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Martha's Vineyard Art Galleries

The Martha’s Vineyard art community is vibrant and rife with opportunities for local artists, featuring a wide range of styles and mediums. During your stay at the Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites, consider spending an afternoon or two perusing the spectacular Martha’s Vineyard art galleries near our Edgartown hotel. View pieces and talents from all over the world and help support the art community. Who knows—you may even find a painting or sculpture for sale that you can purchase and commemorate your East Coast getaway.

4 Fantastic Martha’s Vineyard Art Galleries

If you’re considering what to do in Martha’s Vineyard, consider meandering a nearby art gallery. You never know what you might stumble upon—an inspiring story, local history, a new favorite piece. Luckily for you, there’s no shortage of Martha’s Vineyard art galleries in Edgartown. Pick out a steaming cup of your favorite brew from a nearby coffee shop, and get ready to peruse a few fascinating galleries. 

  1. You needn’t go far to view local art; the Eisenhauer Gallery is connected to the Vineyard Square Hotel & Suites lobby, featuring over 50 artists, contemporary styles, still life, and gorgeous landscapes. Elizabeth Eisenhauer and her knowledgeable staff welcome you to peruse the exhibits and would love to provide suggestions and the fascinating backgrounds on all the artists she represents at the gallery. We highly suggest setting aside time to view the jewelry case, which has several unique and beautiful pieces. 
  2. North Water is home to a labyrinth of fantastic art pieces by local artists, from traditional pieces and paintings to sculptures and creations in glass.  
  3. While only open seasonally, the Old Sculpin Gallery is a historic landmark that features rotating exhibits, so when you return, you’ll never see the same thing twice. 
  4. Open year-round, the Christina Gallery showcases traditional art styles, such as Impressionism and Expressionism, by local artists and a unique collection of antique maps from past centuries. 

Immerse Yourself in Art at Our Martha’s Vineyard Hotel

Indulging in the local art scene is one of the best things to do in Martha’s Vineyard during any time of year. Reminisce on your explorations in your cozy accommodations, and plan the next day’s Martha’s Vineyard activities. You’ll never run out of things to do around Edgartown, regardless of where your interests lie. Dine on delicious dishes from our on-site eatery, Chesca’s Restaurant, during the summer season, or try several fantastic dining options in Edgartown. Unwind and recharge at our on-site spa, the Sea Spa Salon, and create cherished memories with loved ones at our luxurious Martha’s Vineyard resort. To learn more about our offerings, please give us a call at 508-627-4711.

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Phil-LichtenhamOkay, art enthusiasts, now that we’ve exhausted Edgartown and Oak Bluffs, let’s move westward to Vineyard Haven, where we’ll find a different variety of galleries.  Main Street is definitely the place to be for Vineyard Haven art.  Please keep in mind that this post is the third in a series on Martha’s Vineyard art, and if you are interested in theEdgartown and Oak Bluff’s art districts you can find highlights in the previous articles.

Had I been a little more timely in getting this written, I would have started you off at #9 Main St., Vineyard Haven, where the Archeo Gallery spent the better part of the summer. Unfortunately, they have recently packed up and returned to their winter home in Florida. Should we be lucky enough to have them return in 2010, you will find that they are not what we generally think of when we think “art gallery.” Instead of walls lined with paintings, you’ll find a bountiful display of African rugs, furniture, art, masks, sculpture, and pottery. If you are looking for the truly unique piece for either yourself, or as a gift, this should not be missed.

Next, visit Kara Taylor Fine Art at #19 and take a deep, relaxing breath looking at her hauntingly serene, deep contrast paintings and photographs. It’s sort of like a slow walk in the woods on a beautiful fall day.

Now, stroll down the street and plan to spend more than a little time in the building that houses #s 54/56. On the street floor, you’ll find the Simon Gallery and Louisa Gould Gallery. What more can be said about Peter Simon’s incredible photography?  Everyone who buys his Vineyard Calendar every year raise your hand. I, myself, would be lost without it. Always breathtaking. Always a new vision and perspective of the island. And what adds a special dimension to this gallery is Peter’s lovely wife Ronni and her exquisite one-of-a-kind jewelry. You’ll have a hard time limiting your purchases.

Next door, the Louisa Gould Gallery is more traditional, but no less exciting. Here, you’ll find an eclectic display of landscapes, seascapes, still lifes, sculpture, jewelry, furniture, and Louisa’s lovely photography.

I know you’ll be a bit saturated with art by now, but it’s not time to get lazy. Climb the stairs and end your Vineyard Haven stroll at the Shaw Cramer Gallery. Here also is a collection of very unique contemporary fine crafts and paintings.

I’ll bet you think that I’ve exhausted the subject of Martha’s Vineyard galleries. Think again. Some of the best is yet to come. But the “stroll” is over. You’ll need to get out the bus tickets or the car keys. Coming soon: Destination art that’s worth the journey!

