The Hyannis HyArts Artist Shanties are reopening for the summer season on May 17, inviting a new cohort of local artists to the colorful Hyannis Harbor shacks all summer long.
The shanties will open at 11 a.m. daily from May 17 through Oct. 20, with exceptions for two special town events in November and December, giving over 80 artists a chance to connect with their local and not-so-local communities and sell their works.
“Every week is a new week and artwork,” said Melissa Chartrand, Barnstable arts and culture coordinator. “It’s such a wide range of work and an opportunity for them to meet local Cape Codders who are local artists. It’s a must-visit now. You can’t get tired of it.”
Participants must apply to the program through the town of Barnstable website where a committee will review their work and select the picks for each year. Selected applicants must pay a licensing fee — price dependent on location (Bismore Park or Harbor Overlook) and date — plus a $50 security deposit and have insurance.
Meet a couple of artists featured at the HyArts Artist Shanties in 2024
Local artist Gabe Ribiero said he got a better understanding of what tourists and locals alike are looking for when it comes to art during his first, week-long shanty stint last year. He also mentioned the exposure, which is hard to come by on the Cape.
“I’ve been playing around with this new style this year that I’m very excited to show off to people,” he said.
Plus, the luxury of being granted a seaside studio for three weeks is not lost on him. Coupled with debuting his new Cape-inspired works, Ribiero said he’s looking forward to setting up the easel, enjoying his ocean view and saying hi to those who stop by.
“Kids who are getting really into art can see that there is a way to earn money from your art,” he said. “Even people around my age who have been painting for a while and they’re looking for a way to show that off are like, ‘I’ve always wondered about doing something like this.’”
After being introduced and encouraged to apply last year by her neighbor and Barnstable Town Councilor Gordon Starr, Katie Prchlik, owner of Cape Cod Chokers said she’s excited to take up shop in the West Barnstable and Craigville shanties — coincidentally named after the town she’s from and her favorite beach — to see what shanty life is all about.
“A lot of times I think, as artists, we’re stuck in our little studios and creating things,” she said. “When you go out into something like our Hyannis Artist Shanties where you are setting it up like your little shop, workshop or your little gallery, you get to curate it in a certain way versus it just being on your kitchen table or in your little studio.”
At her shanty, Prchlik said she’s bringing all of her stock, like dainty necklaces and bracelets plus some leather goods.
“There’s something about a little pearl with a leather strap,” she said. “It’s just so summer Cape Cod.”
For a full list of 2024 shanty artists, operating hours and more information about the program visit www.artsbarnstable.com/destinations/hyarts-shanties/.
Where to park for the Hyannis art shanties
Parking for the shanties is available at five free lots — Barnstable Town Hall parking lot (Main Street and South Street access), Red Cross parking lot, North Street parking lot, Main Street parking — and at metered parking spots at the Ocean Street parking lot and Bismore Park parking lot.
Frankie Rowley covers entertainment and things to do. Contact her at frowley@capecodonline.com.
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