Mermaid Festival

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The Cahoon Museum of American Art will hold its Mermaid Festival on Saturday, August 15, from 1 to 3 PM.

The family-friendly event will include the chance to meet a mermaid, create mermaid-inspired crafts, explore the museum with a mermaid scavenger hunt, decorate cookies and take home a mermaid coloring book featuring illustrations by Cape Cod folk artists Ralph and Martha Cahoon.

Mermaid tails, crowns and sea-inspired costumes are encouraged.

Admission is $17 per adult, $5 per child, Free for Cahoon Museum members.

Reserve space via Cahoonmuseum.org.

The Cahoon Museum is located at 4676 & 4698 Falmouth Road (Route 28) in Cotuit, Massachusetts 02635 info@cahoonmuseum.org | 508-428-7581 Open Tuesday-Sunday 10-4

Nantucket Baskets

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 A Special Afternoon with Dr. Alan Granby The Cahoon Museum of American Art invites you special afternoon hosted by Cahoon Trustees Janice Richards and Grant Pattison on Thursday, August 27th, from 3:00-4:00 pm with Dr. Alan Granby, one of the nation’s foremost authorities on maritime antiques, for a fascinating exploration of the history, artistry, and enduring appeal of the Nantucket Basket as part of the Stave & Cane: Nantucket Baskets exhibition. 

Drawing on decades of scholarship, collecting, and firsthand experience, Dr. Granby will share the remarkable story of Nantucket baskets, from their origins aboard the island’s lightships to their evolution into some of America’s most celebrated examples of functional art. 
He will be available to answer questions after the talk, followed by a wine-and-cheese reception.

Register HERE
Dr. Alan Granby is co-founder of Hyland Granby Antiques in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, an internationally respected firm specializing in museum-quality eighteenth and nineteenth-century marine antiques, maritime folk art, scrimshaw, ship portraits, and historically significant Nantucket baskets. 
He earned his bachelor’s degree from Clark University and both his M.A. and Ph.D. from Boston University. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Granby has authored numerous publications on maritime art and antiques, lectured extensively, and has been widely recognized for his expertise in preserving and interpreting America’s maritime heritage, including co-curating the museum’s Scrimshaw: The Whaler’s Art exhibition in 2022. Together with his wife and business partner, Dr. Janice Hyland, he has spent nearly five decades researching, collecting, and sharing exceptional works that illuminate the rich history of New England’s seafaring traditions. 

Harry Hilbert Nantucket Basket Purse, 1994 Collection of Janice and Alan Granby
Pictured above
From left to right:Paul Johnston, Weaver/Mark Sutherland Scrimshaw Purse with carved half-hull model top, 1982 Collection of Janice and Alan Granby
William and Judy Sayle Nantucket Basket Purse, 1978 Collection of Janice and Alan Granby

Cahoon Museum of American Art | 4676 Falmouth Road (Rte. 28) P.O. Box 1853 | Cotuit, MA 02635 US

The 2026 Great Brush Off Art Auctions

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Artist: Karen Shortsleeve, 2025. Oil. 24″ x 36″

Item #69 available in the 2026 Cahoon Museum’s Great Brushoff Silent Auction June 27 – July 12 9am. BID NOW

Karen Shortsleeve holds a Master’s degree in Visual Arts and has a rich background teaching high school Studio Art and AP Art History. Now focusing on her own studio practice, she is an Artist Member of the renowned Copley Society of Art in Boston. She also frequently collaborates with and exhibits through several regional art centers and local artists’ guilds.

Artist: Lynn Barry, 2026 Cherry and Rosewood 12.5 x 16 inches

Item #128 is only available in the Cahoon Museum’s Great Brushoff Live Auction 5-7:30pm Saturday July 11, 2026 SOLD OUT View HERE

Lynn Barry has spent over three decades teaching classic Nantucket basket making, encouraging the patience and precision essential to the craft. Students quickly learn her philosophy: baskets take the time they need. Her studio has produced everything from tiny minis to heirloom cradles. Mentored by the late Cynthia Lamb, Lynn is deeply grateful for the traditions she now carries forward. As a keeper of craft and memory, she finds her greatest fulfillment in the accomplishments of her students.

This Artist has generously donated 100% of the proceeds to the Cahoon Museum of American Art.

The artists, Cahoon Museum of American Art and community thank you for your continued support!

Nantucket Basket Class with Helaine Buckley

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SOLD OUT

Nantucket Basket Workshop with Helaine Buckley Friday, August 21, 10am-2pm AND Saturday, August 22, 10am-2pm at the Cahoon Museum of American Art

Cotuit: Discover the art of Nantucket basketry as you create your own 6½” round Nantucket Lightship lidded bowl. Perfect for beginners and experienced weavers alike, this hands-on workshop offers a rewarding, approachable project rooted in tradition.


Each participant will receive a beautifully crafted cherry wood base, a matching solid rim, and a fitted lid—complete with your choice of acrylic carved knob for a personalized finishing touch. Using traditional reed staves and natural cane, you’ll learn time-honored weaving techniques as your bowl takes shape.

With all materials and tools provided, all you need to bring is your enthusiasm. Leave with a handcrafted piece that reflects your creativity and the enduring elegance of Nantucket basketry.

SOLD OUT $475 per person/$450 per member

About the Cahoon Museum of American Art 

The Cahoon Museum of American Art is a unique Cape Cod destination. Located in the seaside village of Cotuit, MA, the Cahoon Museum has welcomed visitors of all ages to experience dynamic local and regional art exhibitions and enjoy fun, family-friendly activitie for over 40 years. The museum showcases a collection of American art from the 18th century to the present in one of their charming historic homes, with modern accessible galleries, artisan curated Gift Shop and enchanting gardens.

The Cahoon Museum located in the house built by Zenas Crocker c1775, is conveniently located at 4676 Falmouth Road, Rt 28 with ample parking in the rear. The elder Ebenezer Crocker’s c. 1739 Georgian Colonial, the Cahoon Garden Gallery and Gardens are located at the intersection of Rt 130 and are only accessible from the rear of 4676 Falmouth Rd.

Museum hours are Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am-4 pm. For more information, visit  Cahoonmuseum.org  or call (508) 428-7581