North of Boston

Newburyport Art presents our two February Exhibitions: Elements, and Featured Artist: Jennifer Day
2025-02-20 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-02-21 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-02-22 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-02-23 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-02-25 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-02-26 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-02-27 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-02-28 11:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Newburyport Art (NAA) is thrilled to announce two new exhibitions opening on February 1st! On view in the Sargent and Hartson Galleries is Elements, an exhibition that responds to elements of nature or “elemental” feelings/experiences in an artist’s life. Running alongside Elements is Featured Artist Jennifer Day, on view in the Hills Gallery. Additionally, the Winter Gift Shop will open on Feb 1. A joint reception for Elements and Jennifer Day will be held on Saturday, February 8th, from 4:00-6:00 PM.
Elements features 130 artworks by 99 artists from the Newburyport area and beyond. Artists responded with depictions of the natural landscape, mixed media abstractions of fire, water and ice, sculptures reminiscent of rock and clay, and powerful commentary on the current state of our environment.
In the next door Hills Gallery, Featured Artist Jennifer Day utilizes black oil paint on a gessoed panel to reveal the drama of water without the infinite options of local color. Gray scale sensitivity and range is her goal. To achieve this, she works reductively by rubbing the surface and scraping her finger methodically through the paint to reveal the light beneath. Jennifer works between two opposites: the geometry of the picture plane versus the challenge of the nebulous, the fleeting, and the impulse of nature to escape the plane altogether.
Running concurrently alongside Elements and Featured Artist Jennifer Day is the Winter Gift Shop, on view until March 29th.
The galleries are free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00am–5:00pm and Sunday from 1:00pm–5:00pm. Newburyport Art is closed on Mondays. The ground-floor Hills Gallery has an accessible entrance. More information, as well as an online gallery is available at newburyportart.org.
Founded in 1948, Newburyport Art is dedicated to promoting and exhibiting members’ work and to providing art education and access to the visual arts for the entire community.

5-Day Bare Bones Wood Carving Workshop
2025-02-21 09:00 - 17:00 | Calvo Wood Carving School, 235 East Main Street, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Learning woodcarving is a lot like learning how to write in a language. You need to know the letters of the alphabet and what is a vowel and what is a consonant. You need to learn how to put together a word and understand the meaning of it. Then you need to learn how to form a sentence and a paragraph that carries a theme. These are absolute necessities that you need to know in order to write. The same is true in woodcarving, there are absolute necessities you need to know in order to carve with intent and confidence. So in all truth, I need five days of your time in order to get the complete set of fundamentals into both your hands and your head.
However, I often get asked if I have weekend courses because of time restrictions. For those of you who cannot find time for the five consecutive days, this is what I do. If you take a two or three-day course you are taking the first two or three days of my five-day workshop which is broken up into daily learning chapters. So three days brings you to chapter three, two days to chapter two. The weekend workshops will give you a basic understanding of the skill of wood carving which includes hand-carving technique, sharpening, and designing skills among other topics but the full training takes five days. You will also do the carving projects to reinforce the hand techniques that we talk about so that you gain much needed muscle memory in your hands.
Some students may be satisfied with the information learned, while others may choose to find their way back for another weekend and finish the last two or three days to get all the necessary techniques and insights. When you return, (it can be during that calendar year or the next) everyone else is at the beginning point on the start of the weekend, but you pick up where you left off to finish your training. That’s the story in a nutshell. Call me if you are looking for more info. I am happy to answer any questions.
All class days run from 9 am – 5 pm.
For more information:
Call: (978) 283-0231
Email: david@calvostudio.com
Website: https://www.davidcalvo.com/woodcarving_classes.html

Portrait of a Sculptor: Walker Hancock & Michael Lafferty
2025-02-21 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-02-22 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-02-23 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-02-26 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-02-27 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-02-28 10:00 - 17:00 | Cape Ann Museum Green, 13 Poplar Street, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Walker Hancock was one of the premier American sculptors of the 20th century and a highly engaged and respected member of the Cape Ann community. Michael Lafferty is a skilled photographer who spent hours photographing Hancock in his Lanesville studio, creating a series of intimate portraits of the sculptor at work. This exhibit will combine the work of Lafferty and Hancock.
The CAM Green offers free general admission, vehicle reservations are recommended .
Image: Michael Lafferty, Walker Hancock recasting Arion, 1995, digital print from 35mm film. Gift of the artist, 2022 [2022.074].

