Interested in becoming a Cape Ann Artisan? The Application time period has been extended! Learn more about what it means to join this prestigious group that has played an important role in the arts scene on Cape Ann for the last 42 years.
Why become a Cape Ann Artisan?
- We are among the most established studio Open Studios in the US. Cape Ann Artisans was founded in 1980 and has amassed a large following of art lovers that visit us annually and new visitors each year.
- Together, we are members of many important community, art, and marketing groups that help us reach new audiences. By sharing costs, we all benefit.
- Artisans individually greet anywhere from 50-100 visitors in their studio over a tour weekend which are specifically chosen on the fringe of the tourist season.
- The tour produces sales from $10-20,000 per tour weekend. We also take advantage of “tax free” weekend for artisans that want to be part of a summer event.
- As a group, we have access to many special events by invitation. For example, we’ve collaborated with the Cape Ann Museum, Rockport Art Association, the North Shore Art Association, and Rocky Neck Art Colony.
- The Open Studio weekend provides the artist members with first hand feedback about their work and provides a distinct learning experience for the visitors – thereby raising awareness and appreciation of the commitment of artists to their work and the importance of art in our lives.
The Cape Ann Artisans membership application is the first step in the jurying process. If you are a creator with a studio that is accessible to the public and you are working in Manchester, Essex, Gloucester or Rockport, we would like to hear from you. (Note: traditionally the tour has taken place in Gloucester and Rockport. In the future it may be expanded to other communities if there is enough interest in those areas.)
We have re-vamped our application and membership information. Please take a look and let us know via a note to Membership@CapeAnnArtisans.com if you are interested so we can guide you through the process. Note, the original application deadline is extended through the end of November.
We are particularly interested in sculpture, fiber arts (especially clothing), printmaking, bookbinding, instrument-making, woodwork, glass, and metal crafts. But all genres will be considered. Here’s a chance to work together with other artists to share your art-making expertise as well as your time and talent to collectively grow our art businesses and engage with new audiences.
