Clara B. Kennedy’s “World of Miniatures” at Vineyard Haven Library

The Vineyard Haven Library is pleased to share with the community a display of miniatures from the collection of Clara Banta Kennedy, on loan from her family through the holiday season. The display can be viewed anytime during regular library hours.

Growing up in the 1920’s, Clara was given miniatures as birthday and Christmas gifts. Incredibly detailed for their size, these miniatures sparked her imagination and filled many days with play. Clara shared she could build entire “worlds” with them.  

As Clara grew older, she began slowly adding to her collection, following in her older sister, Jeanette’s footsteps. In 1945, Clara got married and eventually had four sons. While she was involved with many other things, her interest in miniatures never waned and her collection grew. Every year at Christmastime, she would set up a miniature village in Princeton, NJ for friends and family to enjoy. 

In the early 1970’s, Clara opened an antique store called the Calico Cat in Kingston, NJ, with fellow Vineyarder, Tita Vivian. In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, Clara sold miniatures from a space at Pyewacket’s on Beach Road. Eventually, she left her space and took her miniatures home to adorn the shelves and walls of her Vineyard Haven house, where they have been cherished for many years.  

Clara Kennedy was a dedicated volunteer for the Friends of Vineyard Haven Library and many other community organizations. She died peacefully in her home this October at the age of 101.

Art in the Stacks: Adriana Eftimie & Elizabeth R. Whelan "Found Again"

 

Found Again: Paintings by Elizabeth Whelan & Adriana Eftimie
On display on the lower level during regular library hours, through mid January

Recovering from a world pandemic pushes us to look for a new perspective on the old familiar ways, places, and events we might have taken for granted. Island events like the Agricultural Fair bring us together as a community. Familiar places like our cherished lighthouses attract tourists from around the world. A great golfing experience is shared with friends, surrounded by beautiful Vineyard landscapes. For a time, all these were inaccessible. Now we can cherish and appreciate them again. Adriana Eftimie and Elizabeth R. Whelan capture a few of these moments and places in paint, as a reminder to take some time, take a closer look, and reconnect with what was lost and found again.

This is artist Adriana Eftimie’s debut show. She has been studying painting for several years, and in 2021 officially launched her art career by displaying work and acccepting commissions. In ‘Found Again’, she shares a number of her works painted in her Vineyard Haven studio over the course of 2022. Elizabeth Whelan, has been using her time at the easel during 2022 to work on commissions and also broaden her painting skills to incorporate a wider variety of painting approaches and more drawing into her work.

Their art show at the Vineyard Haven Public Library ‘Art in the Stacks’ encompasses two different takes on familiar scenes from around Martha’s Vineyard. Eftimie’s work explores the detail and nuance of broad Vineyard landscape by using rich color to bring out atmospheric views. Her stunning details beautifully capture the Vineyard light, with two of the works rendering familiar views of the waterfront from interesting vantage points.

In contrast Elizabeth Whelan’s work takes on an oft-overlooked feature of the annual Agricultural Fair, the comments left by the hard-working fair judges on the Ag Hall entries. These comments are Elizabeth’s favorite feature of the fair each year, as the judges praise, cajole, and comment on the entries and entrants. in her paintings, names and entries have been changed to protect the innocent, and instead, personages of Ancient Rome are listed as the exhibitors. 

The works are available for sale by contacting the artists directly, email: Adriana Eftimie and Elizabeth R. Whelan

Art in the Stacks: Marston Clough

 

The lower level of the library is now open for browsing. This month, the art wall on the lower level will feature oil paintings by Marston Clough. Marston Clough was born and raised on Martha's Vineyard, and most of the art that he makes has a lot to do with color and atmosphere, and reflects being on the Island year round. View the show during regular library hours, Tuesday through Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday from 1pm to 5pm.

Art in the Stacks: Annette Sandrock

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present an exhibit of photographs by Annette Sandrock, on display on the lower level of the library during regular library hours throughout the month of October. This exhibit of black and white images of treetops in Crete is dedicated to the lost trees of Amazonia, and to the the majesty of trees as they grace our lives.