Rocky Neck Now 2025: A Celebration of Creativity
2025-02-21 12:00 - 17:00, 2025-02-22 12:00 - 17:00, 2025-02-23 12:00 - 17:00, 2025-02-28 12:00 - 17:00 | The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson Street, Gloucester, M, 01930, United States
Location: The Cultural Center at Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson Street, Gloucester, MA
Exhibition Dates: February 21 – April 6
Opening Reception: Sunday, February 23, 4pm–6pm
Gallery Hours: Friday–Sunday, Noon – 5pm
Rocky Neck Art Colony (RNAC) is thrilled to kick off the 2025 exhibition season with Rocky Neck Now, the much-anticipated annual members show. This dynamic exhibition brings together an exciting and diverse collection of recent works from 92 RNAC artists, offering a stunning reflection of talent, vision, and artistic passion. With pieces spanning painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, and more, visitors will experience a rich and varied exploration of contemporary creativity—from bold abstracts to evocative realism.
Celebrate with Us!
The public is invited to immerse themselves in art and community at RNAC’s lively Opening Reception on Sunday, February 23, from 4pm to 6pm. Meet the artists, engage in conversation, and enjoy refreshments, drinks, and a welcoming creative atmosphere.

Fashioning for Freedom: Layers of Liberty
2025-02-21 19:00 - 20:30 | Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square, SALEM, MA, 01970, United States
History Alive presents Fashioning for Freedom: Layers of Liberty–a fashion show bringing to life famous Black historical figures in period-accurate dress. Attendees will learn about their lives and legacies and see some fabulous clothes!

Collective Rage: A Play in 5 Betties by Jen Silverman
2025-02-21 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-02-22 19:30 - 21:00 | Salem State University- Callan Studio Theater, 352 Lafayette St., Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Betty is rich; Betty is lonely; Betty’s busy working on her truck; Betty wants to talk about love, but Betty needs to hit something. And Betty keeps using a small hand mirror to stare into parts of herself she’s never examined. Five different women named Betty collide at the intersection of anger, sex, and the “thea-tah.”
For mature audiences.
February 21, 22, and 28 and March 1, 2025 at 7:30 pm
February 23 and March 2, 2025 at 2:00pm

1- Day Spoon Carving Workshop
2025-02-22 09:00 - 17:00 | Calvo Wood Carving School, 235 East Main Street, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Discover the Art of Spoon Carving!
Ever wanted to create something beautiful and functional with your own hands? Join us for a Spoon Carving workshop, where you’ll learn the craft of transforming a simple block of wood into a unique handmade utensil you can use every day!
Why Spoon Carving? It’s a perfect project for beginners: Spoon carving is a great introduction to woodworking- no prior experience is needed!
Relaxing and Therapeutic: Carving is a mindful, calming process that helps you focus and unwind.
It’s Functional Art: Take home a beautiful, hand-carved spoon, perfect for your kitchen or as a thoughtful gift.
All Tools Provided: We’ll supply you with everything necessary to carve and make your wooden spoon. ($15 for wood). You just need to bring yourself and your enthusiasm!
Quick Story: I had a woman who was very apprehensive about her abilities and called me multiple times to reconfirm. On the day of the workshop, we walked through all the steps from designing to making. At the end of the day she came up to me with her spoon in her hands, as if she was holding a gift, and with a big smile said, “I want you to know that this is the most beautiful thing that I have ever made in my life”.
Don’t miss out on this hands-on, engaging workshop. Join us for a fun and fulfilling experience that combines craftsmanship with creativity. Let’s carve something amazing together! You will be surprised with what you create and everyone has a great time!
All class days run from 9 am – 5 pm.
For more information:
Call: (978) 283-0231
Email: david@calvostudio.com
Website: https://www.davidcalvo.com/woodcarving_classes.html

