Rocky Neck Art Colony

History

The Rocky Neck Art Colony was founded in the mid-19th century and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 1973. Embracing a spirit of inclusion, hundreds of artists, from aspiring novices to nationally recognized professionals have benefited from Art Colony programs that support the Cape Ann arts economy by attracting thousands of visitors and program participants each year. Our programs: The Goetemann Artist Residency, Gallery 53 (a cooperative run gallery of 30 artists), the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck (exhibits, open year-round, cultural events, music) and the Rocky Neck Historic Art Trail.

Specialties

Rocky Neck is home to one of the oldest continuously operating art colonies in the United States. Situated on a peninsula within Gloucester's working harbor, Rocky Neck is known for its exceptional geographic beauty, its unique and penetrating light, a rich cultural history and a spirited, committed, and supportive community. Notable plein air artists including Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper, Frank Duveneck, Childe Hassam, lived and worked on Rocky Neck in the 19th and early 20th centuries, inspired the Cape Ann style of American Impressionism, a critically important contribution to American art history. Along side these were modernists Stuart Davis, Milton Avery, Adolph Gottlieb, Nell Blaine and Mark Rothko, who came to Cape Ann charmed by the landscape and working waterfront and found a community of artists who continue to thrive here.