Cahoon Museum of American Art

No-Sew Quilt Square Workshop - SOLD OUT
2022-10-19 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Cahoon Museum, 4676 Falmouth Road (Rte. 28), Cotuit, MA, 02635, United States
Create a decorative fabric 28” quilt square, no sewing required! Education Programs Manager Leslie Goldman leads this no-sew quilting workshop at the Cahoon Museum to complete a diamond in a square pattern inspired by the work of artist Robin Tost. Cost includes materials and museum admission.
SOLD OUT $35 per person/$30 members

Family Fun Saturday at the Cahoon Museum
2022-10-08 10:00 - 16:00 | Cahoon Museum, 4676 Falmouth Road (Rte. 28), Cotuit, MA, 02635, United States
Kids of all ages are invited to make art with help from Education Programs Manager Leslie Goldman in the Cahoon Classroom on the lower level of the museum. Each of the projects takes inspiration from the artwork in the galleries. While there are always opportunities for creativity at the Cahoon, these Saturday morning projects offer even more! This month, make paper quilt squares using the incredible work of metal quilt artist, Robin Tost as inspiration. Free with museum admission.

Paint Night: Folk Art Fridays
2022-10-07 17:00 - 19:00 | Cahoon Museum, 4676 Falmouth Road (Rte. 28), Cotuit, MA, 02635, United States
This fall the Cahoon Museum is celebrating the work of Martha Cahoon with a paint night inspired by her folk art. Participants will try their hand at recreating a Martha Cahoon work not currently on display at the museum while enjoying refreshments, fun, and friends.
All materials and admission to the museum are included in the price.
$45 per person. $35 Members
Register

Thursday Gallery Tour
2022-04-07 10:30 - 11:30 | Cahoon Museum, 4676 Falmouth Road (Rte. 28), Cotuit, MA, 02635, United States
Offered the first Thursday of the month, this docent-led tour spotlights something special about the museums historic house and current exhibitions. A great way to get an insider’s sneak peek into the museum.

Member's Walk-Through with Artist Robin Tost
2022-10-06 09:00 - 10:00 | Cahoon Museum, 4676 Falmouth Road (Rte. 28), Cotuit, MA, 02635, United States
Be one of the first people to see Robin Tost’s incredible new show, Robin Tost: Scrap Metal Quilts and meet the artist.
Sculptor Robin Tost creates colorful, whimsical ‘full metal quilts’ out of recycled automobile parts and cast off metal. The idea for her signature style began during a biking trip across Vermont through a region devastated by factory closings. She noticed women selling quilts to supplement their family income and was inspired to create sculpture transforming old, hard recycled metal (a ‘man’s material’) into a form associated with women’s fiber work. Inspired by traditional quilt patterns, Tost cuts the metal, punches it with a drill press, and sews the pieces together with wire. The exhibition includes a dozen of her metal quilts as well as her large scale animal sculptures, Spirit Bear and Phoenix.
This is a member’s only event – not a member? Join here.
Free to all members of the museum.
Register

"Robin Tost: Scrap Metal Quilts" Exhibit Opening
2022-10-05 10:00 - 16:00 | Cahoon Museum, 4676 Falmouth Road (Rte. 28), Cotuit, MA, 02635, United States
Join the Cahoon Museum for the opening of Robin Tost: Scrap Metal Quilts, running October 5th – December 23rd.
Sculptor Robin Tost creates colorful, whimsical ‘full metal quilts’ out of recycled automobile parts and cast-off metal. The idea for her signature style began during a biking trip across Vermont through a region devastated by factory closings. She noticed women selling quilts to supplement their family income and was inspired to create sculpture transforming old, hard recycled metal (a ‘man’s material’) into a form associated with women’s fiber work. Inspired by traditional quilt patterns, Tost cuts the metal, punches it with a drill press, and sews the pieces together with wire. The exhibition includes a dozen of her metal quilts as well as her large-scale animal sculptures, Spirit Bear and Phoenix.

