The Falmouth ArtMarket, which was established in 2007, was the brainchild of Marty Tulloch. Marty, a retired school teacher, headed the Falmouth Cultural Council for many years. Having always had a passion for supporting local artists and musicians, his goal in creating the Falmouth ArtMarket was to give local artists an affordable venue for selling and promoting their work to both residents and visitors. He also promoted area musicians by hiring them to play during the ArtMarket, which, in turn, helped to promote the ArtMarket.
Marty was active in a wide range of arts and cultural groups. He sang with the New Bedford Shanty Chorus and the Greater Falmouth Mostly All-Male Men’s Chorus (later the Falmouth Community Chorus). He was active with the Falmouth Cultural Council, Woods Hole Folk Music Society, Schooner Ernestina, the Cape and Islands Orchid Society, and Neighborhood Falmouth. He died in 2014.
The Falmouth ArtMarket was initially located at Falmouth Town Hall Square, then moved to Gus Canty Community Center. It now takes place at Falmouth Marine Park, 180 Scranton Avenue, on Falmouth Harbor. In 2024, it will be held every Tuesday from June 25 to August 27, from 11 AM to 5 PM, with musical entertainment in the afternoon, a Book Booth, and more.
Vendor fees have been kept low to encourage participation in the market. Fees support the ArtMarket and its musicians, as well as the work of the Falmouth Cultural Council, which provides grants to individuals and organizations for projects supporting the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences. Grants are funded with monies provided by the Town of Falmouth, the Mass Cultural Council, and the Falmouth ArtMarket, as well as donations from the public.