North of Boston

Rocky Neck Art Colony present Portraits of Women, by Women
2025-03-30 12:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Hammond Castle Museum, 80 Hesperus Avenue, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Rocky Neck Art Colony and Hammond Castle Museum are collaborating for a special exhibition, “Portraits of Women, by Women,” in honor of Women’s History Month. This exhibit features recent portraits by prominent women artists from the Rocky Neck Art Colony, including Elizabeth Bish, Janice Brand, Robin Colodzin, Susan Ellis, Elizabeth Gauthier, Janet Grover, Joyce Roessler, Amy Sudarsky, and Helen Tory. This inspiring show highlights the profound impact of portraiture in capturing the essence, strength, and diversity of women’s experiences.
In addition to contemporary works, the exhibition will feature a copy of Winslow Homer’s The Lookout – All’s Well painted by Irene Fenton Hammond, wife of John Hays Hammond Jr., who resided at Hammond Castle Museum until her passing in 1959 and was a member of the Rocky Neck Art Colony.
Also on display will be a painting by Natalie Hays Hammond, the accomplished artist, playwright, and sister of museum founder John Hays Hammond Jr. Her painting, Costume Designs, Series B, No. 3, Medieval Abbess, is on loan from the Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden in North Salem, NY, which Natalie founded in 1957.
This exhibit is open daily from Saturday, March 22 through Sunday, March 30 daily from 12:00pm to 5:00pm and the last entrance is at 4:15pm, with the exception on Sunday March 30 when the exhibit will host a closing reception from noon to 2:00pm during which time purchased painting may be picked up. Attendees will have access to the small interior rooms leading down to the Great Hall and the Great Hall. The Museum will be closed to tours.

Rocky Neck Art Colony: For Women, By Women at Hammond Castle Museum
2025-03-30 12:00 - 17:00 | Hammond Castle Museum, 80 Hesperus Avenue, Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Rocky Neck Art Colony and Hammond Castle Museum proudly present Portraits of Women, by Women, a special collaboration in celebration of Women’s History Month.
This inspiring exhibit showcases recent portraits by distinguished women artists from the Rocky Neck Art Colony, including Elizabeth Bish, Janice Brand, Robin Colodzin, Susan Ellis, Elizabeth Gauthier, Janet Grover, Joyce Roessler, and Amy Sudarsky. The exhibition highlights the profound impact of portraiture in capturing the essence, strength, and diversity of women’s experiences.
In addition to contemporary works, the exhibition will feature a copy of Winslow Homer’s The Lookout – All’s Well, painted by Irene Fenton Hammond, wife of John Hays Hammond Jr., who resided at Hammond Castle Museum until her passing in 1959 and who was a member of the Rocky Neck Art Colony.
Also on display will be a painting by Natalie Hays Hammond, the accomplished artist, playwright, and Hammond Jr’s sister. Her painting, Costume Designs, Series B, No. 3, Medieval Abbess, is on loan from the Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden in North Salem, NY, which Natalie founded in 1957.
This exhibit is open daily from March 22 through March 30th from noon to 5 pm, and the last entrance is at 4:15 pm, with the exception of Sunday, March 30th, when there will be a closing reception from noon to 2 pm, during which time purchased paintings may be picked up.
Please note: Attendees will have access to the small interior rooms leading down to the Great Hall and the Great Hall. The Museum will be closed to tours.
– Children ages 12 and under are free with tickets.
– Teens and Adults are $15.

CAROUSEL OF TIME Miranda Russell Sings Joni Mitchell
2025-03-30 15:00 - 16:30 | Gloucester Stage, 267 East Main St., Gloucester, MA, 01930, United States
Join us for an intimate concert with the Miranda Russell Band. From the love-drunk streets of Paris and paved parking lots to the hexagram of the heavens, we’ll get lost in the great loves and losses that make up some of Joni’s most colorful masterpieces.
Learn more about Miranda by visiting mirandarussell.com.
Performing from March 28th to the 30th, all performances are at Gloucester Stage’s Theater 267 East Main Street, Gloucester. Showtimes are Friday & Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 3:00pm. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the box office at 978-281-4433.

