exhibition of experimental artists, I.S.E.A., in September. Join us for an exciting season. www.rockportmusic.org Shalin Liu Performance Center 37 Main Street, Rockport Performance Center, is a new addition to the cultural life of Cape Ann. This Rockport Music's new home, the Shalin Liu intimate, oceanfront concert hall boasts 330 seats and magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. Since 1981, Rockport Music has been committed to one enduring purpose: enriching lives through great music. Located in the scenic seaport village of Rockport, Rockport Music presents exceptional musical performances and events year round, including the acclaimed Rockport Chamber Music Festival, which celebrated its 30th season in 2011. Rockport Music also presents classical, jazz, folk and world music – as well as opera and theater simulcasts and film series. Educational enrichment programs reach over 7,500 youth and adults annually. www.capeannchamber.com | www.capeannvacations.com | www.rockportusa.com 53