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Rockport Art Galleries

The Top 7 Art Galleries in Rockport Massachusetts

It’s no secret that Rockport has a prolific art history. Since the mid-1800’s, artists from around the world have been drawn to this scenic coastal village where they have found inspiration for their work. Artists such as Winslow Homer, Theresa Bernstein, Childe Hassam, Edward Hopper, John Twachtman and John Sloan have all been inspired by Rockport.

Rockport Massachusetts Art

Here at the Addison Choate, we appreciate art in all forms. It’s hard to live in this creative hotbed and not be drawn to the impressive work of so many talented individuals. You can spend days exploring the 30+ galleries in the Rockport Art Colony.

So, to help point you in the right direction, here are The Top 7 Art Galleries in Rockport, Massachusetts. They are not listed in any particular order and are certainly not meant to be a comprehensive list, but rather pique your curiosity as you explore this quaint coastal village that is teeming with creativity.

The Art Nook

The Art Nook, located on Bearskin Neck, is owned and operated by artists Kathleen Miller and Stefan Mierz. The pair have created an intimate gallery that features their own work as well as pieces by artist Lawrence Martin Bittman.

Stefan Mierz
Mierz, a Massachusetts native, moved to Rockport when he was 2 years old. Stefan cultivated an interest in art at a very early age and by 15 he had his own set of oil paints. Mierz went off to study art in Vermont, but was drawn back by the scenic shores of Cape Ann.

Stefan Mierz Rockport Artist

Mierz work runs the gambit from impressionism, to abstract art, to Mierz self-dubbed style dollopism. But no matter the style, his use of bright color, mixed media and unique perspective immediately grab your attention and pull you into his bold work.

Kathleen Miller
Like Stefan, Kathleen grew up on Cape Ann and was attracted to art at a very young age. In fact, her training began at age 6, when she first started taking classes in painting and drawing.

Kathleen Miller Rockport Artist

Kathleen’s work is rooted in the rich history of impressionism and her abiding affection for the ocean. Kathleen’s work could be described as contemporary impressionism, but that would not do it justice. Her vibrant color palate, bold paint application, and textural elements make her work both expressive and captivating.

The Art Nook
58 Bearskin Neck
Rockport, MA 01966
https://art-nook.com/

David Arsenault

Down at 8 Dock Square, you will find the studio of Rockport artist David Arsenault housed in an historic 1740 building (the 5th oldest in Rockport). In the studio, you can meet David and explore his light-filled oil painting and giclee prints.

David Arsenault Rockport MA

David’s passion for art began at an early age. In fact, the initial spark came when he came across Edward Hopper’s Gas, when putting books away in a grade school library. The passion was rekindled in graphic design school when David was reintroduced to Hopper’s work. The rest is history.

David Arsenault Gallery Rockport MA

David, like many artists, was drawn to Cape Ann by the scenic landscape and the captivating coastal lighting which is masterfully incorporated into his work.

David operates from a limited palate of two blues, two yellows, two reds and two whites. The palate provides consistency in the work and allows him to focus on creating an impactful sense of time and place rather than focusing on overly technical aspects of the painting.

David Arsenault Art Gallery
8 Dock Square
Rockport, MA 01966
https://www.artofdavid.com/

Scott Tubby 

If you’re taking at walk out on Bearskin Neck, you’ll definitely want to pop into Scott Tubby’s gallery/studio. Scott’s studio is filled with his vibrant paintings of coastal homes and boats. The warmth and perspective offered by these paintings will surely draw you in. 

Scott Tubby Rockport MA

Scott graduated from Finnish art school, Taidekoulu Maa, in Helsinki. In addition to being a talented painter, Scott is also a renowned potter who was actually the first to combine the technique of burnishing with saggar firing. 

His pottery has won the praise of art critics, including the New Yorker which noted, “the subtle range of colors and the delicate stylized necks distinguish them from any other ceramics we’ve seen.” 

Scott Tubby Gallery Rockport MA

When visiting the gallery Scott’s passion comes for his work comes through, “I feel fortunate to have worked as an artist for most of my life. To be able to spend my working days doing something I’m passionate about is a gift. Through my hands, head, and heart – and your appreciation of my art, I aim to bring a sense of beauty, mystery and joy into the world.”

Scott Tubby Fine Art
26 Bearskin Neck
Rockport, MA 01966
https://scotttubby.com/

John Caggiano Art Gallery 

A native of Brooklyn, New York, John Caggiano relocated to Rockport in 1980, drawn by the light and rugged landscape on Cape Ann. Caggiano, a plein air painter, travels extensively and paints on location. He is focused on capturing the essence of an individual time and place with his warm “impressionistic-realism” style.

John Caggiano Rockport MA

He usually finishes a piece in one session. He starts the piece by sketching it out on the surface with red iron oxide, and then adds in color with palate, knife and brush depending on the subject matter. Sometimes he will paint what mother nature has created, and sometimes he will add in additional elements that are not present to give the painting more depth and character.

You can see a great time lapse of Caggiano in action here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijG61UYQtig

Caggiano’s work has been featured in numerous magazines, books, and newspapers and has even made an appearance on ABC’s Good Morning America.