The photographs on display are also found in "Labyrinth," a book of poetry by Annette I. Sandrock that was published in Portugal this earlier this year. On Thursday, October 17th at 7pm, Annette will give a reading from her newly released book of poetry at the library. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing, and refreshments will be served.

Annette Sandrock has been a resident of Vineyard Haven more than 30 years and raised a family of three children here. Her careers as newspaper writer and arts critic, copy writer for television advertising, and English teacher at Martha's Vineyard High School, have all revolved around the spoken and written word. Annette Sandrock is a member of Cleaveland House Poets, and her poetry has appeared in The Martha’s Vineyard Times and the Vineyard Gazette, and in the books Cleaveland House Poetry(2015), Legacy of Light: Poems for the Gay Head Lighthouse (2014), and Martha's Vineyard Poets' Collective New Work (2013). She is a passionate traveler who spends most of her time abroad in Lisbon, Portugal.

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The Vineyard Haven Public Library's "Art in the Stacks" space features rotating monthly exhibits and is managed by the Friends of the Library. The library also has a permanent collection of artworks that are displayed throughout the year, including 12 paintings by Vineyard artist Captain John Ivory. Artists interested in showing their work may contact the library at (508) 696-4210.

Art in the Stacks: Opal Wortman

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present an exhibit of paintings by Opal Wortman, on display on the lower level of the library during regular library hours throughout the month of September.

Opal Wortman was born and raised on the island, and graduated from Martha's Vineyard Regional High School in 2018. This collection of works is from her first year attending Parsons School of Design, and showcases a range of figure studies and experimental portraiture.

The Vineyard Haven Public Library's "Art in the Stacks" space features rotating monthly exhibits and is managed by the Friends of the Library. The library also has a permanent collection of artworks that are displayed throughout the year, including 12 paintings by Vineyard artist Captain John Ivory. Artists interested in showing their work may contact the library at (508) 696-4210.

Art in The Stacks: Martha's Vineyard Jazz in Black & White, Photographs by Michael Johnson

Mimi Jones
- MV Jazz Summerfest 2012

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present “Martha's Vineyard Jazz in Black & White" an exhibit of photographs by Michael Johnson. The exhibit will be on display on the lower level of the library during regular library hours throughout the month of August, 2019.

“Martha's Vineyard Jazz in Black & White” is an on going photographic project created by Martha's Vineyard  artist Michael Johnson. Since beginning this project in 2011, Mr. Johnson has created images of many luminaries of the jazz world when they performed on Martha's Vineyard. According to the artist, "Martha's Vineyard  is a locale with a rich history of local and visiting musical talent. I am drawing on that ready fount of talent while attempting to channel the artistry and feel of the old school black and white jazz imagery of the 1940s through the 60s."

Michael Johnson was born in Harlem, New York City and heard his calling to the fine arts at an early age. As a youth he spent many hours in the public libraries and museums studying the works of the great masters of art motivated by his love of their work.  Among his favorites were the painters of the Renaissance, while he also spent abundant amounts of time studying the Flemish masters and Art Nouveau. But his odyssey as a visual artist didn’t begin until his late twenties when he decided on a whim to enroll in a community college video production class. It was while attending this class that his earlier studies came to the fore, and he realized that he had some “natural” talent for composition and camera work. He prevailed on his father to lend him three hundred and fifty dollars to buy his first camera. Shortly afterward he moved to Martha’s Vineyard Island where he taught himself the art of photography. He has  traveled and photographed many American states, the Caribbean, Europe, Cuba and, Thailand.

Michael has has been a full time artist since 2001. He now lives 5 months of the year on Martha’s Vineyard and runs his own gallery in Vineyard Haven. He endeavors to keep the traditional techniques of hand crafted black and white photography alive with his work. Michael says of his creative process: “All of my work is informed by my deep belief in God. I try to tell the truth with my images, but it must be told from the view point of dignity and beauty. Whether it is nature, architecture, or people, God creates the forms and the moments and I draw on my talent and spirit to capture them. My job is infinitely simple, but infinitely rewarding.”       

http://www.michaeljimage.com
                                                                           
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The Vineyard Haven Public Library's "Art in the Stacks" space features rotating monthly exhibits and is managed by the Friends of the Library. The library also has a permanent collection of artworks that are displayed throughout the year, including 12 paintings by Vineyard artist Captain John Ivory. Artists interested in showing their work may contact the library at (508) 696-4210.

