A Brief History

The Artisans' Guild of Cape Cod was formed in 1962 by a small group of creative artistic people who called themselves the Chatham Women's Club and held their first show during Chatham's 250th Anniversary.

Several years later the group relocated to Orleans, where the majority of members lived. The group adopted a new set of standards and requirements and became the Artist's and Craftsmen's Guild of the Outer Cape. As the artist community grew, the Guild began to attract artists from other areas of the Cape and later became The Artisans' Guild of Cape Cod, the name today that reflects its growth within the community. The Guild has a juried membership of approximately 100 artists and craftspeople drawing from the entire Cape. Members must maintain a residence on the Cape and promote its standards and guidelines.

The membership produces several shows annually, indoor and outdoor. In keeping with the idea that its members come from all areas of the Cape and to serve our expanding customer base we look forward in expanding our show schedule throughout the Cape as we move forward.