CULTURE SCENE and SEEN
Enthusiasts & Creatives Across the Circuit
OCTOBER 26, 2022
Essex Shipbuilding Museum Crossroads Wrap Party
The Essex Shipbuilding Museum collaboration with the Smithsonian Museum & Mass Humanities ended with the October 22 Wrap Party, held in their historical, rugged and yet elegant space in Essex. The organization is now run by Executive Director KD Montgomery, a certified boat Captain with nonstop energy and passion for the museum's programs. KD's husband Jack Montgomery is an arborist who sometimes has the unusual challenge of matching curved tree sections with particular components of wooden boats under construction.
Jack and KD Montgomery
David Driscoll (left) is the Essex Shipbuilding Museum's Board Chair and James Witham is one of the founders.Far left, Harold Burnham of Burnham Shipyard, still building in Essex.
The museum space, with its wonderful eclectic mix of aritfacts and functional tools, is a terrific learning center for the region's youth.
Resplendent
Identity and Visibility in Comics at Montserrat College of Art
The cool gallery space is located on the first floor of the college's main building at 23 Essex, Beverly.
Ricardo Fernandez of Beverly and Montserrat committee member, with 1st year student Khadijah Mansuri, an international student from Gujarat, India.
Resplendent was curated by Lynne Cooney, Director of Exhibitions and Galleries at Montserrat College of Art. Here Lynne is introducing the two artists attending the reception, shown to her right: Bishakh Som and Jennifer Camper.
Attending the reception, from left, were Ginger Myhaver, who recently curated Land, Mark, at Rocky Neck Art Colony, Brian Pellinen, Academic Dean at Montserrat, and Colleen Michaels, Writing Studio Director at Montserrat and founder of The Improbable Places Poetry Tour.
Celebrating David Bowie Concert
At the Cabot, Beverly
Todd Rundgren, and other finely tuned performers on stage, did much more than a "tribute performance" in the recent concert at The Cabot on October 20. The nearly sold-out show also brought out many vintage Bowie T-shirts, preserved by the fans who came to celebrate the genius and memories of one of Rock's supernova.
The balcony crowd rocked and clocked two hours of euphoria, with many beer runs.
It was a dress up night indeed. One celebrates AND honors the icons.
While sporting no visible Bowie T-Shirts these two gentlemen still qualified for best dressed list at The Cabot.
Despite being influenced by Lou Reed, who was no Frank Zappa fan, the more wondrous-minded Bowie would not have objected to a Zappa T-shirt worn to his concert.
COSMOS cannot identify the T-Shirt but cut of the jacket looks like Armani.
Claire Wyzenbeek - Still Alight
Jane Deering Gallery, through October 30
Claire Wyzenbeek, with Sleeper Series (detail), is described as an artist who "keeps her focus on her rich inner life". Claire earned a BFA in Drawing from Carnegie Mellon University and a Diploma in Painting from the Boston Museum School.
Claire Wyzenbeek, Awake, 2014. Watercolor on paper (22 x 30 inches).
Thank you from Sue and Paul!
Sue Erickson and Paul Erickson, COSMOS Science Editor, send their thanks to everyone who visited the Hale-Haskell Gallery in Ipswich to see their recent show. "Old friends, new friends, students, artists, and people from across the country stopped in and made our week!"
CULTURE SCENE and SEEN
Enthusiasts & Creatives Across the Circuit
OCTOBER 12, 2022
Standouts at the Cape Ann Plein Air Gala
While most of the visual aesthetics of the eventing were emanating from the more than 100 paintings displayed in the circumference hallway, which perfectly surrounded the inner gathering room, COSMOS always keeps an eye on people's adornments. Is not dressing a sort of canvas operation?
One of the first items of note was an intriguing grey pair of pants, with loose legs which bloomed from the ankles. Upon discussion with thus attired artist DK Palecek, of Kaukauna, Wisconsin, we learned that the remarkable pants were purchased in Santa Fe, and they have become DK's "gala pants." Santa Fe being a notable art center, might it also be a source for sculptural clothing? DK's artwork and biography are even more interesting than the pants: DKPalecek.com
Driving up to CAPA Gala from Marblehead was Lauren McKenney, a Cape Ann sailor, diner, and overall adventurist. She was sporting a natty pair of shoes, brilliantly acquired at The Stock Exchange, Manchester-by-the- Sea.
Wearing a crimson jacket was Stewart White, who won second place for his painting, “Low Tide at the Paint Factory." Stewart is an artist from Easton, Maryland and specializes in architectural illustration. Stewart White Fine Art
Another stylish artist was Kari Ganoung Ruiz, originally of Interlaken New York, who brought a snappy 40s vibe to the Gala, with her polka dot dress and wonderful accessories. Kari also had a way of finding the essence of Cape Ann scenery—both of the paintings shown in the photo were remarkable in person. Kari and her husband, photographer Diego Ruiz, now travel frequently, capturing the landscape "as they experience it."
Elegance of the formal kilt.
Kirk Larsen brought swagger to the entire week. A passionate painter, sculptor, writer, and actor, he regards his greatest accomplishment as “bringing joy to others." And always with a hat. Kirk Larsen Fine Art
Two of the six local artists selected for CAPA included Susan Lynn and John Caggiano, both award winners in the evening and impeccably attired. John's gallery on Bearskin Neck is in its 40th year, and he frequently travels to plein air events in this country and abroad. In 2019 Susan opened the Susan Lynn Gallery & Studio, 79 Main Street, Rockport.
Essex County Arts & Culture Summit
Cabot Theater, September 30, 2022
Michael Bobbit, Executive Director of the Mass Cultural Council, endorsed the gathering and program with great enthusiasm.
Hundreds of cultural enthusiasts and leaders turned out for the recent Essex County Arts & Culture Summit. The Cabot Theater and its stage became a celebration of the Creative County, made possible by Essex County Community Foundation and The Barr Foundation.
The spirits were high! The announcement that the Barr Foundation would re-up funding for another four years produced a rousing applause. Michael Bobbit, the affable Executive Director of the Mass Cultural Council was present with his endorsement. Karen Ristuben, Program Director, and the entire steering committee, should take a bow! The Arts in Essex County will only become an even bigger part of people’s lives and livelihoods.
Left: KD Montgomery, Executive Director of the Essex Shipbuilding Museum. Right: Courtney Richardson, Executive Director of the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, having a moment. See additional photos from the Arts Summit: COSMOS CULTURE SCENE
The Arts Summit was another well-dressed event, Fall colors was one of the themes.
Left: Tia Cole (left) an arts advocate, with her Good Vibes intern. Right: Karen Ristuben and Lisa Hahn.