Art in the Stacks: Beneath the Barcode

This month, the Friends of the Library's Art in the Stacks gallery space will feature photographs from Media Voices for Children's 'Beneath the Barcode' project. Beneath the Barcode is a documentary photo exhibit intended to raise our attention to the impact of our economic choices on children.

The exhibit examines very particular sectors of child labor found in poorer parts of the world and across the United States. The show is a chance to examine how children factor into the production, transport, manufacturing, refining and distribution of all the things we eat, buy and use. There are scenes taking place everywhere, from dumpsites in Indonesia, to commercial farms in Texas.  For more information visit the project website, https://www.mediavoicesforchildren.org/btb

The Vineyard Haven Public Library's "Art in the Stacks" space features rotating monthly exhibits and is managed by the Friends of the Library. The library also has a permanent collection of artworks that are displayed throughout the year, including 12 paintings by Vineyard artist Captain John Ivory. Artists interested in showing their work may contact the library at (508) 696-4210.

Art in the Stacks: ‘As We Live’ by Elizabeth R. Whelan

'Sophie at the Island Theater', 20" x 24", oil on canvas

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present "Martha's Vineyard: As We Live" an exhibit of new paintings by Elizabeth R. Whelan. The exhibit will be on display on the lower level of the library during regular library hours throughout the month of June, 2019. These paintings are from a recently completed series based on Island life in the off-season, that is part of the artist's response to the question, "What's it like on Island in the winter?"

Elizabeth R. Whelan is a UK-born artist best known for her portraits, which portray the warmth and personality of each of her subjects in a very individual way. She paints in oil on canvas, specializing in portraits and figurative work. She also paints maritime scenes, landscapes, and still life, and accepts commissions in all genres. The artist is represented on Martha's Vineyard by Night Heron Gallery in Vineyard Haven for her maritime paintings and linocut prints, The Field Gallery in West Tisbury for her portraiture, by Craftworks Gallery in Oak Bluffs for her smaller landscapes and paintings with rural themes, and in the Boston area by Francesca Anderson Fine Art/Portraits North in Lexington, Massachusetts. She is a member of the Salmagundi Club, Portrait Society of America, and Seed Savers Exchange.

http://www.elizabeth-whelan.com

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The Vineyard Haven Public Library's "Art in the Stacks" space features rotating monthly exhibits and is managed by the Friends of the Library. The library also has a permanent collection of artworks that are displayed throughout the year, including 12 paintings by Vineyard artist Captain John Ivory. Artists interested in showing their work may contact the library at (508) 696-4210.

Art in the Stacks: Art Quilts from Haiti

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library and PeaceQuilts are pleased to present an exhibit of Art Quilts from Haiti. The exhibit will be on display on the lower level of the library, during regular library hours throughout the month of May, 2019.

Join us on Thursday, May 30th at 7 pm, for a talk by Jeanne Staples, who will tell us more about the quilts and the PeaceQuilts cooperatives that produce these unique works of art. 

PeaceQuilts is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, establishing and supporting independent, self-managed sewing cooperatives in Haiti. The women produce one-of-a-kind art quilts, as well as a collection of affordable products, reflecting Haiti's rich artistic and cultural heritage. PeaceQuilts provides an opportunity for Haitian women to build their own businesses and earn a living wage. For more information visit https://haitipeacequilts.org/

The Vineyard Haven Public Library's "Art in the Stacks" space features rotating monthly exhibits and is managed by the Friends of the Library. The library also has a permanent collection of artworks that are displayed throughout the year, including 12 paintings by Vineyard artist Captain John Ivory. Artists interested in showing their work may contact the library at (508) 696-4210.

Art in the Stacks: Margaret Emerson

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present "Ocean Moment," an exhibit of paintings by Margaret Emerson. The exhibit will be on display on the lower level of the library, during regular library hours throughout the month of April, 2019.

