10 Famous Cape Cod Artists, Painters And Sculptors

Cape Cod’s enchanting landscapes and vibrant artistic spirit have long inspired creative minds. In this article, we explore 10 vibrant Cape Cod artists and art galleries who call this picturesque peninsula their home.

Each artist brings their unique vision to life against the backdrop of Cape Cod’s natural beauty.

Explore Cape Cod Artists & Art Galleries

1. Galley West Art Gallery

Address: 204 Monument Road, Orleans

Galley West Art Gallery features the creative talent of  local artists from the eight towns of the Lower & Outer Cape:  Brewster, Harwich, Chatham, Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro & Provincetown. Seasonally opening in May, this vibrant art gallery hosts four juried shows per year, each with new art in a wide variety of art from oil, watercolor and mixed media to pottery, photography, and hand-forged jewelry.

Fully restored in 2021,  Galley West is in a historic 1800’s building created from a portion of Orleans’ Olde Higgins Tavern and the salvaged ship’s galley from 1857 Nauset Beach shipwreck Orissa. The gallery includes a mural, painted by Orleans’ artist Vernon Smith [1894-1969], depicting the 19th century Cape Cod whaling industry.

2. Pepitone Art

Address: 46 Bradford St, Provincetown, MA 02657

Richard Pepitone, born in 1936, is a distinguished artist whose work has left an indelible mark on Cape Cod’s artistic landscape. With a career spanning decade, Pepitone’s journey began with apprenticeship to Alfred Van Loen and further studies in Florence, Italy, at the Academy of Fine Arts. His artistic pursuits led him to open his first studio in New York before establishing himself as a permanent resident of Provincetown for over half a century.

3. Donna Mahan Studios

Address: 446 Rt 6, North Truro, MA 02652

Donna Mahan Studios, led by the talented artist Donna Mahan, is a prominent fixture among Cape Cod’s artistic elite. As a primarily self-taught sculptor, Mahan’s work transcends boundaries, blending glass, metal, wood, and found objects to craft captivating and richly textured abstract pieces. Her artistry often begins with a single found object, which she masterfully transforms into intricate sculptures and vibrant panels.

4. Underground Art Gallery

Address: 673 Sastucket Rd, Brewster

Karen North Wells is a Cape Cod renowned artist and the owner of the Underground Art Gallery, an artistic gem nestled in Cape Cod’s vibrant creative scene. With a passion for impressionistic painting, Karen excels in a diverse range of subjects, including florals, boats, landscapes, and buildings, infusing each piece with a touch of happiness and healing.

5. deCastellane Gallery

Address: 699 Main St, Dennisport, MA 02639

The deCastellane Gallery, helmed by owner Hans de Castellane, stands as a vibrant testament to Cape Cod’s artistic legacy. Hans, a Cape Cod native, infuses his unique perspective into the gallery’s offerings. His colorful, stylized portraits of beloved Cape landmarks capture the essence of this coastal paradise, echoing the architectural fascination and luminous play of light akin to the renowned Edward Hopper.

6. Carrie Megan Landscapes- Gallery on Jarves

Address: 2 Jarves St, Sandwich, MA 02563

Carrie Megan’s landscapes, highlighted at the Gallery on Jarves, bring the unique essence of Cape Cod’s natural beauty to life through the medium of oils. Having transitioned from botanical art, where she meticulously captured the intricate details of plant life, Megan now explores broader vistas and emotions found in New England’s diverse landscapes.

Her work captures the interplay of light and color, reflecting the essence of each place and moment. With a background in graphic design and art direction, Megan’s artistic journey has evolved, allowing her to tap into instinctive creativity and offer viewers a profound connection to Cape Cod’s scenic wonders.

7. Sophia Dress- Faces

Address: 668 Main St, Dennis Port, MA 02639

Faces stands as an exceptional addition to Cape Cod’s artistic landscape. Operating as an artist-owned gallery, studio, and event space, Faces provides a dynamic platform for a diverse range of art forms and media. At the heart of this creative venture is Sophia Dress, a gifted artist and designer renowned for her woodworking prowess.  Sophia’s work beautifully melds modern design with the rich rusticity of reclaimed materials sourced from Cape Cod itself. 

8. Jane Lincoln Artist

Address: 441 Central Ave, East Falmouth, MA 02536

Jane Lincoln, an accomplished artist hailing from Cape Cod, brings her unique perspective to the realm of art. With a focus on precision in color and the exploration of color relationships, Lincoln’s work transcends boundaries. Her educational background includes an MFA from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design and a BA from St. Lawrence University.

9. H. Jean Hynes Fine Art

Address: West Yarmouth, MA 02673

H. Jean Hynes, a gifted artist born and raised in Missouri, found her true calling as an artist from a young age. At just 13, she began her journey in oil painting, driven by the compelling need to bring the vivid images in her mind to life on canvas. Her passion for art has always been a constant throughout her life, with a special affinity for drawing and capturing the essence of animals.

10. Gallery 31 Fine Art

Address: 34 Main St, Orleans

Gallery 31 Fine Art, nestled in Cape Cod, stands out with its collection of accomplished artists and high-caliber paintings. Owned and managed by professional artist Sherry Rhyno, the gallery offers insights from both curator and artist perspectives. It specializes in pastel and oil but features a range of art mediums.  With a focus on pastels, this exclusive Cape Cod gallery invites guests to savor the art, learn about the artists, and take-home enduring pieces of joy.

Summing up the Cape’s Art Scene

Cape Cod’s artistic legacy thrives through these talented individuals who craft visual stories that resonate with the soul. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or just beginning your artistic journey, these remarkable artists, painters and sculptors on Cape Cod invite you to explore their captivating creations, fostering a deeper connection with the artistry of this unique coastal haven.

Read More about Performing Arts on Cape Cod.