Northshore Magazine

One recent program that was particularly successful at spreading the word to the younger generation was "Yester- day, Today, and Tomorrow," which included three artists. Linsky, a 30-year veteran of the association, sees the value of expanding the art education programs, including the summer programs for children. Attendance for those has continued to grow over the years. Law Hamilton, an exhibiting photography member since 2001, represents the interests of this art genre to the board of directors. Currently, 55 exhibiting members participate in six annual group shows. Hamilton reinstated opening recep- tions for the photography shows to encourage more com- munity participation and allow for more dialogue between the public and the artists. In following the public discussions on whether digital photography is like film, Hamilton works with both, and characterizes the digital form as a new tool. Hamilton notes, "I like a big, wide definition of art. It is the expression. [Art] gets you to stop, see, and comment. When an image commu- nicates what the artist wants, I believe it is art. The language is the same. It is about hues and composition." Manchester-by-the-Sea artist and new member, Grace Vasta-Carr agrees: "There's art for everyone…you need to find what speaks to you. For me, I am attracted to work that has staying power, that changes you, and then changes you more." A successful artist for the past 28 years and a Cape Ann resident since 1993, Carr is happy to see the influx of new, younger artists and collectors coming to the association. She works in oil and keeps a set of paints tucked into a little cigar box that she totes around for those moments driv- ing along Route 127 when an irresistible scene comes into view. Most of the time though, buds, blooms, and bush of, what she calls, her little backyard Giverny are what end up on her canvas. As the association heads toward its 100th birthday, we might all do well to unplug from the clicks and pings of technology and take what these artists have so eloquently captured in silence. As artist T.M. Nicholas says, "Bringing and keeping art in our lives, through places like the Rockport Art Association, gives each of us that breathing time to contemplate, study, covet, and dream." rockportartassn.com ● n 106 Art ne FAMILY STYLE. z i m m a n s . c o m Upcoming Event: The Rockport Art Association Annual Art Auction of Historic Art begins at 2 p.m. on May3. It wil l be at tended by both major and novice col lectors alike. A preview reception wil l be held on May 2, from 4 to 7 p.m. KJ NS Apr14 RockportArts.indd 106 2/21/14 12:14 PM

• Cover