The Art of Visiting Provincetown

The natural beauty of Provincetown calls to visitors and residents alike, including the many artists and art admirers who pass through this historic place each year. A stroll through town reveals Provincetown's unique blend: America's oldest active art colony mixed with a flourishing contemporary art scene. Visit Provincetown Art Museum (PAAM) for a taste of local artistic flavor, the Provincetown Fine Arts Work Center (FAWC) for a contemporary flare, or the many art galleries that line the streets for a little of both. This art guide will take a look at all the exciting new and upcoming exhibits and events that are not to be missed.

The Provincetown Fine Arts Work Center is a cornerstone for contemporary art in Provincetown with a focus on developing and encouraging emerging artists and writers. From readings and art talks to exhibitions there are tons of opportunities to meet the artists and learn more about their work. Readings include poet Jill McDonough and fiction author Hasanthika Sirisena on March 24th. Exhibitions throughout March will feature work from painters, sculptors, and animators, with original work by Anne Clare Rogers (March 9-14), Peter Glenn Oakley (March 16-21), and Jacob Rivkin (March 23-28).

After celebrating its centennial year in 2014, the Provincetown Art Museum (PAAM) has cemented itself as a cultural institution and a year-round destination for local and regional art. The permanent collection at PAAM includes over 3,000 works by more than 700 artists, including hundreds who have called Cape Cod home. Current featured work from the collection includes drawings by Edward Hopper, watercolors by his wife, Josephine Hopper, and 22 diary entries between them (now extended through April 1st).

The permanent collection at PAAM is largely made up of generous donations by those dedicated to showcasing regional art. Other current exhibits include Recent Gifts: Part II (through March 11th, 2018), which showcases some of these latest donations, and PAAM and the History of the Provincetown Art Colony (through June 30th, 2018), which details the unique relationship between visiting artists and the Provincetown community members who welcomed and inspired them. PAAM, along with the Provincetown Film Society, also produces the annual Provincetown Film Arts series, led by former editor of Premiere magazine, Howard Karren. In March the series will feature four films: Eat That Question: Frank Zappa In His Own Words (2016), ¡Women Art Revolution (2010), I Killed My Mother (2009).

A walk down Commercial Street will reveal over 60 art galleries to peruse for local art. Not to be missed are the weekly Friday night art openings - a perfect setting to meet the artists and gallery owners. Kick back, relax, sip some wine, and enjoy all Provincetown artists have to offer, now and all year round.

For a full list of galleries see the Provincetown gallery guide: http://provincetownartistregistry.com/gallery_guide.html

About Provincetown
Provincetown, Massachusetts is a true melting pot. Located on the tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown boasts beautiful beaches, top-rated restaurants, art galleries and charming shops. A top LGBTQ destination, this open-minded community celebrates individuality and freedom of expression. Provincetown has a rich creative history and is home to one the oldest continuous art colony in the country. The diverse population of artists, sailors, fisherman, authors, and more, makes Provincetown unique. From Carnival in August to Women's Week in October and First Light at year's end, Provincetown is thriving 365 days of the year.

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