Art in the Stacks: UNSEEN CONNECTIONS

Hoft Farm Road 8x10 oil, Rebecca Everett

The path, 6x8, oil, Lynne McCauley

Almost Home, 5x8, oil, Judith Drew Schubert

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present a cooperative exhibit featuring Island-inspired oil paintings by Lynne McCauley, Rebecca S. Everett and Judith Drew Schubert. This exhibit will be on display in the lower level of the library during regular library hours from today through the end of March.

Featured artists, Lynne McCauley, Rebecca S. Everett and Judith Drew Schubert, connected through an online art course, led by renowned instructor and artist, Ian Roberts. The three Vineyard-based artists discovered each other while participating in the virtual course alongside over 600 other students worldwide. Judith found Lynne in their small critique group, while Rebecca spotted Ann DuCharme (who is unable to participate in the exhibit due to other commitments) through the platform’s geographic search feature.

For the past nine months, the four have been meeting regularly to critique and discuss the challenges of painting and being productive artists. The insights, support, and understanding found in their meetings and growing friendships have become an invaluable part of their artistic lives.

Lynne McCauley is dedicated to exploring the interplay of color and light in landscapes, still life and abstract compositions. With a background in design, she has refined her skills through workshops and master classes, including studies with Ian Roberts, Margaret McWethy, and JSS Civita in Italy. Deeply inspired by atmospheric perspective, Lynne translates fleeting moments into expressive paintings, aiming to evoke emotion and energy in her viewers. Whether painting en plein air or in the studio, her work is a dynamic reflection of her artistic vision.

Rebecca S. Everett, a Harthavener, has spent her life immersed in the beauty of the island. As an undergraduate at MICA, she discovered her visceral love for oil painting, in a 1981 course by Raul Middleman. Encouraged by her cousin Bill Abbe, a renowned island painter, Rebecca honed her artistic voice focusing on the Vineyard landscape. Working en plein air and in the studio, her compositions capture the island’s light, texture, movement, and color with a deep sense of place. 

Judith Drew Schubert is a professional fine art painter based on Martha’s Vineyard, primarily working in oils. Painting en plein air is the start, if not the finish, to most of Judith’s warm season landscape or seascape compositions. However, with New England weather, her Oak Bluffs Arts District studio offers her the light, space and warmth to continue painting in the cold dark of winter. Judith has found that her long career as a fabric designer has translated well into seeing flow and design in land, sea or animal compositions.

Art in the Stacks is an initiative of the Friends of the Library to provide artists an opportunity to show their work, and for library patrons to enjoy art throughout the year. 

Trans(formation): A Collaborative Portrait Series Exploring Gender Identity on Cape Cod

The Vineyard Haven Library is pleased to announce its latest Art in the Stacks exhibit: a collection of photographs by Cape-based photographer Julia Cumes, entitled “Trans(formation): A Collaborative Portrait Series Exploring Gender Identity on Cape Cod.” The exhibit will be on display in the lower level of the library during regular library hours from November 15 to December 15, 2024.

This evocative set of photographs explores the unique journeys of its subjects, inviting viewers to confront the expressive power and diversity of gender identity. The powerful project has been organized in collaboration with QueerHubMV. Additional photographs in the exhibit will be displayed at both Island Counseling and the MV Family Resource Center at MV Community Services, along with other venues. Julia will also give a talk and slideshow presentation at the MV Museum at 5:00 pm on Friday, November 15th.

Julia Cumes, the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod’s 2024 Artist of the Year, brings a unique and powerful perspective to her work, shaped in part by her experience growing up in apartheid-era South Africa. Through her lens, she uses photography as a means “to tell stories, to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, to reveal truth, and to inspire others to create meaningful change in our lives, our communities, and our world.” Julia’s work not only captures moments but also reflects her commitment to social impact and the power of storytelling.

Julia’s work has been published in The New York Times, The Boston Globe, The Chicago Tribune, Associated Press, and USA Today, among others. She was a 2017 Arts Foundation of Cape Cod fellow, an Art Within Reach grant recipient, and an Alexia Foundation student grant recipient. She holds a B.A. from Brandeis University, an M.F.A. in writing from Cornell University, and a Masters in Photojournalism from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School. 

Art in the Stacks is an initiative of the Friends of the Library to provide artists an opportunity to show their work, and for library patrons to enjoy art throughout the year. Artists interested in showing their work through “Art in the Stacks” may contact the Vineyard Haven Public Library at 508-696-4211 or send an email to vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org.

Art in the Stacks exhibit featuring local artist Harriet Bernstein

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present an exhibit of abstract, acrylic paintings by Harriet Bernstein on display in the lower level of the library during regular library hours from October 3rd through October 31st.