Story-Time & Craft Wednesday
2025-04-02 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-04-09 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-04-16 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

Newburyport Art presents the April Exhibitions!
2025-04-03 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-04 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-05 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-06 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-08 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-09 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-10 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-11 11:00 - 17:00 and 3 more dates | Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St, Newburyport, MA, 01950, United States
Newburyport Art (NAA) presents new exhibitions opening on April 3rd! On view in the Sargent Gallery is the 2025 OpArt Exhibition, featuring artists from Opportunity works. On view in the Hills Gallery is the Newburyport Ten and Band of Brushes Show, featuring works painted en-plein-air by 13 artists. Lastly, in the upstairs Hartson Gallery is Youth Voice, an exhibit highlighting young artists in grades 1 through 12. Additionally, Artist Spotlight Kathleen Miller will be on view from April 11 to 24 in the Mural Gallery.
The 2025 OpArt Exhibition features over 30 works created by OpArt artists. OpArt is dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to enrich their lives through creative expression and artistic practice by providing art instruction in a variety of mediums and techniques. Artists are encouraged to work freely and experiment across different media (paint pastels, collage, drawing, sculpture, etc.) to create artwork centered on a theme or create independently. An opening reception will be held on April 3rd from 11:00-1:00 PM.
The Newburyport Ten and Band of Brushes Show features works created en plein-air by local artists. “Plein air” is a French expression meaning “in the open air.” Both groups travel to various landscape, seacoast, and garden venues together to paint. Artists featured include: Dorothy Aham, Michele Champion, Grace Daly, Karen Fitzgerald, Mary Francis, Margery Jennings, John Kessler, Christine Molitor Johnson, Kris Munroe, Mary Parks, Daniel J. Shaw, Susan Spellman, and Mary Webber. Join the artists for an opening reception on April 5th from 4:00-6:00 PM.
Youth Voice, formerly known as Young & Budding, features the work of over 60 student artists from grades 1 through 12. Artists are from local and regional schools, with artworks An awards presentation and reception will be held on May 3rd from 3:00-4:00 PM.
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.

Rocky Neck Now 2025: A Celebration of Creativity
2025-04-04 12:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-05 12:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-06 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.

Children's Witch Hat Decorating at The Hawthorne Hotel
2025-04-06 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-12 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.

PEM Reads: Donna Walker-Kuhne: Champions for the Arts
2025-04-06 14:00 - 16:00 | Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, 161 Essex Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Know before you go
In-person event
Location: Morse Auditorium
Included with admission
Preregister and receive free general admission for the day of the event.
Join author and community engagement legend Donna Walker-Kuhne as she delivers a keynote address on engaging audiences today. She will discuss her upcoming book, Champions for the Arts, and her classic book on community engagement, Invitation to the Party. Stick around after the talk for a book signing and light reception.
PEM Reads celebrates the art of literature and the creative act of writing through a year-round series of collaborative book club readings and author events, both in person and online. By gathering to read and discuss world-class literature and meet authors, PEM Reads seeks to deepen our sense of community and celebrate great storytelling. We hope you’ll join us!
This program is generously supported by the Lowell Institute.

