What inspires you to create? Is there a person who moves you or a natural beauty of the Island or a specific memory that sparks joy?

These were the questions posed by Featherstone Center for the Arts to local artists in preparation for Muse, the organization’s first show of the year.

On Sunday, art lovers flocked to the opening reception, where the walls of the Francine Kelly Gallery were decorated with works of art by 98 artists of different ages, skill levels and genres.

Exhibit includes work from 98 artists. — Jonathan Fleischmann

All the artists provided answers to the questions in various forms, from oil on canvas to textile art and ceramics, among other mediums.

Featherstone executive director Ann Smith said she wanted to begin the new season with a show that welcomed artists of all types.

“It’s our first show of the year, and we’re really excited to have so many artists showing us their muse and what person, place or thing inspires them,” she said. “It’s a great turnout for March on the Vineyard.”

Bagkii-Kai, a 17-year-old member of the Wampanoag Tribe, displayed two corn husk dolls to represent traditional Wampanoag tribal regalia.

Liz Durkee, a photographer who has participated in many shows at Featherstone, said she enjoyed seeing the variety represented at the show.

“We have so many talented artists on this Island,” she said.

Each artist answered the question of what their muse was through their own medium. — Jonathan Fleischmann

While muses come in varying forms, the show is organized through common themes. In one corner, each piece of artwork depicts a nature scene. Some are familiar and local, such as Squibnocket Beach, Felix Neck and Misty Meadows, while others are more interpretation works.

“We try and hopefully try to create a nice flow of all the different mediums,” Ms. Smith said. “We have time to tell what we think is a great and cohesive story by the time the opening comes on Sunday.”

Each piece in the show includes a statement of purpose by the artist. Accompanying Sam Cameron’s puzzle pieces, he wrote: “Inspiration has already existed longer than I will. There was no wrong way to complete this puzzle.”

Featherstone managing director Posie Haeger said that curating shows like Muse are a gratifying experience.

“With a community show, it’s very different than working with a curator for a specific gallery,” she said. “The community comes, the theme is up for interpretation and it’s wonderful.”

For Ms. Smith, springtime is always a time of rebirth for the gallery.     

 “Spring is new beginnings and transformation and inspiration,” she said. “This really was our welcome back and we felt like the appropriate theme was taking the inspirational piece of it and to see what artists have been doing.”

Muse runs at Featherstone Center for the Arts through the end of March.