Soundscape Visions' Immersive Journey Returns
2025-02-22 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-02-25 19:30 - 21:30 | GALA GAllery At Lynn Arts, Exchange Street 25, Lynn, M, 01901, United States
Lynn, MA – Prepare to embark on a breathtaking audio-visual journey as Soundscape Visions announces the return of their much-anticipated immersive performance. Scheduled for February 22, 2025, at GALA in Lynn, MA, and February 25, 2025, at Wright Locke Farm in Winchester, MA, this event promises to captivate audiences once again.
“We’re thrilled to bring back our immersive audio-visual experience,” says the team at Soundscape Visions. “This year’s theme, Dark Waters, will transport audiences through a series of captivating compositions that intertwine music and visual compositions.”
Renowned for their ability to blend large-scale video projections with original live music, Soundscape Visions creates a synesthetic extravaganza unlike any other. Expect to be immersed in evocative landscapes, magnetic video art, and intriguing social commentary.
“We’re excited to debut three new audio-visual compositions, alongside two audience favorites,” shares the team. “These new works aim to engage the senses and provoke introspection, offering a truly unique experience for all who attend.”

Children's Witch Hat Decorating at The Hawthorne Hotel
2025-02-23 08:00 - 17:00 | Hawthorne Hotel, 18 Washington Sq. West, Salem, 01970, United States
Children’s Witch Hat Decorating at The Hawthorne Hotel
Activity Length: 30 minutes
Location: The Hawthorne Hotel 18 Washington Square West, Salem MA 01970 Second Floor, Pickman Room
Hosted By: This is a self-guided activity overseen by Good Witch Apprentices
Decorate a magical witch hat in the color of your choice with craft gems, stickers, ribbon, tulle and a charm.
Under age 4 may participate with the help of a supervising adult.
Ticket purchase only admits one (1) participating child.
Please note: Event ticket purchases are non-refundable at this time.

In Open Rebellion
2025-02-23 15:00 - 17:00 | Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square, SALEM, MA, 01970, United States
History Alive will be debuting a new play, In Open Rebellion, directed by Samantha Searles and written by artistic director, Kristina Stevick. History Alive welcomes you to be in the first audiences of this new show commissioned by Essex Heritage.
Company members will be portraying the Provincial Congress, a secret meeting of patriots in Salem, only a few months before the start of the Revolutionary War. In Open Rebellion explores enslaved peoples’ struggle for liberty, and how it intersected with the patriots’ cause.
There are two performances: 3 pm and 4:15 pm on Sunday, February 23rd at Salem’s Old Town Hall.

Story-Time & Craft Wednesday
2025-02-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Firehouse Center for the Arts, 1 Market Square, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
NEW PROGRAM ALERT!! Summer is the PERFECT time for outdoor story time and craft making! This BRAND NEW family event is an extension of our Newburyport Arts and Culture Shanties Program and will take place each Wednesday in the Pop Up Park on Merrimac Street – where the Shanties are currently located. Come join the fun this Wednesday and see what it’s all about!
Running each Wednesday until August 21st from 10 AM-12 PM
Free of charge, but donations are welcome

Coffee and Conversation at the Carlson Education Center
2025-02-27 10:30 - 11:30 | Cape Ann Museum Green, 13 Poplar Street, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Carlson Education Center, CAM Green
13 Poplar Street, Gloucester, MA
Free Program, Registration Required
Explore the photography of Gordon Parks.
You are invited to join us every Thursday for a unique experience. Led by a CAM docent, these deep dives into a single artwork or object from the Collection will begin with conversation, a short presentation and complimentary coffee at the Carlson Education Center, followed by a special trip to the James Center to view the object being discussed. No special knowledge needed! Just a curiosity to learn more in a small group setting and enjoy a unique experience.
Image Credit: Staff photo of the Coffee & Conversations at the Carlson Education Center discussion of Charles Allan Winter on January 16, 2025

Theatre at Castle Hill: Ada and the Engine
2025-02-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, Argilla Road 290, Ipswich, M, 01938, United States
Ada envisions a whole new world where art and information converge in this story of love, friendship, and the edgiest dreams of the future. The poignant drama follows Ada Byron Lovelace’s complicated relationships with Charles Babbage, her mother, and the memory of her poet father.
