Collection

The Permanent Collection

Our permanent collection includes more than 5,350 works, capturing over a century of artistic vitality in Provincetown and on the Outer Cape.

This database offers a window into that rich legacy and our ongoing efforts to showcase contemporary artists working here. More than 2,700 pieces in our collection lack digital images. Our efforts to digitize the rest of our collection are ongoing; to contribute to this critical project to digitize the PAAM collection, please contact James Robertson, Chief Development Officer, by email at jrobertson@paam.org or visit: paam.org/donate/

COLLECTION IN THE COMMUNITY

PAAM regularly loans work from its permanent collection to community organizations and businesses, expanding public access to and appreciation of these important works of art. Works from the collection can currently be seen at Seamen’s Bank (Provincetown, Truro, and Wellfleet locations), Seashore Point in Provincetown, La Tanzi, Spaulding & Landreth LLP offices in Provincetown and Orleans, and David Marshall Datz, PC office in Provincetown and Orleans. To discuss arranging an artwork loan for your business or organization, please contact PAAM Registrar Madeleine Larson (mlarson@paam.org).

Provincetown Dunes, Portrait of Ada Gilmore

Art

Woman wearing dress lying down in dune landscape

Description

Chaffee initially arrived in Provincetown in 1904 to join Charles Hawthorne’s Cape Cod School of Art. He bought a house and lived there year around, formed connections with dozens of artists and helped form the Provincetown Art Association in 1914. Many modern artists in the Provincetown art colony regarded him as a mentor. His work has been attributed to various artistic influences, especially Paul Cezanne and Henri Matisse.

Artist Information

Oliver Newberry Chaffee, Jr.

Entry/Object ID

3282.264.Pa25

Artwork Details

Date made: circa 1920

Medium: Watercolor on paper

Dimensions (h x w): 9-1/2 in x 12 in

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type: Signature

Location: LR

Acquisition

Accession: 3282

Credit Line: Gift of the Helen and Napi Van Dereck Estate, 2025