This has been a game-changing year for me. In February, a long-held dream came true when we purchased a home in East Gloucester just a few minutes walk from Good Harbor Beach. Previously, we only had a boat in Gloucester from May to October. This opens the door to really becoming part of the community, and to having access to Cape Ann year-round. For the time being we are renting the house weekly during July and August to help pay for it throughout the year. During that time we stay on our boat like we always have. This is not an experience I was even remotely willing to give up. Living and sleeping right on the water is very enjoyable. So our new plan is working nicely. At the end of August when the last renter left, we moved back in and September was one of the nicest months ever.
The other significant change was that my husband was laid off from his job from May 1 through November 1. Not a hardship though it may seem that way. I viewed it as a ticket to being able to spend more time in Gloucester with only the constraints of my schedule, not his. The real estate market was quiet in the fall so we truly enjoyed the time and I was able to get a lot of both photography and artwork done.
Sadly, my dear friend EJ did not open her gallery, The Khan Studio, this past summer. I still have my work in Mona Faherty's office at The Accommodations on Rocky Neck. I also have work at The Gloucester House Restaurant in the function dining room and in their gift shop in the parking lot. I show my work at the North Shore Arts Association and at the Rocky Neck Cultural Center from time to time.
In spring of 2014 I was selected to participate in the SeARTs Gloucester's Art Loan program at the Bass Rocks Golf Club. Two paintings were selected to hang in the clubhouse for one year. They chose "Gannet" and "Paint Factory: The Way It Was". I am pleased to report that Gannet has sold. My large oil painting titled "Morning Dories" is now in its place. The work hangs for one year and is offered for sale to members and guests. They hosted a wonderful opening reception in the Spring and I was awarded third prize for "Gannet".
Currently I have work at the Rocky Neck Cultural Center's Winter Holiday Show which runs through the end of December. There are a number of unframed originals there plus notecards and giclee prints. Opening next week is the Holiday Show at the old schoolhouse in Magnolia. This is the second year I have participated in that show. The Magnolia community has been very supportive and I look forward to the opening reception which is Friday December 5 from 6-9 pm.