Visit The Rocky Neck Art Colony in 2023
For more than 150 years, Rocky Neck has been a creative home for artists. This past summer marked the official 50th birthday of The Rocky Neck Art Colony (RNAC), in addition to Gloucester’s 400+ extravaganza. So much to do. So much to enjoy. Here’s the online version of the print brochure (with map and minor updates).
Gallery & Attraction Guide for the 2023 Season
Note: After Labor Day, some galleries may have more limited hours. Call first or check the websites.
Galleries to Explore
3. Hughes-Bosca /Side Street Gallery
17 Rocky Neck Ave.
Hughes Bosca is a 20 plus year collaboration of two friends and unique individuals, Mary Hughes and Caro-Gray Bosca. 978-283-3791; www.hughesbosca.com
Open Year Round; Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm; Closed from December 25th-January 8th
4. James B. Hand Fine Art
36 Rocky Neck Ave.
19th and 20th-century American paintings and fine art appraisals.
Open by appointment; 978-283-9100; www.jamesbhandfineart.com.
5. Cove Gallery
37 Rocky Neck Ave.
In the former gallery space of Gordon and Judith Goetemann, Cove Gallery features a rotating series of group shows by RNAC member artists.
Closed for the season; 978-515-7004
6. Gallery RAG
37 Rocky Neck Ave., 1B
Closed for the season; 617-959-2051; https://galleryrag.com/
7. Judythe Evans Meagher Gallery
37 Rocky Neck Ave.
Watercolors that evoke an emotional response, whimsical or serene, through the interplay of light and color.
Closed for the season; 978-281-7575; www.Judythe.com
8. IMAGINE Gallery/Brenda Malloy Studio
43 Rocky Neck Ave.
Since 2002, providing visitors with a positive, uplifting experience through Brenda Malloy’s work on canvas, paper, wearable textiles, greeting cards, magnets and more.
Closed for the season; 978-559-1709; imagineloveandpeace.com
9. Gallery on the Neck
43 Rocky Neck Ave.
Original works in watercolor, oil, pen & ink, plus giclée prints and notecards by Deb Schradieck.
Closed for the season; 508-951-6441; www.debsArtGallery.com
11. The Salted Cod Arthouse & Winebar
53 Rocky Neck Ave.
A coffeehouse/wine bar/art gallery, Salted Cod Arthouse displays the work of about 30 Cape Ann artists and craftspeople — a unique and fun destination in Gloucester. 978-282-0917. rockyneckartcolony.org/saltedcod_gallery and saltedcodarthouse.com
Open Tues. – Sun. 11:30 AM – 10 PM
12. Stephen LaPierre’s Open
Studio
one floor up at #75 Rocky Neck Ave.
Unfortunately, Stephen’s studio was left off the 2023 Gallery printed guide map; he’s up one floor up at #75 Rocky Neck Ave. Be sure to drop by!) “Worth the trip up the stairs” oil paintings, local scenes, euro, Americana, plus clowns on cell phones.
Open Monday – Friday by chance, and by appointment on Saturdays 10 AM – 6 PM;
Sundays 9 AM – 5 PM music Sunday night starts at 7 PM; 321-537-7762; www.paintpaintpaint.org.
13. Michalak Fine Art on Madfish Wharf
77 Rocky Neck Ave./Madfish Wharf
Contemporary gallery featuring paintings by Vanessa Michalak and local artists. Michalak’s work draws on expressionism, evident in her active brushwork surprising color palettes while playing homage to the history of plein air painting through her depictions of various landscapes from Gloucester to Maine.
Open Saturday and Sunday 11 AM – 6 PM and by appointment; 207-233-0467.
vanessamichalak.com, Michalakfineart.com
15. Stefan Mierz Fine Art Studio
77 Rocky Neck Ave.
Experimental and stylistically diverse, Stefan’s paintings are typically very colorful and can range from textural pointillism to geometric and abstract. His subject matter is usually inspired by nature and music but is not always figurative.
Call for appointment; 978-697-5936. stefanmierz.com/
15. Sallie Strand Gallery
27 Wonson St.
Contemporary abstract paintings in acrylic, oil and mixed media.
Call for an appointment; 617-968-3455; www.salliestrand.com.
16. Ruth Mordecai
4 Terrace Lane
Oils, acrylics, collage and monoprint on paper. Represented by Matthew Swift Gallery, Gloucester, MA
Open by appointment or chance; 617-462-9171; www.ruthmordecai.com.
Rocky Neck/East Gloucester Dining and Attractions
The Rudder
73 Rocky Neck Ave.
Famed restaurateur Barbara Lynch lands on Rocky Neck. 351-217-1265.
Wed. – Sat. 12 – 10 PM, Sun. 2 – 7 PM
therudderrockyneck.com
Sailor Stan’s
1 Rocky Neck Ave.
Grab a coffee and breakfast with the locals, Saturday and Sunday, mornings.
*Closed for the season
The Salted Cod Arthouse & Winebar
53 Rocky Neck Ave.
Grab a coffee in the morning, enjoy a glass of wine in the evening; there’s always art to buy too.
