the Art Drive 2026

The signature Art Drive Open Studio Tour will take place August 7–9, inviting visitors to explore local artists’ studios, meet the creators, and experience a wide range of artistic mediums throughout the region.

In addition, this year introduces an exciting Auction Exhibition, held at Anchor Rock Vineyards (205 Bakerville Rd, Dartmouth, MA) from July 25 through August 1. 

An Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, July 25, from 5:00–7:00 PM, welcoming the public to view the exhibition, meet participating artists, and enjoy the vibrant vineyard setting. Anchor Rock Vineyards will be open to the public that evening, offering beverages for purchase along with a food truck, while The Art Drive will host a small refreshment stand.

This exhibition will function as an auction. Bidding will remain open throughout the exhibition period, with the auction concluding at 6:00 PM on August 1, the final day of the show.
The event also supports an important environmental cause, 50% of auction proceeds will benefit the Buzzards Bay Coalition, with participating artists given the option to donate 100% of their sales.

The Art Drive continues to celebrate the region’s thriving arts community, offering residents and visitors a unique opportunity to experience art where it is made and to connect directly with the artists behind it.
We extend our thanks and appreciation to all our sponsors and supporters which include studioDSK and Servedwell Hospitality. You can view the full list online and in our brochures.

This program is supported by grants from the Dartmouth and Westport Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency and the Hellen Ellis Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Co-Trustee.  

The Art drive, a juried studio tour, showcases creative and professional works by participating artists. Some of the area’s premier painters, ceramic artists, photographers, jewelers, fiber artists, woodworkers, and metal artists participate in this annual event. The Art Drive is intended to be a unique opportunity to visit working artists in their unusual and dramatic studio settings, spotted among the area’s villages, lovely farm land and sea coast.

Mission
The mission of the Art drive is to organize an open studio tour and promote artists in Southeastern Massachusetts, providing the public with unique opportunities to meet artists and explore a wide variety of art forms. The Art drive supports artists in the Dartmouth/Westport communities and cultivates public awareness of the area as a center for art by offering intellectually stimulating and professional quality artworks.

By providing the opportunity for artists to exhibit and sell original works of art to the public, the arts community has developed a sense of shared support. With an online directory and artist profiles, professionally designed and printed brochures with tour map, and targeted promotional materials, the Art drive provides a one-of-a-kind experience for its artists and anyone who participates in the weekend tour.

How does the Art drive happen?
Each year the Art drive is organized by all of its participating members, with a core group of artists who volunteer to be on the Art drive committee. All artists pay an annual fee to be included on the tour. The Art drive is an unincorporated nonprofit organization, and it receives generous support from the Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust and both the Dartmouth and Westport Cultural Councils, local chapters of the Massachusetts Cultural Council. In addition to grant support, the Art drive is sustained by contributions from local businesses and individuals.