Margaret Emerson is a painter and poet living in Chilmark. Her work has been displayed at ArtSpace, the All Island Art Show, Art in the Garden, the MV Garden Club, Old Sculpin Gallery, and The Island Gallery (Kennedy Studios). This show is about the water that surrounds us on Martha's Vineyard, and the feelings it evokes in our everyday lives.

The Vineyard Haven Public Library's "Art in the Stacks" space features rotating monthly exhibits and is managed by the Friends of the Library. The library also has a permanent collection of artworks that are displayed throughout the year, including 12 paintings by Vineyard artist Captain John Ivory. Artists interested in showing their work may contact the library at (508) 696-4210.

Art in the Stacks: Photographs by Harvey Beth

The Friends of the Library are pleased to present an exhibit of photographs by Harvey J. Beth, on display on the lower level during the month of November.

Harvey J. Beth is a fine art photographer who lives in Oak Bluffs. His work includes travel images from over fourteen different countries as well as seascapes and floral images from Martha's Vineyard. He has also contributed photographs to the book "Patience to Raise the Sun: Art Quilts from Haiti", which profiles humanitarian efforts to relieve poverty in Haiti by establishing and supporting women's quilting cooperatives. The current show at the library includes photographs from his recent safari Maasai Mara, Kenya, as well as images from around the island.

The Vineyard Haven Library's "Art in the Stacks" space features rotating monthly exhibits and is managed by the Friends of the Library. The library also has a permanent collection of artworks, including 12 paintings by Vineyard artist Captain John Ivory. Artists interested in showing their work may contact the library at (508) 696-4210.

Art in the Stacks: Jack Ryan's NYC Pen & Ink Drawings

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present an exhibit of pen and ink drawings by Jack Ryan, on display on the lower level of the library during regular library hours throughout the month of September, 2018.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Jack Ryan attended the High School of Art & Design in Manhattan, and Pratt Institute in Brooklyn where he studied under renowned architectural illustrators Stanley Salzman and Albert Lorenz. Mr. Ryan has illustrated numerous books and been published world-wide in publications including the London Sun and Stern magazine. His work is on display in several New York city galleries.

The Vineyard Haven Library's "Art in the Stacks" space features rotating monthly exhibits and is managed by the Friends of the Library. The library also has a permanent collection of artworks, including 12 paintings by Vineyard artist Captain John Ivory. Artists interested in showing their work may contact the library at (508) 696-4210.

Art in the Stacks: Opal Wortman

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present an exhibit of paintings by Opal Wortman, on display on the lower level of the library during regular library hours throughout the month of August, 2018.

Opal Wortman was born and raised on the island, and graduated from Martha's Vineyard Regional High School in June. She will be attending Parsons School of Design at The New School, in Manhattan this fall. There she will be studying fine arts, and while painting will be her main focus, she is excited to explore the varying mediums they offer.

The Vineyard Haven Library's "Art in the Stacks" space features rotating monthly exhibits and is managed by the Friends of the Library. The library also has a permanent collection of artworks, including 12 paintings by Vineyard artist Captain John Ivory. Artists interested in showing their work may contact the library at (508) 696-4210.

Martha's Vineyard Photography Club Group Show

Aquinnah Rocks by Michael S Cohen

This June, members of the Martha's Vineyard Photography Club will showcase their work in the 8th annual group art show at the Vineyard Haven Public Library. The show is sponsored by the Friends of the Library, who will host an opening reception on Tuesday June 5th from 6 pm - 7 pm. This event is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served.

The photographs will be on display during regular library hours from June 4th through June 15th. Featured photographers include Michael Cohen, Phyllis Dunn, Dianne Holt, Bruce Kinch, Lynn Khosla, Betsi Luce, Jeannie Pierson, Maria Thibodeau, and Susan Waldrop.

The Martha's Vineyard Photography Club meets monthly at the Vineyard Haven Public Library on the first Thursday of each month at 6pm. The club is open and welcoming to photographers of all kinds and all levels. Club activities include photo sharing, presentations on various aspects of photography (drawing on the expertise of club members and outside sources), and field trips, as well as other areas of group interest.

