Thirty miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Nantucket is a small island approximately 3.5 by 14.5 miles, which was formed by the receding glacial waters of the last ice age (14,000 years ago). The island has 80 miles of accessible beach on Nantucket Sound and the Atlantic. There are over 350 species of sea and songbirds, rolling heath lands covered in native wildflowers, low ground covers and hidden forests. More than 45% of the island is preserved in its natural state and is publicly accessible. The richness of the ever-changing colors and weather casts a seasonal light, which is an essential part of the island experience. Fall, winter and spring bring an increased sense of isolation, while at the same time an enhanced sense of island community. You can find maps, images and descriptions of the ecosystems and historical and cultural offerings online.

The NantucketLandBank.org offers acres of preserved land with varied character that can be accessed with formal application about project. Painters and artists may create temporary site-specific works with prior approval.

NISDA’s studios, surrounded by a meadow near Polpis Harbor are eight miles from town. Our Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Mixed Media Studios and deck space are in the dairy building along with textiles, photography with black/white dark-room, little Silo gallery with outdoor pavilion in the school meadow. ***Please note: Seaview Farm Barn studios are not accessible to OAR Artists in July & August, as Summer Season Art Programs are offered, however OAR Artists may arrange to exhibit their work at select times at NISDA’s Seaview Farm Art Center’s Silo Gallery.

In Nantucket Town there are grocery stores, farm stands, bakeries, bike rentals, coffee shops, post office, restaurants, many little shops, theatres, Atheneum library,  & wonderful bookstores (Nantucket Bookworks & Mitchell’s Book Corner). Also the Nantucket Historical Association’s Whaling Museum, Maria Mitchell’s Loins Observatory & Science Center, the Shipwreck Museum and many art galleries.

For more about our island community and businesses please see nantucketchamber.org for information about the island and businesses.

Your Art Supplies: Access to art supplies on Nantucket is limited, and also expensive. It is prudent to order from your usual sources and bring or send UPS or FedEx. There is an art supply store: Create, 8 Amelia Drive, Nantucket, MA 02554 (508) 901-5186, definitely worth checking out, but if your needs are specific, best to be prepared.

There is internet and printer available in the common space at 55 Atlantic House. Artists should bring sheets and towels (and a beach towel). There are laundry facilities on-site in the common space in our 55 Atlantic House.