About HyArts Shanties

In 2005, the town designed and built a boardwalk and installed seven artist shanties to serve as affordable, unique studio and gallery space for local artists and artisans. The shanty program, an integral component of THE HyArts DISTRICT’S summer program, has flourished and continues to grow each year, garnering overwhelmingly positive feedback from both the arts community and residents and visitors.

This popular attraction provides a picturesque setting to view art made by both man and nature. A visit to the artist shanties guarantees a cultural experience that is unmatched! This is a unique opportunity to meet Cape Cod artists and watch them work along the inspiring backdrop of Hyannis harbor.

As part of the program the town collects data from the artists who participate each season. The data includes number of visitors and items sold as well as artist revenues. The town uses this information to track program progress and for grant reporting and applications.

Since it’s inception in 2005, this arts program has been a successful venue for participating artists. In the first season 11 artists collectively earned $80,000. Over the five year life of the program the collective earnings of 132 artists is $587,772.00. The program is designed to support arts and culture in downtown Hyannis with the ultimate goal of increasing visitors to the harbor area and downtown. Over 352,000 visitors have visited the shanties since 2005.

In 2009 two shanties were moved from the center of the boardwalk to new locations at either end providing a move open view of the harbor. 45 artists participated in the 5th season and visitors enjoyed a myriad of mediums including fiber art, watercolor, pastels, oils, pressed seaweed, photography, gouache paintings, pen and ink drawings, rope work, jewelry, pottery, fine tapestry and much more.

Each artist’s work must be approved by the HyA jury to participate to ensure the quality, saleability, and variety of work offered. All pieces must be original work from the artists; hand made and unique, and any items not approved during the jury process must be approved by the Town prior to selling in the shanty. Items for sale CANNOT include t-shirts, food or products bought or acquired for resale only.

Each shanty is staffed by a participating artist during operating hours. To accommodate the number of qualified artists unable to commit to an entire season, a few shanties are reserved to rotate artists on a weekly basis. Week slots run from Saturday to Friday and are scheduled on a first come, first served basis.

Works vary, and may include acrylics, oils, pastels, watercolors, photography, wood carving, bird carving, tile carving, scrimshaw, handmade glass bead & wire jewelry, sculpture and much more.

When are the artist shanties open? May-October.
2010 schedule:  weekends May 22, 2010  through June 20, 2010, 11AM-5PM. 
Seven days a week, 11AM -8PM, from June 26th through September 6th
Seven days a week, 11AM-5PM September 7th through October 3rd

Several shanty artists also participate in the annual Harbor Lighting, the first Saturday in December each year. 

How do I participate?
If you’re an artist or artisan whose primary residence is on Cape Cod and interested in a unique opportunity to showcase your handmade arts & crafts, please contact Melissa Hersh, 508-862-4767 or melissa.hersh@town.barnstable.ma.us.
B head: A Special Thanks to our Partners & Supporters
This program continues with the generous grant support of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, John and Abigail Adams Grant, along with our partners the Main Street Business Improvement District (BID), Cape Cod Art Association (CCAA), Arts Foundation of Cape Cod (AFCC), the Hyannis Area Chamber of Commerce and in coordination with Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce.

For more information contact:  
Melissa Hersh, Arts and Culture Coordinator, at 508-862-4767 or at Melissa.hersh@town.barnstable.ma.us.