All's Fair

By CK Wolfson - July 26, 2007

In West Tisbury's picturesque town center, near the First Congregational Church, across from the Field Gallery, and just steps away from where the bus stops in front of Alley's General Store, is The Grange, a large rustic structure with an open floor plan that was once the meeting and exhibition hall for the Dukes County Agricultural Society. Recently renovated by the Martha's Vineyard Preservation Trust, it is now used for a variety of events, public and private. It also the site of the Vineyard Artisans Festivals, a twice-weekly juried show of the work of some of the Island's most popular artists.

Artists' booths line the walls and form aisles through the center of the room where shoppers come to see everything from Rebecca Mayhew's scented items from Vineyard Candle and Bath, to Lisa Strachan's elegant porcelain objects, to Graeme Bradley's whimsical metal sculptures. They hold reunions, exchange opinions, and talk to the artists.

Illustrator and painter John Holladay, a regular exhibitor, says, "We see Island regulars and visitors who return year after year. Some people come out just to get specific items from their favorite artists. And we talk about everything, from art to the Island."

He adds, "What's nice is that we get instant feedback from the viewers. It's definitely constructive. You get a sense of what you're doing. When you show in a gallery you don't always get that."

The Vineyard Artisans Festivals take place every Thursday and Sunday, from 10 am to 2 pm, during the season, and once a week during the shoulder seasons. Refreshments, from cookies to clam chowder, are prepared for sale by Lola's, and the wares range from lighthearted and whimsical, to lush and extravagant. There are photographs in every style of every subject, realistic Vineyard landscape paintings, quaint and quirky drawings. There is art for the body: jewelry, dresses, tunics, capes and shawls. About 60 to 70 Island artists show their talents, more join in for the holiday shows on Memorial Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, and Thanksgiving weekends. This well-organized and thriving show began only 12 years ago, a result of the vision and determination of its founder, Andrea Rogers.

Ms. Rogers, whose booth is aromatic with fresh lavender, rosebud sachets, and potpourri blends - much of it from her home gardens, got the idea for an artisans festival while she was a member of the Vineyard Craftsmen, an established craft show.

Today Ms. Rogers is assisted by an advisory committee of several long-time exhibitors. For the past six years, the show has been juried by outside professionals to ensure a strict standard of excellence. "We have a good following. The artists try to bring new work because they know people expect to come back and discover something surprising."

As dedicated as Ms. Rogers is to her own craft, she is passionate about assisting others in their artistic endeavors. Despite the effort she exerts to keep the festivals running, she says she finds it deeply satisfying. "The show is doing what it was created to do," she says, "providing a way for Vineyard artisans to make a living by selling directly to the public without a middleman. That's what it was set up to do."

The range and depth of the artwork prove that Ms. Rogers's vision is alive and thriving. Johanna Erickson's hand-woven rugs, Nan Bacon's colorful glassware, John Holladay's matted and framed water color illustrations and acrylic landscapes, and Jenik Munafo's contemporary mixed-media flowers, painted lamps and lampshades.

There are many veteran exhibitors: Lucinda Sheldon, showing iridescent cloisonne and enamel jewelry; Helayne Cohen with pastel pottery and beadwork; Ingrid Goff Maidoff offering inspirational books and handmade gifts; Dan Waters's Indian Hill Press stationery; and veteran artist Millie Briggs's display of paintings of Vineyard scenes. There are leather wear and accessories, Sylvie Farrington's lush vintage bags, moccasins for toddlers by Marie Meyer-Barton, and Cheryl George custom designed sweaters.

Ms. Rogers also encourages young artists. Jannette Vanderhoop shows traditional Wampanoag crafts; Jamie Rogers offers dramatic stone and metal jewelry, Dan VanLandingham, a recent college graduate, displays his oil and acrylic paintings.

Although she works hard, Ms. Rogers says her committee and the artists take on much of the responsibility, and there is a wonderful cooperative spirit. Members gather for potlucks and other occasions.

"The camaraderie is great," Mr. Holladay agrees. "Everybody helps each other out. We give each other constructive critiques, and encouragement. When someone buys one of my bigger pieces, other artists will stop by and congratulate me."

"The artists have really become a big family, sharing information, doing things together. There's no competition," Ms. Rogers says. "It's a pleasure to go to work."

On August 20 and 21 there will be a special jewelry, clothing and ceramics show. Parking is free.

Times staff writer Pat Waring contributed to this story.