Local artists rejoice. The annual All-Island Art Show returns to the Tabernacle on Monday, August 1, giving some of Martha’s Vineyard’s hidden gems a chance to shine.

Featured artwork at the shows consists of many categories, including acrylic painting, collage, drawing, mixed media, oil, pastel, sculpture, watercolor, landscape photography, people-subject photography and miscellaneous photography. Displayed along the perimeter of the Tabernacle, the artwork presents an opportunity for local exposure.

“There are a lot of well-known artists who have gotten their start at this show,” said Bob Schaefer, president of the All-Island Art Show. He pointed out summer resident and painter Karen Larson Turner as an example.

The show started in the summer of 1956 with the intention of promoting lesser-known artists on Martha’s Vineyard, according to Mr. Schaefer. Displaying their work throughout the Tabernacle, artists mingle and befriend other aspiring artists at an affordable price. It costs only $5 to display a single art piece, with a maximum of five pieces allowed per person. Artists can also choose the $30 option to exhibit their art portfolio, which may contain up to 30 works.

The requirements are that all artists must have an Island address and be over 16 years old, and their artwork needs to fit the size requirement of 30 inches by 40 inches.

Mr. Schaefer said that anywhere between 60 and 100 artists appear in the art show any given year. Most of the signups occur the morning of the show.

A panel of judges determines first, second and merit prizes for the 11 media category entries. First place winners receive $50 while second prize winners receive $25. Merit prizes earn a ribbon. Of the 11 first prize winners, one receives the coveted Best in Show award worth $125.

This year’s panel of judges includes Island-artists Lanny McDowell, Peter Dreyer, Susan Sellers, Terre Young, Eva Cincotta and Traeger diPietro.

The All-Island Art Show begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. Artists hoping to join the show last-minute may register at 8:30 a.m.