Martha’s Vineyard: An Art Lover’s Paradise Peter Simon rom fine art galleries to various local artisan shops and markets, Martha’s Vineyard is home to hundreds of artists creating all sorts of interesting and eclectic work. An art lover doesn’t have to go far to find world class art, unique finds and friendly artists willing to share the story of their craft. Here are our picks for making the most of our artistic community: Visit the Vineyard Artisans Festival Representing over 120 artists, the Artisans Festival provides the perfect one stop shopping experience to explore creative and inspiring work. From jewelry, to pottery, paintings to metalsmithing, mixed media and photography, the Artisans Festival has it all. The Artisans Festival is held at the Grange Hall in West Tisbury on holiday weekends, and takes places regularly on Sundays and Thursdays throughout the summer. Experience Featherstone Center for The Arts A community arts center that keeps the pulse of the Island’s art scene beating all year long. Featherstone offers ongoing education and enrichment programs, shows and receptions, classes and workshops in pottery, photography, drawing, ceramics, music and more. On Tuesdays in the summer visit Featherstone’s Flea, a flea and fine arts open air market. F Browse dozens of local art galleries You could spend a full week trying to visit all of Martha’s Vineyard’s diverse and exquisite art collections, and it would be a good use of your time. In the summer months many play host to artist receptions, talks and ongoing exhibits and programs. For the most bang for your buck head to the Oak Bluffs Arts District, a short and colorful stretch of businesses and homes along Dukes County Avenue including the renowned fine art photography of Alison Shaw, the Periwinkle Gallery featuring the work of longtime Island painter Judith Drew Schubert, and the Martha’s Vineyard Center for the Visual Arts, a gallery that presents work by 12 local artists who have received grants from the organization. Equally as art friendly is downtown Vineyard Haven’s Main Street, packed with galleries including the Louisa Gould Gallery, the The Vineyard Arts Gallery and the Night Heron Gallery, an artist owned and operated cooperative gallery. Up-Island West Tisbury is home to the famous Granary Gallery at the red barn, and nearby the Field Gallery, which offers a whimsical, photo worthy outdoor sculpture garden. Return and Fall for the Arts Each fall, Martha’s Vineyard dedicates the entire season to a celebration of the arts. Visitors can enjoy the best kept secret of the brilliance of autumn on the Island, while enjoying festivals of all kinds, from street fairs, to music, food and wine to film and chocolate. Galleries and studios host signature events unique to the Island nearly every weekend. 2022 -23 Travel Guide 87 ARTS & CULTURE
90 Publizr Home