DenCITY Soulcase & Open Mic
2025-04-07 08:00 - 17:00 | Neal Rantoul Vault Theatre, Exchange Street 25, Lynn, M, 01901, United States
🎤 DENCITY Soulcase + Open Mic
Step into a space where creativity flows freely and community thrives. DENCITY brings you an evening of authentic artistic expression, smooth vibes, and genuine connection at the historic Neal Rantoul Vault Theatre in Lynn’s Central Square.
📍 WHEN: Every 1st and 3rd Sunday
🕖 TIME: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
💫 FREE ADMISSION
Whether you’re a poet, musician, storyteller, or dancer, DENCITY welcomes all artists to share their craft in our judgment-free zone. Each performer gets a 5-minute spotlight, chosen randomly from our “Lighthouse” to keep the energy spontaneous and fresh.
🎵 VIBE WITH US:
Spoken Word & Poetry
R&B & Neo-Soul
Live Music & Dance
Storytelling & More
✨ EVENING HIGHLIGHTS:
Soul Writers Workshop
Featured Performer
Professional Photography Available
Vendor Marketplace
Community Resources
Sober, Inclusive Space
📍 LOCATION: Neal Rantoul Vault Theatre 25 Exchange Street, Lynn, MA
Easy parking
Near MBTA/Commuter Rail
Fully accessible venue
Produced by Michelle La Poetica, DENCITY isn’t just an open mic—it’s a movement celebrating diversity, creativity, and community connection. Come early to secure your performance slot and stay for the phenomenal vibes!
📱 CONTACT: Michelle La Poetica (662) 799-1916 DencityVibes@gmail.com

Bonsai Workshop at Deacon Giles Distillery
2025-04-10 18:30 - 20:30 | Deacon Giles Distillery, Canal Street 75, Salem, M, 01970, United States
Beginner workshops are perfect for you to grab your friends, grab a drink and come make tiny trees! We’re bringing the awesome art of bonsai out of the hedged in gardens and into the streets! Or at least into your favorite bars/breweries/pubs. Bonsai Bar is a night of fun you don’t want to miss. Learn the fundamental skills and techniques behind the art of bonsai while enjoying a night out with friends! Our teachers will introduce core concepts and guide your experience as you pot, prune, and design your very own bonsai tree! Our Guarantee: These tiny trees are so hardy we guarantee you can keep yours alive, or we’ll replace it.
This workshop will be hosted at Deacon Giles Distillery. We were inspired to revive the art of distilling in a town once rich in both trade and spirits, but sadly devoid of distilleries for the last 100 years. We set out to roll up our sleeves and craft something exceptional using our own hands, uniquely infused with our personalities and steeped in history.
Under 21 policy: Please contact Deacon Giles Distillery for details regarding underage entry
For more about Bonsai Bar and what to expect at our classes, visit our website at: https://bonsaibar.com/products/deacon-giles-distillery

Jacob Jolliff
2025-04-11 20:00 - 21:30 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
After wowing audiences as part of Béla Fleck’s band in 2022 and then with his band in 2023, mandolinist Jacob Jolliff returns to Rockport. A former member of two massively popular progressive bluegrass bands, Joy Kills Sorrow and the Yonder Mountain String Band, Jolliff remains one of the country’s premier contemporary mandolinists.
“Mandolin wizard” –Portland Press

NEC Honors Ensemble Showcase
2025-04-12 11:00 - 12:30 | Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street, Rockport, MA, 01966, United States
Come hear talented, developing artists from the New England Conservatory’s Honors program. This concert features a wide range of music, including a piano quartet, vocal jazz quintet and woodwind quintet!
Free, Reservations Encouraged
“NEC is more that just a school, it’s an epiphany.”- NEC student

