1623 Studios

10/09/2026

There's more to a community organization than meets the eye, and that's exactly what Beneath the Surface is all about!

In the newest installment of our original series, we're taking you behind the scenes of The Open Door and Second Glance Thrift Store to meet the people who make their mission possible. From connecting neighbors with nutritious food to giving donated goods a second life, discover the dedicated individuals working every day to make a difference in our community.

The official trailer is here! Get a sneak peek at the stories, faces, and heart behind these two community staples before the full episode premieres.

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10/07/2026

💜 Yesterday, the Gloucester community gathered at City Hall to recognize Domestic Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month with the raising of the Ending Abuse flag.

Local officials, community partners, and advocates came together to show their support for survivors, raise awareness about domestic abuse, and highlight the importance of ensuring resources remain available to those who need them.

For more than 25 years, this annual tradition has brought Gloucester together in support of survivors and reinforced the community’s continued commitment to awareness, education, and prevention. 💜 City of Gloucester, MA HAWC

10/05/2026

1623 Studios producer, Heather Atwood, recently sat down with gallerist, artist, and longtime David Hockney friend Doug Roberts at Manship Artists Residency.

Roberts, who has known Hockney since the early 1980s in Los Angeles, joined Atwood to talk about Hockney’s embrace of reproduction, his unique approach to perspective, and stories that offer a glimpse into the celebrated artist’s creativity and humanity.

The interview took place alongside the David Hockney – Hockney Reproduction(s) exhibit at Manship, curated by artist and writer Bing McGilray, Hockney's friend for more than 45 years.

Photo credit Tsar Fedorsky, courtesy of Manship Artists Residency.

10/01/2026

Curious about Canva? Join us on November 10th for a free Canva workshop at 1623 Studios and learn how to create eye-catching designs in this hands-on workshop! We’ll cover helpful tips and tricks for creating flyers, social media graphics, and more. Bring your laptop and follow along, or bring a project of your own to work on during the class. No design experience necessary!

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/RusXznJtRm7U2Hvz7

09/30/2026

As we say goodbye to September and wrap up Hunger Action Month, we’re looking back at The Open Door Thrift the Runway Fashion Show earlier this month! 🧡 💚

The event brought people together for a fun and creative evening showcasing clothing from Second Glance Thrift Store while supporting The Open Door’s work to address hunger in our community.

Check out some highlights from the runway! ✨

09/29/2026

Have you spotted Gloucester’s new wayfinding signs downtown? 👀 These detailed maps highlight local destinations, points of interest, and how to get around, making it easier for visitors to explore downtown Gloucester.

Hear more about the new signs and other updates from around the city in this week’s upcoming episode of Sunday with the Mayor! City of Gloucester, MA

09/22/2026

Heather Atwood, 1623 Studios producer and creator of The Color of Light, an original series exploring Cape Ann artists, will sit down with Doug Roberts, an authority on David Hockney, at the Manship Artists Residency on October 3 at 2:00 p.m.

A gallerist and artist, Roberts has been friends with Hockney since the early 1980s, when they met in Los Angeles. A specialist in American prints, Roberts has spoken professionally about Hockney’s embrace of reproduction, an approach that set him apart from many 20th-century artists.

During the conversation, Roberts will explore Hockney’s distinctive approach to perspective and reproduction while sharing personal stories that offer insight into the artist’s creativity, character, and sensitivity to the human condition.

Registration required: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/hockney-reproductions-a-conversation-with-doug-roberts

09/20/2026

On this weeks episode of Sunday with the Mayor, hear about the latest on the I4-C2 process, Gloucester’s new trash program beginning October 1, and Emergency Preparedness Month. Plus, get a preview of two community events: the Annual Fishbox Derby, happening today and Community Safety Day on September 26.

City of Gloucester, MA

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09/19/2026

⚾ Happy 136th Birthday to Gloucester baseball legend Stuffy McInnis!

Born right here in Gloucester, Stuffy went on to become a GHS Hall of Famer and four-time World Series champion, including a championship with the 1918 Boston Red Sox.

To mark his birthday, Cape Ann Packs will be playing our Timeline: Cape Ann documentary about Stuffy in the shop today, giving his hometown story a little extra screen time.

Watch the full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXcGykaBFRY&feature=youtu.be

09/14/2026

Cape Ann history is coming to the big screen!

Join 1623 Studios at the Shalin Liu Performance Center on Tuesday, October 27 for the premiere of The Rockport Murder Mysteries, the newest installment of our award-winning Timeline: Cape Ann documentary series.

Based on the book Murder in Rockport, Massachusetts: Terror in a Small Town by Rob Fitzgibbon and Wayne Soini, the film revisits two shocking murders that rattled the quiet seaside community of Rockport in the early 1930s,and remain unsolved more than 90 years later.

Following the screening, stay for a conversation with 1623 Studios producers Kory Curcuru and Heather Atwood, along with authors Rob Fitzgibbon and Wayne Soini, as they share more about the history, research, and process of bringing this remarkable local story to the screen.

🎟️ Tickets are $20 + fees. Proceeds from ticket sales benefit 1623 Studios and help support our work to preserve and share the stories of Cape Ann.
📍 Shalin Liu Performance Center, Rockport, MA
📅 Tuesday, October 27, 2026
🚪 Doors at 5:30 PM | Screening at 6:30 PM
Purchase Tickets Here: https://rockportmusic.org/upcoming-shows/1623-rockport-mysteries/