Arts & Culture

The interaction between Art and Community

Community Impact Over the Last 25 Years

In 2023, the Fine Arts Museum of Gloucester emerged as the latest addition to the cultural landscape supported by the Cook Foundation. Taking inspiration from the Foundation's ethos of preserving heritage and promoting education, this museum stands as a testament to its enduring commitment to art and culture.

By providing a platform for artists to showcase their work and fostering creative expression, the Fine Arts Museum of Gloucester continues the legacy established by the Cook Foundation.. Through its galleries, exhibitions, and educational programs, the museum invites the community to engage with diverse artistic perspectives and historical narratives.

Just as the Woodville School symbolizes education and heritage, and the Fairfield Foundation deepens understanding through archaeological research, the Fine Arts Museum of Gloucester serves as a beacon of creativity and inspiration. It reinforces the importance of art in preserving cultural identity and fostering a sense of community pride.

The Cook Foundation's partnership with the Riverside Walter Reed Hospital for the Shoreline Gallery began in 2022. It has featured plein air, botanical, and other works, including a self-portrait by Virginia artist Sukenya Best, and a special exhibition of works by Kacey Carneal. The Cook Foundation also partners with Riverside Walter Reed Hospital during the Gloucester Arts Festival, holding the Symphony Under the Stars concert each June on the Riverside lawn on Main Street – making this a true, year-round partnership in support of the arts in Gloucester.

As the Cook Foundation celebrates 25 years of dedication to bridging art and culture, the Fine Arts Museum of Gloucester exemplifies the enduring impact of preserving history, promoting education, and nurturing creativity within the community.