Galleries : Art all around
For the 51st year, the Tabernacle in the Martha's Vineyard Campgrounds will once again be bedecked with the art of Island artists, a group of close to 100, newcomers, amateurs, and professionals who have contributed their work to the All-Island Art Show.
On Monday, August 3, from 10 am to 4 pm, people will be milling through the gathering of participating artists and art lovers who encircle the Tabernacle where the juried art is displayed.
With the spirit of inspiration and admiration that has always floated through the show, the Tabernacle provides the perfect setting, a natural meeting place for Islanders and visitors to view the many different types of Island artwork, as well as a chance to meet the artists who sit outside in chairs enjoying the bustling crowd and talking about their art.
"Every kind of person attends. Sometimes it's the tour boat crowds, people from up-Island, down-Island, who bring their friends and neighbors to come and see," said Jeanne Wells, who's headed the committee for 30 years. "You never know how many people there can be."
Started by the late Sydna White in 1958, the All-Island Art Show has from the first proved successful as an opportunity for artists to display their work, hear firsthand the reaction it provokes, and in the process, develop new aquaintances.
"The atmosphere is very busy and friendly. People talk to the artists, and the artists talk to them. It's not loud, but it's humming," said Ms. Wells.
Some of the judges include Nancy Blank, who teaches at Featherstone Center for the Arts, Melissa Breese, associate director at the Old Sculpin Gallery, and Don McKillop, owner of the Dragonfly Gallery.
"I think it's a wonderful annual event, and it's a great event for all artists and ages," said Mr. McKillop. "One of our artists at the gallery originally showed his work at the art show when he was 16, and then became a part of our group of artists. Since then he's been showing here for 10 years."
