Meet the Artists: Exploring Gloucester’s Creative Community

May 30, 2025 / Art and Music

Cape Ann has long been a haven for artists drawn to its coastal light, maritime charm, and rich cultural history. From the galleries of Rocky Neck to studios nestled in downtown Gloucester, the region continues to inspire creativity and connect art lovers with working artists. Whether you’re visiting for a day or a local looking to dive deeper into the area’s creative community, here are a few standout artists and galleries to explore.

Melody Phaneuf

Melody Phaneuf is an award-winning artist known for her evocative still life, landscape, and portrait paintings. She trained at Boston’s Vesper George School of Art and studied under Robert Cormier at Fenway Studios.

For nearly 30 years, she maintained her studio and gallery in Boston before moving her studio and gallery to Gloucester. Her work has been exhibited internationally, including at the National Arts Club in New York and Galerie Herouet in Paris.

Phaneuf shares her passion through teaching and art coaching. “My paintings capture the joy I experience when light transforms an ordinary subject into something extraordinary.” Working primarily in oils, her art balances visual harmony and emotional depth.

Jane Deering Gallery

Established in 2002 on Cape Ann in Gloucester, Jane Deering Gallery (JDG) showcases contemporary art by established and emerging artists, with a strong focus on concept-based work.

The gallery expanded its exhibition program from its public space at 19 Pleasant Street to collaborations and exhibitions with the Cape Ann Museum.

JDG presents artists from Cape Ann, California, and international circles, including selections from Purdy Hicks Gallery in London. Works exhibited have been placed in major museums such as the Harvard Art Museums, DeCordova Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum, and prominent corporate and private collections. Reviews of JDG exhibitions have appeared in The Boston Globe, Art New England, Artscope, and other national and local publications.

Brenda Malloy, IMAGINE Gallery

Brenda Malloy, a self-taught artist, is celebrating 24 years at her IMAGINE Gallery in the heart of the Rocky Neck Art Colony. Known for her mixed media art and large-format “zen paintings,” collage, and monoprints, Brenda’s work is rich in color and often mixed with words and vintage photographs.

Her seaside-themed work can be found both outside, weather permitting, creating art and hanging paintings on easels, and inside her seaside shack. Visitors find it open spring through fall, 7 days a week.

In addition to creating new work, Brenda also organizes events like Rocky Neck’s 4th of July Horribles Parade. IMAGINE Gallery, located on Rocky Neck Avenue, is a must-visit for art lovers looking to discover this iconic creative community.