Kids Free Week at Hammond Castle Museum
2026-04-23 09:00 - 15:30, 2026-04-24 09:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Hammond Castle Museum, 80 Hesperus Avenue, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Hammond Castle Museum is happy to welcome school age children for free during April school vacation week. From April 20-24, all children ages from 0-12 are invited to take a self-guided tour for free with the purchase of an additional adult or senior ticket.
In addition to a self-guided tour, guests will also be able to view our fourth annual Eric Pape fine art exhibition, featuring a significant collection of pen and ink illustrations by Eric Pape (1870 to 1938). Many of these works were recovered from Pape’s locked studio decades after his death and have not been publicly exhibited for over a century. Included are illustrations originally created for The Arabian Nights, Tales of Wonder and Magnificence, Fairy Tales and Stories by Hans Christian Andersen, Victor Hugo’s Notre Dame de Paris, Rip Van Winkle, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and Shakespeare and The Heart of a Child by Gertrude Slaughter.
Advance Reservations strongly encouraged. Museum Member savings apply.
Experience Hammond Castle Museum at your own pace with our flexible arrival times for Self Guided Tours! Your tickets grant you entry anytime within the Morning or Afternoon times, based on your selection, ensuring you can arrive stress-free and enjoy your visit to the fullest.
Morning Session: 9:00 am – 11:45 am
Afternoon Session: 11:45 am – 2:30 pm
Please note: last entrance to the Museum is at 2:45 pm sharp. The Museum & Grounds close promptly at 3:30 pm. We recommend planning at least 60 minutes to explore the grounds and interior galleries of the Museum. The Museum is not handicapped accessible as it features numerous stairs.

Cedar Bark Mat Weaving Demonstration at PEM
2026-04-23 11:00 - 15:00 | Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, 161 Essex Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Join artist Elizabeth James-Perry (Aquinnah Wampanoag) for a demonstration of the Native American art practice of weaving a mat from the inner bark of a cedar tree. After the session, see her nature-based artworks featured in the Knowing Nature exhibition. James-Perry, a restoration ecologist, will also discuss how she sustainably harvests and prepares natural materials from the forest, including plant dyes, for her artworks.
About our collaborator
Elizabeth James-Perry
Elizabeth James-Perry (Aquinnah Wampanoag) engages with Northeastern Woodlands Native cultural expressions, primarily in sculptural forms of wampum shell carving, twined basketry and bead making, with connections to identity and sovereignty, maritime traditions and restorative Native gardening.

The American Revolution: A story of the War in 28 Paintings
2026-04-23 12:00 - 20:00, 2026-04-30 12:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-07 12:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-14 12:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-21 12:00 - 20:00 | Cabot House, 117 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA, 01915, United States
1776 was more than a turning point; it marked the birth of a new world order. A bold line was drawn as ordinary people made extraordinary decisions, declaring independence from the most powerful empire on earth. Driven by youthful fire, they believed in the promise of liberty more than they feared the cost of pursuing it.
Historic Beverly proudly presents The American Revolution: A story of the War in 28 Paintings, a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition of artworks commissioned to illustrate Senator Henry Cabot Lodge Sr.’s landmark book.
These paintings are featured in Ken Burns’ upcoming documentary The American Revolution. The exhibit will be on display at the Cabot House from September 6, 2025 to July 4, 2026. Tickets are free and open to the public

Elephants and Sweet Treats: A Storytime of Salem Firsts!
2026-04-23 14:00 - 15:00 | Salem Armory Visitor Center, 2 New Liberty Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Did you know that Salem had the first elephant to ever set foot in America? It’s true!
Join us and the Salem Public Library at the Salem Armory Visitor Center for a storytime of Salem firsts – we’ll be reading books, playing games, making a craft, and enjoying a sweet treat at the end. This event is free and geared towards kids ages 3+, but open to all.

Just Looking: A Collection of Drawings and Musings by Linda Kauss
2026-04-23 17:00 - 19:00 | The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson Street, Gloucester, M, 01930, United States
Join multidisciplinary artist Linda Kauss for an evening celebrating “Just Looking: A Collection of Drawings and Musings”, a deeply personal work rooted in creative exploration and intuition.
“Just Looking” began in 2005 as an exercise in creative play. With no set outcome in mind, Kauss explored the movement of graphite and the subtle power of erasure, allowing organic forms to emerge. The result is a series of unexpected, evocative images—moments of discovery that have shaped her ongoing artistic practice.
Meet the artist, hear selected readings, and view the artwork behind the book. Copies of “Just Looking” will be available for purchase and signing.

