Artists Association of Nantucket (AAN) is pleased to invite the public to its annual Sidewalk Art Show, Saturday, July 6, 9 am to 2 pm in the dappled summer sun of the Nantucket Atheneum Garden on India Street. This is the first of three shows to be held this year. More than twenty AAN artist members will display their work, and the outdoor art show is free and open to the public.
Founded in 1930 by artist Maud Stumm, well-known for her portrait, figure and still life painting and her magazine illustrations, Nantucket’s Sidewalk Art Show is the oldest in the nation. These shows predate the Artists Association by fifteen years. Originally held for a few days in August, the art show was open to professionals and amateurs. “In 1960, AAN took the reins of the event, and it is now one of our signature offerings,” explained AAN Artistic Director Robert Frazier. “This summer we are hosting three Sidewalk Art Shows. They will take place July 6, August 17, and September 7 all in the Nantucket Atheneum Garden.”
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.”
“With a ninety-four-year history, the sale has quite a following and is a great way to meet some of the island’s most popular artists, all of whom are excited to talk about their art and explain their techniques,” said Tracey Sears, AAN executive director.
Rain date for this July 6 AAN Sidewalk Art Show is Sunday, July 7.
To learn more about the AAN, visit nantucketarts.org. For details about the organization’s carefully crafted 2024 programs and events, call 508-228-0722.
