History of the Rocky Neck Art Colony

Rocky Neck Art Colony is the oldest working art colony in the country, and has been luring artists to its picturesque shores for more than 150 years. Among others, these artists include Fitz Henry Lane in the 1840s, Emile Gruppe, who made The Neck his home and painted into the 1970s, as well as Childe Hassam, Milton Avery, Maurice Prendergast, Cecilia Beaux, John Sloan, Stuart Davis, Frank Duveneck, Nell Blaine, and Jane Peterson. 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.

Today the area is still home to many working artists and to galleries showing paintings in all media, as well as batik, photography, jewelry, prints, sculpture, ceramics, and fine gifts. In addition to viewing the arts, one may snack or dine at unique restaurants that feature fine food and fabulous views.