Exhibit Tour with Executive Director, Sarah Johnson
2022-09-28 14:00 - 15:30 | Cahoon Museum, 4676 Falmouth Road (Rte. 28), Cotuit, MA, 02635, United States
Join Executive Director Sarah Johnson for a special tour of Scrimshaw: The Whaler’s Art exhibition. Free with museum admission.

Artful Conversations
2022-09-22 10:30 - 11:00, 2022-09-15 10:30 - 11:00 | Cahoon Museum, 4676 Falmouth Road (Rte. 28), Cotuit, MA, 02635, United States
Engage in an informal yet purposeful conversation focusing on one or two pieces of art in the galleries guided by Education Programs Manager, Leslie Goldman. Each week the museum will feature something different, whether that be a deeper look at an object from one of the current exhibitions or the opportunity to see a piece from the permanent collection not regularly on display.
Free with admission.
Register

Open House - Smithsonian Day at the Cahoon Museum
2022-09-17 10:00 - 16:00 | MA
Enjoy free admission and fun art activities for the whole family as part of Smithsonian Day! Plus, author, Lee Roscoe will be at the Museum to sign copies of her newly published book, “Wampanoag Art for the Ages, Traditional and Transitional” from 2:00-4:00pm.
Museum Day is an annual celebration of boundless curiosity hosted by Smithsonian Magazine. Participating museums and cultural institutions across the country provide free entry for the day!
Open 10:00am-4:00pm.

Scrimshaw Lecture Series: We Are All Whalers Presented by Dr. Michael J Moore
2022-09-15 17:30 - 18:30 | Freedom Hall, 976 Main Street, Cotuit, MA, 02635, United States
Michael Moore is a Senior Scientist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. His recent book, We Are All Whalers: The Plight of Whales and Our Responsibility concerns how ongoing human activities have impacted the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale. Since 1986, Moore has investigated why populations of North Atlantic right whales have not rebounded as they could have in the eight decades since whaling was outlawed. Moore will describe how, we, as consumers can understand what is going on, and what we can do about the problem.
The Cahoon Museum Lecture Series presents expert voices on important topics related to the exhibition, Scrimshaw: The Whaler’s Art, on view from June 29 through October 30, 2022. Researchers, best-selling authors, and field experts bring national perspective to the history and artistry of scrimshaw, the maritime art and antiques market, and more!
The Lecture Series will take place at Freedom Hall, 976 Main Street, Cotuit, and registration is required.
$25 per person | $20 for museum members

Register

Educator Preview Event
2022-09-14 16:30 - 18:00 | Cahoon Museum, 4676 Falmouth Road (Rte. 28), Cotuit, MA, 02635, United States
Educators of K-12 students are invited to the museum to discover the latest exhibitions, enjoy refreshments, socialize with colleagues and learn more about upcoming programs. Come see what the Cahoon has to offer this school year! FREE
Register

Family Fun Day at the Cahoon Museum
2022-09-10 10:00 - 16:00 | Cahoon Museum, 4676 Falmouth Road (Rte. 28), Cotuit, MA, 02635, United States
Kids of all ages are invited to make art with help from Education Programs Manager Leslie Goldman in the Cahoon Classroom on the lower level of the museum. Each of the projects takes inspiration from the art work in the galleries. While there are always opportunities for creativity at the Cahoon, these Saturday morning projects offer even more! This month, the activity is making scrimshaw with soap. Free with museum admission.

Paint Night - Folk Art Fridays at the Cahoon Museum
2022-09-09 17:00 - 19:00 | Cahoon Museum, 4676 Falmouth Road (Rte. 28), Cotuit, MA, 02635, United States
SOLD OUT
This fall the Cahoon Museum is celebrating the work of Martha Cahoon with a paint night inspired by her folk art. Participants will try their hand at recreating a Martha Cahoon work not currently on display at the museum while enjoying refreshments, fun, and friends.

