ConciergeOnLine - Galleries

For hundreds of years, writers, philosophers and artists have made pilgrimages to Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket to not only ponder their existence on earth but to reflect and graphically illustrate their experiences. To this day the physical beauty of the region still inspires artists to visit and record their feelings - whether it be in form of painting, photography, sculpture or any other medium. The creative spirit of Cape Cod is visible in many forms - one of which is our symbiotic relationship we have with mother Earth.

Cape Cod is an inspiration, a haven to the art community, and nowhere is it more evident than in the more than 170 galleries from Provincetown to The Vineyard. As you tour the galleries of the Cape and Islands, you'll see that all visual works are not sandy dunes, sunsets over Cape Cod Bay or beach scenes - although if you are looking for such, we do have a plethora. Cape Cod is well known as a destination for art lovers seeking to purchase unique works by local and internationally-renowned artists. You need only venture a short distance to see some of the finest works in the country.

The Private Collection Gallery, housed in a turn-of-the century Victorian building (515 Main Street in Harwich Port), features watercolors, collage, acrylic and oil paintings, etchings, decorative and functional pottery. Beautifully displayed work fill five large rooms are all devoted to original works of art. The gallery represents contemporary watercolor and collage works by co-owner Mary Napoletano and custom-framed by co-owner Howard Johnson; acrylic landscape paintings by Georgia Dearborn, watercolors by internationally known Zoltan Szabo, Pastel landscapes by Connecticut artist Barbara Jenkinsand contemporary mosaic by New York artist Daniel Stanczyk, clay sculptures by California artist Brigitte Haas, contemporary designs in antique stained glass by Boston artist Tricia Auger Wyche, monoprints and more. The owners who "strive for quality artwork in all media with varying styles of expression,"have indeed accomplished their mission.

From modest beginnings in a 19th century schoolhouse to five locations in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Florida.The Spectrum of American Artists and craftsmen has come along way since its founding in 1966. That year two Rhode Island School of design graduates decided to exhibit their laminated stained-glass panels and accessories (created their own patented process) as well as works of several other craftsmen in a one-room schoolhouse in Cedarville, Mass. Cape Cod's Spectrum Gallery, located on Rte. 6A in Brewster, has evolved into one of the country's leading galleries, featuring the work of present day American crafts people. Spectrum exhibits a wide range of work that is heavy in clay, glass, wood and mixed media, including beautiful jewelry shown in a non-obtrusive setting. Of particular interest is the work of Josh Simpson, a contemporary glass artist who uses age-old forming techniques and each piece is hand-shaped using traditional tools. The gallery itself is a work of art and a must-see on the gallery tour list.

One of the joys of gallery-hopping on Cape Cod is not only the variety you'll find in each location, but the uniqueness. One such place is the Giving Tree, located on Rte. 6A in Sandwich. Bordering several acres of pristine marshland, the Giving Tree boasts its own exotic stand of bamboo and a meditation garden. Nestled among this haven is the art: a giant painted steel snake by Alfred Glover wiggles across the grass; chain saw sculptures by artist Barry Pinske, Stephen Thomas's industrial cogs and wheels painted red and yellow sit among the wildflowers and David Flamburis's huge gong-like sculptures hang from the tree.