A hundred or so years ago, Cape Ann was a vibrant, energetic, and dynamic place, filled with fisherfolk, merchants, dock workers, and yes, painters and sculptors. The intermingling of the workers toiling to make a living, the commercial pursuits of the merchants, and the cultural mix of people of differing heritages made for an exciting and authentic place to live. Cape Ann’s inspirational human activity and spectacular natural beauty created an artists’ utopia.

 
 

Clockwise from upper left: John F. Carlson, Frederick J. Mulhaupt, Bertha Menzler Petyon, Anthony Thieme

Artists built a school of painting and sculpting that organically grew to have a distinct identity marked by a genuine American spirit. These qualities can still be found all over Cape Ann. The Rockport Art Association & Museum now endeavors to revitalize the Cape Ann School, founded in the great artistic traditions of the area that are more than alive in the artists working and teaching today. RAA&M’s Cape Ann Summer School of Art consists of four contiguous artist workshops with instructors who not only teach the techniques of the Cape Ann School but also embody the spirit and intention behind them.

A Legacy Reimagined — Now with Studio & Plein Air Options

This September, the Rockport Art Association & Museum expands its Cape Ann Summer School of Art (CASSOA) to reflect the richness of its historic roots, offering eight immersive workshops in two formats: studio-based and plein air. Participants will choose one or the other when registering.

Whether you're drawn to the dynamic challenge of outdoor painting or the focus and control of the studio, you'll find a program tailored to your strengths — or your curiosity. While the two formats are separate, we encourage cross-pollination: studio participants will have the option to experience a half-day plein air field outing, and plein air painters will have the option of a half-day of studio painting, touching up their plein air work in the RAA&M’s Hibbard or Maddocks Gallery.

Each workshop includes:

• Expert in-depth instruction

• Guided gallery walks along Rockport’s Main Street

• A Thursday evening presentation by instructor or guest speaker

• Instructor-guided tour of historic Cape Ann paintings in the RAA&M Collection

  • (Outdoor Locations)

    CASSOA’s plein air workshops immerse students in the vibrant scenery that has inspired generations of Cape Ann artists. Led by nationally recognized instructors, these classes meet daily at select outdoor locations — harbors, granite quarries, coastal vistas, and historic village streets.

    Instruction focuses on composition, atmosphere, simplifying complex scenes, and capturing the shifting light. Instructors will demo on-site and offer practical critiques and one-on-one guidance. The RAA&M’s Hibbard and/or Maddocks Gallery will be available in case of inclement weather.

  • (Lower Classroom)

    For artists who prefer the clarity and comfort of indoor settings, CASSOA’s studio workshops offer a focused, supportive environment in RAA&M’s lower-level classroom. These sessions emphasize observation, design, and painterly technique through still life, reference material, and the instructor’s own process.

    Ideal for oil, pastel, watercolor, or acrylic painters, the studio format is well-suited to those developing their personal voice or seeking to refine foundational skills without the logistical challenges of painting outdoors.

    In addition to daily instruction, studio students will be invited to participate in an optional plein air field outing to sketch or try a color study. The outing offers a low-pressure way to experience plein air within the comfort of your chosen format.

Choose one or more workshops that will immerse you in the methods and spirit of the Cape Ann School:

 
 
 

Student Experiences at the Cape Ann Summer School of Art

Each summer, artists from across the country gather on Cape Ann to learn, paint, and connect through shared experience. The reflections below offer a glimpse into the learning environment, sense of community, and inspiration that define the Cape Ann Summer School of Art.

 
 

Cancelation Policy for CASSOA Workshops: Up to two weeks (fourteen days) prior to the start of a workshop, participants may cancel and request a refund, minus a non-refundable $100 registration fee. Tuition will not be refunded after this two-week period. This policy is strictly enforced.

To see additional RAA&M Art Education Offerings:
ARTIST DEMONSTRATIONS
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
YOUTH & TEENS