I first visited Provincetown Art Association (PAAM) with my parents when I was 15 years old. This experience expanded my idea of what art could be, the range it could encompass and was influential in determining my decision to become a professional artist and art educator. I have been an artist member, an art instructor, and a volunteer at PAAM for the past 25 years. To this day PAAM has never lost its original mission of being a place for artists, art education, and the community at large to come together. The collection spans generations of art making from impressionism to abstract expressionism and includes significant examples of American painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, sculpture, and metal craft. PAAM is a one of a kind gem. Each time I think it can’t get better a new exhibition, lecture, or workshop proves it can and does.
What makes a nonprofit great? Vision, stewardship and inclusivity; qualities that are in abundance at PAAM. The public gains access to world class museum shows (Helen Frankenthaler, Mira Schor), packed lectures, and vibrant art openings. Students are welcomed at every level of expertise ranging in age from elementary school to retired adults. I received a grant to study at PAAM's museum school and have blossomed as a professional artist and educator through their support.
There are six member shows a year with an annual fundraiser, the 12 x 12, that both makers and collectors anticipate all year. CEO Chris McCarthy is an exceptional leader and champion of Provincetown's century-plus legacy while honoring artists such as myself working today.
I have been a member & volunteer with Provincetown Art Association and Museum for nearly 40 years. The building and the artwork contained in it have proven to be the largest attraction to residents & visitors on Cape and beyond. The quality of the classes and workshops offered is amazing, I have worked with outstanding artists and staff members as a curator, a juror and an assistant to other curators and installers. The exhibits, events and performances are world class and draw viewers from around the globe. I am honored to have been a trustee for more than 20 years. Under the leadership of CEO Christine McCarthy, PAAM has gained recognition as a "must see" regional museum with a collection worthy of any major museum. The future is bright and interesting as PAAM continues to bring exciting new art along with it's heritage collection into this next quarter of the Twenty First Century.
PAAM is a local treasure, preserving the history of Provincetown’s deceased artists and support for living artists of all ages through its programming.
The organization itself has been under the leadership of CEO, Chris McCarthy. PAAM successfully navigated the covid crisis, highlighting the organization’s ability to adapt during changing times.
PAAM is a cornerstone of the local art community since 1914. The Association and Museum are now known beyond the boundaries of the Outer Cape as a result of social media.
Check out the museum if you’re in town or online www.PAAM.org
There’s something for everyone.
I am a Boston artist, teacher and college art administrator and a huge fan of the Provincetown Art Association and Museum. Two very important artists have been brought to the public's attention by terrific shows at PAAM in recent years, that of Edwin Dickinson and Jack Tworkov. They do astoundingly important work for the cultrual community not only of Provincetown, but the entire Northeast.
The Provincetown Art Association and Museum offers wonderful classes, experience, history, and exhibits. With their help, I as an artist am truly learning how to improve my art, experience all levels of art exploration and thrive through exhibition opportunities of all kinds. I feel that they are a true cornerstone to artistic exploration and history.
i had a chance to take a class this past summer. the teacher was great and the facilities are beautiful. during the week i went down to the galleries and got to see the exhibitions which were stunning. I can't wait to return.
As a member of the museum I make a point to visit frequently to keep up with the fantastic new exhibits regularly being mounted. As a local Art educator I have participated numerous times in a well planned program that allows students to curate a themed exhibit from the museum's collection as well as create their own work under the supervision of a local artist that is hung with the curated work. They create written responses to their chosen works and it is an amazing experience the museum provides for my students.
the art association is a non-institution institution. i have been taking my three children to see shows since i was able to pull them in their radio-flyer red wagon. they are now grown-ups and able to imbue themselves with the outrageous diversity that the art ass offers. we have enjoyed shoes of some of our dearest friends, and also cultivate a serious sense of provincetown's artistic history by staying in close touch with the former "chrysler museum". most recently, we cried and laughed through mischa richter's photos, which portrayed the provincetown we love, that of crusty old fisherpeople, funky houses and a happy/sad take on life in this small spit of land at the end of the world. i freaking LOVE the art ass, and will continue to support it like family should.