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 Provincetown
is the oldest continuous arts colony in the country. Charles
Hawthorne is credited with founding the art colony in 1899
when he established The Cape Cod School of Art and worked
in the studios that are now part of the Fine Arts Work Center.
By 1920 there were seven schools of art as many artists found
a cultural haven in Provincetown. Impressionism, fascination
with the light of Provincetown, the wondrous natural landscape
and the authentic, rustic scenes on the piers inspired the
romantic art of the period. In addition to Hawthorne, Hans
Hofmann, Franz Kline, Mark Rothko, Robert Motherwell, Claes
Oldenburg, Milton Avery, Jack Tworkov, Edward Hopper and many
others all participated in the art community here.
The Town’s long history of teaching and exploring
the arts continues today. One can take classes in painting,
sculpture pottery, writing, poetry and drama, and work with
some of the world’s great artists. It is this atmosphere
of experimentation and mentoring that has produced so many
world famous artists that return year after year to share
their talents with others to keep the spirit alive and growing
in Provincetown.
However painting was not the only form of art that took hold
in Provincetown. That spirit of freedom to pursue creative
work within a community of peers also fostered the birth of
Modern American Theater in Provincetown in 1915 lead by Eugene
O’Neil, and his group of theatrical friends.
Provincetown has inspired writers and poets of every genre.
Writers, including Eugene O'Neill, John Dos Passos, Weldon
Kees, Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote, Stanley Kunitz, Mary
Oliver, Norman Mailer, and Michael Cunningham have
found inspiration here.
Many now famous actors, performers and musicians have worked
in Provincetown during their early years, including Helen
Hayes, Billie Holiday, Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Richard Gere,
Julius Monk, Jerry Herman, Eartha Kitt, Barbra Streisand,
Wayland Flowers, and Bobby Short have made appearances in
Provincetown's intimate venues.
Provincetown is also the home to some nationally known arts
organizations such as the Provincetown Art Association and
Museum which houses and exhibits one of the most important
20th Century American art collections; and the Fine Arts Work
Center which offers the largest residency program for emerging
artists and writers in the country, summer and fall workshops
and an MFA program in visual arts. The Provincetown Theatre,
is home to the Provincetown Theater Company and the Provincetown
Repertory Theater.
Today, the tradition continues and artists of every medium
have the freedom to express themselves through their art whether
classical in nature or on the cutting edge.
So take in a show, visit the many galleries, try your hand
at writing or art and learn from the masters. The provided
links can open a world of art to enjoy and participate. Also
check the links on the “Shopping, Dining, Lodging, and
More” pages for up-to-date information on concerts,
art openings and shows as well as plays and other entertainment.
Come and enjoy the Arts of Provincetown.
This vintage postcard, popular in the early 1900s, perhaps captures
a class of Hawthorne's students outside sketching a quaint
mix of buildings hugging the shoreline. |
For More Information
Click on Icons Below
Provincetown Art
Museum
Fine Art Work
Center
Castle Hill Center
for the Arts
The Provincetown Theater
Campus Provincetown
Town Hall Art Collection
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