Women in the Arts • Women’s History Month
“There are no rules. That is how art is born, how breakthroughs happen. Go against the rules or ignore the rules. That is what invention is about.”
Helen Frankenthaler
As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, we turn our focus to the arts in Provincetown. The arts serve as an economic engine for our Outer Cape community, from non-profit organizations to galleries, stores, and craft fairs. The town is alive with artists. I have had the privilege of working with the Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM) since 2001, an experience that has been an education like no other. But my love of art began even earlier—I bought my first watercolor at age 11 with my paper route money.
One of my earliest connections to Provincetown's artist community was Lise Motherwell. I met Lise through my sister Jane, and I am grateful that nearly 46 years later, we remain friends. Through Lise and my work at PAAM, I have deepened my understanding of her father, and more importantly, of Helen Frankenthaler and her lasting impact on the arts.
In the 1980s and 1990s, the Ellen Harris Gallery was a place I frequented often. Ellen was a wonderful woman, kind and dedicated to showcasing exceptional work. It was through her that I was introduced to the art of Susan Tilton Pecora, an artist whose paintings capture landscapes, animals, and skies in breathtaking ways. Her ability to evoke emotion through light and color is remarkable. I must admit, I am a bit of a Pecora junkie, with many of her beautiful works in my possession.
Ellen also represented Carol Westcott, a talented artist and a lovely person. She was always gracious, polished, and kind. Her work remains a treasured part of my collection, something I appreciate daily.
In the 1990s and 2000s, I had the pleasure of meeting Berta Walker. I had long known of the Walker family, who have had a profound influence not only in Provincetown but across the country (look up TB Walker). Berta summered in Provincetown before making the bold decision in 1989 to move here year-round and open the Berta Walker Gallery. She has spent her career advocating for artists, particularly women, supporting them across disciplines—painting, acting, singing, and dance. Through her, I discovered the works of Nancy Whorf, Ione Walker, Sky Power, Brenda Horowitz, Selina Trieff, and Erna Partoll, among others. Berta's passion for the arts and her unwavering friendship continue to inspire me.
Another artist who has documented Provincetown for nearly 50 years is Elizabeth Gabriel Brooke, a photographer turned innkeeper who founded Gabriels. Her photographs beautifully capture the town, its people, and its natural surroundings. She has an unmatched patience and skill for waiting for the perfect shot, and her work serves as a powerful reminder of why I love this part of the world.
My Friday night dinner partner, Jim Bakker, has introduced me to an array of artists, from Daisy Hughes and Olga Sears to Billie Miller. Each piece he has shared has expanded my appreciation of the arts.
Since joining PAAM 24 years ago, I have had the privilege of working with Christine McCarthy and an incredible team. Christine has been a mentor, pushing me to learn, challenging me, and always providing guidance. Her commitment to Provincetown and the arts is unwavering, and thanks to her leadership, PAAM's collection has grown beyond expectations.
Along the way, I have also collected works by Breon Dunnigan, Brenda Silva, Shelley Vermilya, Irene Lipton, Cathy Skowron, Joan Rogers, and Jane Rowe, among many others. Each piece tells a story, representing the depth and diversity of talent in Provincetown.
While I have highlighted artists in my personal collection, there are countless other women who deserve recognition. Women in the arts, like women in every industry, showcase their strength, vulnerability, and courage through their work. Let’s continue to celebrate and support them!
“It’s women who are grateful. And who care—who want it, who care about it. It seems to me that women are the ones that show the gratitude for the little things, and big, and who remember. Over the years, they remember.”
Josephine Hopper, American Masters: The Hoppers
Written by Steven Roderick