Last Saturday artist Elizabeth Whelan presented her latest portrait unveiling, “Island Women in Portrait,” to an enthusiastic crowd at Stina Sayre Design’s Boutique and Design Studio on Main Street in Vineyard Haven. The exhibit, which featured five newly painted portraits of five women from the Vineyard community, as well as new landscapes, will remain on display through Friday, August 28.
According to a press release, Ms. Whelan has spent the past few months capturing several Vineyard women through art in oils on canvas, with the intention of highlighting the diverse interests and abilities of Island residents. Pulitzer Prizewinning author Geraldine Brooks; principal of Mashek MacLean Architects Stephanie Mashek; Oak Bluffs resident Karen W. Finley; co-owner of Atria Greer Thornton; and graphic designer and owner of Illumination Design Group Tara Kenney (along with her loyal beagle, Lloyd) all saw their newly painted portraits for the first time at Saturday’s reception.
Ms. Whelan also presented recent portraits of other Vineyard residents that she had previously unveiled, including Julie Robinson, Mikel Hunter, Stina Sayre, Howie Attebery, Nat Benjamin, Ross Gannon, and Eli Dagostino.
“Elizabeth has this wonderful ability to capture a person’s essence and movement. When looking at her portraits, you can recognize her subjects even before seeing their faces,” said Stina Sayre. “We both share the joy of using our specific craft to empower women and celebrate their goals. I am so honored to work with Elizabeth on this project, and then to have the chance to watch these amazing women’s reactions as they see themselves through her eyes.”
Ms. Whelan also presented Ms. Sayre with a portrait last summer. This past weekend’s exhibit was the final event of the season-long Fashion and the Arts series at Ms. Sayre’s two Vineyard locations. The series, designed to celebrate the Martha’s Vineyard arts community, included Fashion Photography by Randi Baird, Hand-Painted Scarves by artist Patricia Marroquin, and most recently, Ms. Sayre’s Ice and Flow Fashion Show.
