In the mellow month of June, we’re still several weeks away from rapidly-changing exhibits and regular Friday or Saturday night gallery openings. But this is a great time to peruse the Cape’s many outstanding art galleries before the crowds arrive. And if you seek out the smaller, studio galleries run by individual artists, you’ll often have an opportunity to catch them at work and chat with them. You’ll come away with a greater understanding of art – and maybe a painting or drawing that will become a favorite memento of the time you spent here.
Here’s a rundown on some of the galleries you might want to visit. You’re sure to find more in your travels. If a gallery looks interesting, don’t be shy, go on in and take a look around. You don’t have to be a serious art collector to enjoy Cape Cod galleries. Gallery owners and artists are happy to welcome guests.
See our Datebook section for specific opening receptions.
UPPER CAPE
In Mashpee Commons, Woodruff’s Art Center & Gallery (1 North Market St., 508-477-5767) features the works of resident artists Amy Rice and Cecilia Capitanio. Rice’s work is especially evocative; she works in a variety of mediums including watercolor and acrylic, both large and small, impressionistic and abstract.
Selected guest artists are also exhibited; this month, paintings by Richard Pawlak comprise the “Escapes and Shapes” exhibit on display through June 29.
MID CAPE
If you’re looking for a place where you can see a broad variety of art under one roof, plan a visit to the Cultural Center of Cape Cod in South Yarmouth (307 Old Main St, 508-394-7100), which has changing exhibits in several galleries. The building is an old bank that has been beautifully restored, and it’s worth a visit in its own right; the art exhibits are icing on the cake!
This month, exhibits at the Cultural Center include “For Pastels Only on Cape Cod,” a national juried exhibition showcasing paintings in the medium of soft pastel, created by some of the country’s most talented and renowned pastel artists. Competition is reportedly stiff for acceptance in this exhibition, so you’ll be seeing the best of the best in this lovely medium. The exhibit runs June 9 to 27, with an opening reception June 12 from 5 to 8pm.
The Cultural Center is open daily, 9am-5pm Monday through Friday, 11am-5pm Saturday and noon to 5pm Sunday.
Another Mid-Cape art hub is the relatively new Pearl Street Center between Main Street and South Street in Hyannis. One must stop here is Sarah Holl Artspace (46 Pearl St.). A talented professional, Holl has worked in both clay and paint for two decades, and excels in both mediums. Her colorful, vibrant paintings are a particular pleasure to look at.
LOWER CAPE
Small, but filled with wonderful paintings, the Elizabeth Rowley Gallery in Orleans (84 Rte 6A, 508-255-3690) is a delight. Artists represented here include Loretta Feeney and Lorraine Trenholm, both of whom studied with Henry Hensche; award-winning Provincetown painter John Clayton; plein air artist Mary Giammarino; Dorothy Straus and Janet Gilmore.
In Wellfleet, the Blue Heron Gallery (20 Bank St., 508-349-6724) has lots of space, with two floors filled with works by more than 40 artists. From the delightfully whimsical sculptures of Jerry Geier to egg tempuras by John Standish, this year’s print artist at Blue Heron, this gallery is a feast for the eyes.
There are a number of other terrific venues in Wellfleet, which is called “the gallery town” for good reason. Among them are Cove Gallery (508-349-2530), Left Bank Gallery (508-349-2530) and Harmon Gallery (508-349-0530), all on Commercial Street.
Provincetown is another hub for art. One longstanding favorite is the Rice/Polak Gallery, which this year has added six new artists to their roster of talent, including Kathleen Holmes, who incorporates handcrafts into her works; Joshua Meyer, who works in palette knife; and Aysen Orhon, a native of Turkey who explores that country’s identity in her work.
