After the Memorial Day swell, it was like a ghost town on Friday evening when I picked up our houseguest at the boat in Vineyard Haven, stores shut except for Bunch of Grapes, no one on the streets, few cars and thick fog giving way to a glorious Saturday morning. Saturday we devoted to art and commerce, well, really only Lorraine Parish’s retirement sale. I scored a gorgeous yellow print stretch material for five dollars that I’ll use on a chair, and a couple of practical and elegant shirts, besides getting to see photos of her new San Miguel de Allende home. She’ll even have a sewing room. We saw the Richard Lee reverse painting exhibit and new history exhibits at the M.V. Museum, an absolute do-not-miss show. Stopped for Mo’s Sandwiches at the P.A. Club, picnicking at one of their tables, and then made our way to the O.B. Arts District, stopping at the Knowhere Gallery, Michael Blanchard’s full photo gallery, and from there, hitting the KnowWhere Center, Cousin Rose, and Mariposa, before checking out Margot Datz’s new murals at the Flying Horse Carousel. My houseguest said her feet had reached their “expiration date,” so we headed home.
Jessica Ann posted three photos of painted hearts seen in Chilmark on the Facebook “It’s a Chilmark Thing” page; seen at the Middle Road Preserve, the Chilmark Post Office, and at Menemsha Beach. I, too, have noticed these painted red hearts on shingles popping up around Chilmark and the Island. So far no one has shed light on this mystery, but who can’t use a bit of reminding to be more loving?
Congratulations to all Island graduating seniors and those from Chilmark: Sydney Bierman, Brooks Carroll, Joshua Dix, Brandyeni Ferreira, Desiree London, Fiona Smiley, and Isabella Thorpe, as well as Elijiah Dunn-Feiner who graduated from Northfield Mount Hermon. After the challenging school year this and the one before, I wish each and everyone one of you well as you move on from high school into your life journeys.
Also congratulations to Marie Larsen who retires from the M.V. Charter School at the end of this school year.
Hurray, the West Tisbury Farmers Market starts Saturday, June 12, at the Ag Hall, 9 am to noon. Closer to home, Lydia Fischer has taken over the Menemsha Crossing Farm Stand this season, offering starter plants and her organic vegetables.
Congratulations to Laurie David on her new book “Imagine It! A Handbook for a Happier Planet.” Get your signed copy at both Island book stores, Morrice Florist, and Grey Barn Farm.
Getting to see Wendy Weldon’s new abstract work alongside Robert Hauck’s new paintings was an absolute pleasure. If you can’t get to this new gallery in Primo Lombardi’s old yoga space, see the exhibit virtually at knowhereart.com/pages/weldon-hauck-collaboration. Learn more at 73 Circuit Ave., Oak Bluffs. Show up through June 27.
Chilmark Community Church Sunday 9 am services are held outdoors on the patio behind the main church building and on Zoom, connect at bit.ly/3ipzWOw.
Lucy Vincent Beach stickers are available online, see bit.ly/3tSLAUp.
Island Folk Pottery’s sculpture trail and shop are open: Trail hours are 9 am to 5 pm daily, and the shop is open Wednesday to Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm, and Sunday, from 2 to 5 pm. See islandfolkpottery.com for more info.
The Chilmark library hosts former White House calligrapher Rick Paulus for “The Illuminated Letter” on Saturday, June 12, from 4 to 5 pm. Not only learn about modern and historical influences, but participants learn the basic steps of designing and creating an illuminated letter. Email tthorpe@clamsnet.org for the materials list and Zoom invite. On Wednesday, June 16, at 6 pm, bring a chair or blanket for a patio and lawn concert listening to Missis Biskis. Contact the library at 508-645-3360.
Join Elliot Dacher’s Sunday morning 10 am meditation group for meditation practice, teaching, and community; exploring cultivating a healthy human life and going beyond to a larger life and the qualities of human flourishing. Zoom meeting ID: 854 3832 1891. Passcode: 674737.
Chilmark yoga offerings include Mollie Doyle Yoga this summer outside at the Beach Plum Inn.
Pathways Arts offerings can be found at pathwaysmv.org.
Check It’s a Chilmark Thing on Facebook for up-to-date information about our town and Island.
Have a good week.
If you have any Chilmark Town Column suggestions, email Valerie Sonnenthal, vsonnenthal@gmail.com.