Cape Ann Artisans Announce Dates for 2026 Open Studios

 

The Cape Ann Artisans have been busy planning 2026.    Among the key announcements, the Artisans have inked in the dates for Open Studios and confirmed special events.   They are also pleased to welcome two new members while bidding farewell to several long-term members who have contributed greatly for over 30 years. 

 

The Spring Open Studios will be held Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7.  The Fall event will be held October 10-11.   The Mini-Tour will be held during the Mass Tax Free Saturday in August.   The Artisans are also planning to collaborate with the North Shore Art Association for a Holiday event in mid-November.

 

New to the Tour are Jane Keddy with a studio in Gloucester and John Bassett with a studio in Rockport. Jane is a printmaker, textile artist, author and teacher. John focuses on eco-friendly recycled glass art.  Their work and studios add a new and colorful dimension to the current portfolio of CAA members.

 

The Artisan’s Open Studio event is among the oldest in the US.  It was founded in 1980 by men and women from the Gloucester/Rockport arts communities who were interested in connecting with each other to share professional and creative perspectives, and in blurring and challenging the line between art and craft. 

 

Around the country, attending artist Open Studios has become a national pastime for art lovers.  Cape Ann has the oldest such event offering a complete experience that includes visits deep into the neighborhoods of Gloucester and Rockport, intimate conversations with artists about their work, and an opportunity to fully experience a part of the country that has played an essential role in maritime and art history.   Over the years, locals and visitors rate the Cape Ann Artisans Open Studios as one of the top unique events north of Boston.  Thousands have visited from coast to coast.

 

The Artisans are constantly increasing their footprint to reach out to cultural tourists and local art lovers.   To that end, they produce 7500 brochures which are distributed throughout the region and maintain an active online presence.   They connect one on one with thousands of visitors and act as ambassadors to all things local - especially lodging, restaurants, and services.  Local businesses, interested in being on the Brochure map and having a listing in the brochure and website should contact Pam Stratton before the end of January.  Pam can be reached at  pamstratton63@gmail.com or 508-284-0086.

 

The full list of Artisans and the new tour route are shown below.  New members are marked with an asterisk.

 

1. Nina Goodick:  Functional Pottery

2. Jacqueline Ganim-DeFalco: Sea Glass Wearable Art, Garden Stones & Sculpture

3. John Abisamra: Fine Art Photography

4. Tina Frassica:  Quilting

5. Katrina Abbott: Pottery and Textiles

6. Sara Wright: Handwoven and Knit Accessories

7. John Bassett: Eco-Friendly recycled glass art*

8. Pam Stratton: Mosaics, Mixed Media, Eco Printed silk scarves, Jewelry, Sculpture

9. Rob Diebboll: Oil and Water Color Painting

10. Kathryn Roberts:  Watercolor Painting

11. Cindy Efinger: Mosaic and Sculpture

12. Jane Keddy: Textiles, Prints, and Mixed Media*

 

Long-term members Cynthia Curtis, and glass artist, Beth Williams are formally leaving the tour, along with founding member and renowned ceramic artist, David Archibald.  Each will continue to create and share their works through other venues and special events.  The Artisans are grateful for their many years of contributions and look forward to collaboration with each of them.   For the year 2026, Sinikka Nogelo and Danette English will be on sabbatical.  

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What:  The 43rd Annual Cape Ann Artisans Open Studios 

Where: Gloucester and Rockport, MA.

When:   Spring Tour: Sat & Sun, June 6-7Fall Tour: Sat & Sun, 10-11 10AM-5PM Daily

Special Events: TBA 

 

For General Information Contact: info@capeannartisans.com or leave a message with Pam Stratton, 508-284-0086.   For Media inquiries, contact Jacqueline Ganim-DeFalco, 978-283-8333.