Provincetown’s Art Colony

A Gallery Crawl
By Laura Shabott
On August 27, 1916, the Boston Globe declared that there existed “the biggest arts colony in the world at Provincetown.” Now that’s a lot of pressure for a small place only three miles long. Have we lived up to this legacy? There is a collection of 3,000+ works at the Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM) representing 100 years of art made by the people who think of Land’s End as their muse and inspiration. Are we still the biggest arts colony in the world? Hard to say. Most certainly, Provincetown is one of the most formidable centers of creativity in the United States.

Many permanent resident artists open a gallery with their partner. And why not? The Fine Arts Work Center (FAWC) brings in brilliant artists and writers for its renowned winter residency and summer courses. There are exquisite educational programs and year-round exhibitions showcasing PAAM’s membership of artists. And, a thriving scene of over 60 unique galleries shows all types of paintings, sculptures, photographs, works on paper, installations, crafts, jewelry, videos and live performances.

Let’s take a walk from Provincetown’s East End to the West End with our first stop at the corner of Bradford and Howland Streets. Please note that opening receptions start at 7 p.m. during the traditional Friday Night gallery strolls unless noted otherwise.

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