Motif #1 in Rockport

Motif #1, photo by Willie Waw.

Originally a fisherman's shack, Motif #1 has been painted by many artists and students.

In the 30s and early 40s, it was the studio of Rockport, MA artist John Buckley who sold it to the town in 1945; it is dedicated "to the fisherman and artists of Rockport."

The shack was destroyed in the great nor'easter of 1978, but was replaced with an exact replica. Motif #1 is off Bearskin Neck on Bradley Wharf and is close to the Sandy Bay Yacht Club where they race these classes: Star, Rhodes 19, Flying Scot, Bullseye, Club 420 Laser, Optimist and cruising boats.

When I learned to sail here back in the fifties, we sailed in wooden boats called Turnabouts, Fish, Manchester I Class, Jolly boats, Fireflies -- even the Stars were wood at that time. It was a wonderful place to grow up!