I’m settled on my living room sofa to write this column, my notes and Oxford English Dictionary to hand, coffee in my Talley mug on the windowsill, open windows letting in cool, fresh air. A soft rain is soaking into the parched ground. What a relief from last week’s heat.
This Saturday, July 11, three artists are giving a talk at a reception for their monthlong exhibition called “On the Edge of Light” at the West Tisbury library. They are Lynn Hoeft, Tachina Rudman-Young, and David Welch, two painters and a photographer. Their talk will begin at 11:30 am, and the reception will continue till 2 pm.
Lynn Hoeft is a watercolorist, well-known for her detailed representations of feathers, leaves, shells, berries, stones, and other bits foraged on her walks along the Island’s beaches. After 30-plus years, she wanted to try something different.
Her new paintings depict atmospheric landscapes and beachscapes, painted wet-into-wet, allowing the water to diffuse colors and mix them together in serendipitous combinations. She is able to work quickly and freely, a departure from her earlier practice.
Tachina Rudman-Young works in acrylic and mixed-media. She uses color and texture in swirling combinations that evoke roiling, watery depths and stormy skies.
In contrast, David Welch’s pinhole photographs use that technique to produce images of beaches with softened edges. They are silent, empty of swimmers, walkers, birders, or boaters. Just the elements unencumbered, spreading toward a distant place.
All three of these artists are dedicated explorers of their media and their craft. I am always interested to hear artists speak about what they do, so look forward to an interesting conversation.
West Tisbury’s gallery season is in full swing now that July and summer visitors have arrived. It’s always interesting to see paintings by artists familiar and newly discovered displayed on outside gallery walls as one drives by, offering a tempting view as to what awaits inside.
Mitch Gordon’s Turpentine Gallery opened on Friday, his opening exhibition called, ”Kayak Dreams at Sea Level.” The online invitation featured a lovely painting I am eager to see. A visit this coming week, for sure. The gallery will be open Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 am to 5 pm.
Allen Whiting opened the Davis House Gallery on Sunday afternoon. It is always a treat to see the rooms hung with Allen’s work, one after another of his lyrical landscapes of familiar, beloved spots, of the Whiting farm, of Quansoo and Quenames, in all the seasons of the year. A treat, too, to visit with Allen and Lynn. This year, an added attraction is their new dog named Tess, who was spread across the seat of a wing chair, sound asleep.
The Field Gallery has been open since May. Lots of new paintings and sculptures, a welcome by Jhenn and her assistants. Currently, they are showing new work by Rachael Cassiani, Susie White, James Carter, and Kenneth Pillsworth.
The Granary is our only year-round gallery, open every day 10-5, and 11-4 on Sundays. Their new show will open on July 10, featuring Alison Shaw, Dan VanLandingham, Anne Besse-Shepherd, and Anne Bell Robb.
M.V. Democrats will meet on Zoom this Saturday, July 11, at 9:30 am. Guests will be DA Rob Galibois, who is running for re-election, and Peter Enrich, who will review the ballot questions on the November ballot.
West Tisbury Church members are preparing for next Saturday’s Berry Festival, an anticipated annual event. More info next week.
Thanks to Jennelle Gadowski of emergency management and our library for opening up as a cooling station during the worst days of 90°-plus weather. Gadowski’s grandmother, Jenny, shared the duties handing out cold drinks and snacks. Cool air was the biggest, and most necessary, attraction.
Keep cool.