The Cape Ann Artisans Tour is expanding! For the last 40 years we’ve provided diverse audiences with an authentic connection to local art and artists.  After our 40th year celebration in 2023, we took a pause this year to re-vitalize the tour and that starts with inviting new artists to join us.



Who we are:

As a group and individually, Cape Ann Artisans members have included ceramic artists, jewelers, glass makers, mosaic artists, mixed media artists, painters, weavers, sculptors, print-makers, fiber artists, and other fine craftspeople.  We have become an integral part of the art and tourism scene in Gloucester and Rockport.  In recent years, in addition to our own tour, we have participated in special exhibitions with well-loved community organizations such as the Cape Ann Museum and Rocky Neck Art Colony.   We have often been ranked one of the most exciting opportunities for both visitors and locals to experience art-making and at the same time be able to explore the nooks and crannies of Cape Ann that artists call home.  We are ready to expand our group and create an even stronger portfolio of artistic genres based on feedback from our past tour-goers.   Moving forward, to further enhance the experience, we will again have live demonstrations scheduled at set times during tours.

What makes us different?

Cape Ann is certainly home to many fabulous art organizations, so what really make the Cape Ann Artisans stand out? We’ve been asked this question a million times! After much reflection and talking to past and current members, here are some of our conclusions:

We are among the oldest studio tours in the US. Cape Ann Artisans was founded in 1980 by men and women from the Gloucester/Rockport arts communities who were interested in connecting with each other to share professional and creative perspectives, and in blurring and challenging the line between art and craft. The founding members created a supportive network to survive and thrive, to grow their businesses and to cultivate their artistic visions.

The group became friends, shared knowledge, created shows and opened their studios to the public, designing a self-guided Tour. We are proud to have shared authentic connections to local art and artists inspired by the environment in which they create. We welcome visitors to explore neighborhoods and back roads that may otherwise remain unknown to the casual traveler. The tour provides an intimate peek into the artists’ lives via their unique and personal studio spaces, with many also having outstanding garden spaces.

How to apply:

We have re-vamped our application and membership information and details are available on our website. If you are a creator with a studio that is accessible to the public and you are working in Manchester, Essex, Gloucester or Rockport, we would like to hear from you. We are particularly interested in sculpture, fiber arts (especially clothing), printmaking, lithography, bookbinding, instrument-making, woodwork, rug-making, basketry, glass, and metal crafts, but all genres will be considered.   All work must be made on Cape Ann in your studio.  Here’s a chance to work together with other artists to share your art-making expertise as well as your time and talent to collectively grow our art businesses and engage with new audiences. The deadline to apply for 2025 is September 30th, 2024.