Persephone feted to greet spring on Martha’s Vineyard

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Lynn Christoffers

Since time almost immemorial, the myth of Persephone has been honored at this time of year, at least in the northern hemisphere, by mortals eager to welcome spring.

In Oak Bluffs on Saturday, dozens of winter-weary Islanders gathered to create puppets, parade them up Circuit Avenue to the Shephard Fine ArtSpace where they would be serenaded by bells and drums, entertained by poetry and a marionette production of Persephone’s tale.

There was also a silent auction of artwork donated by local artists, along with the sale of jewelry, fabrics, wood carvings, and baskets from several countries in Africa.

Marsha Winsryg, ever-energetic and devoted to helping Africans help themselves, masterminded the event. Proceeds will go to the African Artists Community Development Project, which Ms. Winsryg started, and the Mama Bakhita Home for Disabled Children in Livingstone, Zambia.