The Hydrangea House of Dennisport: Not just a Gift Shop

When Marsha Ross opened the doors to the Hydrangea House of Dennisport, on Depot Street, she began the first phase of her plan to create an art colony that welcomes women who share her dream. A native New Englander, Marsha believes Cape Cod is the perfect location to develop her vision, which is reminiscent of the artist colonies the 1930’s and 40’s.

The 1861 Greek Revival home, painted in lavender hues and surrounded by hundreds of Cape Cod hydrangeas in shades of blue periwinkle and pink, is just one of several buildings that will become the colony. The once neglected property was brought back to life in 2006 through the industrious efforts of Marsha, a retired Optometrist and now local artist.

Marsha’s working studio is located behind the main house. In addition to creating her jewelry, she also restores damaged figurines, stained glass windows and works with ceramics. The studio is equipped with all the tools the artist could need, from paints to kilns, and is adorned with several stained glass windows that Marsha has acquired during her travels around the world.

Three cottages sit in the rear of the property, and two apartments are attached to the main house. Marsha foresees these cottages occupied by artists who will create and sell on the property. For now, the living room of the main house has been converted into a gallery. Presently, six local women artist/artisans use this space to show and sell the beautiful things they have created.

The premise behind the Hydrangea House of Dennisport is to give local women a place to show and sell their creations in exchange for a day's work in the shop. There is no commission taken out of the sales; each woman is given the opportunity to be an "independent contractor" and run her own business under the roof of the Hydrangea House.

It has proven to be a wonderful opportunity for these women. Since most galleries take such a large percentage of the sales, there is usually little profit left for the artist. At the Hydrangea House of Dennisport, each artist runs her own business under her own title and nothing is taken out. Advertising is a group decision, where costs are shared among all the artists.

The current group of artists hale from Orleans, Harwich, Dennisport, and Mashpee. Christina Card creates jewelry along with Marsha Ross, who not only makes her own jewelry but also carries vintage pieces reworked to 'live' again. Linda Erba makes the very popular wired-wrapped glassware.

The walls are hung with wonderful paintings by Valeri Leri and Annie Snow. Michelle Preston creates unique fabric wrapped lampshades on vintage lamps, as well as a line of very beautiful baby clothing reworked from wool sweaters. Various antiques can be also found around the shop.

If you are tired of "Made in China" and wish to see the workings of "Made on Cape Cod", stop by the Hydrangea House of Dennisport!

Or visit Dennis Chamber of Commerce

Our Door is Open

If you are interested in joining
the team of artists at the
Hydranga House of Dennisport
Contact Annie Snow:
508-365-9175