How New Hope, Pennsylvania and Lambertville, New Jersey Emerged as Art Destinations

Title: How New Hope, Pennsylvania and Lambertville, New Jersey Emerged as Art Destinations Authors: Pritchard, Colleen Abstract: Many artists and area residents believe that the New Hope Impressionists moved into the area due to the beauty of the Delaware River Valley and a desire to live and create in such an environment. Since many artists prefer to work in groups the artists continued to attract other artists creating a domino effect. This paper examines the question of how New Hope, Pennsylvania, and Lambertville, New Jersey, emerged as an arts destination by studying the history of the arts and artists who lived and worked in the area. After several interviews with area artists and gallery owners, it was evident that the primary reasons were that the artists were poor and the real estate in the area was relatively cheap and in close proximity to New York City and Philadelphia. Also large spaces for studios were available because the area had once been industrial. As a result, the area gentrified because of the artists moving here and creating a desirable community. Ultimately, the authentic artists and true identity of New Hope and Lambertville have been lost due to gentrification.