Image of metal nests by Phil Lichtenhan, available at Shaw Cramer Gallery

 

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Time to move our gallery stroll to Oak Bluffs. First, my apologies to all of the wonderful galleries I do not include in my ruminations. I know there are many, but I am trying to keep my selection to a literal stroll. Perhaps, in the future, I will blog about the notable artistic destinations that require transportation. For now, we’ll stick to Oak Bluffs on foot.

We’ll start by leaving the crowds on Circuit Avenue and wind our way through the peaceful, colorful campgrounds to Dukes County Avenue where, for a number of years, a group of talented and enterprising people have slowly been building up an expanding community called the Arts District. Begin at the newly renovated old firehouse, now theAlison Shaw Gallery.  I don’t know a soul who doesn’t catch his or her breath the first time they see Alison’s colorful photography. Her prints of everything from the West Tisbury Farmer’s Market to a peaceful dawn on Oak Bluffs Harbor are just the reminders of the Vineyard that you’ll want to take home.

Cross the street and check out the Dragonfly Gallery. Under new management this year, it is still an intimate and inviting venue for an eclectic collection of island paintings, photographs, and sculptures.

Next, turn right outside the door and walk two doors down to PIK NIK, a treasure trove of delights for the eyes. In the main building, you’ll find contemporary art, accessories, jewelry, and apparel. A great place to find unusual gifts! The Studio Annex in the back displays the exciting work of emerging new artists. Plan to spending a little time here.

Now, let’s wander back to busy Circuit Avenue. Notice how the light and shadows have changed in the campground since you walked through earlier. Doesn’t it make you want to take out your camera and give Alison Shaw a run for her money? There is unlimited inspiration for artists on Martha’s Vineyard.

Make a right turn on Circuit Ave. for a short walk to one of Oak Bluffs’ most prized institutions, the Cousen Rose Gallery, now in its 30th year. The bright and charming, pink gingerbread style building holds a wonderful offering of original art, one of a kind jewelry, and gift items.

If you have time for one more and want something completely different, walk just a little further on upper Circuit and turn left onto Uncas Avenue to the brand new NYE Gallery, where you’ll feel like you’ve just been beamed to Soho. The atmosphere and artwork is contemporary, fun, and refreshing.

Speaking of refreshing, it’s now probably time to rest your feet by the harbor and refresh yourself with something tall and cold. Watch the boats drift in and out and prepare yourself for another delightful, artistic adventure in Vineyard Haven.

Image courtesy of Alison Shaw

 

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Eisenhauer Gallery

Like most people who live on Martha’s Vineyard, I wear more than one hat. I love my job here with our guests at the Colonial Inn & Edgartown Residence Club, but I also would not feel like a whole person if I ever gave up my identity as a freelance illustrator. Those of us with an artist’s eye seem to be drawn to the island, which I blame on the truly magical quality of the light, whose beauty seems to reach its pinnacle in September and October. My theory has always been that this is caused by some mystical reflection off of all the water that surrounds us. No matter the reason, I’m sure all of you who have spent time here have lost yourselves in the beauty of the island also. But have you ever considered taking some of it home with you? The multitude of local and visiting artists make it possible for you to do just that. Stroll our countless galleries to take in the love of Martha’s Vineyard that covers the canvases of these incredibly talented men and women. There are far too many to name in one blog, so I will start right here in Edgartown.

You don’t even have to leave the Colonial Inn to visit one of the most versatile galleries in town, the Eisenhauer Gallery. Here you can find beautiful pastoral and seaside landscapes, classic still-lifes, and whimsical character studies, not to mention unique sculptures, one of a kind antiques, and an exquisite collection of jewelry.

Exit our back door and enter the Debra M. Gaines Gallery in Nevin Square. You won’t be able to resist taking home some of her reasonably priced, breathtaking island photography and/or her husband’s lovely Vineyard paintings.

Next, turn left and walk half a block to the Christina Gallery on the corner of Winter and North Water Streets to take in the ample collection of Impressionist oil landscapes and florals, still-lifes, and antique prints and maps.

Just across North Water Street, the North Water Gallery shows some of the islands most noted and respected artists. Feast your eyes and senses on some of the most exquisite landscapes and nautical oil paintings on Martha’s Vineyard.

For a completely different offering, turn right out the door and right again on Kelley Street, past the municipal lot, and into the Belushi Pisano Gallery, which honored us by moving to Edgartown from Vineyard Haven this year. The bright, happy interior is the perfect backdrop for the contemporary paintings and ceramics on display here.

Turn left on Dock Street and finish your art walk at the historic Old Sculpin Gallery and see their permanent collection of made-on-the-Vineyard art from 1879 to the present. If your walk has inspired your artistic abilities, you can sign up here for classes and workshops!

That’s enough of a stroll for one day, but keep your artistic juices flowing, because I haven’t even touched Oak Bluffs, Vineyard Haven or the very special up island galleries yet!

 

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Spend a Day at the Manuel F. Correllus State Forest
See the Next Big Thing at a Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival
A Guide on How to Get to Martha’s Vineyard
A Look at the History of Our Edgartown Hotel
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