Announcing the 31 st Cape Ann Artisans Annual Studio Tour! Visit 26 Cape Ann Artisans in 23 Studios 1 | Page For Immediate Release Contact: Jacqueline Ganim-DeFalco Gloucester, MA [email protected] The Cape Artisans are entering their 31 st year by once again welcoming visitors into their studios during its Spring Tour, Saturday & Sunday, June 21-22 from 10-5PM. Those of you who have not made the journey are invited to set aside hours or days to take the self-guided studio tour of 23 studios and 26 artisans peppered throughout Gloucester and Rockport. Those who have toured before will be treated to the new work of veteran artisans and become acquainted with the work of Artisans who have joined in recent years. The work comes in many shapes, sizes, and media including: Fiber Arts/Silk Painting, weaving, batik Glass Beadmaking & Home Decor Jewelry/Wearable Art (glass, sea glass, precious metal, & enamel) Mosaic Painting - Watercolor, Oil, Acrylics, Mixed media,& Pastels Photography Pottery and Ceramic Arts Printmaking/Block Printing, Collagraphs Sculpture – Wire, Metal, Stone, & Clay What to expect: Walking into a studio can be a magical adventure, your own Through the Looking Glass experience. Visitors will be given a rare peek into an intimate setting where each artisan is closely allied to his or her unique surroundings during the creative process. How to find the studios: The best way to follow the tour is by obtaining an artisan brochure map – found in key tourism kiosks – the Cape Ann Chamber, North of Boston Visitors Center, and most Inns, Restaurants, and other tourist stops in and around the Cape. For the web-savvy, the map is downloadable on a PDA. By following the map and the pink flags, & artist’s handmade signs, you will reach the inner sanctum of Gloucester & Rockport while hunting for studios. And for curious neighbors, this is a great time to find out what is going on down the street as well! You can start at #1 David Montgomery’s boatyard studio and work your way around the back side of the Cape or you can start at the end #23, Mike Foley’s stone studio on Essex Avenue – or just jump into the middle at Pat Lowery Collins in downtown Rockport! Who you will see: This year’s tour includes 26 Artisans ranging from those who are new in 2014 – Pat Lowery Collins, painter; Camilla MacFadyen, fiber artist, and Ruth Worrall, potter – to many long standing members like Cynthia Curtis, Anni Melancon, and Beth Williams. Each artisan has a unique story to tell about their personal connection with Cape Ann, their artistic journey, and where they find inspiration today to grow and expand their portfolio of work. Many also have parallel lives outside the art world that help them grow in other ways. Visitors are encouraged to engage with each artisan and listen to their stories. As part of an expanded outreach effort this year, Artisans have begun to report “From the Studio” on the new Cape Ann Artisans website/blog.