The Christina Gallery in Edgartown celebrates its 40th year with a summer-long exhibit by the artists Duane Alt, Sandi Blanda and John C. Traynor.

This year’s Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, August 7 to 12, is bringing heavy hitters including Kathryn Bigelow and Spike Lee to the performing arts center.

Carol Brown Goldberg’s parents expected her to look presentable, play with nice friends, get married and have children. She did all of those things. She also became an artist.

In her kitchen, Jenifer Strachan never breaks a dish. But down in her studio there are piles of cracked and chipped plates, cups, saucers and bowls, dating from 1790 to the 1940s.

On Friday Isaac Taylor opens for Martin Sexton in a benefit concert for WMVY and Club Passim. He will perform songs from his first album, Peace in the Valley, due out in September.

Mr. Reade, Ms. Shane, Eva Cincotta and Janis Langley share space at the Old Sculpin Gallery, with art from watercolor to oils to pastels, always with a nod to the Island.