Mission Statement
The Mission of the Rocky Neck Art Colony, Inc. is to nurture excellence in the arts and to celebrate the artistic history and culture of Rocky Neck. Encouraging free expression and open mindedness, we provide opportunities for educational and professional development in the arts, including lectures, workshops, exhibitions, scholarships and residencies. Rocky Neck Art Colony proudly works in partnership with other arts institutions, funding agencies, neighbors and businesses. Vision: The Rocky Neck Art Colony’s vision is to be a preeminent center for creative achievement and inspiration, sustained by a rich cultural history and the commitment of its community. Values: The essential values underlying our vision and mission include high standards of creative achievement, community, professional development, innovation and volunteerism, all within a spirit of inclusiveness.
Description
The Rocky Neck Art Colony was founded in the mid-19th century and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 1973.
With the creation of the Cultural Center at Rocky Neck in 2012, the Art Colony programs are reaching a wider demographic as our visual arts focus is expanding to include more diverse cultural and educational offerings. Our other programs include:
Goetemann Artist Residency: One of the few visual artist live-work residencies in Massachusetts, this one-month residency accepts three artists per season selected through an increasingly competitive international process. The residency was expanded in 2015 to include a one-month invitational residence to an emerging Gloucester artist. A Distinguished Artist/Teacher also holds workshops and studio visits. The residency enhances the Art Colony’s national reputation as a geographically desirable place for cultural discourse and artistic production.
Gallery 53 (formerly Rocky Neck Gallery): A coop gallery of 28 artists attracts a growing number of visitors (14,034 in 2015), open each year from May - October.
The Rocky Neck Historic Art Trail, self and guided tours to 12 locations where renowned American artists of the 19th and 20th century lived and worked.
Art Exhibits have included juried national exhibitions, members' exhibitions, faculty and student exhibits showcasing work from Montserrat College of Art and Endicott College, and the Summer Artist Series.
