Cape Ann Arts Alive Mission
Our mission is to foster children’s appreciation for the unique environment, history and culture of Cape Ann, as well as a sense of belonging to the ongoing story of this magnificent region. Through the creative disciplines of music, visual arts, theater, dance, and connection with the people and places of the area, we strive to cultivate curiosity, encourage artistic expression, build confidence and a desire to enage generously with peers and community.
Who we are
We are artists, educators, and lovers of Cape Ann. Many talented people have graced us with their time and expertise since 2016. Click here to read more about the people that make it happen.
How We Got Started
Our initial collaboration began when children’s choir directors Mark Nelson (St. John’s Episcopal Church), Kathleen Adams (Annisquam Village Church), Patti Pike (St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Rockport), and Kristina Martin (First Congregational Church of Rockport) combined their choirs for holiday concerts at St. John’s Church, for the Middle Street Walk, as well as for spring concerts, at the other churches. The teamwork was fun, expanding and, empowering to both directors and singers.
In 2016, when Mark was approached by the Lily Fund, through the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, offering a 3-year stimulus grant to create a low-cost, non-denominational, community outreach educational opportunity for local children. With an effective team already in place to brainstorm on a creative, experiential program that could teach choral/performance/artistic skills, foster appreciation and a sense of belonging to Cape Ann…Cape Ann Arts Alive ~ Music & More was launched.
What We Have Accomplished
Since that time, we have exceeded the original outreach goals of the grant with four successful sessions in 2016 – 2019. After a two-season hiatus due to Covid, we were back up and running in August, 2022. We hope to continue this uniquely local enrichment program, providing meaningful, civic-minded and low-cost choral/arts experiences to all resident or visiting children of Cape Ann. Here are the themes we have explored thus far:
2016 ~ Dogtown and the Beauport Sea Serpent ~The legends of Cape Ann woodlands and sea
2017 ~ Joan of Arc and the Bells of Cape Ann ~How Anna Hyatt Huntington’s statue came to Washington St. in Gloucester
2018 ~ The Statues of Cape Ann ~The Sculptures and their Sculptors
2019 ~ A Heartbeat from the Sea ~The History of Cape Ann from 10,000 years ago until now
2022 ~ The Boats of Cape Ann ~ Seafaring vessels through the ages
Where We Are Going
We have seen how a chorus of children’s voices, singing songs that connect them with their surroundings and with their community can be an inspiration to all, young and old. We watched children beam at the appreciation expressed by their audiences. We envision a Cape Ann children’s chorus performing at community events throughout the year, singing songs that celebrate the richly diverse cultural and environmental essence of Cape Ann, starting with some of the programs planned with the Gloucester 400+ organization this coming fall.
Donate
Long past our initial grant funding, in 2023 we strive to keep our tuition cost low, while providing top-notch, experienced staff, published sheet music, art supplies, effective publicity, excursions, daily refreshments, and other necessities for adequate safety and comfort. Your support will help us to offer low tuition, scholarshipsand family discounts, as we honor our missioand commitment to Cape Ann citizens of all ages.
