Chicken Alley art
Since the day after last year's art show, the Thrift Shop has been preparing for its next one. This Sunday, August 16, volunteers will spend the morning packing, moving, and pricing items for the annual Chicken Alley Art and Collectable Sale. From 1 to 5 pm, art enthusiasts of all ages will flood into the tent outside of the Thrift Shop, at 38 Lagoon Pond Road in Vineyard Haven. The show features a stunning array of art, collectibles, and antiques, including paintings, sculptures, pottery, jewelry, ashtrays, dollhouses, children's toys, and other odd and interesting merchandise. In past years, local and nationally recognized artists such as Washington Ledesma, Richard Lee, and Virginia Berresford have generously donated their work.
A crowd of enthusiastic shoppers filled the tent outside of the Thrift Shop during the 2007 Chicken Alley Art and Collectable Sale. Photos by Mary Baker "We collect and receive items throughout the year, and keep them in storage until the next art show comes up again," says Sandy Pratt, manager of the Thrift Shop on Chicken Alley. "We look for unusual and quirky items, and we've had items specifically donated for the art show, like flea market-type items."
All the proceeds raised during the show go to Martha's Vineyard Community Services (MVCS), the social-service agency that supports Islanders with programs that include CONNECT to End Violence, the Early Childhood Programs, Disability Services, and Daybreak Clubhouse, all of which require public support to continue operation.
Andy Harrison at the sale in 2007."This year we have two original Emilio Pucci dresses from the 1960s," Ms. Pratt says. "For the first hour or two the tent is jammed, and everyone can barely move. People wait and plan all year for this event: it's created a life of its own."
There are nearly 2,000 items in the show each year. "We have an army of volunteers who work hard year-long, choosing, pricing, and preparing the donations," Ms. Pratt says. "The preparations require a lot of creativity about finding space and utilizing unique display techniques. It's an event for all ages, and attracts many people."