All materials and admission to the museum are included in the price.
$45 per person. $40 Members

Artful Conversations
2022-09-08 10:30 - 11:30 | Cahoon Museum, 4676 Falmouth Road (Rte. 28), Cotuit, MA, 02635, United States
Engage in an informal yet purposeful conversation that focuses on one or two pieces of art in the galleries guided by Education Programs Manager, Leslie Goldman. Each week the museum will feature something different, whether that be a deeper look at an object from one of the current exhibitions or the opportunity to see a piece from the permanent collection not regularly on display. Free with admission.
Register

Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers - NEW DATE
2022-08-31 13:00 - 15:00 | Cahoon Museum, 4676 Falmouth Road (Rte. 28), Cotuit, MA, 02635, United States
DUE TO RAIN, THE EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31st, AT 1:00pm.
Join the Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers as they perform music, dance, tell stories, and make crafts at this special event. The group of musicians and artisans comes from the tribal communities of Mashpee on Cape Cod and Aquinnah on Martha’s Vineyard.
They perform in traditional clothing and songs are accompanied by a water drum and handcrafted rattles. Throughout the performance, the audience is encouraged to join the performers in song and dance to experience the spirit of Wampanoag history, culture, and traditions first-hand. Family friendly and all ages welcome.
There will also be a Wampum making demo with a chance to make your own pendant and necklace.
Price includes museum admission.
$15 Adults
$5 Adult members
Under 12 are free

Register

Make a Sailor's Logbook Workshop
2022-08-24 13:00 - 15:00 | Cahoon Museum, 4676 Falmouth Road (Rte. 28), Cotuit, MA, 02635, United States
Create your own logbook to record your daily adventures! Logbooks were kept by the captain or first mate of whaling ships to record details of shipboard life. Some logbooks or private journals have stamps or drawings in them. Museum Education Programs Manager, Leslie Goldman, guides you in creating your own logbook and unique stamp reflecting your own imaginative style.

Wednesday, August 24 1-3pm
$30, $25 members; limited to 15; registration required
Register

Scrimshaw Lecture Series: Oddball Scrimshaw Presented by Dr. Stuart M. Frank
2022-08-18 17:30 - 18:30 | Freedom Hall, 976 Main Street, Cotuit, MA, 02635, United States
Stuart Frank celebrates intricate and fascinating examples of scrimshaw drawing from his vast experience as Director Scrimshaw Forensics® Laboratory, Editor, Scrimshaw Observer, Senior Curator Emeritus, New Bedford Whaling Museum, Executive Director Emeritus, Kendall Whaling Museum, Fellow, Massachusetts Historical Society, and Research Fellow, Nantucket Historical Association.
The Cahoon Museum Lecture Series presents expert voices on important topics related to the exhibition, Scrimshaw: The Whaler’s Art, on view from June 29 through October 30, 2022. Researchers, best-selling authors, and field experts bring national perspective to the history and artistry of scrimshaw, the maritime art and antiques market, and more!
The Lecture Series will take place at Freedom Hall, 976 Main Street, Cotuit, and registration is required.
$25 per person | $20 for museum members
Register

Scrimshaw Workshop - SOLD OUT
2022-08-10 11:00 - 13:00 | Cahoon Museum, 4676 Falmouth Road (Rte. 28), Cotuit, MA, 02635, United States
Try your hand at scrimshaw! Artist and instructor Hilary Hutchison leads this class geared for all skill levels. Learn how to engrave and finish the surface of a cast plaster whale tooth in the style of 19th century scrimshaw and take home a work of art.
$30, $25 members; limited to 20 participants, registration required

New Bedford Harbor Sea Chantey Chorus
2022-08-05 13:00 - 15:00 | Cahoon Museum, 4676 Falmouth Road (Rte. 28), Cotuit, MA, 02635, United States
The New Bedford Harbor Sea Chantey Chorus is one of the most harmonious crews to come ashore. Their repertoire of work songs of the Yankee sailor and whaler reflects the rich maritime heritage of the region. This 24-voice group sings ballads and ditties of global mariners and coastwise fisherfolk in North America, the Cape Verde Islands, and the British Isles. Be ready to have fun and learn how to “rant and roll like a true-born sailor”! Bring your own chairs and picnic. Price includes general admission
$15 adults
$5 Member adults
$5 Children under 12
Register

Thursday Gallery Tour
2022-08-04 10:30 - 23:00 | Cahoon Museum, 4676 Falmouth Road (Rte. 28), Cotuit, MA, 02635, United States
Join us the first Thursday of the month for a docent-led tour!

