Happenings at Martha’s Vineyard art galleries

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Tuna Trip by Ben McCormick — Photo by Benjamin McCormick

Best Fest calls for artists

The third annual Best Fest has put out a call for artists to create and donate art in a benefit for the Island’s community access radio station, WVVY 93.7 FM. The event begins on Saturday, Sept. 8, at 3 pm at Veira Park in Oak Bluffs.

On the schedule for the day are musicians, artisans, food, games, and face painting, as well as creation of a community mural everyone will be invited to help make. The Extraordinary Rendition Band, a 20-piece brass marching ensemble, will lead the audience through the Oak Bluffs Arts District to the Dreamland Ballroom for the evening entertainment, starting at 8 pm. Eight more bands will perform there beginning at 9 pm, artist Steve Lohman’s seven-foot sculpture will go on view, and dancers from The Yard will perform.

Artists are encouraged to reserve space for a table in Veira Park or arrange to display their work at Dreamland. An auction of donated art will take place later in the month at a place to be determined. For information, contact Darcie.lee.h.c.@gmail.com.

Pit Stop plans closing reception for Gonyea

The Pit Stop Workshop in Oak Bluffs will hold a closing reception for From Pines to Vines, an art exhibit at the music venue by visiting artist Chris Gonyea on Saturday, Sept. 8, from 5 to 8 pm. The Hudson Valley-based Mr. Gonyea has exhibited a group of abstract renditions of pine trees and work made from ashes since August 11. For information, see thepitstopworkshop@gmail.com or gonyea.chris@gmail.com.

Underwater photography at Old Sculpin

Photographer Ben McCormick grew up summers on a 22-foot catboat with his parents and siblings. He bought his first camera at age 17 and took it to Africa. Now he combines his love of photography and fishing by shooting underwater images of fish and marine life.

Some of the challenges he deals with are water clarity, ambient light, and chance encounters with marine creatures. A show of his work, Underwater World, opens Saturday, Sept. 8, at Edgartown’s Old Sculpin Gallery and continues through September 14. An opening reception will take place on Sunday, Sept. 9, from 5 to 7 pm.

Continued to be featured at Old Sculpin is the work of painter Janis Langley, artist and illustrator Alison Convery, and painter Ed Schulman. For more information, call 508-627-4881, or go to oldsculpingallery.org.

Christina Gallery features antique maps

Edgartown’s Christina Gallery is spotlighting its extensive collection of antique maps and charts during the month of September. The collection includes maps that date to the 16th century and nautical charts going back to the 19th century. For information, call 508-627-8794, or go to christina.com.