Hyannis flourishes in its role as a hub of arts and culture.

Few places contain so many of the charming elements of life on Cape Cod as much as downtown Hyannis. Whether you’re taking in the village’s history at one of the museums, shopping or dining along the mile long Main Street, or admiring the bustling harbor—there is something for everyone.

The type of joyful energy that can’t help but be felt on a summertime stroll through the area doesn’t manifest on its own. It takes dedication, and this is where ArtsBarnstable/Town of Barnstable comes in. For almost 20 years, the town has been focused on taking the prevailing creative spirit that exists in each of the seven villages of Barnstable and entwining that essence with the arts and cultural resources the Cape has in abundance. 

“Each of our seven villages has arts and cultural gems, all with seaside charm. Supporting our creative community strengthens the town as a year-round cultural destination,” says Arts and Culture Coordinator for the Town of Barnstable’s Planning & Development Department, Melissa Chartrand. “I feel fortunate to work for a town that understands the power of the arts, and supporting the creative sector is essential to a vibrant community that fuels the local economy.”

One of the first arts-oriented endeavors undertaken by the town to foster the creative community was in 2005 to help breathe new life into downtown Hyannis. For many visitors coming and going via planes, trains, automobiles, and ferries, Hyannis was simply a transit hub. The challenge the town sought out to solve naturally became how to get people to stay longer in the area. There was already plenty to see and do in this small stretch between Hyannis Main Street and the harbor, which has long been a destination, but something was needed to unite the two.  

After drawing inspiration from the fisherman’s shacks that once dotted the Cape, the Town of Barnstable launched what would become the cheerful Hyannis HyARTS Artist Shanties—rentable “seaside studios” for Cape Cod artists. The initial seven shanties, each named for a village in the town of Barnstable, opened in Bismore Park at Hyannis Harbor, and featured just 11 artists in that first season. Since then, the crowds and interests in the shanties have swelled, creating a growing roster of artists. In 2018, to accommodate the program’s growth, an additional five shanties were built—named for public Barnstable beaches—and situated along the Walkway-to-the-Sea, located just steps away from the original seven in Bismore Park. This upcoming season, over 85 artists will be featured May through October, during a time when 100,000 visitors are expected to descend on this beautiful part of the Cape.

These small shanties were created with a mighty vision behind them. Not only were they meant to provide an additional destination in downtown Hyannis, they were designed as an incubator program for those involved to improve their skills as artists and marketers, providing them with the tools to set up their own shops or be featured in a gallery. “We want the artists to improve their business, marketing and selling skills, meet other artists and discover more about themselves, to learn where and how they want to grow personally as an artist,” notes Chartrand. 

The fruits of that vision can be seen around the Cape including many shops and galleries Cape wide featuring past and current shanty artists. Once such collective in Mashpee, was started by three artists who met during their time at the Hyannis Artist shanties and participated in the program for years before opening their own shop. 

There are others who simply want to hone their skills in the shanties and simply love what the program offers, such as, artist Gillian Eaton. “I have been involved in the program for nearly a decade. Initially, the experience in the shanty provided me with a glimpse of what it would be like to own a physical store. I enjoyed creating my own space, and welcoming shoppers through the doors,” she says. “Over time,” Eaton adds, “I have established connections with returning customers and have had the pleasure of meeting new ones from across the country and across the world. These interactions have taught me valuable lessons on improving my sales skills and becoming a savvier business owner. Interacting with fellow entrepreneurs in nearby shanties has shown me the importance of collaboration and supporting local businesses in the community. Ultimately, isn’t this what it’s all about?”

Chartrand agrees. “To me the program is all about connection. Connecting visitors to the area’s history and heritage, and to local artists, connecting the artists to one another, and connecting the waterfront to Hyannis Main Street with the Walkway-to-the-Sea,” she says, “It’s these creative connections that make residents and visitors actively engage, experience and feel good about their community.” 

Visitors who come back year after year are not only drawn to the chance to reconnect with their favorite local artists, but because there is always something new to be discovered. Even long-time artists must resubmit their application for review every year. Applications are juried and the review committee is tasked with the difficult job of striking a balance not just between new and returning artists, but between mediums as well. On any given day, visitors can find handmade, crafted or designed works in everything from jewelry, ceramics, glass work, fiber arts, and woodworking to painting, photography, stone work and more. 

Maintaining an ardent application process has the additional benefit of pushing the artists themselves to keep working towards their goals. “Entering my third year participating in the Hyannis HyArts Artist Shanty program, I can genuinely say it’s been an incredible journey for me as a local artist,“ says Harwich resident and multidisciplinary artist, Jaida Narkon. “Looking back on where I started when I first joined, I’ve experienced tremendous growth. Interacting with other artists and engaging with the public has been invaluable. The feedback and conversations have not only improved my communication
skills but have also helped refine my craft.”

The success of the Hyannis HyARTS Artist shanties has made it easy for the Town of Barnstable to continue their mission of integrating arts and culture into the fabric of the community. 

Last year was evidence of this when the vision that had brought the art shanties to life was reworked to include food and the creation of the Snack Shack at the Hyannis Harbor Overlook, located next to the artist shanties. This high visibility, low-cost pop-up location has been ideal for those culinary entrepreneurs looking to dip their toes into the water of the food service industry or seasoned veterans looking to try out a new location. 

Alongside the opening of the Snack Shack, ArtsBarnstable/Town of Barnstable has a new programming partnership with the Cultural Center of Cape Cod at the corner of Pearl and South Street in Hyannis. The space includes the Guyer Barn and Garage Studio in Hyannis. The space has been transformed to become part artist studio, part live venue, and part art gallery. As with all ArtsBarnstable endeavors, the focus here on providing a space for the community to come together and relish in the artistic and cultural spirit of Cape Cod.  

For all the focus on the work done in Hyannis, including its state designated Hyannis HyARTS Cultural District, ArtsBarnstable’s year-round marketing efforts for the seven villages can’t be overlooked. Whether it’s hosting art excursions, theatrical performances, workshops and outdoor concerts, ArtsBarnstable is dedicated to supporting its cultural gems in all seven villages. Chartrand quips, “It’s so easy to have Art-FULL days, year round in the town of Barnstable!”

Visit ArtsBarnstable.com and @artsbarnstable on social media platforms.   

Matt Nilsson is a freelance writer for Cape Cod Life Publications.