A new exhibit in October at Falmouth’s Gallery on Main highlights the art and unique spirit of James Tobey (1938-2005) and begs the question, “What happens to Cape Cod art when the Cape Cod artist is no longer among us?”

It is not only undeniable, but also generally undisputed: the Cape and Islands have rightfully garnered a reputation for unique inspiration and unparalleled creativity. Some say it is the light, some give credit to the landscape. Others cite the vibrant and supportive community of other like-minded artists. Perhaps it is a heady mix of all those things. And for the artists who can make a claim of origination—having been born and raised here—the influence of the environment on how they see and interact with the world sets them apart in some of the most interesting ways. 

Such was the case with local Falmouth artist James Tobey who shared his unique artistic vision through the pieces he created throughout his life’s journey. Born in Falmouth on October 13, 1938 at a time when the world, and to a finer point, Falmouth, was a simpler time. The distractions of a modern world barely competed with the lure of the moon phases, the tides and the seasons of Tobey’s boyhood wonderland. One could imagine him as a young boy, exploring the untouched landscape like a coastal Huck Finn—bare feet, cutoff shorts fashioned from an outgrown pair of trousers, sand in his pockets where he collected the castaway treasures that would someday inspire his creativity. His days were spent clamming, fishing, collecting and musing in the natural world of Waquoit Bay, Green Pond, Vineyard Sound, Buzzards Bay and the other seemingly endless...