May 21 – June 21, 2026
Cove Gallery, 37 Rocky Neck Avenue, Gloucester, MA

Gloucester, MA — Play as Practice is a five-artist exhibition curated by Mallie Loring Pratt and Hanna Taylor Marino that examines the dynamic relationship between formal studio practice and the experimental work that unfolds alongside it. Featuring work by Pratt, Marino, Isabel Bacon, Margaret Sweet, and Julia Von Metzsch, the exhibition offers an intimate look into the creative process and the “side journeys” that quietly shape each artist’s visual language.

Bringing together painting, sketches, collage, and exploratory works, Play as Practice invites viewers to consider what constitutes an artist’s “real” work. By placing finished pieces in conversation with studies and experiments, the exhibition reveals the moments of play, uncertainty, and discovery that often lead to artistic breakthroughs.

Each of the five artists moves fluidly between abstraction and representation, sharing a common interest in where those boundaries blur. Though distinct in style and approach, the artists are united by a willingness to embrace process, curiosity, and experimentation as essential parts of their practices.

Collectively, the artists bring significant professional recognition to the exhibition, including museum exhibitions, gallery representation throughout New England, critical coverage, brand collaborations, and work held in private and corporate collections nationwide.

Rather than presenting only polished outcomes, Play as Practice offers audiences a behind-the-scenes perspective on contemporary painting practices and the evolving decisions that shape them.

Play as Practice will be on view at Cove Gallery in Gloucester from May 21 through June 21, 2026. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, May 21 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Featured Artists

Mallie Loring Pratt
Hanna Taylor Marino
Isabel Bacon
Margaret Sweet
Julia Von Metzsch

GLOUCESTER, MA – Due to an overwhelmingly positive response from the previous training, on Monday, June 1st the Gloucester Health Department is offering another free training event for restaurant operators. The event will run from 9:00AM – 11:00AM and will feature Berger Food Safety Consulting, a leading food safety team. 

The event will focus on strategies for implementing Active Managerial Control. Participants will learn how to identify common food risks, correct issues efficiently and effectively, and create systems that prevent repeat violations. Restaurant operators are welcome to learn how to improve daily operations, strengthen team accountability, and protect customers and businesses. The event is highly recommended to restaurant leadership staff, managers, head chefs, and supervisors. 

Space is limited, so the Health Department is asking interested parties to RSVP by Monday, May 25th. Parties can RSVP here: https://forms.gle/TUyMAiRgYHVfPeJn8 

The event will take place MONDAY, June 1st at 9AM in the Community Room of the Sawyer Free Library at 2 Dale Ave, Gloucester MA. 

The event is open to members of the media. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to svorias@gloucester-ma.gov and sgross@gloucester-ma.gov 

Full details are as follows:

WHAT:        FREE Restaurant Operator Training 

WHO:          Gloucester Health Department 

Berger Food Safety Consulting

WHEN:        MONDAY June 1st, 2026

9:00AM – 11:00AM

WHERE:     Sawyer Free Library – Community Room

2 Dale Ave Gloucester, MA

$19.99+tax Lobster Roll served with chips & pickles
Buy any 18” pizza & get an 18” cheese pizza for just $5
Buy any 16” pizza & get a 16” cheese pizza for just $5
16” pizzas are HALF PRICE

Perfect night to grab dinner for the whole family! Call ahead or stop by today!

*Excludes gluten free
*Pizza specials cannot be combined
*Excludes online orders

link to video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wxXbwXyAbY

Caitlin Smith Photos