Looking for an insider’s view into the museums historical Crocker home or the current exhibitions? This is your opportunity!

Scrimshaw Lecture Series: The Market for Scrimshaw Presented by William Bourne
2022-07-28 17:30 - 18:30 | Freedom Hall, 976 Main Street, Cotuit, MA, 02635, United States
Bill Bourne, Assistant Vice President and Head of the Americana and Maritime Art departments at Eldreds, highlights transformations in the maritime and scrimshaw markets, including new laws, sales of major collections, and record-breaking prices. Building on decades of family expertise, Bourne began working at the age of seven for his father, Richard Bourne, a Cape Cod auctioneer who was instrumental in building the foundation in the contemporary auction markets for marine antiques, early American glass, wildfowl decoys and antique firearms.
The Cahoon Museum Lecture Series presents expert voices on important topics related to the exhibition, Scrimshaw: The Whaler’s Art, on view from June 29 through October 30, 2022. Researchers, best-selling authors, and field experts bring national perspective to the history and artistry of scrimshaw, the maritime art and antiques market, and more!
The Lecture Series will take place at Freedom Hall, 976 Main Street, Cotuit, and registration is required.
$25 per person | $20 for museum members
Register

Opening Reception for Scrimshaw: The Whaler's Art & Mark Perry: Inspirations Past and Present
2022-07-23 16:30 - 18:00 | Cahoon Museum, 4676 Falmouth Road (Rte. 28), Cotuit, MA, 02635, United States
Join the museum for the opening reception for Scrimshaw: The Whaler’s Art & Mark Perry: Inspirations Past and Present. View the new exhibits, enjoy refreshments, art activities, an artist meet and greet, and more.
Event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Register

Scrimshaw Lecture Series: Scrimshaw: The Whaler's Art Presented by Dr. Alan Granby
2022-07-14 17:30 - 18:30 | Freedom Hall, 976 Main Street, Cotuit, MA, 02635, United States
Alan Granby, Guest Curator of Scrimshaw: The Whaler’s Art and author of Wandering Whalemen and Their Art: A Collection of Scrimshaw Masterpieces, presents compelling stories of some of the most intricate scrimshaw masterpieces from the exhibition. With wife, Janice Hyland, Granby is proprietor of Hyland Granby Antiques in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, one of America’s leading dealers in museum-quality maritime art and artifacts.
The Cahoon Museum Lecture Series presents expert voices on important topics related to the exhibition, Scrimshaw: The Whaler’s Art, on view from June 29 through October 30, 2022. Researchers, best-selling authors, and field experts bring national perspective to the history and artistry of scrimshaw, the maritime art and antiques market, and more!
The Lecture Series will take place at Freedom Hall, 976 Main Street, Cotuit, and registration is required.
$25 per person | $20 for museum members
Register

THANK YOU to our SPONSOR:

Summer Open House
2022-07-09 10:00 - 16:00 | Cahoon Museum, 4676 Falmouth Road (Rte. 28), Cotuit, MA, 02635, United States
The Cahoon Museum opens its doors for free to the community for a summer day of fun! View artworks by local Cape Cod artists up for bid in our online Brush Off Art Auction and start your bidding. Bring the family for fun, hands-on art activities and see our summer exhibits: Scrimshaw: The Whaler’s Art and the contemporary wood carvings of Mark Perry. Find a treasure in the museum shop, enjoy popcorn and ice cream, and make it a special day.
Schedule:
Art Preview: 10:00am-4:00pm
Vinny the Bubble Guy – 11:00am -12:00pm
Face Painting – 1:00-3:00pm
Ice cream will be available for purchase from Polar Cave from 11:00am-2:00pm.

