Home   |   Gallery   |   Framing   |   Art Supplies    |   Events    |   Contact Us

About Woodruff's Art Center Woodruff's Art Center in the Mashpee Commons is, first and foremost, a breath of fresh air in Cape Cod's artistic world, not only helping local artists take their art to the next level but presenting its own local art to a society longing for individuality. America is beginning to grow into a conglomeration of big business mega-stores. The individual, creative, and self-expressive nature of small mom-and-pop markets and family-owned shops of yesteryear are relegated to history books and our memories. These have been replaced by shelf upon shelf of monotony and the promise of convenience at the cost of low, low prices. But some are beginning to notice that what they really cost are originality, our diverse voices, and our need for meaningful human interaction. The products in local stores were once products from our local communities, sold by people from our local communities, who understood the customers walking into their stores and saw them not as a number but as a neighbor. A Store as a Work of Art How refreshing, then, to enter through the door of Woodruff's Art Center. Located among a series of boutiques, shops, and cafes, many of which are locally owned and operated, Woodruff's fits right in. Amy Rice, co-founder and current owner, desires to excite the public and herself as an artist by providing, in one store, high-quality art supplies, a framing service that excels in applying precision and aesthetics to its finished product, and a gallery displaying the work of Cape Cod artists. As these services blend within its walls, Woodruff's itself becomes comparable to a work of art, bringing together these elements into one cohesive picture that is able to express the heart of the local art scene: providing for its needs, its formation, and its eventual display. High-Quality Art Supplies for the Whole Family Woodruff's art supplies are high-quality and varied to meet each artist's unique tastes. And they aren't provided just for grownups. The shelves are filled with options for both parents and children, with kid supplies ranging from paints, to beginner kits, and craft supplies right alongside the products for fine arts — a selection for the whole family. And if visual art isn't necessarily for everyone, then the supplies can make thoughtful and creative gifts for the holidays. Most importantly, Woodruff's experienced and friendly staff works directly and thoroughly with customers to help them make the right product choice. Custom-Crafted Frames Bring Out the Best in Your Artwork The same care taken in providing the best supplies carries over into their framing service, the foundation of their business. It is a service that excels in excellence. While much of their competition sacrifices quality for cost, Woodruff's uses higher quality materials and is still able to keep prices competitive so customers get more for their money. There are no ready-made frames here, only custom-made finished pieces individually crafted to bring out the best in every piece of art. A Unique Vision of Cape Cod by Local Artisits Once customers have bought supplies, created their artistic work, and framed it at last, perhaps they might apply to display their finished piece in Woodruff's art gallery. There are many galleries on Cape Cod that often have an overwhelming amount of the commonplace: beach scenes, boats, and more beach scenes, usually done in a conservative, realistic style by artists who may or may not even be from the area. But at Woodruff's, resident artists Amy Rice and Cecilia Capitanio make this gallery unique. By no means cookie-cutter and, at the same time, lovers of Cape Cod's inspiring scenery, both Amy and Cecilia give their art an impressionistic flare. They also share the floor with a variety of local artists from all walks of life and schools of art, whose greatest similarity is this: their love for creativity and their ability to express it with skill, distinction, and passion. Their work, as well as the work of Amy Rice and Cecilia Capitanio, can be seen year round, and art shows are often kicked-off at the store's gallery, providing a series of communal events for the town of Mashpee. The Fellowship of Artists Perhaps the glue that binds all of this together is the most important service offered at Woodruff's Art Center: the fellowship of artists that happens there. The store is a continual dialog on art, a place for artists to meet and discuss ideas. Adding to this rapport is the staff, friendly and knowledgeable, providing one-on-one consultation for artists and artists-to-be that can't be found in big chains where a more hands-off approach exists. This personal touch to the work done at Woodruff's Art Center is what brings that fresh air to the artist looking for some real assistance from down-to-earth people. It renews our belief that maybe there is still a business that can successfully serve and reflect our community. One needs only to walk through the door at Woodruff's to find it. — Written by F. G. Capitanio (www.fgcapitanio.com)