Cape Ann Museum Talks with Cape Ann Artisans| Post Script
This past Saturday, October 21, the Cape Ann Museum hosted a panel discussion with five Cape Ann Artisans past and present representing various disciplines and time periods in CAA history. Each brought a unique perspective to the moderator’s thoughtful questions. To re-cap, after introductions to the panelists, these were the questions answered by nearly all of them. The full recording of the talk will be available in the Museum’s Vault but here are a few highlights based on a selection of the questions asked from the panel and the audience. Sculptor Chris Williams * Ceramic Artist Anni Melancon Glass Jeweler Beth Williams * Oil Painter Rob Diebboll, and Mixed Media Artist Karen Ristuben (*past member)
It all began with a Spring Sale
The senior Artisan in the group, Anni Melancon recalls that not everyone had a studio space that could accommodate a “sale” when they began, so there was some moving around and sharing. Later on, the group evolved and the majority had studios. After each speaker introduced themselves, Miranda, the moderator set the stage with this question: What was the Cape Ann arts community like when CAA began 40 years ago, how has it changed over the years, and what is it like now? There were many artists on Cape Ann as always, but most worked independently, so the idea of forming a collaborative group was new. It began mostly with potters, then other craftspeople. For one, it was a very pragmatic undertaking – a way to stay alive financially outside of the busy Holiday season. The initial tour in the Spring was a “sale” of all the work that was done in the winter months. It was also the first of its kind, as far as anyone knows, in the entire country. Visiting artist studios and engaging with them directly in their place of work in an organized way was an entirely new concept. Today, nearly every arts community has an “Open Studio” of some type. When it came time to name the group, it took some thinking as the old schism between “arts” and “crafts” was top of mind. The word “Artisan” was deliberately chosen to bridge that chasm. It’s a crucial part of what allowed the group to diversify.
Adding Structure
Each decade brought new layers of structure to the group. Chris Williams recounted that the idea of having a website was novel when he joined. A renegade metal worker, just sowing his artistic oats, he made a lot of suggestions that were novel at the time and helped the group reach the next level of organization. He particularly appreciated the chance to see more senior artisans at work to learn about the greater art world when he started out.
Carving a Niche
Another key question was, “Cape Ann has a rich history of arts organizations and associations. What sets the artisans apart? Why is it important to have groups like the Cape Ann Artisans?” All the panelists agreed that having a peak into the homestead of the artists – the setting in which they create and see their process is a key attribute of the studio tour. Long term Artisans like Beth Williams and Chris Williams also spoke to the incredible generational connections. For Beth it’s outfitting grandchildren of her long-term clients. For Chris, it’s making life time relationships with collectors who wanted to have the “first” of each of the new pieces in his collection. The intimacy of the studios creates a unique atmosphere to fully engage with the artists.
Making an Impact
Equally important was the perspective of the Artisans in the greater community. The question proposed was, “What do you think the Cape Ann Artisans have contributed and how? The first level of contribution of the Artisans is to each other. A jury of peers has created a standard that has morphed across many genres of artists wishing to become members. Even artists that are not accepted are given constructive feedback to help them apply in the future. With nearly 100 total past and present, the organization has helped many artists launch or build on their careers – at the very least provided a forum for them to gain a foothold in the arts community. It’s also spawned many long-term friendships and connections that transcend the business so of the tour. Individually, many Artisans have contributed through teaching and bring up the next generation in their specific genre.
The impact on cultural tourism is solid. From the actual sales over the tour weekends to the economic activity around the tour, the Artisans have enriched Cape Ann by many art lovers here from the outside and rallying the locals to buy local. Additionally, each studio is a welcoming committee of its own, sharing local information on places to eat, stay, and enjoy other arts venues.
Community building has been a big part of the last ten years. By partnering with other groups like the Chamber of Commerce and Discover Gloucester, and having partners like banks, hotels, and regional media, the organization has expanded its reach. The 30th Year Anniversary began a new level of partnership with the Cape Ann Museum thanks to the efforts of Marty Morgan. A committee led by Marcie Rae for the 40th Anniversary expanded the CAM relationship to include CAA in the Cape Ann Blossoms event, workshops, and this panel discussion. Selected CAM artists are also now in the Museum shop. A new partnership with the Rocky Neck Art Colony was also formed for a 40th year exhibition to celebrate artisans past and present.
Going Forward
Of course, the Artisans are aware that things have changed dramatically in the last 40 years. Anni Melancon made the point that regional shows have dwindled and much more is done online. Beth discussed the need to reach out to younger generations to find the next group of artisans and audience. Karen Ristuben discussed the need for more affordable space to live on Cape Ann and make art. These are all challenges that require some thinking.
Reflection
There were many thoughtful questions from the audience. But one particularly stood out, “How do you define success?” Chris Williams’ response struck chord with all the panelist and the audience:
“There are no bench marks for success that can beat the joy of your process. If you love what you do, you’ve arrived. The true reward is a life you love”
Circling back to what it has meant to be an Artisan, each member has found a way to define this for themselves and the tour has been an important building block along the spawning many different creative paths. Look out for the full video of the session here in the Cape Ann Museum Vault.
