Minding Your Business - The 204 Cultural Arts Municipal Building

Let’s be clear about one thing: At the 204, the office hours may be nine to five weekdays, but this cultural center is hopping almost all the time. 

“Artists make their own hours,” said the director of the department of cultural affairs, Kara Mewhinney. “They can invite people to their studio anytime.” She also schedules open houses, gallery nights and performances in the newly renovated auditorium. There are classes and workshops, too. With 36 studios and over 40 artists, artisans, craftsmen and more renting here, there is literally always something going on.

“Rents range from $150 to $550 a month. Stop in any time during the week for more information,” she said. 

The fiber arts exhibit “One Thread at a Time” opened in early March and continues through March 27. “The exhibit showcases rug hooking to quilting, and even costumes,” said Mewhinney. “There are demonstrations, too.” During the month of April, you can enjoy the 204 Thrift Flea Market, the second annual Community Health and Environmental Fair and a special workshop with “Maureen Hancock and John Holland, renowned psychic mediums and spiritual teachers. It’s an entertaining show of comedy and healing, laughter, joy and more,” said Mewhinney. “The show sells out every time.” 

If you missed the open house on March 1, you can save the date for the next one on May 3. “Open houses are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.,” she said. “It’s a great way to visit all the studios and see their work.” The 204 studios are home to many local artists that you may be familiar with and others you need to discover: Chatham Coastal Creations, Beach Cottage Living, Highpoint Vintage, Stichology, Cape Cod Makers plus artists Georgene Riedl, Natalie Stafford, Whitney Heavey, Deborah Fowler Greenwood, Heather Mackenzie, Nina Gagarin, Bernadette Waystack, Ellen Davies, Martha Little Fuentes, Anne Flash, Anne Morse, Nettie B. Berkeley, Patrica Thomas, Kim Gagne, Jodi French and more, along with quilter Adele Scott Designs, potter Alla Zbinovsky, Mary Jane Xenakis’s basketry, storyteller Tim Johnson and poet John Bonanni. Many hold workshops and open studio hours. There are dance classes, too.

Mewhinney says the Harwich Cultural Affairs Department is also responsible for the artist’s shanties at Saquatucket Harbor and last year’s Pirates in the Port event. “We are the entity behind the two state-designated Cultural Districts, Harwich Port and Harwich Center, through the Massachusetts Cultural Council,” she added. The auditorium, meeting rooms, the library, the gymnasium, the courtyard and even the front lawn can be rented by outside organizations. 

Stop in today, tomorrow or even next week! The 204 is open and thriving.