In addition to the annual group show in June, Vineyard Haven Public Library's "Art in the Stacks" space features rotating monthly exhibits managed by the Friends of the Library. The library also has a collection of artworks that are displayed throughout the year, including 12 paintings by Vineyard artist Captain John Ivory.Artists interested in showing their work may contact the library at (508) 696-4210.

For more information about the Martha's Vineyard Photography Club, visit the club's Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/mvphotoclub

Art in the Stacks: John Holladay

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present an exhibit of paintings by John Holladay, on display on the lower level of the library during regular library hours throughout the month of April, 2018.

John Holladay's work includes many medias. He is an illustrator and painter known for his watercolors, oils and acrylics, and is known nationally for his sports cartoons. His work has been included in the New England Watercolor Society for the past three years. He also has a line of Martha's Vineyard posters.

The Vineyard Haven Public Library's "Art in the Stacks" space features rotating monthly exhibits and is managed by the Friends of the Library. The library also has a permanent collection of artworks that are displayed throughout the year, including 12 paintings by Vineyard artist Captain John Ivory. Artists interested in showing their work may contact the library at (508) 696-4210.

Art in the Stacks: Reflective Abstractions, Photographs by Paul Doherty

Join us for a talk by the photographer on Tuesday March 13th at 7pm!  
Talk by Paul Doherty has been rescheduled for 2pm Sunday March 25th!

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present "Reflective Abstractions," an exhibit of photographs by Paul Doherty, on display on the lower level of the library during regular library hours from February 20th through March 30th, 2018. The photographs are all reflections of things in water -- often taken from his kayak as he moves around the harbor.

Paul Doherty moved to Martha's Vineyard following a 30-year career in theatre, television and film as a New York–based actor. Now his passion for abstract art, love of kayaking, and proximity to Vineyard Haven Harbor allow him the opportunity to create his own version of abstract art through photography. According to Paul, "I am fascinated with the reflection in the water that comes off the beautiful sailboats and vessels, images that change in an instant depending on the waves, wind and light to create something completely new and unique. My optimum time to photograph is just before the sun rises when these beautiful colors take center stage. The images that nature creates in those fleeting moments are forever moored to the boats that created their palette but transcend the physical to become ephemeral reflections of time that will never be repeated."

The Vineyard Haven Public Library's "Art in the Stacks" space features rotating monthly exhibits and is managed by the Friends of the Library. The library also has a permanent collection of artworks that are displayed throughout the year, including 12 paintings by Vineyard artist Captain John Ivory. Artists interested in showing their work may contact the library at (508) 696-4210.

Art in the Stacks: Photographs by Benjamin McCormick

Sand Pennies by Benjamin McCormick

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present an exhibit of photographs by Benjamin McCormick, on display on the lower level of the library during regular library hours from January 14th through February 15th, 2018.

The series featured in Mr. McCormick's show at the library represents the current direction of his work, shooting from the macro perspective, mostly underwater, with ample light, to bring out the maximum natural color available. The subjects are all things found here on the island as he combs the beaches.

The artist has said of his work, "My love of fish and fishing has been a constant and defining characteristic throughout my life. The ocean has always amazed me with its power, mystery, and infinite lessons. Noticing the rhythms of the sea has given me a broader appreciation of nature, and the endless variety of forms, color, and design therein. The art is always there for the taking, whenever you look with interested eyes."

The Vineyard Haven Public Library's "Art in the Stacks" space features rotating monthly exhibits and is managed by the Friends of the Library. The library also has a permanent collection of artworks that are displayed throughout the year, including 12 paintings by Vineyard artist Captain John Ivory. Artists interested in showing their work may contact the library at (508) 696-4210.

More information about the artist available at http://benjaminmccormick.com/.

Art in the Stacks: Photographs of New Americans by Mark Chester

PROGRAM RESCHEDULED FOR 2pm SUNDAY NOVEMBER 19th. The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present an exhibit of photographs by Woods Hole resident Mark Chester, on display on the lower level of the library during regular library hours throughout November and December, 2017. On Sunday, November 19th at 2pm, Mark will give an illustrated talk at the Library. This event is open to the public and refreshments will be served.

