Art
Alison Shaw Gallery Fine art photography of Alison Shaw. Open by chance or appointment, or Wednesday through Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. at 88 Dukes County avenue, Oak Bluffs, 508-696-7429 or alisonshaw.com.
Current exhibit: Sail continues through July 18.
Bank of Martha’s Vineyard Open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 8:30 a.m. to noon at 517 South Road, Chilmark, 508-645-2608.
Shaw Cramer Show
New Discoveries at the Shaw Cramer Gallery is the second special exhibit in the Spotlights 2009 series this summer. Ten new artists in the gallery are showcased, each bringing a new point of view. Melted glass flows over copper, patina enhances steel vessels, multi-use textural clay forms and sculptural tables of mahogany with maple are a few of the new concepts presented.
New Discoveries can be seen through July 17 in the upper gallery while the Wendy Weldon show continues through July 9 in the main gallery.
An exhibition of John C. Traynor’s recent works opens at the Christina Gallery with an artist’s reception Thursday, July 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. All are welcome.
In his oil paintings of Martha’s Vineyard, Paris, Ireland and still lifes, Mr. Traynor uses color and value to impart a feeling of distance, and a progression of light. Nature is a primary source of inspiration, and he makes painting expeditions throughout Europe and the New England countryside. The exhibition continues until July 23.
Artists Traeger di Pietro and Adam Thompson are featured in the Dragonfly Gallery’s new Rising Stars show, which opens tonight and runs through July 12.
Adam Thompson, whose interest in painting began during summers spent with his family at their Trinity Park Camp Ground cottage, studied under the tutelage of artist Charles Danielson. Over the years, Mr. Thompson’s art has evolved from highly textured expressionist landscapes with bold colors and shapes, to a more stark, architectural and graphic style.
A mysterious stranger became the highlight of the poetry night at Che’s Lounge two weeks ago. Here’s how former West Tisbury poet laureate Dan Waters, one of the 70 or so people who crowded the Vineyard Haven cafe that evening, describes it:
“A tall, 90-year-old man walked in with a sheaf of poems — which happens all the time — and started reading. Every poem was preceded by an anecdote. They were humorous, and it was amazing.”
The African Artists’ Community Development Project and the Chikumbuso Widows’ and Orphans’ Project are collaborating to produce a concert this July in order to raise awareness and funds for Zambian children, widows, and artists. Please come to the Vineyard Haven Library Tuesday night, July 7 at 7 p.m. to learn about these two organizations. Help us wage peace.