Oldest Art Colony in America is Right Here in New England

Imagine being an artist and working in an art colony that is over 150 years old, and the oldest working art colony in America. This is a dream come true for the community of Rocky Neck Art Colony in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

Rocky Neck was established as an artist's haven, with famous painters like Edward Hopper painting in this picturesque cove.

According to rockyneckartcolony.org, "Leonard Craske created “The Man at the Wheel,” Gloucester’s famous landmark sculpture, in his studio on the pier on Rocky Neck in the 1920s. Writers Louisa May Alcott, Rudyard Kipling, and others frequented The Neck."

The colony was also home to Sigrid Olsen, a famous artist, designer, and wellness advocate. You can still find her designs at coastal stores around the country.

Olsen discovered that while studying at art school in Beverly, Massachusetts, and later operating a small store in Rocky Neck, she could create unique designs on fabric using a stamp made from a potato. Her company was eventually sold to Liz Claiborne.

Among the many art galleries and residents, are some shops and restaurants as well.

The Studio and The Rudder are the two most popular restaurants on Rocky Neck.  The Studio (seasonal) has a huge deck in the back, which is perfect on a warm summer day or evening. The Rudder is known for its seafood, and is also a great place to land after a stroll through the galleries.

The small but mighty community also has accommodations and residences to enjoy your time in Gloucester.  The seaport community has much to offer, from Rocky Neck to Bass Rocks and downtown shopping and dining.  There's always something going on in Gloucester.