Minding Your Business- Guild of Harwich Artists

The Guild of Harwich Artists was established in 1979 and has been an artists’ wonderland in the Harwich and Lower Cape community ever since. The Guild is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that encourages artists and those interested in art through education, fellowship and exhibitions and engages in charitable works that benefit Harwich residents. Membership is open to all residents and taxpayers in Barnstable County. 

With close to 100 members and with another very busy summer and fall season behind them, the Guild is rounding out the year with its holiday festivities and is looking forward to an exciting 47th year ahead.

Cindy Manteiga is the current president of the Guild and says the organization is thriving. 

“Now that we are open to everyone on the Cape, people are finding out about us and coming to our demonstrations, which are very popular,” she said. “We will have artist demonstrations at our general meetings each month and it lasts about an hour to an hour and a half. They will usually paint a picture and give us some pointers. We’ve been getting a lot of people from outside the Guild, which is great.”

The Guild is an active place for artists of all types. They participate in the Cranberry Arts and Crafts Fair every year in September, and the Guild also puts on a weekly open painting event all year long on Thursday afternoons at the Harwich Community Center. The very popular summer attraction called Art in the Park is located in Harwich Port in Doane Park and is a staple of the summer art scene. Art in the Park brings artists together each week on Mondays with fine art and juried crafts for sale. 

The Guild of Harwich Artists is currently in the middle of its annual holiday miniature ornament sale which raises funds for local children’s charities. Over 200 hand-painted miniature oil canvases and framed watercolor paintings by Guild members are crafted and sold for $20 each. I was lucky enough to tour the Guild recently, and the ornaments are absolutely to die for. There are so many adorable options from amazingly talented artists, and all for a great cause! Proceeds of this year’s ornaments sale will be split between The Children’s Center, a part of the Harwich Ecumenical Council for the Homeless, and the Harwich Children’s Fund.

The Guild’s past president and chair of publicity, Michael Rudden, reflects fondly on the rich cultural importance of the organization. 

“We will be celebrating our 50th anniversary soon, in 2029,” he said. “For a nonprofit to be around for 50 years is quite an achievement. What we’ve learned is the people come to us for the art, but it’s the community that binds us together. And our new president Cindy is doing a wonderful job!”

Up next for The Guild of Harwich Artists is Art Week at the 204 Cultural Arts Municipal Building this spring and a very special art show at the Chatham Bars Inn in March. This event was popular and welcomed over 200 people last year. Be on the lookout on the Guild’s website for more dates and details on both soon.

“We feel like we are doing our part to grow the arts and cultural community here. That is our mission: to promote art and community,” Rudden said.

The Guild of Harwich Artists

551 Route 28, Harwich Port

508-432-1012

guildofharwichartists.org