THE GLASS MENAGERIE by Tennessee Williams
2026-04-23 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-04-29 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-04-30 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-05-06 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-05-07 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-05-13 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-05-14 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-05-20 19:30 - 21:30 and 2 more dates | Gloucester Stage Company, East Main Street 267, Gloucester, M, 01930, United States
Through Tom’s cinematic eyes, his family’s life isn’t the dream he imagined. In a rundown St. Louis apartment the matriarch, Amanda Wingfield, is desperately clinging to a past of parties and endless callers. Her adult children, Tom and Laura, become victims of her delusions as she pushes for Tom to provide for the struggling family and Laura to find a husband. The two seek solace in ways of escaping their mother and their own misery until a visit from a gentleman caller presents the possibility of new opportunities.
Renowned playwright Tennessee Williams opens the 2025 Season with this classic drama, directed by Doug Lockwood. Running from June 5 to 28, all performances are at Gloucester Stage’s Theater 267 East Main Street, Gloucester. Showtimes are Wednesdays & Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00pm, and matinees Saturdays & Sunday at 3:00pm.

Newburyport Art invites you to a Speakeasy for the Arts
2026-04-24 18:30 - 20:30 | Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
The Cat’s Pajamas: A Secret Speakeasy for the Arts
Psst… you’re invited to The Cat’s Pajamas, a delightfully hush-hush speakeasy fundraiser in support of Newburyport Art! Slip behind the curtain on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 6:30–8:30pm for an intimate gathering of art lovers ready to toast creativity. Enjoy bespoke cocktails, live music, and the chance to win one-of-a-kind hand-painted cocktail glasses crafted by NAA Members. It’s the kind of night where the music swings, the glasses clink, and every guest is in on the secret. Dress with a dash of speakeasy flair, bring your sense of adventure, and join us for a hidden night of music, art, and merriment.
The password? 65 Water 🍸🎶🎨
*To make the evening easy for families, complimentary babysitting will be available for children ages 4–12, so parents or grandparents can enjoy the festivities worry-free*

Newburyport Art offers Drawing, Painting & Collage with Maria Malatesta
2026-04-25 09:00 - 14:00 | Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
In this workshop, create mixed media paintings that combine drawing, painting and collage. We will begin making a series of drawings from life or from your imagination. There will be flowers available for reference. Taking these drawings, you will then use paint and different papers to compose paintings. There will be lots of papers available, but you may want to add your own. Old letters, book pages, prints, photos or other found papers would be great.

Newburyport Art participates in the city's annual Artwalk
2026-05-02 10:00 - 17:00 | Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
The Newburyport ArtWalk on Saturday, May 2nd, from 10am-5pm, is a FREE, self-guided tour that enables art enthusiasts to easily discover and explore Newburyport’s many wonderful art galleries. This art tour guides participants on an art adventure through Newburyport’s Historic District and also includes a few hidden gems just beyond downtown. In conjunction with the ArtWalk, many local galleries showcase special exhibitions, host engaging art discussions and live demonstrations. To learn more about the events being hosted on May 2nd, visit nbptartwalk.com

From the Deep: A Downtown Gloucester Arts Party
2026-05-02 11:00 - 17:00 | MA
The Harbortown Cultural District is excited to present From the Deep: A Downtown Gloucester Arts Party on Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. Explore the depths of art and culture in the City of Gloucester during this free arts party. Over 25 unique cultural events will take place at cultural and business locations across the cultural district in Downtown Gloucester.
Enjoy 7 art exhibitions, 4 musical performances, 3 video installations, 2 live art demonstrations, free kids activities, a scavenger hunt, and so much more! For a full schedule of video installations, free art activities, live art making, gallery openings, and more visit www.harbortownculturaldistrict.org.

Newburyport Art offers Color Theory with Jessica Murr
2026-05-07 18:00 - 20:30 | Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Students will work with the three primary colors plus white in acrylic paint to understand and learn about color theory. The basics of how colors and paint interact on the substrate, as well as its application to real life will be included. Still life painting will be used to apply what students have learned from the course into their own artwork. Color schemes, how colors react to each other, and how colors evoke emotions will be taught. Students will walk away with a better understanding of how to mix paint colors, what is in their paint, find colors in real life, and how to create a cohesive color palette. This class is designed to be beginner friendly, and welcome to all types of artists. Minimum of 4 participants needed to run the class.

