Second Saturday: Fish Prints

Description

The Second Saturday of each month, admission to the Cape Ann Museum is free for all Cape Ann Residents. During July, visitors of all ages are invited to head to the Museum to view a pair of Depression-era bronze plaques once installed at the Jodrey State Fish Pier in Gloucester and to participate in a new art project.

Designed by the same sculptor who made the bronze doors atop the A. Piatt Andrew Bridge, the Jodrey State Fish Pier plaques are the work of John F. Paramino (1889-1956) and were cast in 1938.  The State Fish Pier was brand new, constructed to breathe new life into Gloucester’s fishing industry, and the plaques were the finishing touch on what was a major construction project.  Each plaque shows fishing boats in relief, the seal of the Commonwealth and officials’ names, and decorative motifs evocative of Gloucester’s fishing industry.  On display with the plaques are images from the Museum’s archives documenting the construction of the pier.

This month, celebrate Cape Ann’s maritime history by making your own fish print outside in the CAM Courtyard. This project is for all ages -- watch fish scales come alive on your paper. Afterwards, head inside the galleries to enjoy The Legacy of the Family-Owned Fishing Vessel, a special exhibition exploring the important heritage of the family-owned commercial fishing vessel here on Cape Ann.