John Caggiano Art Gallery
66 Bearskin Neck
Rockport, MA 01966
http://www.johncaggianofineart.com/

iartcolony

Looking for a gallery that operates outside the box? Then you should swing by iartcolony. The studio is owned and operated by the self-dubbed “co-consipirators” Bob and Jill Whitney Armstrong.

iartcolony rockport ma

The intimate iartcolony studio is a celebration of a diverse collection of contemporary art. Bob and Jill are extremely welcoming and knowledgeable about their featured artwork, and it’s well worth the 5-minute walk up from Bearskin Neck.

The focus at iartcolony is on cultivating a new crop of innovative artists in Rockport that will continue to push the bounds of originality, creativity and vision so that Rockport can remain a vibrant and relevant art community for decades to come.

iartcolony
42 Broadway
Rockport, MA 01966
https://www.iartcolony.com

Lauri Kaihlanen

Lauri Kaihlanen, is a second generation Finnish-American who creates some colorful, whimsical art that runs the gambit from purely representational to abstract fantasy.

Kaihlanen Gallery Rockport MA

Lauri attended New England School of Art and taught art in public schools for several years. He then left teaching in order to devote himself full time to his painting. Lauri has now owned his shop for over 20 years.

Kaihlanen Gallery Rockport Massachusetts

In the shop you will also find works from Lauri’s mother, Hilda, who created some impressive folk art pieces in her own right. It’s easy to see whey this is one of our favorite art galleries in Rockport, MA. 

The Kaihlanen Gallery
61 Bearskin Neck
Rockport, MA 01966
https://www.facebook.com/LauriKaihlanenGallery/

Ken Knowles

Right at the intersection of Main Street and High Street you’ll find Ken Knowles Studio. Ken started painting when he was 15 years old, when a girlfriend’s mother (who was an artist) recognized his talent and encouraged him to paint outdoors. Ken immediately fell in love with painting and the rest is history.

Ken Knowles Rockport

Ken has been painting with oils for over 35 years now. He has studied and painted with artists such as Stapleton Kearns, John Terelak and TM Nicholas. Ken’s paintings capture the beauty of the New England Landscape and carry on a rich tradition of maritime impressionism in Rockport, Massachusetts.

Ken Knowles Art Gallery
10A Main Street (Adjacent To Rockport Art Association)
Rockport, MA 01966
https://kenknowles.com/

Other Fantastic Art Galleries In Rockport, MA

 

Tusinski Gallery

Owner and artist, Karen Tusinski was raised in Peabody, MA and moved up to Rockport while attending Montserrat College of Art. A little over decade ago, Karen opened her art gallery and has never looked back.

Karen Tusinksi Art Gallery Rockport MA

She has had some incredible experiences over the years, including, having her art featured in the movie, “The Proposal.” Her artwork has also been purchased by Sandra Bullock and Robert Redford.

Tusinki’s whimsical contemporary paintings are inspired by nature and include such subject matter as poppies, vases, pebbled beaches, and the ocean. Her work focuses on geometric imagery and offers a vibrant yet earthy palette.

Tusinski Art Gallery
2 Main Street
Rockport, MA 01966
https://www.tusinskigallery.com

Rusty and Ingrid

Rusty and Ingrid Kinnunen are another artistic couple. They met while attending the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston, MA.

Rusty and Ingrid Rockport MA

The couple now have shops both in Rockport and Salem Massachusetts. They specialize in handmade vintage style screen prints that are inspired by the culture and landmarks of New England. From Rockport to Cape Cod to the great ski resorts of New England, the prints cover a wide array of subject matter.

All the prints are signed and numbered by the artists, and they are quite affordable, something the artists wanted to ensure. You can check out a great time lapse video of the screen printing process here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gRXRYYpWVM

Rusty and Ingrid Creative Company
8 Bearskin Neck
Rockport, MA 01966
https://www.rustyandingridcreativecompany.com/

Mosher Art Gallery

Donald Allen Mosher

Like many of the featured artists, Donald was captivated by art at a very young age. He actually won his first prize for art when he was just 9 years old. Donald then went on to study at the Vesper School School of Art where he met his wife Christine.

Mosher Art Rockport MA

Donald’s paintings are inspired by the beauty and diversity of the New England landscape as well as the power of the ocean. He is primarily known for his oil paintings and was strongly influenced by Cape Ann artists such as Gruppe, Mulhaupt and Hibbard.

Donald passed away in 2014, but his work still lives on. His work hangs in the State House, Peabody Essex Museum and is featured in the Rockefeller collection.

Christine Anne Mosher

Christine is the daughter of artist Salvatore Crivello and followed in his footsteps attending Vesper School of Art where she met her husband Donald.

Mosher Art Rockport Massachusetts
Christine has received numerous awards and accolades over the years and is known for her unique evocative realism.

Mosher Art Gallery
13 Main Street
Rockport, MA 01966
https://www.moshergallery.com

Well, that is our list of the Top 7 Art Galleries in Rockport, Massachusetts (plus a couple of bonus stops for those who invested the time to get through all 7). We hope that you enjoyed the article and that it inspires you to explore the galleries in this special art enclave.

We should note that if you are looking for museums and larger art collections that you could always visit the Rockport Art Association, Peabody Essex Museum, and Cape Ann Museum in Gloucester.

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