En Plein Air Sketch Classes with Sue Wheeler
2026-05-09 09:30 - 11:30, 2026-05-14 13:00 - 15:00 | Hammond Castle Museum, 80 Hesperus Avenue, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
From stick figure doodlers to first-rate talents, join us for a seaside, En Plein Air sketch class with Sue Wheeler of Arts Abound in Magnolia. All skill levels are welcome! This two-hour session includes a 30-minute beginner sketch lesson. All you need to bring is a sketchbook, pencils, a ruler, and an eraser. Please note: watercolors, pastels, oils, or acrylics are not permitted on the Museum grounds.
Attendees who wish to tour the Hammond Castle Museum after this class are entitled to a 20% discount on a self-guided tour. Tour tickets may be purchased in the Museum Shop before 2:30 pm on the day of this class.
Class Schedule:
Thursday Plein Air Sketch classes: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
May:14
June: 11
July 23: (6 – 8 pm)
August: 6
September: 10
October: 8
Saturday En Plein Air Sketch classes: 9:30 am- 11:30 am.
May: 9
June: 20
July:18
August: 1
September: 5
October: 3
All classes are $25 each. Museum Member savings apply.
Weather-dependent; classes may be canceled, and reservations will be refunded if necessary.
About Sue Wheeler:
Sue has a lifetime of making art through various mediums from delectable pastries to abstracts in pastels, watercolor, and acrylics. She enjoys using her creative flair in quilting and interior design as well.
Sue graduated from the University of Denver with a Bachelor’s in business with a focus on hospitality management and earned an associate’s degree from the Culinary Institute of America. Following her tenure as a pastry chef in New Hampshire, Sue returned to school for a certificate in graphic design and put her talents to use as a designer in the book publishing and art publishing industries in Vermont. In early 2019, Sue opened her own gallery and studio, Arts Abound in Magnolia Village, MA, as an artistic haven for local artists. Through the gallery, over 30 artists featured their creative works, ranging from paintings, hand-painted silk scarves, silver jewelry, and more. Sue also ran many workshops and classes featuring many of the artists. Often, Sue would work late into the night, painting in her Arts Abound studio. After closing the gallery in 2022, Sue continued to offer the often sold-out painting classes, taught by some of the Arts Abound artists.
Sue has studied under numerous artists to learn watercolor, acrylic painting, cold wax & oil, and collage. Her goals for the Hammond Castle Museum sketch classes are to engage those who are new to the world of art and reinvigorate those who haven’t picked up a blank canvas or sketch pad in a long time. Sue’s philosophy on the creative process encourages you to be less concerned about the final product and instead to enjoy the journey of creativity and get lost in the moment. Once you find yourself in your work, you may just be surprised!

Newburyport Art offers Mourning Alters with Johanna Topitizer Finnegan
2026-05-09 10:00 - 13:00 | Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Altars offer sacred space for us to visit each day and make offerings of devotion to the loved ones in our lives – those who have passed and those still with us. They help us bring focus and ritual into our daily lives which can make us feel part of something larger than ourselves. Many cultures use altars throughout the year or on special days to remember those who have passed and remind them that we have not forgotten them.
In this workshop, we will talk about altars from other parts of the world and religions to see how they are traditionally created. Then, we’ll talk about what yours might include like pictures and symbols of your loved one to favorite objects that were treasured in their life. As we create these altars with love and remembrance, you are welcome to bring a story to share (optional) about your beloved animal or human. Hopefully, the piece you create will bring you peace as you display it and use it. Beginners as well as experienced artists are welcome to take the workshop. Johanna will guide you through using traditional box making techniques to build our alters. For ages 16 and up.

Newburyport Art offers Cornell Box with Belle Carver Struck
2026-05-14 18:00 - 20:30 | Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Artist Joseph Cornell made exquisite, personal and complex dioramas. Maybe you want to build an alter to a person or a place, perhaps you want to build a momento mori or memory garden, or maybe you just want to play intuitively and assemble objects! No prior experience necessary- Belle will bring examples and demonstrate options for assemblage.

Motif No.1 Day
2026-05-16 09:00 - 17:00 | Downtown Rockport, 15 Dock Square, Rockport, 01966, United States
Join us for Motif No. 1 Day as we celebrate Rockport’s unique identity as both a historic fishing village and a vibrant artist destination. Centered around the iconic red fishing shack—long a favorite subject for painters and photographers—this beloved annual event brings together the very spirit of Rockport: coastal beauty, creative energy, and community pride.
Stroll through town as artists set up along the harbor capturing Motif No. 1 and Rockport’s stunning waterfront in real time. Enjoy live music, street performances, family-friendly art activities, and pop-up experiences that unfold throughout the day. From Dock Square to Bearskin Neck and beyond, there’s always something happening just around the corner.
Explore galleries, discover local shops, and experience the charm that has inspired generations of artists. Whether you’re watching a painting come to life, enjoying a performance, or simply taking in the view, Motif No. 1 Day invites you to slow down, look closer, and connect with what makes Rockport so special.
🎨 Come for the art. Stay for the experience. Discover Rockport.
