The Artist's Haven of Cape Ann, Massachusetts

Rockport is the definitive "artist's haven" in Cape Ann, Massachusetts. It is engulfed in natural beauty, and the Atlantic Ocean crashing over the boulders has inspired artists for centuries. The area is an amalgamation of old versus new, and the unique combination and scenery are awe-inspiring and embody New England's spirit.

Cape Ann is home to Gloucester, the oldest seaport in the United States, and there are two distinctive distinct where traditional and modern art thrives. Another example of a tradition that is still celebrated here is the Rockport Art Association. It was formed in 1921 by a collection of artists and remains the oldest art colony in the US. Modern artists and creatives build upon the rich foundation laid here over the centuries, leaving their brushstrokes behind as a testament to the Rockport and Cape Ann art heritage.

Motif No. 1

The iconic Motif No. 1 is a little red shack at the end of a pier and the most painted building in the world. To the uninitiated, it looks like a simple structure. However, artists of all skill levels appreciate the lines and overall aesthetics, and visitors flock to photograph the historic red shack.

Motif No. 1 was built in the 1840s and has been a warehouse for fishing supplies and fresh catches for decades. When the US Naval Fleet began using the port in the early 20th century, locals used the shack as a watch station, watching the ships sail in and out of port. In the 1930s, Motif No. 1 transformed into an artist's studio and became a city-owned monument for the local veterans.

As Rockport grew in legend as an artist's haven, artists from all over would travel to the coastal town to capture the essence of New England for their work. One such artist, Lester Hornby, started teaching art classes in the summer and sent his students into town to paint natural scenes. The little red shack drew more attention than any other landmark because of its quintessential New England flair. The weathered paint, the seaside landscape, and fishing supplies captured the artist's imagination and creative spirit like nothing else in town.

Legend has it that when another student, out of many, used the shack for their work, Hornby exclaimed, "What? Motif No. 1 again?" The shack has been called that ever since and is Rockport's showcase. Often, in the traveling world, simple attractions with an interesting backstory deserve the most attention, as in the case of Motif No. 1.

Artist's Haven

The natural beauty of Rockport and Cape Ann is a microcosm of New England, which is attractive to artists and creatives. The scenery is the essence of a hardworking seaport community, and artists attempt to capture this in their work—landmarks like Motif No. 1 adds to the scenery. Rockport is also home to the oldest art association in the country.

The Rockport Art Association and Museum, founded in 1921 by a group of artists, is the oldest in the country. Through an impressive gallery and educational offerings, it aims to introduce people from all walks of life to art. Over the last 150 years, notable artists have visited this region, including Aldro T. Hibbard, Lester Stevens, and Harry Vincent, and the gallery features work from several of them.

Since its inception, the RAA&M has been a prominent cultural beacon for Cape Ann. It continues to be a gathering place for many artists and hosts many workshops for visitors and locals. Rockport is home to over 30 art galleries, such as Art Nook and Mercury, that showcase local art talent.

Natural Beauty

The stunning natural beauty of Cape Ann has heavily influenced this artist enclave. It features miles of sandy beaches, granite shores, tranquil walking trails, and jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic Ocean. The colorful fishing boats and wooden piers complete the classic New England scene. The boulder-strewn paths through coastal woods are a natural wonder that has undoubtedly inspired many artists and creatives.

Rockport is ideal for watching the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean. You can look for miles over the ocean as if you were offshore with the fisherman who calls these waters home. The salty aroma of the air, mingled with the smells of diesel fuel and fresh catch, complements the sensory image of a classic New England town. Artists embrace this mental picture and translate it to canvas with paintbrushes.

Landmark structures like the Paper House accentuate the natural scenery and add to Rockport's charm. The house is made from newspaper and was constructed in 1924, a year before the art collective was formed. It was built by Elis F. Stenman, who invented the machines that make paper clips. The original idea was to use the newspapers as insulation. However, the unique idea inspired Stenman to wrap the entire house in paper, and today, it is a testament to New England's creativity.

Vibrant Artist's Culture

The walkable Rockport Cultural District is just over a mile long and includes art galleries, performance venues, bed and breakfast inns, and museums. The Shalin Liu Performance Center was opened in 2010 as a home for Rockport Music. The performance center was designed to showcase chamber music and hosts the annual Rockport Chamber Music Festival every summer.

The signature event includes over twenty concerts featuring pianists, jazz, folk, and other musical styles. The concert hall seats 330 people, and an oceanfront reception space on the third floor is available for large events. In the summer, the performance center is free to view and is hosted by volunteer docents.

Rockport, Massachusetts, has been a haven for artists for hundreds of years because of its rugged beauty and ocean views. It is the quintessential New England port town, and artists draw inspiration from the natural scenery and the man-made structures. The coastal town is home to the oldest art association in the country and has the most painted buildings in the world, all within a one-mile walkable district.

This small community fully embraces its cultural past while continuing the tradition into the future. The Cultural District has over 30 art galleries and museums, and the Shalin Liu Performance Center is a live music venue showcasing Rockport's other artistic side. Notable artists, such as Aldro T. Hibbard and Lester Stevens, were inspired by the rugged environment, and their work and others can be explored at the Rockport Art Association and Museum. The art association carries on the rich tradition with an eye toward the future with educational programs and workshops.