This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Artists Association of Nantucket (AAN), celebrated with a full year of programming including free educational workshops, a historic gala, the presentation of a lifetime achievement award, and a special three-week exhibition of pieces from our Permanent Collection in our downtown Big Gallery.
Robert Frazier, Artistic Director, shares AAN’s humble origins: “AAN was born out of necessity. The blossoming art colony of the 1920s and 30s faced a crisis when the lone exhibition gallery closed in 1943. The Artists Association of Nantucket was formed by artists and dedicated patrons in 1945 when the new association transformed an abandoned whaling-era warehouse on Straight Wharf (now the Big Gallery) into a new gallery space.”
Since then, AAN has showcased fine art in a range from projects by school-aged students to exceptional works by professionals. The association has developed a museum-quality collection of historical island art, built and expanded its educational reach with the construction of the Visual Arts Center, and provided a kick start for many generations of artists.
Tracey Sears, Executive Director, invites the community to join the celebration: “From art talks and Sidewalk Art Shows to one-day workshops and a Permanent Collection exhibition, we’ve got something for everyone. We hope you will join us in our celebration of 80 years of local color on Nantucket.”
“We are so excited to celebrate AAN’s 80th anniversary, especially as it coincides with the opening of our new gallery space at 8 Federal Street,” shares Laurie Champion, Board President. “Right in the center of town, it’s hard to miss the colorful excitement of Nantucket’s artistic community.”
The mission of the Artists Association of Nantucket is to foster the visual arts on Nantucket. We create a vibrant arts community by promoting, supporting, and encouraging the work of Nantucket artists, providing educational programs in the arts, and preserving a legacy of Nantucket art.
To learn more about AAN’s programming and events, please visit the website at nantucketarts.org, or call the Visual Arts Center at 508-228-0722.