J.P. Boudreau of Folly Cove Fine Art in Rockport has always known the allure of the Cape Ann School of painters for collectors around the country.
But he did not expect to be contacted by the brother of a collector in the Albany, New York area who has a 350 Cape Ann School artworks. The Cape Ann School refers to past masters of this historic style of plein air painting who were drawn to Cape Ann.
The collection of David J. Nyhan included the leading artists of the day almost a century ago, such as Frederick Mulhaupt, Emile Gruppe, Lester Stevens, and Harry Vincent among many others.
In fact, Boudreau recently drove to Minnesota to deliver a large painting by Gruppe purchased by another collector of the Cape Ann School.
The gallery, which he runs with Jill Guthrie, specializes in the Cape Ann School, but offers a mix of other celebrated schools such as the Hudson River School and the New York Ten, as well as living artists.
When asked about the continued popularity of the Cape Ann School, Boudreau noted that these artists’ works capture the beauty of Cape Ann, which continues to draw artists to these shores even today.
Perhaps that is why Cape Ann is home to three thriving historic art organizations: the Rockport Art Association & Museum, North Shore Arts Association, and the Rocky Neck Art Colony in Gloucester.
“What attracted these artists to this area is the same reason that continues to attract artists today — the scenic nature of Cape Ann,” said Boudreau, who serves on the Board of Governors of the Rockport Art Association.
The Rockport Art Association’s current show, the American Impressionist Society’s 25th annual National Juried Exhibition, has 16 artist members of the Folly Cove Gallery represented among the 206 artworks in the show, which runs through Oct. 26.
Raised in Hamilton and Cape Ann, Boudreau has worked many jobs on the waterfront, from commercial fishing to sailing on schooners — often the subjects of these painters.
His fascination with historic things began when he was a child, always in search of items of interest, and he began collecting paintings. Now he has a headquarters at the gallery at 41 Main St. in downtown Rockport.
He grew up surrounded by art from Cape Ann, whether in his home or in the countless homes of Cape Ann that have historic artworks hanging on their walls.
“This area is — and long has been — a mecca of art for both historic and living artists alike,” he said.
His work and interest with artists of the Cape Ann School continues to grow. Boudreau is now handling the estates of two renowned artists, Paul Strisik (1918-1998) and Don Stone (1929-2015), both of whom achieved the status of National Academician, as well as Robert Gruppe, a Rocky Neck artist and third-generation artist.
Gail McCarthy may be contacted at 978-675-2706, or gmccarthy@northofboston.com.