Calendars of Martha's Vineyard
"I'll have to check my calendar..." Familiar words heard when scheduling life's appointments and plans.
While the world of calendars is drastically different since the development of the Internet, palm pilots, smart phones and similar devices, the home wall calendar remains a constant. It's a reminder of upcoming holidays, days the children have no school, doctor's appointments, birthdays, and other important events or appointments.
The wall calendar that hangs in the kitchen or by the phone usually appeals to one's values, hobbies, commitments, and sense of aesthetics. Martha's Vineyard 2010 calendars support our local artists, businesses, and nonprofits. Islanders produce a wide array of calendars containing pictures taken by local photographers. Calendars represent many interests, and a number of the calendars support local causes with their proceeds.
Seadogs 2010 Calendar by Lisa Vanderhoop ($16) is the only calendar sold at Craftworks, and the staff and owner of Craftworks, who are dog owners themselves, are fans. Ms. Vanderhoop's photographs of Island dogs include a great shot of six Wheaten Terrier pups on Lucy Vincent Beach. "I had to take approximately 580 pictures to get that photograph," she explains. The month of August is accompanied by a photo of a yellow Lab leaping in mid-air, as it jumps from a dock into the water.
Ms. Vanderhoop supports two causes with a portion of the proceeds produced by her calendar. Half the profits from calendars sold at Featherstone go to Featherstone. A portion of the proceeds from calendars sold elsewhere support the Animal Shelter of Martha's Vineyard. The calendar is available at bookstores, Rainy Day, Alley's, and SBS, among other shops.
The Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary Calendar 2010 ($12) is organized and put together by Penny Uhlendorf to raise funds in support of the sanctuary. The calendar cover is a picture of a barn owl, taken by Tim Johnson. January contains a beautiful picture of two hooded mergansers on Lagoon Pond in Oak Bluffs. Each month provides a fact about the bird or animal in the corresponding picture. The calendar is available at Alley's, Cronig's, Morning Glory Farm, and a number of other local businesses. On Sunday, Dec. 20, at 5 pm, Island residents are invited to meet and talk with the Calendar photographers at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary.
Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Society 2010 Calendar ($15) will have a familiar look to anyone who reads The Times. Wildlife photographer (retired college administrator) Julian K. Robinson's photos appear regularly in the Community section, usually accompanied with his original poems. But for his new calendar he features up close images of farm animals along with Ag Fair scenes. Positions of the moon are noted as well as days of special significance. Sold at Morning Glory Farm.
MV ZOO 2010 calendar ($14.95) is by Vineyard artist Kevin McGrath, who sold them at the Artisans Fair. According to Mr. McGrath's website, his calendar artwork is inspired by the way animals remind us of ourselves and each other. It's his third year producing this illustrated and humorous calendar. If you are a fan of the Far Side, odds are that you'll love this. Purchase it at mvzoo.com
Outstanding Gardens of the Vineyard ($15), by Jeanne V. Campbell offers a different flower every month, along with its profile. March is hyacinth; April is the bleeding heart; and October the Chinese lantern. It sells for $15, and a portion of the proceeds support Featherstone.
Edible Vineyard, A year of eating locally on Martha's Vineyard ($11.95) published by Edible Vineyard magazine includes Elizabeth Cecil's photos of food, local animals, fish and agricultural events. For example, February features the cows on Mermaid Farm. The calendar includes notes on special Island events and throughout the year, notes folklore about the moon with illustrations by Nina Carelli.
The Vineyard Calendar 2010 ($18.50), by Peter Simon always popular on the Island, contains Island scenes accompanied by a description of the photo and a quote by notable people, mostly Islanders. May features an artistic aerial view of the cut at Tisbury Great Pond near Quansoo, with an accompanying quote from Carly Simon: "An icecap on an octopus is May in the imagination of a madman."
The Savor the Moment 2010 calendar ($20) supports the programs of the Della Hardman Day at the Oak Bluffs Library. In addition to raising funds, it celebrates the life of Della Hardman, a former library trustee, activist, writer and artist who died in 2005. The 2010 calendar is the culmination of a contest among photographic submissions from community members. A committee made up of local artists Alison Shaw, Francine Kelly, and Don Alexander Goss acted as judges. They selected the photos appearing in the calendar. Photographs link with the months they accompany. December is represented by a picture of benches along Inkwell Beach, one of which has a lone wreath hanging from it. Another month contains a picture of Della with Barack Obama taken in 2004. Francine Kelly of Featherstone explained, "Every calendar states 'A Flower for Della' to celebrate her life." Calendars are available at the library, Featherstone, and at various businesses.
The Fish 'n' Chicks Calendar ($20), is a 16-month 1940's style pin-up calendar featuring fetching photos of scantily clad Island women, posing at harbors and docks and other Island locations. Twenty percent of the profits go to MV Shellfish Group, Inc. It is sold at The Green Room in Vineyard Haven, Knickers, Oak Bluffs, Bluefish in Edgartown, and online at vineyardpinups.com
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Island for All Seasons ($14.95) by Tisbury resident, Max Bossman is a 19 month calendar. It includes beautiful pictures of the Edgartown Lighthouse, winter island scenes, and the campgrounds. It sells for $14.95 and is available at Bunch of Grapes and at maxbossman.com.
These and other Island based calendars are available at Island bookstores, shops and their specific web sites.
Mary Quinn is a freelance writer from Oak Bluffs.
