Media Advisory: May 1, 2026
Inquiries: Jacqueline Ganim-DeFalco jackie@capeanndesigns.com 978-283-8333 or info@capeannartisans.com
Cape Ann Artisans Prepare for June Open Studios
Experience Art Where It’s Made!
The Cape Ann Artisans have laid the groundwork for the Spring Open Studios to be held Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7. The 2026 brochures are now completed with a suggested route for visitors to drive around Cape Ann over the two-day period.
With several artisans on sabbatical, the tour includes a manageable twelve studios affording visitors more time with each artisan. Open Studios offer the unique opportunity to see the workings of each maker in an intimate, working environment. Many of the studios are found in Cape Ann neighborhoods where relatively few people would normally venture.
Here’s a sampling of what to expect as you follow the map or choose your own route:
Along the Annisquam River, visit with Nina Goodick to see her endearing collection of pottery reflecting her passion for family and community and Jacqueline Ganim-DeFalco with a vast selection of sea glass wearable art and garden steppingstones. Approaching Annisquam, head up Holly Street to find John Abisamra’s tantalizing fine art photographs of nature in all its forms. Just around the corner, you will find Tina Frassica’s colorful quilts in her studio known as the Art Hatchery. Take a turn into Annisquam and see Katrina Abbott’s hand-built pottery and hand printed textiles.
Enroute to downtown Rockport, near Pigeon Cove you will find Sara Wright’s Handwoven and Knit Accessories and a demo of her work on the loom. As you continue toward town, visit with new Artisan, John Bassett in his barn studio featuring exquisite wall pieces of eco-friendly glass formed using a kiln, glass cutter and wet saw. John writes in a recent post, “Most of my shapes come from bottles saved by friends and recycled.”
Pam Stratton’s Mosaic studio is just above downtown Rockport. Here you will find mosaic wall pieces, sculpture, jewelry, and garden art. Check out her ever-evolving mosaic “tree” and new mosaic QR code. Leaving Rockport along South Street, turn off to see Rob Diebboll’s oil and watercolor paintings in his delightful studio and beautifully tended gardens.
Following 127A along the coast, you will find yourself in East Gloucester to visit with Cindy Efinger, Jane Keddy, and Kathryn Roberts. Cindy’s studio is full of surprises – the latest will literally turn your head. Check out her new living mixed media block sculptures. Jane, another new artisan will delight you with her textile prints and mixed media. Jane uses natural dyes and fiber reactive dyes working in various techniques including Shibori.
Just around the corner off of Eastern Avenue, you will find Kathryn Roberts. Kathryn’s watercolors are a true reflection of all that is treasured on Cape Ann. In her latest blog, Kathryn shares, “My strong connections to this special place have inspired and challenged me to capture the rugged beauty of its coastline, which began as a child while spending summers at the beach and picnics at Stage Fort Park… I enjoy bringing joy, hope and creating connections with my viewers.”
Brochures are available at the Cape Ann Chamber, via Discover Gloucester, the visitors’ centers, the 128-north kiosk, hotels, inns, and major tourist attractions around Cape Ann. You can also download the brochure and map from the Cape Ann Artisans website. While visiting artisans in their studios, you can participate in the grocery gift card drawing and also receive complementary copies of North Shore Magazine and New England Home on a first come, first serve basis.
The full list of Artisans and the new tour route are shown below. New members are marked with an asterisk. Read more about each artist in the “From the Studio” blog.
- Nina Goodick: Functional Pottery
- Jacqueline Ganim-DeFalco: Sea Glass Wearable Art, Garden Stones & Sculpture
- John Abisamra: Fine Art Photography
- Tina Frassica: Quilting
- Katrina Abbott: Pottery and Textiles
- Sara Wright: Handwoven and Knit Accessories
- John Bassett: Eco-Friendly recycled glass art*
- Pam Stratton: Mosaics, Mixed Media, Eco Printed silk scarves, Jewelry, Sculpture
- Rob Diebboll: Oil and Water Color Painting
- Kathryn Roberts: Watercolor Painting
- Cindy Efinger: Mosaic and Sculpture
- Jane Keddy: Textiles, Prints, and Mixed Media*
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What: The 43rd Annual Cape Ann Artisans Open Studios
Where: Gloucester and Rockport, MA.
When: Spring Tour: Sat & Sun, June 6-7. 10AM-5PM
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.
