Monthly Exhibits

The Front and Gateway galleries at Arts on Main are home to our monthly exhibits and feature new art, artists, and themes every 30 days. On the first Friday of each month, we host an opening reception to celebrate the new exhibit. These First Fridays have become a popular event and attract over a hundred people during the course of the evening.

We are grateful to the many generous First Friday sponsors who ensure that both the exhibits and First Friday receptions are free and open to the public. To learn more about upcoming exhibits and how to sponsor a monthly exhibit or live music at First Friday, click on the links below. Hurry, though! Sponsorships sell out quickly!

Come join us for our next First Friday and see the new art, enjoy live music, and partake of our cash bar and food!

Become a First Friday Monthly Exhibit Sponsor
Become a First Friday Monthly Music Sponsor

Upcoming Exhibits

  • MARCH 2024: "CELEBRATING WOMEN ARTISTS"

    This March, join Arts on Main in "Celebrating Women Artists!" The show features Carolyn Dudley, Janet Griffin, Hanah Hailey, Caroline Garrett Hardy, kathy klein, Judy Mays, Bobbie Niccolucci, Rose Nygaard, Kathryn Swanson, and Mary Jane Zander.

    Through fiber, monotype, painting, paper, and resin, our 10 local artists showcase their talents and love of the arts. Their work ranges from whimsical and interpretive to complex and sublime. We are excited to feature these new-to-us artists and returning favorites and look forward to sharing it with you!

    The opening of the exhibition will take place at Arts on Main on Friday, March 1 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. This event is FREE and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served, and beer + wine will be available for purchase.

    Thank you to our Monthly Exhibit Sponsors, Kathy and Rick Klein, and our Monthly Music Sponsor, Yolanda’s!

  • APRIL 2024: "WATER" FEATURING CAROLYN DUDLEY

    During April 2024, Arts on Main will be exhibiting works by award-winning Gloucester artist, Carolyn Thompson Dudley. This show highlights her impressionistic oil paintings featuring water. In these paintings, Dudley combines vibrant colors, fluid movement, and nature-inspired themes to create beautiful and striking works. Come see why her paintings have inspired and delighted viewers worldwide!

    The opening of the show will take place at Arts on Main on Friday, April 5th from 6-8pm. This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served, and beer + wine will be available for purchase.

    Thank you to our Monthly Exhibit Sponsors, Vera and Cris Green, and our Monthly Music Sponsor, Mike Ivey and Walt Evaniak!

  • MAY 2024: "The impossible takes a little longer"

    During the month of May, Arts on Main will be exhibiting works by Bruce Fransen and Ed Gorham, artists and friends with complementary styles. In this show, they strive for the impossible by weaving their work into worlds of aquatic fantasy. Come enjoy Ed’s vibrant and fanciful paintings, and marvel at Bruce’s intricate and stunning wood sculptures.

    The opening of the show will take place at Arts on Main on Friday, May 3, from 6-8pm. This event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served, and beer + wine will be available for purchase. Live music will be provided by Rob Oliver. The show will be on display at Arts on Main until Saturday, June 1st.

    Thank you to our Monthly Exhibit Sponsor, Catamount Tactical!

2023 -2024 Exhibits

January 2024

"Climate Catastrophes." Solo show featuring Kathy Klein

Exhibit Sponsored by
Barbara and Hugh Bryan

Music Sponsored by
Yolanda’s on Main

February 2024

Celebrating Black Artists!

Exhibit Sponsored by
Ronald & Katrina Brown

Music Sponsored by
Ronald & Katrina Brown

March 2024

Celebrating Women Artists!

Exhibit Sponsored by
Kathy and Rick Klein

Music Sponsored by
Yolanda’s on Main

April 2024

Solo Show Featuring Carolyn Dudley

Exhibit Sponsored by
Vera & Cris Green

Music Sponsored by
Mike Ivey and Walt Evaniak

May 2024

Ed Gorham and Bruce Fransen

Exhibit Sponsored by
Catamount Tactical

Music Sponsored by
Yolanda’s on Main

August 2024

“Dog Days of Summer”

Exhibit Sponsored by
Mary Jane Zander

Music Sponsored by
Martha Matthews

November 2024

TBD

Exhibit Sponsored by
Rick and Gail Griffin

Music Sponsored by
Yolanda’s on Main

June 2024

Local Color

Exhibit Sponsored by
Cook Foundation

Music Sponsored by Cook Foundation

September 2024

“CRIT” Group

Exhibit Sponsored by
Edward Jones & The Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Music Sponsored by
Yolanda’s on Main

December 2024

Small Works and Holiday Marketplace

Exhibit Sponsored by
Tish and Will Grant

Music Sponsored by
Mary Ellen Stumpf

July 2024

The Art of Architecture

Exhibit Sponsored by
Theresa and Troy Stavens

Music Sponsored by
Shari - in Honor of the Founder

October 2024

Annual Juried Show

Exhibit Sponsored by H. Stone Digital

Music Sponsored by
Barbara and Hugh Bryan