978-282-0917. saltedcodarthouse.com
Tues. – Sun. 11:30 AM – 10 PM
The Studio Restaurant & Bar
51 Rocky Neck Ave.
Open for lunch and dinner, the Studio is appropriately housed in a former art school. Enjoy its large outdoor waterfront deck for sushi and seafood. 351-217-1238. studiogloucester.com
*Closed for the Season
Duckworths
197 E Main St.
Open for lunch and dinner & take-out. (978) 282-4426. https://duckworthsgloucester.com/
Weds. – Sat. 10 AM – 5 PM
The Lobster of Gloucester
115 E. Main St.
Take out service only. 351-217-1198. https://www.thelobsterofgloucester.com/
Thurs. – Mon. 11:30 – 8PM
The Last Stop
272 East Main St.
978 281-2616. laststopgloucester.com/
*Closed for the season
Accommodations on Rocky Neck
43 Rocky Neck Ave.
Located in the historic Rocky Neck Art Colony on Smith Cove. We offer 12 efficiency rooms and suites with decks overlooking the water. A short walk to galleries, shops, restaurants and theater. 978-381-9848; www.rockyneckaccommodations.com.
Gloucester Marine Railways Corp.
Madfish Wharf
Located on the tip of Rocky Neck, Gloucester Marine Railways has served the fishing fleet of New England since before the Civil War. No parking available. Open to visitors after hours and weekends; www.gloucestermarinerailways.com.
Ocean Alliance
32 Horton St.
This nonprofit protects whales and their ocean environment through research, scientific collaboration, public education and the arts. Ocean Alliance’s headquarters is the former Tarr & Wonson Paint Factory at the end of Rocky Neck. Public are welcome to visit the Paint Factory site, and view the artworks created by RNAC Environmental/Installation artists. Learn more at www.whale.org.
Rocky Neck Ice Cream
39 Rocky Neck Ave.
Enjoy your favorite ice cream on the deck overlooking Smith Cove. Open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day; 978-804-0562.
Rocky Neck Historic Walking Tour
6 Wonson St.
The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, 978-515-7004
The Cottage on Smith Cove
75 Rocky Neck Ave.
A seaside boutique with fabulous fashion, accessories, hats, toppers, jewelry, giftware and more.
Open Tue to Sun, 12 to 7 PM; 978-281-5557; www.cottageonsmithcove.com.
Water Shuttle between downtown Gloucester and Rocky Neck/The Studio
The shuttle from downtown Gloucester arrives at the Studio dock at 35 minutes past the hour. Summer hours: daily noon to 5. Spring and Fall: weekends only, noon to 4 PM; 978-283-1979. Buy tickets online at www.capeannharbortours.com/shuttle.
For more information about The Rocky Neck Art Colony, call 978-515-7004
East Gloucester Studios
Calvo Studio and Woodcarving School
235 East Main Street
David Calvo has been professionally carving since 1979. His studio creates commissioned work in all artistic styles from classical to abstract in both wood and bronze. Calvo is the consummate old-school artist who literally forges his own woodcarving tools. He has also been running a wood-carving school for over 30 years to share his knowledge, and students have traveled as far as South Korea to spend a week with him in one of his classes.
Call for an appointment; 978-283-0231. davidcalvo.com
Cripple Cove Studios
Cripple Cove Studios is a working art studio for seven local contemporary artists. Hours are by appointment accompanied by periodic pop-up events. Please check the Facebook page for up-to-date information and to get to know the artists. Walk in or call for appointment 781-349-5583. facebook.com/cripplecovestudios
Don Gorvett Gallery
211 East Main Street, Second Floor
Don Gorvett is an artist and printmaker known for his large and powerful woodcuts of maritime and architectural subjects. He was born in Boston, MA, and attended the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. His life-long intention of living within the realms of harbors and the sea continues to provide the intellectual stimulus and inspiration to create maritime imagery. Open weekdays by chance or by appointment; 207-337-1615. dongorvettgallery.com
Jeff Marshall Art Gallery
233 East Main Street, Rear
Jeffrey Marshall makes drawings and paintings from observation, and has been teaching students of all levels the fundamentals of art and design for over twenty years. He has had two solo shows at the Cape Ann Museum and has exhibited nationally. He is available for private lessons or critiques. Open by appointment or chance; feel free to knock; 978-201-8113. jeffreymarshallart.com
Marilyn Swift Studio
20 Highland Street, rear building
Paintings of Cape Ann and beyond fill my studio, a separate building behind my home. Watercolor is my preferred medium, yet I also work in oil and acrylics. Traditional and experimental paintings of wide variety of subjects. Best to phone before visiting, as I might be outdoors, painting en plein air. Open year round by appointment or chance; 978-314-4161. marilynswift.com
North Shore Arts Association
11 Pirates Lane
Established in 1922 in one of the most unique settings on Cape Ann, NS Arts now displays the work of more than 300 esteemed artists — one of the largest collections of fine art north of Boston. We also host exciting community events, including the Gala Annual Auction of Fine Art. The galleries are available for private parties. Wed. thru Sat., 10-5, Sun 12-4; 978-283-1857. https://nsarts.org/
Ten Way Studio
10 Way Road
Handmade ceramic sculptures and functional pieces. $25 to $2,500. Open year round by appointment; 413-528-0001. andymatlow.com