The Acorn Press, an historic printing press, is one of the Manship Residency’s community outreach initiatives. Originally owned by Eino Natti, an in-law of Paul Manship and a member of the Folly Cove Designers, the historic Acorn Press was a local cultural icon at Rockport’s Whistlestop Mall from the mid-1970s until 2017 when the Manship Artists Residency purchased it to save it for our community.
The press preserves Cape Ann’s local heritage and allows the Manship Artists Residency to continue this tradition with contemporary artists in the community. Local and visiting artists are welcome to explore the creative potential of this mechanical workhorse.
This initiative also offers educational opportunities to local children; thanks to the Cape Ann Museum and the Gloucester Education Foundation, eighth-grade students at the O’Maley Middle School learn how to use the press as part of their art curriculum.
The Manship Artists Residency plans to provide further community outreach to share this unique experience and opportunity with others. If you are interested in working with the Acorn Press, please reach out.