Volunteer and Member Walk Through of Scrimshaw with Executive Director Sarah Johnson
2022-06-30 09:00 - 10:00 | Cahoon Museum, 4676 Falmouth Road (Rte. 28), Cotuit, MA, 02635, United States
The museum welcomes members and volunteers for a special in-depth tour of our summer exhibition, Scrimshaw: The Whaler’s Art. Executive Director Sarah Johnson highlights exceptional rare examples of scrimshaw from significant private collections and museums, noted for their rarity and beauty, and shares the stories and multilayered histories of these unique objects.
Register

Not a member? Join today!
Interested in becoming a volunteer, contact Amanda Dana.
We are currently looking for gallery attendants in visitor services and programs and events volunteers.

Exhibition Opening: Scrimshaw: The Whaler's Art
2022-06-29 | Cahoon Museum, 4676 Falmouth Road (Rte. 28), Cotuit, MA, 02635, United States
Scrimshaw: The Whaler’s Art
June 29 – October 30, 2022
This major exhibition presents the art and history of scrimshaw, a nautical folk art form created by whalers during the international whaling trade of the 19th century. The surprising history of this unique art form is explained and brought to life through the stories of the makers and recipients of these intricately detailed keepsakes. A wide range of decorative and utilitarian objects evoke connections to historic life on Cape Cod, Nantucket, and New Bedford and show the ways that people from diverse backgrounds expressed artistic creativity. New perspectives on the whaler’s life include the astonishing stories of local Wampanoag whalers.
This exhibition includes over 200 important examples from The Deitrich American Foundation, Heritage Museum and Gardens, The Mariners’ Museum and Park, Mystic Seaport Museum, Nantucket Whaling Museum, New Bedford Whaling Museum, Peabody Essex Museum, and private New England collections.
Scrimshaw: The Whaler’s Art is organized by the Cahoon Museum of American Art with Guest Curator, Dr. Alan Granby and Dr. Sarah Johnson, Executive Director of the Cahoon Museum of American Art.
Sponsored by:
Bilezikian Family Foundation
Donald C. McGraw Foundation
R. Dudley Harrington, Jr. Foundation
Jean and John Entwistle
Rosemary and Keith Rapp

Cahoon Museum’s Brush Off Art Auction
2022-06-25 - 2022-07-09 | Cahoon Museum, 4676 Falmouth Road (Rte. 28), Cotuit, MA, 02635, United States
Cahoon Museum’s Brush Off Art Auction features over 140 artworks by talented local and regional artists. Bid on art, at all price points, at this online fundraising event in support of the Museum and local artists.
Plein air artists will be setting up their easels, canvas, and paint to capture scenic locations around Cotuit village- then offering the art up for bid. Whether you are a long-time supporter, aspiring collector, or curious about this dynamic fundraiser, come celebrate the arts with the Cahoon Museum.
Bid now!

Plein air schedule:
June 27
Lyn Coffey – Ropes Beach 5:00-10:00am
Michelle L. Law – Cotuit Village Green 9:00am
Marian Nicastro – Ropes Beach 8:00-10:00am
John Ricciardi – Ropes Beach 10:00am-2:00pm
David Sigel – Oregon Beach 9:30-11:30am
June 28
Betsy Payne Cook – Cotuit Town Dock 8:30am
June 29
Lynn Wallin – Loop Beach 3:00-6:30pm
Neil Collins – Village Green 4:00-7:00pm
June 30
Denise Zompa – Town Dock 11:00am-1:30pm
July 1
Neil Collins – Village Green 4:00-7:00pm
July 2 & 3
Karen Ryder- 914 Main Street 8:00-11:00am
July 5
Marian Colman – Riley’s Beach 9:00am-1:00pm
*Other artists participating (dates/times to be determined)
Kirsten Borror – Town Green
Jason Eldredge – Kettle Ho
