Celebrating centennials in Provincetown
As the oldest art colony in America and known as the birthplace of modern American theater, there is a variety of art happenings each day in Provincetown. This year could be considered the year of the centennials. Keep reading to learn why.
Full of history, culture and diversity, there is no shortage of excitement in Provincetown. Whether it’s a prime piece of sandy real estate you’re after or if you’re seeking the perfect place to wine and dine, you will be sure to find it in this Outer Cape town. While the opportunities for fun are endless in this seaside village, what Provincetown is truly known for is its vibrant arts scene. From the quaint galleries dotting Commercial Street to the number of concerts and plays happening each evening, your thirst for creativity and entertainment will no doubt be quenched.
Provincetown has attracted artists for centuries, remaining the oldest active art colony in America. During the 20th century, it was a bustling center of avant-garde teachers and students of Impressionism and Abstract Expressionism, and provided the perfect atmosphere for innovative artists and printmakers, including Bror Julius Olssen Nordfeldt. In 1915, B.J.O. Nordfeldt, as he came to be known, revolutionized the way art prints were made, by his way of simplifying the process of copying prints with only one block. One hundred years later, this process is known as the Provincetown Print or white-line woodcuts. To celebrate the centennial of the Provincetown Print, the Provincetown Monument and Museum will host the exhibit “The Fine White Line: Faces Behind the Prints,” featuring the work of art historian, curator and contemporary master of the woodblock print Bill Evaul through November.
Other notable centennial birthdays include the Provincetown Players and The Red Inn. The Provincetown Players was founded in July 1915, when a group of vacationing writers and artists presented their plays at a privately owned summer cottage. Their goal was to support and provide a venue for American playwrights and new American plays, in contrast to large Broadway productions. A four-day celebration of the player’s anniversary will take place July 9-12, and will include walking tours, performances at the Provincetown Theatre, roundtables and a glitzy gala reception. The Red Inn, which has hosted U.S. presidents, celebrities and international dignitaries, has welcomed guests since 1915. The inn also has artistic ties to the community. A small private dining room at the inn was named after Ada Raynor, wife of Henry Hensche, the artist who founded the Provincetown School of Art, and in 1987, Pulitzer Prize winning author Norman Mailer directed the film “Tough Guys Don’t Dance,” with many of the scenes filmed at The Red Inn. Visit theredinn.com for updates regarding 100th anniversary events.
Berta Walker Gallery
208 Bradford St., Provincetown 508-487-6411
Berta Walker Gallery offers Masters of the past and present, and always, “the new” And Walker is warm and enthusiastic in greeting the gallery’s visitors. Receiving acclaim and awards of excellence, it is one of the best places to experience an overview of the 100 year history of Provincetown art.
Bubala’s
183 Commercial St., Provincetown 508-487-0773
Famous for beautiful water views from the dining room and colorful people-watching on Commercial Street, Bubala’s specializes in seriously fresh local seafood, awesome burgers, fabulous meats, fantastic salads and vegetarian entrees. Live music (no cover, no minimum) every night in season, delicious drinks and always fun!
Christina’s
215 Commercial St., Provincetown 508-487-2228
Open year round since 1982! Large selection of Beach Glass and Cape Cod jewelry by local artisans. Unique creations by many designers like Ed Levin, The Touch and more! Wedding bands, diamond engagement rings and colored gem jewelry! New this year, hand made Sailor’s Valentines by Tina Stockley, a Massachusetts artisan. Visit our website for more information.
Pilgrim Monument
Provincetown 508-487-1310
Make it to the top of the tallest all-granite structure in the United States. Panoramic Cape Cod views. Commemorates the Mayflower Pilgrims first landing in Provincetown and the writing of the Mayflower Compact. The Museum also celebrates the distinctive history of Provincetown. Featured exhibits through November 30 include Forgotten Port: Provincetown’s Whaling Heritage and The Fine White Line: The Faces Behind the Prints. Captured 1614: A Wampanoag History is on exhibit through June 30.
Provincetown Art Association and Museum
460 Commercial St., Provincetown 508-487-1750
After an unprecedented Centennial celebration in 2014, PAAM continues to move forward the traditions that have made the oldest continuous arts colony thrive today. Our 2015 exhibition schedule features a diverse mix of art and artists in a variety of media—Paul Resika, Nora Speyer and Sideo Fromboluti, Maurice Freedman, Jay Critchley, Ilona Royce-Smithkin, Hilda Neily and Amy Arbus—in addition to the gems from a growing permanent collection of over 3,000 works of 20th century American art.
The Red Inn
13 Commercial St., Provincetown 508-487-7334
Located on beautiful Provincetown harbor, one of the world’s most spectacular settings. The red Inn offers luxury accommodations and dinner at The red Inn is an experience you can’t afford to miss. Our menu changes with the seasons and features the freshest ingredients. With some of the most impressive views in town and great food, come be part of history.
Robert Paul Properties
237 Commercial St.,
Whaler’s Wharf Level 3 Provincetown
508-487-3020
Robert Paul Properties, the area’s leader in luxury real estate, is dedicated to a high ideal: providing you with concierge-level real estate services at all times and in all situations. Built on a bold new business model and fueled by an elite team of talented agents, Robert Paul Properties has offices in Provincetown, Boston, Cambridge, Chatham, Barnstable, Falmouth, Osterville and Marion.
Tin Pan Alley
269 Commercial St., Provincetown 508-487-1648
Tin Pan Alley is a waterfront restaurant and piano bar in the historic center of Provincetown, featuring a seasonal farm to table menu. We offer oceanfront dining with outdoor seating on our beachfront patio and live entertainment in our piano lounge. Open 1130am to 1am daily serving lunch, happy hour, dinner and late night menus.
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