Jan Matulka – a painter’s eye on Cape Ann

Opens at Cape Ann Historical Museum

An exhibition of paintings and drawings by modernist artist Jan Matulka (1890-1972) will open on June 10 at the Cape Ann Historical Museum. Bohemian born and New York bred, Matulka was most likely introduced to Gloucester and Rockport by his friend and fellow painter, Stuart Davis. In the exhibit catalog, author Henry Adams notes the artists’ similarities, ‘Like his friend Stuart Davis, Matulka was an assimilator, who drew from European modernism, particularly Cubism and Surrealism, and brought it into the American idiom.’ Matulka’s facility for merging styles combined with strong lines, flattened planes and a bold palette, offer a fresh rendering of Cape Ann in the 1930s. More than 25 drawings, watercolors and oil paintings will be included in the exhibit. The public is invited to attend an opening reception on Saturday, June 10 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The exhibit continues through September 10, 2006.

The Cape Ann Historical Museum is located at 27 Pleasant Street in Gloucester. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Museum is closed during the month of February, on Mondays and on major holidays. Admission is $6.50 adults, $6.00 seniors, $4.50 students, children under 6 and Museum members are free. The Museum is wheelchair accessible. For more information, (978) 283-0455 or www.capeannhistoricalmuseum.org.