For more than 25 years, the Friends of Family Planning Art Show and Sale has been a sure sign of spring. In late May, the exhibit fills the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury with compelling new work by a variety of local artists and artisans, who donate a percentage of their sales to help support Family Planning of Martha’s Vineyard.
More than just a stylish collection of high-quality art, the annual event has long been an important source of income for the busy clinic. The traditional opening night gala allows Vineyarders to socialize with friends whom they might not have seen over the quiet winter months.
This year’s show runs Friday through Sunday, and will be bursting with compelling new creations. Enthusiastic organizers predict that the retooled wine and cheese benefit gala on Saturday night will draw more patrons than ever.
The show was launched more than a quarter-century ago to help support Family Planning’s services. It moved often, starting at Murdick’s Fudge in Vineyard Haven, then to Crispin’s Landing (now LeRoux), to Beadniks, and the Vineyard Playhouse. By the mid-1990s, the event settled into the Ag Hall, a welcoming venue offering extensive display space and parking. The gala was launched in the early years to increase the revenue by inviting guests to talk with artists and purchase art.
Jennifer Knight, Friends of Family Planning board president, said that shifting the annual party to Saturday evening from the usual Thursday will accommodate weekend visitors and locals who are not available on weeknights.
She said this year’s emphasis is on fundraising, and they hope to reach a $100,000 capital-campaign goal. The campaign, announced at the 2013 art show, seeks to raise funds to cover an $80,000 mortgage on the service’s State Road building, and establish a $20,000 maintenance account. About $25,000 remains to be raised.
“We’re getting there,” said Ms. Knight optimistically.
Board members handle every aspect of the event, enlisting artists, setting up the exhibit, planning and hosting the party, greeting visitors, and manning the sales and info desk all weekend.
“We have an extremely active and dedicated board,” commented member Noreen Baker. “The members really believe in the value the clinic has to our community.”
Ms. Baker, who counts herself as a satisfied client of the clinic, praised the caring services she has received there.
A highlight of the annual show is the poster, designed each year by a Regional High School student and chosen in a competition. Jack Yuen, an exceptionally talented student artist, created this year’s striking poster.
Some 100 local artists and artisans will fill the big hall with a breathtaking array of creations. Along with fine art, sculpture, and photography, jewelry, ceramics, textile art, and handmade furniture will be displayed.
New this year are unique pieces by versatile artist Jasmine Thompson and Jeanie Hay Sternbach’s healing crystal jewelry.
Founded in 1978, Family Planning of Martha’s Vineyard provides affordable and confidential reproductive health and family planning services, including screening for anemia, high blood pressure, and diabetes; gynecological exams; counseling and education; pregnancy, sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV testing; and birth control. Screening for HPV and hepatitis C is available. Vasectomies are available by referral; reimbursement is offered.
The comfortable clinic on State Road, Vineyard Haven, is supported primarily by federal and state funds through Health Imperatives, a regional umbrella organization. Funds raised by the Friends of Family Planning through the art show, party, and annual appeal pay for many important budget items. The facility serves both men and women, and minors can receive confidential care. Client appointments last as long as needed.
Family Planning offers a generous sliding scale, and free care for anyone who cannot pay; no one is turned away. Site director Brenda Grandizio said that thanks to recent funding from the state Department of Public Health, more generous fee discounts are offered. Insurance is also accepted.
Ms. Grandizio cited several new developments over the year enhancing the clinic’s services.
A new Tuesday-evening session has been added to the Wednesday and Thursday appointment schedule — convenient for patients who cannot come during the day. The clinic has shifted from paper to electronic medical recordkeeping.
A new Gardasil series, a preventive vaccine against HPV and genital warts, is being offered. Soon, a woman patient of the clinic will be able to receive colposcopy — a diagnostic procedure for patients with irregular Pap smears at risk for cervical cancer. The procedure will will be offered by staff Nurse Practitioner Marcy Holmes. Previously, patients traveled off-Island for this critical diagnostic step.
Ms. Grandizio stressed that staffers spend as much time with a patient as needed, and that high priority is placed on following up about concerns.
“We take our patient care really seriously,” said Ms. Grandizio. “We really care. It’s good work we’re doing.”
Friends of Family Planning Art Show and Sale, Ag Hall, West Tisbury. May 22, 23, 24. Free. Benefit party, Saturday, May 23, 6 to 8 pm, $50. For information or to purchase tickets, visit friendsoffamilyplanning.org.
