The Artists Association of Nantucket (AAN) is pleased to invite the public to its second 2021 Sidewalk Art Show at the AAN’s Visual Art Center, 24 Amelia Drive this Saturday, August 14 from 9 am to 2 pm. More than twenty AAN artist members, each with their own “art wall,” will be available to discuss art and sell their work. The outdoor art show is free and open to the public. Rain date is Sunday, August 15.
Founded in 1930 by artist Maud Stumm, Nantucket’s Sidewalk Art Show is the oldest in the nation. Originally held for a few days in August, it was open to professionals and amateurs. “In 1960 Artists Association of Nantucket took the reins of the event, and it is now one of their signature offerings. We are proud to be part of such a historic and popular island tradition,” said AAN artistic director Robert Frazier. “It predates the Artists Association by fifteen years.”
In her book, From Clotheslines to Canopies: A History of Outdoor Art Fairs in America, Kathleen Eaton states that, “the earliest art fairs of record in America that are still in operation began during the start of the Great Depression. The first, founded in 1930, was the Nantucket Sidewalk Art Show—a small local event based on similar street fairs found in Europe.”
“Since we were unable to use the Atheneum’s garden due to the on-going Covid 19 situation, last summer we relocated to the green lawn at our Visual Arts Center and the space has worked quite well, and a big plus is there is more parking than in town,” said AAN artistic director Robert Frazier. “Still going strong ninety-one years later, the Sidewalk Show is a great way to meet some of the island’s local artists and find some special art,” added Frazier.
For more information about the Artists Association of Nantucket, visit their website at Nantucketarts.org. For additional details about the carefully crafted 2021 programs and events, including in-person and online shows, classes, and workshops, call AAN at 508-228-0722.