Passersby at the intersection of County Road and Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road in Oak Bluffs have been noticing a new addition to the landscape: a 113-foot-long, four-foot-tall stone wall emblazoned with the word “Ogkeshkuppe.”
The wall, which is still under construction, belongs to longtime Islander and landscaping company owner Dana Mylott. It stands on the street-facing edge of his property where he houses several of his employees.
“Ogkeshkuppe” is the Wôpanâak word for the land of Oak Bluffs, Mr. Mylott said. He told the Gazette that he wanted to use his highly visible property to create something meaningful that people could enjoy while paying homage to the Wampanoag Tribe.
“I’ve been on this Island for 25 years, and because I’m so visible right there, I started kind of thinking about what I could create out of this space,” said Mr. Mylott, who is not a tribe member. “Paying respect to the town had to start with the original people of the Island.”
The wall itself is made of Island stone and fitted with lettering made out of steel edging by Island metalworker Lisa Leonard. The wall is bookended by two blank squares, each five feet long by four feet high. On the left, Mr. Mylott plans to install artwork representing the history of Oak Bluffs. He hopes to invite each year’s crop of Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School seniors to the property to create artwork on the right.
Mr. Mylott said he sought permission from the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) before embarking on the project. He says he spoke with Bettina Washington, the tribe’s historic preservation officer, to bring the project to life and ensure the spelling on the wall was correct.
Ms. Washington did not respond to a request for comment this week.
Mr. Mylott also said he went through the proper channels to get permission for the project at the town level, communicating with the Oak Bluffs zoning board of appeals and the Oak Bluffs building department.
“We don’t need a permit because it’s an art piece. It’s not showcasing a business,” he said. “The town had no issue with it.”
Oak Bluffs building official Matt Rossi confirmed in an email to the Gazette that Mr. Mylott’s installation is legal and does not require a permit. He said the wall’s height, placement and distance from the centerline of the road exempt it from needing town approval under both state building code and local zoning by-laws.
Mr. Rossi added that the wall does not require a sign permit per town zoning bylaws, which define a sign as “any privately owned permanent or temporary structure, device, billboard, letter, word, banner, pennant, insignia or representation which is used as, or which is in the nature of, an advertisement, announcement, or direction, and which is within public view.”
“[Mr. Mylott] originally told me he wanted to do an art installation and then put his company’s abbreviation (D.T.A.L.S) in large letters in the middle. I told him that would be considered a sign per the Oak Bluffs Zoning By-Laws,” Mr. Rossi wrote. “[He] then asked if he could just do an art installation and I told him that would be allowed.”
Mr. Rossi said he’s received questions from people wondering whether the wall is allowed or considered a sign. He also wrote that some officials worry about the wall’s potential effect on traffic safety.
“Informally, some town employees expressed concern that it will be a distraction to drivers at a busy intersection,” he wrote.
Mr. Mylott said the feedback he has received has been overwhelmingly positive, although he also noted that some had expressed skepticism online and in person.
He invites conversation and visits to his property from those who want to discuss the wall, whether they support it or not.
“You’re part of my community, and it’s okay if you don’t agree with me,” he said.
This article appears in September 26, 2025.
I have almost driven off the road trying to read that thing.
Slow down. It is a busy area. Reads better slower.
I like it.
Way to go, Dana!
How is that not a giant sign?
Building inspector should have it taken down.
Read the article for an answer to your question.
I strongly disagree with this assessment. It’s a beautiful homage to the island’s history.
This is great!
I just cried!!
This is BEAUTIFUL & PERFECT!!
Sincere cudos to Mr Mylott for going thru appropriate channels. Conceptually a beautiful idea. Realistically, it’s still a large ugly sign.
It looks ridiculous. Distracting, overwhelming, ugly, out of place, on and on. Selfish! No need to subject the entire island to your personal taste in art work.
All art is distracting. All art is ugly… To someone. Art, just like life is subjective. It is in the eye of the one who beholds perspective. You are right. You are also wrong. Our opinions don’t need to hold any weight. My perspective is no greater or lesser than yours. We are all allowed to have a difference in how we see life. We are also allowed to express that just as you did. Just as Dana did. Respectfully
I think it’s pretty cool. They are doing a great job. Perfect place. Ignore the naysayers. Just white noise. Thanks!
I have sat at the intersection, wondering. No more wondering!
Dana- everyone will have an opinion and change isn’t easy for many to accept.
I’ve seen you in places speaking as an advocate that straddles islander needs with new “washashores”. I’ve seen you advocate for people here and hire differently asked people. I was touched the day you reached out to me to be sure one of mine was safely out and about. You’re a strong voice for unity,community and trying to build beautiful things here for our future.
I took was confused. I was distracted driving trying to guess what was there. After I knew? I drive safely. People will adjust.
One thing I appreciate is that you asked before using the language I love that it’s in Oak Bluffs! It confronts the myth that the tribe is only and has only been in Aquinnah.
Thank you Dana.
Thank you for this comment and I could not agree more.
Thank you as well, for this supportive comment. Yes, these can initially be distractions but perhaps, it will encourage people to slow down! The premise for this project is beautiful!
Give it time people as the tress grow behind it and it weathers in it will be perfect use of an ugly cement wall. Change is hard for way to many
Way to large
It’s wonderful to have the original name of the town prominently displayed. And I love the idea that the high school students will be involved. It’s part of their learning of history.
Dana, you told me about your vision one day last spring when you were walking your dog through the MVCMA grounds. I was touched by your passion and wish to recognize and celebrate the history of the Island. Beautifully done!
By way of example, take this to the extreme…what if every property owner, under the guise of “artwork” erected enormous signs in their property. Imagine an endless series of billboards along every island road. Is this what we really want? Noble intent, however overreach in execution. Arguably the largest “sign” on the island.
Art is what MV has always been about. The Wopanaak words are beautiful. Thank you for sharing them bro.
Dana, I love the wall and what it stands for. Always great to have a reminder of who’s land we are occupying. Thank you.
Cheers!
At first glance I thought it to be graffiti.
I understand there are differing opinions on it.
As an artist, I hope my art, a century from now, offers a meaningful glimpse into our current world. To achieve that I would feel deeply humbled and grateful. This is the same reason I have such profound respect for Dana’s installation.
Look above/beyond the artwork/sign….
Mr. Mylott’s efforts to provide housing for a number of his employees is something that should inspire other Island employers to step to the plate and follow in his footsteps!
I’m proud of you, Dana!
Prescient street art interferes with the nostalgic visual passivity that permeates this island. Let’s all go down and paint the Island Theater———anybody game?
I admire the sentiment but it is distracting, especially for that location. I’ve seen people stop cars to try to read the sign. It might grow on people, true, but I find it to be a potential traffic hazard.