De Hirsh Margules, Mother Ann Lighthouse, Eastern Point, Gloucester, 1946. Gouache on paper. Gift of Jean M. Horblit, 2002. [Acc. #2002.004.002]
Gloucester Daily Times: CAM-150—A vision for Cape Ann Museum’s future
By Gail McCarthy, August 5, 2024
As Cape Ann Museum approaches its 150th anniversary next year, plans are underway to revitalize its downtown campus with a world-class gallery space among other improvements as part of a capital campaign called CAM-150.
The museum’s board has been planning for this change in the wake of opening CAM Green, a second campus off Washington Street that will enable operations to continue during the closure of its Pleasant Street home base.
With a $20 million capital campaign goal, to date, the institution has generated more than $18 million in commitments and is looking to raise another $2 million.
As part of the campaign, an estimated $9 million will be spent to create the “James Gallery” to showcase 20th and 21st century art on the museum’s third floor. The overall renovation project includes many other improvements designed to amplify the visitor experience, create new fisheries and archival galleries, revitalize the education studio and extensively upgrade to the HVAC and lighting system to more than 40% of the museum.
The downtown campus will close Oct. 7 through the spring of 2026. Meanwhile, CAM Green, which opened in the summer of 2021, will have year-round free programming.
The downtown renovation project is just one element of the CAM-150 Campaign. The money also will fund enhanced programming and augment the museum’s endowment to ensure programming for future generations. About $6 million already was spent to create the CAM Green campus, off Poplar Street near the Grant Circle rotary.
“After decades of growth in collections, membership and programming, it is now time for the museum to reinvest once again in our facilities,” museum Director Oliver Barker said. “CAM-150 will fuel the institution’s commitment to broaden the museum’s reach, strengthen our mission, and expand our community relevance.”
“It will protect our valuable collections and allow the museum to engage more deeply with the people who call this area home. Most importantly, the support secured and still sought for the CAM-150 Campaign will ensure that the distinct history of Cape Ann is shared with generations to come.”
In other words, all these improvements are about better using the space.
“The growth of the museum in recent years in particular has been breathtaking,” he said. “The Edward Hopper show last summer tested us and our capacity to host such a nationally significant exhibition. While we excelled in welcoming an unprecedented number of visitors, we will be able to offer an even better experience for the community in the future through the CAM-150 Campaign.”
CAMPAIGN SUPPORT
Museum officials want to continue to prioritize broadening community access for all ages at both locations, in part through education programs, exhibitions and special events, all with a goal to “engage, celebrate, question and learn” about the many facets of Cape Ann history and culture.
The downtown renovations will begin in December and will be overseen by designLAB, a Boston-based architectural firm.
The CAM-150 campaign has been chaired by CAM board members Henrietta Gates, J.J. Bell and Caroline Hovey.
“During the leadership phase of the campaign, the museum has been so grateful for the visionary support and donations from its board, other volunteers, museum members, and local and national philanthropic institutions. Impetus for the campaign came from a lead gift of $4 million from Janet and William Ellery James along with the support of five other donors at the seven-figure level,” the museum said in a prepared statement.
The museum also received significant support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council Facilities Fund as well as grants as part of the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
“It is quite humbling. Gifts have ranged from community members giving $50 to seven-figure support from a nationally recognized foundation,” Barker said.
“Each contribution is deeply important, demonstrating the wide support the museum receives, not just on Cape Ann, but beyond. We hope others will be excited about the museum’s plans and now join in supporting the CAM-150 campaign.”
Gates, the museum’s board chair, highlighted the increased visibility of Cape Ann Museum.
“It’s not the place it was just 10 years ago,” she said. “In the past four years, the museum has become more accessible, inclusive, and recognized. From nationally acclaimed exhibits to extensive free programming that celebrates Cape Ann, there is always something to see and do at the museum.”
When the museum reopens in 2026, it will launch another major loan exhibition, with a working title of “Avery, Gottlieb & Rothko: A Close-Knit Trio” to be presented in partnership with Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C.
The loan exhibition will place special emphasis on the inspiration that all three celebrated American artists, Milton Avery (1885–1965), Mark Rothko (1903–1970) and Adolph Gottlieb (1903–1974) derived from visits to Cape Ann and from each other, “an influence that continued to reverberate in the work of their later years,” according to the museum.
STATE INVESTMENT
Local lawmakers applauded the museum’s vision.
State Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante, D-Gloucester, along with other lawmakers, helped secure COVID-19 pandemic relief funding for the Fisheries Gallery renovation and expanded programming.
“Cape Ann Museum sits at the heart of Gloucester’s Harbortown Cultural District and is a cultural treasure, not just to Gloucester but to Cape Ann and the Commonwealth as a whole,” she said.
“As the daughter and granddaughter of fishermen, I’m proud the commonwealth is providing support for expanding the museum’s ability to showcase the stories, art, and artifacts that tell the story of Cape Ann’s rich seafaring and artistic heritage.”
State Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, further noted that the museum is a cherished resource for Cape Ann residents as well as for visitors from near and far.
“With visionary leadership and a committed team, this dynamic institution not only cares for and shares works of art and objects across a broad spectrum, it helps us to find our own understanding and appreciation of the people and the world around us,” Tarr said.
“The organization’s demonstrated power to impact our lives in positive ways is worthy of state investment, and I’m pleased to work as a team with Rep. Ferrante to bring that investment to fruition.”
See the original article on Gloucester Daily Times’ website.
