Matz Gallery

The Matz Gallery is an exhibition space for local artists to share their work in the library. The gallery is dedicated to Adolph I. Matz, an artist and generous library supporter for many years.

July 2-August 28, 2026
RESONANCE: A Contemporary Response to Avery, Gottlieb, Rothko: By the Sea
50 works of art on display by local artists of the New England Experimental Art Group

Thursday, July 9th, 5:00–6:30 p.m., Matz Gallery
Opening Reception & Meet the Artists

Exhibit in the Matz Gallery

The Matz Gallery is a program of the Sawyer Free Library. The Matz Gallery Committee strives to present a balance of styles and mediums, along with a range of artists working at different stages in their careers. Artwork can be in any medium, such as drawing, prints, painting, photographs, mixed media, assemblage, or wall-hung sculpture.

The application period for the 2026-2027 exhibition year, which runs from October 2026 to August 2027, is now closed. The next “Call to Artists” will be announced in May 2027.

For general inquiries regarding the Matz Gallery, email: matzgallery@sawyerfreelibrary.org. All communications will be managed by the Committee through this process and not through Library staff.

About the Matz Gallery

The Matz gallery is dedicated and named for the late Adolph I. Matz, an artist and generous library supporter for many years. Mr. Matz was a very kind hearted and generous man who wanted to support the arts as well as give back to his beloved city of Gloucester. His giving back consisted of reaching out to the people of Gloucester by the scholarships and funds he set up at the Sawyer Free Library. As an artist he reached out the support the students at Gloucester High School with generous art scholarships. He combined his love of art and his love for children by funding library programs for children and supported an annual art show and exhibit of their work for many years. Before the Art Advisory and the Friends of the Library funding was available, he and his family supported the museum pass program to many Boston area museums.

During the 80’s when the library was preparing to enter the computer age, it was Mr. Matz who donated the funds for terminals and ports throughout all the departments of the library, purchased the public access automated catalogs and the laser scanners, and a wealth of other important equipment. Although he maintained that he did not really understand the business of computers back then, he nonetheless provided funds at that time for much of the installation of computer equipment.

According to then Assistant Director Priscilla White, “It was Mr. Matz’s hope and dream that the Sawyer Free Library would always serve equally both the young and the old, the rich and the poor, the student and the executive, the parent and the teacher; and would always act as forum to provide exhibits, programs, lectures, or any other media that would help improve the culture of our community or contribute to the entertainment of its people of all ages.”

Decades ago with great foresight and appreciation for the natural beauty of Cape Ann, Mr. Matz developed one of the first campgrounds in New England as a perfect setting for Cape Ann tourists to experience the coastal surroundings and beautiful beaches. He purchased and developed his woodland property off Atlantic Street near the entrance of Wingaersheek Beach where it continues to be managed by his family as the Cape Ann Camp Site. His legacy of generous library giving, his strong belief in the mission of the public library, and his support of children and the arts also continue through his family.