The Conanicut Island Art Association

was founded and financed in its first year by the Jamestown Business Association and the Jamestown Town Council who felt that an art show might bring more business to Jamestown. They teamed up with Jamestown artists who were looking for a way to exhibit their work in Jamestown. Within a year, the Conanicut Island Art Association was off and running.

The principles of displaying the work of Jamestown artists and promoting art in the Jamestown community continue today. Membership is comprised of year-round or part-time residents of Jamestown.

The popular Art and Craft Shows that are held in the summer at the Jamestown Community Center as well as the Holiday Fair held in December at the  Melrose Avenue school in Jamestown are the three major events sponsored by the C.I.A.A. Members also display their work at the Jamestown Philomenian Library and the Jamestown Family Practice, throughout the year.

The Conanicut Island Art Association also awards scholarships based on artistic merit to Jamestown students in grades K - 8 for classes at the Newport Art Museum. Since 2000 we have been awarding two scholarships to High School Seniors who live in Jamestown based on portfolios and essay merits.

As a grass roots, “home-grown” art organization, the CIAA continues to be a vital and exciting part of the artistic and local community.