Artist: Julie Dykens

 Julie Eldredge-Dykens is a local artist and the owner of the Local Color Gallery in West Chatham. A lifelong resident, she grew up on Stillwater Pond enjoying all that nature inspired as future artistic subject matter. 

Julie attended Smith College majoring in studio art. During the summer she crewed on commercial fishing vessels departing from Chatham harbor. Her art is influenced by her experiences on the Atlantic fishing for sea scallops, giant Atlantic Bluefin tuna, cod and other species. Julie also worked inshore waters clamming, sea clamming and scratching quohogs. She worked with her future husband running a seafood wholesaling business selling scallops, sea clams and mussels throughout New England.

Julie works out of the Creative Art Center on Crowell Road where her art has centered on clay ‘slab work’. She fashions ceramic fish of all species and tiles depicting beach scenes, favorite foods, shared family moments, birds, and the natural world in all its beauty.

Julie has participated for several years in the Chatham Merchants Association’s Whales and Sharks in the Park events. Her paintings have depicted some of the natural and historic surroundings that make the Town of Chatham so incredibly unique.

Julie lives in West Chatham and is married to Jeffrey Dykens. They have three children and one wonderful grand child all of whom reside in NYC!