At the end of June, Featherstone celebrated the art of the Barnes family, an amazingly talented family with deep roots in East Chop. Tokey’s political cartoons, first published by the Boston Globe, along with several of his humorous oils were prominently displayed. Tokey’s paintings are found in houses all over the Chop. He still makes us laugh.

Brother Sam Barnes, a former naval commander and executive with General Electric, took up painting at age 50. Several of his precise and detailed pen and inks of houses owned by family and friends, churches and prominent buildings were on display. Sam was a longtime member of the tennis and beach clubs. When he told me he was 86, I couldn’t believe it. He remains tall and handsome, looking and acting as if he were 20 years younger.

Neil Goodwin, husband of Margot Barnes Goodwin, submitted several photographs. There was a lovely watercolor of a Vineyard house by David McCullough, well-known historical writer and husband to Rosalee Barnes McCullough. Paintings by Barnes children and grandchildren were also on display. It was a remarkable exhibit, put together by John Goldthwait and Caryl Dearing along with Featherstone’s newest employee Kate Hancock. The collection included more than seventy paintings by this remarkable family.

If you would like to help Featherstone, the organization will hold its 20th anniversary gala at Farm Neck Golf Course on Monday July 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. This is the big fundraising event for Featherstone for the year. Tickets are $175, which include abundant hors d’ouevres, wine and beer and dessert. There will be a silent auction featuring a wide range of items including restaurant gift certificates, trips, parties, artwork, and lots more. You can reserve space by calling Featherstone at 508-693-1850 or by going online to featherstone@featherstoneart.org. The deadline for responding is July 5.

Come out and enjoy the fun. There is no organization more deserving of your support than Featherstone. Prominent members of the gala committee include board chairman Judy Cunniffe and board member Patsy McCornack. The list of East Choppers involved in this wonderful organization is long.

There are also some exciting events sponsored by Friends of Sengekontacket coming in July and August. Friends of Sengekontacket is an organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of Sengekontacket Pond and its barrier beach. Each Saturday in July and August from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., the organization conducts a nature excursion on the pond led by Felix Neck wildlife naturalist. Topics in the past have included mollusks, birds and shells. Children ages four and up are encouraged to attend with the only requirement that a parent is with them. There is no charge for the excursion. If interested, plan to be at Little Bridge in Oak Bluffs at 9:30 am.

Finally, for July residents who may not have heard the news, the new edition of East Chop Families is here. If you are interested in purchasing a copy, please contact me at 508-693-8065.

Send East Chop news to herricklr@verizon.net.