Artists Association Announces Naming Of New Downtown Gallery

The Artists Association of Nantucket (AAN) announced on Monday that it has named its new downtown gallery the “Cecelia Joyce & Seward Johnson Gallery." in recognition of a lead gift to the non-profit from the Cecelia Joyce and Seward Johnson Foundation, the Atlantic Foundation, and the India Blake Johnson Foundation. The donation will go toward the purchase and renovation of the new gallery at 8 Federal Street.

“This is a milestone moment for the Artists Association," said Laurie Champion, AAN Board President. “The Johnson family’s belief in the power of art has turned vision into reality. Their support ensures that our mission will thrive for generations to come.”

AAN purchased 8 Federal Street (the former home of Lucille Jordan Real Estate) for $3.5 million in March of this year and has hosted rotating exhibitions since April.

“This property offers an opportunity to expand and remodel, so we plan to create a gallery with increased square footage, and a more sophisticated and modern space for our artists,” said Robert Frazier, AAN's Artistic Director. “The Johnson family’s lead gift will successfully launch our campaign to create the best gallery possible for our Artist Members and the Nantucket community.”

The naming of the new gallery honors the legacy of Cecelia Joyce and Seward Johnson, whose commitment to the arts has long enriched Nantucket’s cultural landscape, the non-profit stated in its announcement.

“As we celebrate 80 years of AAN, this exciting new chapter reflects our continued commitment to the island and its artists,” said Tracey Sears, AAN Executive Director. “We invite everyone to be part of this moment: to help build a permanent, inspiring home for Nantucket’s vibrant visual arts community.”

The newly named gallery "will serve as a cornerstone for AAN’s more than 300 Artist Members and the public for years to come," the non-profit stated.