Artists' Association of Nantucket

CONTACT:

PO Box 1104
Nantucket, MA 02554
508-228-0722
www.Nantucketarts.org

Katie Trinkle Legge, president

DESCRIPTION:

Nantucket's transformation from a fishing community to a summer retreat really began after World War II. It had attracted artists for many years—John Steinbeck finished Grapes of Wrath there. Then in 1945, local artists and craftspeople formed an Association "to develop Nantucket as a recognized art center, and to promote the education and interests of Nantucket artists." They established the only gallery on the Island, and set very strong precedents, with loaned exhibits from the Whitney and the Metropolitan museums in New York, and guest speakers such as Tennessee Williams and Thornton Wilder. Today AAN has over 500 members and three outstanding resources: the gallery, a permanent collection and library, and a vibrant arts education program for all ages taught by working artists of exceptionally high caliber, often as volunteers. Scholars from Georgia Tech have estimated that the arts generate over $20 million annually in economic activity on Nantucket, which has been cited as “one of the hundred best art communities in America.” AAN has been central to this. But as with so many civic needs here, flourishing programs come at costs that continue to rise, so philanthropy has to play an increasing role. If you care about the quality of civic life on Nantucket, AAN is a critical leverage-point for your philanthropy.

(2004: CULTURE: Arts: Visual, Literary and Crafts)