The Work of Stan Murphy

Stan Murphy’s art on the Vineyard really needs no introduction. His images have become iconic; think Moshup emerging from the waters off of the Aquinnah Cliffs, and his portraits of Islanders, including himself.

On Sunday, April 1, Mr. Murphy’s son, David, will present a slide show at the Grange Hall in West Tisbury of his father’s work, including over 500 paintings. John Murphy, David’s son and Stan’s grandson, will perform at the event playing his grandfather’s 1933 0017 Martin guitar as background for the slide program. John is a senior at Duxbury High School.

Stan Murphy grew up in Buffalo and Baltimore. Following service in WWII, he enrolled at the Arts Students League in New York city. Deciding a cramped Hell’s Kitchen apartment was not conducive to creating art, he moved with his wife, Polly, and their first child to Martha’s Vineyard in 1948. Mr. Murphy continued to paint on the Island until his death in 2003.

The event at the Grange Hall is free but tickets are required. They are available at the West Tisbury Public Library.