Kay Van Dyke, a retired architect, came to Gloucester from San Francisco in 1984. In late 2010, she purchased the Lord Botetourt Antiques Building, originally built in 1920, and immediately began renovations, creating a space “to meet the needs of the arts community”. Over its 100 years of existence on Main Street, the building had been used for a number of other purposes, from a Ford dealership to a scene shop for the local theater company. At the time, Kay planned for a 200-seat, multi-purpose space that could be used for theatrical performances, studio space for artists, and an art gallery. The space would eventually become a bustling gallery and educational space, hosting monthly art shows, concerts, and smaller theatrical events. With time, Arts on Main became known throughout the Middle Peninsula as a gathering place for the arts, artists, and art lovers.

In January of 2020, Kay was ready to set Arts on Main off on its most recent metamorphosis by selling the organization the building. Over the next year, under the artful eye of dedicated Board Members, volunteers and staff, and the architectural expertise of its Founder, the gallery space would grow to encompass a multi-gallery, educational space and shop.  

Arts on Main has come a long way since Kay first opened the doors in January 2011. This month Arts on Main continued to celebrate its metamorphosis by featuring the work of many of the artists who have displayed here over the past ten years. The 10th Anniversary Exhibition opened in the new Main Street exhibition space on January 8th featuring work by twenty-six artists and, of course, our Founder. 

We want to thank the many volunteers and Board Members, past and present, who have contributed so much to make Arts on Main the organization that it is today. We also want to thank the Gloucester community for your constant support over the past 10 years. You’re the reason why the arts live here!