The photographs featured at the library are from a project entitled “The Bay State: A Multicultural Landscape, Photographs of New Americans,” that collects portraits of more than 400 naturalized U.S. citizens of the Commonwealth, benefitting The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA). The exhibit includes portraits of Vineyard resident Washington Ledesma, as well as Pema Yangchen Greer, photographed in Oak Bluffs.

Mark Chester’s curiosity and desire to photograph this community of residents led to the creation of the non-profit Cultural Diversity in Massachusetts Project, endorsed by the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition. MIRA Executive Director Eva Millona sees a dual purpose in the powerful exhibit, stating “These photographs of various ethnic heritage will not only offer an insightful and education overview to all other citizens of the Bay State, but will also bring attention in promoting and enhancing immigrants’ integration. According to Mark, the project was “prompted by the 2010 Census, the seed was planted earlier on assignment at Ellis Island for a 1978 essay by mentor Charles Kuralt. Unlike my candid street photography, this is a straightforward approach: individuals looking into the camera, telling stories through expression, place and pose.”

Mark Chester has been a professional photographer since 1972. His photographs are in the permanent collections of Baltimore, Brooklyn, Corcoran, Denver, Portland, and San Francisco museums, among others. National museum and gallery exhibitions of his work include OK Harris and SoHo Photo in New York City, Camera Obscura in Colorado, the San Francisco Airport, and other venues. His photographs also accompany his own travel articles as published by the L.A. Times, Boston Globe, St. Louis Post Dispatch, Chicago Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle, Washington Post, and Christian Science Monitor among other newspapers and special interest magazines.

The Vineyard Haven Public Library's "Art in the Stacks" space features rotating monthly exhibits and is managed by the Friends of the Library. The library also has a permanent collection of artworks that are displayed throughout the year, including 12 paintings by Vineyard artist Captain John Ivory. Artists interested in showing their work may contact the library at (508) 696-4210.

Art in the Stacks: Debra Gaines

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present an exhibit of paintings and photographs by Debra Gaines, on display on the lower level of the library during regular library hours throughout the month of October, 2017.

Debra Gaines has specialized in panoramic landscape photography and seascape photography for over twenty years, and has also has fallen in love with both pastel and encaustic painting. Debra's purpose is to capture and honor the beauty, awe and wonder of our world. For more information on the artist, visit debragaines.com.

The Vineyard Haven Public Library's "Art in the Stacks" space features rotating monthly exhibits and is managed by the Friends of the Library. The library also has a permanent collection of artworks that are displayed throughout the year, including 12 paintings by Vineyard artist Captain John Ivory. Artists interested in showing their work may contact the library at (508) 696-4210.

Art in the Stacks: Margaret Emerson

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library are pleased to present an exhibit of abstract paintings by Margaret Emerson, on display on the lower level of the library during regular library hours throughout the month of September, 2017.

Margaret Emerson is a retired nurse educator who began her new career as a painter when she moved to Martha’s Vineyard in 2009. Margaret is a member of the Martha’s Vineyard Art Association and shows her work at the Old Sculpin Gallery in Edgartown as well as the Island Gallery in Vineyard Haven. Her latest paintings are abstract works, many reflecting nature.

Margaret Emerson’s show at the Vineyard Haven Library features abstract paintings completed in
2016 and 2017. A highlight of this show is the painting hanging in the stairwell, “Hillary’s Glass Ceiling, Ready, but Never Dropped at the Javitz Center - Election Night, 2016,” which incorporates pieces of the actual “glass ceiling” planned for the Hillary Clinton election party. Margaret was given these pieces by a friend who worked on Hillary’s campaign and helped with the clean up of the party that never happened.

The Vineyard Haven Public Library's "Art in the Stacks" space features rotating monthly exhibits and is managed by the Friends of the Library. The library also has a permanent collection of artworks that are displayed throughout the year, including 12 paintings by Vineyard artist Captain John Ivory. Artists interested in showing their work may contact the library at (508) 696-4210.