Music in the Atrium: Celebrate Mother Earth with Johnny Fireseed
2025-04-13 11:30 - 13:30 | Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, 161 Essex Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Know before you go
In-person event
Location: Atrium
Included with admission
Salem residents and workers always get free admission.
This program will contribute to the sound in the Atrium. If you would like to borrow noise canceling headphones, please pick up a KultureCity bag at the coatroom.
ABOVE IMAGE: Illustrations by Chris Cyr.
This month, our Music in the Atrium series celebrates Planet Earth with live performances by Johnny Fireseed. A project of Framingham-based Fireseed Arts Studios, lead by artist and musician Patiño Vázquez in collaboration with local musicians and craftspeople, Johnny Fireseed uses instruments made entirely from upcycled trash and repurposed items to perform original music with an upbeat eco message. The band’s inspiring sound aims to spread a message of joy, fun and new ways of thinking about consumption and waste far and wide.
Vázquez will be showcasing instruments made from locally harvested trash and live looping to create ambient soundscapes. Come hear high-end electric guitars made from old kitchen countertops and drums fashioned from ventilation ducts and popcorn tins in an aesthetic that’s “part Victorian Steampunk with elements of mystic meditations in heart-opening layers of rhythms and harmonies.” Building loops and then improvising over the loops gives the listener a feel for the looks and sound characteristics of each instrument. Audience members are often invited to join in the fun!
Music in the Atrium is PEM’s live concert series that features local and visiting performers from a variety of musical traditions and styles. Concerts take place on select Sundays. Explore upcoming shows at pem.org/events.

Connie Converse at 100: America's Cassandra
2025-04-13 14:00 - 15:00 | Peabody Essex Museum, East India Square, 161 Essex Street, Salem, MA, 01970, United States
Know before you go
In-person event
Location: Morse Auditorium
Included with admission
Advance registration recommended.
When the music of the previously unknown Connie Converse was released in 2009, decades after she deliberately disappeared in 1974 (never to be heard from again), it created a new reference point in American music, and a need to rewrite the music history books.
In early 1950s New York, more than ten years before Bob Dylan and his contemporaries popularized the “singer-songwriter” identity, Converse was writing and performing witty, introspective, literary songs for voice and guitar. She was also a brilliant scholar, visual artist, activist and public thinker far ahead of her time.
Join Howard Fishman, author of To Anyone Who Ever Asks: The Life, Music, and Mystery of Connie Converse, in conversation with Boston Globe contributor James Sullivan and Trevor Smith, PEM’s Associate Director–Multisensory Experience and Curator of the Present Tense.
Their conversation will cover the Converse family’s long history in America, dating back to their 1630 arrival in Salem, and Converse’s relationship to the American songbook. They will also play samples from Converse’s pioneering recordings and haunting melodies. A book signing will follow the talk.

Bonsai Workshop at Old Planters Brewery
2025-04-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Old Planters Brewery, Rantoul Street 232, Beverly, M, 01915, United States
Beginner workshops are perfect for you to grab your friends, grab a drink and come make tiny trees! We’re bringing the awesome art of bonsai out of the hedged in gardens and into the streets! Or at least into your favorite bars/breweries/pubs. Bonsai Bar is a night of fun you don’t want to miss. Learn the fundamental skills and techniques behind the art of bonsai while enjoying a night out with friends! Our teachers will introduce core concepts and guide your experience as you pot, prune, and design your very own bonsai tree! Our Guarantee: These tiny trees are so hardy we guarantee you can keep yours alive, or we’ll replace it.
This workshop will be hosted at Old Planters Brewery. Our goal has always been to be firmly rooted in our community with everything we do. Whether it’s collaborating with other local businesses in our area (FRANK / Crave / Wandering Soul/ Fat Tuna Charters/ Half Baked) or giving back to the place that has given us so much (Beverly Hospital/HarborLight community partners) .
This idea of community rings true in our taproom as well. Our space has become a meeting place to hear local musicians, enjoy local artists, and get a taste of various foods in the Beverly area . It’s also a space where we would like ALL members of our community to feel welcome and accepted. For many, craft breweries can sometimes feel exclusive and intimidating for those that don’t consider themselves “beer nerds” and this is a notion we will always work hard to dispel. We believe beer should be fun/accepting and our goal is to always have a variety of beers that speak to a wide audience.
Under 21 policy: Please contact Old Planters Brewery for details regarding underage entry
For more about Bonsai Bar and what to expect at our classes, visit our website at: https://bonsaibar.com/products/old-planters-brewery
Happens on the following Dates:
Apr 15, 2025, 7:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: EDT
May 20, 2025, 7:00pm to 9:00pm Timezone: EDT
