From our hands

Janette Vanderhoop, a Wampanoag Indian, makes jewelry inspired by Native American designs. She sold her pieces at the annual Artisans Festival on Dec. 2 and 3. Photo by Jeremy W. Smith

By Anna Marie D'Addarie - December 14, 2006

Island artists and craftspeople sell their unique items in many locations year-round. One of their favorite events is the annual Artisans Festival held at the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School. This year the festival was held on the first weekend in December, a busy weekend for holiday bazaars. Proceeds from the Artisans Festival go toward a scholarship awarded to a regional high school student.

Another place to buy Island crafts is the Martha's Vineyard Craft Cooperative, just off Union Street in Vineyard Haven. But you better hurry because sadly the cooperative is closing at the end of December. In a true cooperative, the members take turns working in the shop, but that is part of the problem. The artisans are so busy that it has become impossible to staff the store. Allen Hansen of Vineyard Haven said, "It is sad after 18 years. I've been with them since the beginning."

Sherrill Hope works the counter at the Martha's Vineyard Craft Cooperative in Vineyard Haven.

The charming little shop is filled with such a variety of items that it is hard to give an overview, which is just as well: you should go and see for yourself. Many items are discounted due to the closing.

Give a gift that really says Martha's Vineyard.

For more information on the scholarship fund, call Andrea Rogers at 508-693-8989.
For more information on the Martha's Vineyard Craft Cooperative, call 508-693-2314.