The hayfields are being cut, their fragrance drifting across to those of us lucky enough to be passing at the time. Old-fashioned orange tiger lilies decorate the roadsides, too, in clumps or masses, sometimes tangled with rambler roses, sometimes on their own. Elderberry bushes and viburnums are blooming, along with the last rhododendrons, and a pair of the most splendid fiery orange azaleas at the entrance to the Polly Hill Arboretum driveway has enchanted me all week. All are surely grateful for the inch or so of rain we had over the weekend.
Fortunately, the rain held off “till after the last guest left” Cathy Minkiewicz’s outdoor birthday party Saturday evening. More properly, it was a belated birthday party. Cathy’s actual birthday was in snowy February, not conducive to traveling for family or for outdoor gatherings, so the celebration of her 70th birthday happened as planned in June. Mike and Cathy’s kids came from Arlington, Va., and Salem, bringing the four grandchildren ages 2 to 8, who were off visiting the animals at Native Earth Farm when I spoke with Cathy on Monday morning.
Town has been busy, with everyone attending the Farmers Markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the Artisans’ Shows on Thursdays and Sundays, and the Antique Show on Fridays.
Leslie Baker, Rob Hauck, Julia Mitchell, and Donna Straw will be exhibiting together at A Gallery in Oak Bluffs. The opening reception is Sunday, July 5, 5 to 7 pm.
Sheila Fane’s exhibition at the West Tisbury library has been extended through July 6. It will be followed by Sally Taylor’s exhibition, “Consenses,” based on her sending a dozen photographs of the Island to 150 artists worldwide, to be interpreted by them in their own mediums. Come to the opening reception next Thursday, July 9. Viewers will be able to add their interpretations on an inspiration board, continuing the chain of reactions and responses.
Lynn Christoffers is showing “Cats of Martha’s Vineyard” through July at MVTV’s studio at 58 Edgartown–West Tisbury Road. New cat photographs and a video starring Marcel Duchat are included. Hours are Monday to Friday, 9 to 5.
Paul Karasik and Marsha Winsryg are exhibiting together at the Vineyard Playhouse Art Space in Vineyard Haven. Paul’s cartoons and Marsha’s oil pastels are on view through July 10 during box office and production hours, and by appointment.
Jeanne Staples will exhibit Haitian quilts and crafts for the next two Mondays, July 6 and 13, 10 to 3, at the Federated Church in Edgartown.
When I ran into Ken Edwards and complimented him on the wonderful article in last week’s Calendar about Clay’s copper relief sculptures, Ken replied that it was the best Father’s Day present he had ever received. Clay was very complimentary about his dad’s encouragement and support, as well as learning the craft from working with Ken. It’s wonderful to see the younger generation coming into their own. Congratulations, Clay. Your work is beautiful.
West Tisbury’s the Roundabouts — Cheryl, Erik, and Julius Lowe — will be performing this Friday evening, July 3, at the P.A. Club in Oak Bluffs. The concert begins at 8:30.
Ellen Weiss has returned from visiting her family in New York City. I asked if she had time to see any art, and she replied that the best was the new Whitney Museum. The building was designed to show off the art, but also to be comfortable and contemplative for viewers. Ellen said there were lots of places to sit, and wonderful views of the Hudson River. Reviews of the new building and exhibition spaces have all been raves, Ellen’s included. It’s at 99 Gansevoort Street, if you plan to be in the city.
Suzanne and Rich Hammond are justifiably proud that two of their kids have just graduated from college. Genevieve was awarded a bachelor of science in Public Health and Health Science from UMass Amherst. She will attend UMass Boston School of Nursing in the fall. Evan graduated as salutatorian of his class at Boston Architectural College. He received honors commendations for outstanding landscape architecture. Congratulations to you all.
Town offices will be closed on Friday for the 4th of July holiday. The library will be closed both Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4. Please note that all children’s events at the library have been cancelled through July 8 as a precaution against measles.
Lots going on at the library. Stargazing nights are July 6 and 13 at 9:30. Elizabeth Benedict will discuss college admissions on July 7 at 5 pm. Drop in between 10 and 12 on Tuesdays and Fridays with questions for the Mac Pro. Next Wednesday, July 8, Martha’s Vineyard Spiritual Choir will perform at 6:30. Sally Taylor’s art reception is on July 9 at 5 pm.
Former Music Street resident, Martha’s Vineyard Times Calendar editor, and travel writer Perry Garfinkel will be in town, visiting Mark Mazer and leading a five-day travel-writing workshop August 30 to Sept. 5 at Noepe Center for Literary Arts. For information and to register, call Justen Ahren at 508-560-0467, or online: bit.ly/1BRGsUs.
My thanks to Beth Kramer for taking over the column while I was ill. She did a great job, and said she enjoyed doing it.
We have been amused and plagued by a family of baby skunks in our yard. Tiny and very cute, they appear fearless, coming quite close to the house as they explore. Their little bottlebrush tails stand straight up, and they are already able to spray. Talley, who has always been timid, is afraid to go outside. Nan doesn’t even pay any attention; she is pretty fearless herself. So far, neither dog has been skunked, but I suppose it’s only a matter of time before the cute little guys become a lot of adult problems.