Bernstein began painting during the quiet days of the pandemic. Before that, she was a long admirer of art, especially that of Agnes Martin, whose large, meditative canvases in subdued pastels “stole [her] heart with their soft, feminine expression like the ocean itself.” However, when she sat down to paint her own homages to Agnes Martin, “these wild colorful works came out instead.”  

Bernstein encourages visitors to approach abstract art with an open mind—to feel the energy and emotion conveyed by color, texture, and movement on the canvas. According to Bernstein, “the aim of abstract art is to convey an essence as opposed to a representation. An abstract painting can evoke feelings, emotions, sensations. It can be peaceful or energetic, angry or happy. It can resonate with something inside you that you mostly don’t notice. It can be soothing or sensual, inspiring. But at its best, it can lead you to the ‘art’ inside of you.” Come and see for yourself! 

Art in the Stacks is an initiative of the Friends of the Library to provide artists an opportunity to show their work, and for library patrons to enjoy art throughout the year. Artists interested in showing their work through “Art in the Stacks” may contact the Vineyard Haven Public Library at 508-696-4211 or send an email to vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org.

 

Art in the Stacks featuring Leaf Art by Emily Davis

 

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present an exhibit of Leaf Art by Emily Davis, on display in the lower level of the library during regular library hours throughout September. 

Emily Davis is a horticulturalist, committed to an art practice that combines her many passions. Using pressed leaves, scissors, and an LED light board, Emily creates temporary works of art that she preserves through digital photography. Emily's art is characterized by her attention to detail and subject selection, including species and design. More information about leaf art can be found online at www.edleaves.com.

Art in the Stacks is an initiative of the Friends of the Library to provide artists an opportunity to show their work, and for library patrons to enjoy art throughout the year. Artists interested in showing their work through “Art in the Stacks” may contact the Vineyard Haven Public Library at 508-696-4210 or send an email to vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org.

Art in the Stacks exhibit featuring Archie Robertson

 

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present an exhibit of abstract paintings and other works by Archie Robertson, on display in the lower level of the library during regular library hours throughout the month of August. 

Archie Robertson is an independent artist who has lived on Martha's Vineyard since 1986. His art is characterized by large, abstract paintings that employ a drip and splatter technique reminiscent of Jackson Pollock. Other works include ocean-themed mixed media with reclaimed materials. 

Art in the Stacks is an initiative of the Friends of the Library to provide artists an opportunity to show their work, and for library patrons to enjoy art throughout the year. Artists interested in showing their work through “Art in the Stacks” may contact the Vineyard Haven Public Library at 508-696-4210 or send an email to vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org.

Art in the Stacks exhibit featuring Mabelle “Bella” Felipe

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present an exhibit of floral paintings and other works by local artist, Mabelle “Bella” Felipe, on display in the lower level of the library during regular library hours from July 8th - July 31st, 2024.

Bella is an independent artist who moved to Martha’s Vineyard from her native Brazil over 20 years ago. Inspired by the natural beauty of the island, her artwork focuses on flora, fauna, and other natural elements. Bella is the host and producer of the MVTV program, “Bella Bilingual podcast.” She is also a puppeteer, a songwriter, and a chef.

In her artist statement for the Art in the Stacks exhibit, she writes:

“Art has a universal language. Through it, we express ourselves and connect. When a person identifies with my work, this is very special. This is purpose without purpose. The light in the darkness filling the void. We live in an absolutely comparative world, where we feel trapped by its conventions and concepts. Art gives us a sense of freedom, the powerful force of feeling free, in time and space. As we know by now, humans have lived this artistic concept since the time of the caves. We artists are continuing this cycle as long as we are able to use our own thoughts and ideas. That’s good! Isto é bom! Ça c’est bon!” Art in the Stacks is an initiative of the Friends of the Library to provide artists an opportunity to show their work, and for library patrons to enjoy art throughout the year. Artists interested in showing their work through “Art in the Stacks” may contact the Vineyard Haven Public Library at 508-696-4210 or send an email to vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org. 

Art in the Stacks Exhibit Featuring Collage Paintings and Other Works by Local Artist, Gimili Glavin

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present an exhibit of collage paintings and other works by local artist Gimili Glavin, on display in the lower level of the library from June 7 - July 6, 2024 during regular library hours. 

Gimili Glavin is an independent fine-art artist at Peacegate Art Studio on Martha's Vineyard. Her work includes surrealist paintings, collage and sculpture, incorporating both natural and man-made elements to create a three dimensional effect. More information about Gimili Glavin and her artwork can be found on her Facebook page, Gimple Natrix.

Art in the Stacks is an initiative of the Friends of the Library to provide artists an opportunity to show their work, and for library patrons to enjoy art throughout the year. Artists interested in showing their work at the library may contact us at 508-696-4210 or by emailing lshick@clamsnet.org.