Celebrate spring by joining us for our next Palate to Palette dinner on May 16 from 5pm-8pm at My Place by the Sea in Rockport, MA. Enjoy a delicious meal and watch Mary Rose O’Connell, a master oil painter, create a stunning painting of the local scenery.

Mary Rose O’Connell, a lifelong resident of Massachusetts, is a classically trained artist working in several genres. She is primarily an oil painter with concentrations in portrait, landscape, marine and still life paintings. Her paintings and commission works are done in both oil and acrylic with a wide variety of options from gallery wrap to gilded framing. The paintings are often done from life and may also be done from high quality photographs and field studies when desired. In pursuit of her artistic training Mary Rose had many years of formal training in the Boston School tradition. Mary Rose’s work shows the benefit of a strong grounding in draftsmanship and design. This style of painting is done in natural light and is influenced by the beautiful colors of the Impressionists.

Watch her work and ask questions about her art and techniques. Visit her website: oconnellfineart.com

This event is perfect for anyone who loves art and food.

Located on the tip of historic Bearskin Neck, My Place by the Sea showcases New American cuisine highlighted by fresh local seafood and an unrivaled romantic setting. Multiple-level seating areas offer breathtaking views of Rockport's craggy New England coast—the perfect venue for sipping, savoring and celebrating indoors and out.

Award-winning Chef Kathy Milbury and co-owner Barbara Stavropoulos created a one-of-a-kind dining experience when they took the reins of this elegant waterfront eatery in 2000. Kathy’s passion for local and sustainable cuisine and Barbara’s eye for design have perfectly captured Rockport’s rich history as a local seaport and an artist colony.

Visit myplacebythesea.com for their menu, to make reservations and more information.

Celebrate the beginning of summer by joining us for our next Palate to Palette dinner on Wednesday, July 17th from 5pm-8pm at The Cut, in Gloucester, MA. Enjoy a delicious meal and watch Leigh Slingluff, a local artist and plein air painter, paint!“Hi! I’m Leigh Slingluff, I live in Rockport, and I have a painting studio in Gloucester at West Main Studios. I grew up in Georgia and moved to MA with my husband, two sons, and a dog in 2011. I have a BFA in graphic design, so I’ve always been designing - good design is the foundation of my painting process. My interest in painting started in college and then grew out of my exposure to the painting community around Cape Ann. I've taken many classes with local artists, which helped me discover “my people & my passion” - the many great painters, art teachers, historians, & collectors who I admire and seek to emulate.Painting outside with friends is a favorite activity, and I love the freshness and quickness of a plein air effort. When the weather is bad, I’m lucky to have my studio, where I paint from photos or memory, and I do commissions there, too. I paint in various mediums, including: oil & gouache (plein air), and acrylic & watercolor (in studio). I’m inspired by local folks doing local activities - for example: kids in summertime at the quarries, winter surfers, or people walking dogs on the beach. I’m attracted to light & shadow, big shapes & high contrast, glowing colors. I look for design elements like repetition, symmetry, pattern, contrast, etc.

My work is displayed with juried members in the galleries of the Rockport Art Association and the North Shore Arts Association. You can also see my paintings at Coastal Locals, a new collaborative gallery located in Rockport at 2 Dock Square, with a great view of that famous red fishing shack.”

Visit her website: leighslingluff.com

The Cut is located in the heart of downtown Gloucester, surrounded by the City’s galleries, museums, shops, restaurants, and hotels. Their goal is to be the premier destination for music, food, and entertainment in the region. Their two kitchens serve the finest seasonal gastropub fare on the North Shore along with your favorite libation from our selection of draught beers, hard kombucha, bottled standards, fine wines, curated cocktails, and innovative mocktails. Come for their great food and inspired drinks and watch Leigh paint!

Visit thecutlive.com for their menu, to make reservations and more information.