Documenting the Provincetown Art Community

A deep love of Provincetown can be felt in ArtSpirit, the new documentary that chronicles the history of the town's art community. No puff piece, the film serves as much as a warning as a tribute, showing how the changing real estate market makes it increasingly difficult for artists to live in the seaside town. It's a far cry from the halcyon days of the first half of the 20th century, when the fishing industry outstripped the tourist trade and the artists who flocked to Provincetown for its unique light and vistas could find affordable housing.

The film is the brainchild of Provincetown painter Shirl Roccapriore, who was struck by the tales of the good old days that she heard from older artists. Roccapriore wanted to preserve that history, though she was unsure how. When she met television editor and producer Deb Ondo, the sparks flew. Discovering that they had a mutual interest in making a documentary, Roccapriore soon pitched the idea of a project on the history of Provincetown. Ondo recalls that it wasn't a hard sell.

"Shirl and her partner invited me down for brunch, and I invited along my friend and coworker Lauren, who's the other coproducer on the film. We thought it was a fabulous idea. We all loved Provincetown and we consider ourselves artists too, though in different mediums."

The trio formed Triumbrant productions and got to work on the independently financed film. It was a big commitment for Ondo, who lives in New York. She had been pondering taking a "creative sabbatical" to work on her novel, but decided to use the time to focus on the documentary. "If I hadn't taken that time, we would probably still be working on it!" she laughs.

Nevertheless, it was a long process that spanned four years. Desiring to be as complete as possible, the trio interviewed every Provincetown artist who would speak to them. The sheer number of interviews was daunting, but it also sustained the team.

"Learning about this whole other side of Provincetown was amazing," says Ondo, who has nothing but admiration for the people who move to Provincetown to devote their lives to art. "Meeting all the artists hearing their stories has been one collective big bang."
From her experience in the TV industry, Ondo knew the team had to have an idea of the final shape of the film from the beginning. But they found that film took on a life of its own as the shooting progressed.

"We though initially that this would be about the artists," explains Ondo. "The artistic process and what it means to be an artist in Provincetown. But the town itself started to want some attention. Something important that came up in very interview was, 'But the town is changing,' and we couldn't ignore that. Meaning, what has happened and is happening to the town in terms of affordable housing."

Going beyond the history of artists in Provincetown, what finally emerged in the editing suite is as much a portrait of a town in transition as an examination of the artistic temperament. The film shows the financially shaky, sometimes hand-to-mouth lives that many must lead to stay in Provincetown, including Roccapiore's long wait to see if she qualifies for a below market-rate condo in a new development. Although the film raises concerns about the age-old conflicts between art and commerce, Ondo is cautiously optimistic about the future of Provincetown.

"It's gone through changes throughout its recorded history," she points out. "I think there's a real effort and will to keep it going as an artists' colony. Will it look different in 50 years? It may. But I think it will still have the essence of the art community, because of the commitment of the artists there. I guess if that commitment ever goes away, that's when it will change."

The Triumbrant filmmakers hope ArtSpirit will help fuel that commitment. "We really want people to witness the Provincetown story," says Ondo. "We feel it's a good story and it's most assuredly happening in other art communities around the country. So if it can inspire someone to follow their dream and spark their fire, or plants a seed for someone to try to make a difference, either in Provincetown or their own community to maintain a cultural heritage..."

Ondo has become so passionate on the subject that she's momentarily at a loss for words. She finishes with a simple statement that sums not just the film, but her vision of Provincetown.

"We hope it inspires people."

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ArtSpirit premieres at the Provincetown International Film Festival on Thurs., June 14 at 5 p.m. at the Art House, and also screens at 11:30 a.m. on Fri., June 15 at The Crown and Anchor. For more information on the Festival visit www.ptownfilmfest.org. For more info on ArtSpirit visit www.triumbrant.com.