Marblehead residents Amy and Alf Wilson decided to do something new for their date night on Friday, May 29. For the first time, they went to the annual Cod and Whale first-look party held at Abbot Hall.
With dozens of other locals attending, the couple marveled at the 55 cod and 12 whale art pieces on the tables.
Amy Wilson said her favorite cod design was a deck of cards.
“An event like this is a rare chance to get to know neighbors and see creativity,” she said.
The annual Cod and Whale event kicks off a townwide auction raising money for the Marblehead Festival of Arts. Artists decorate 21×7 inch wooden cods and 55X15 inch versatex whale. The artworks will be on display in stores and restaurants around town until the bidding wraps up July 5.
“I started the first look party in 2024 so people could see the cods and whales up close before they’re displayed in local stores,” said Cynda Rohmer, festival president.
“This is a beloved event for the festival,” Rohmer continued. “It is one of the top income generators to support the yearly budget to support the festival every year.”
Designs ranged from a picture of a swan scene, a New England kitchen and a whale with an octopus on it.
Bethany Ross, a Marblehead resident, was excited to be involved as an artist for the first time this year. She created both a cod and a whale from the flowers in her backyard. She coated the pieces in resin to protect the flowers.
“(This event) brings so much creativity and fun to the town. The Festival of Arts is always such a magical time for Marblehead,” Ross said.
Locals walked around observing the art and sipping wine. They chatted with the artists, learning the stories behind different pieces.
History buff and Marblehead resident Gregg Hanscom created two cod designs this year. One was designed like the 1776 flag, and the other as a Nantucket lightship. In a previous year, Hanscom said he displayed lights on a cod with a lighthouse on it.
“We need events like this to allow artists to express themselves while staying within the confines of the cod and whale shape,” Rohmer said. “They have fun with the creative concept.”
The Cod & Whale auction can be found at auction.biddingforgood.com/auction/341842832, For more information about the Arts Festival, visit marbleheadfestival.org
