A Thomas Hart Benton Vineyard landscape painting will go on the auction block Thursday at the Swann Galleries in New York city. The painting is from Mr. Benton’s early work, estimated to have been painted in the 1920s when Mr. Benton and his wife, Rita, first began summering on the Vineyard. Titled Landscape, Martha’s Vineyard, the painting is oil on paper, circa 1922-24.

The painting’s more abstract look is indicative of Benton’s early to mid-career work, according to Todd Weyman, a Benton expert at Swann Galleries.

A Moment With Ray Ellis

Staring deeply into a painting, first from up close, then from afar, maybe trying a different angle or two to wander amidst the nuance of light and shadow is a beautiful journey. Viewer and art together on a tour of discovery.

But sometimes one desires a steady hand to lead this dance or at least fill in some background information on how art became art: Just what was the original inspiration and how much perspiration did it take to bring this painting to life?

Artists Unite for Japan

This Sunday, June 5 from 4 to 7 p.m. a group of local artists are gathering to help children in crisis as a result of the tsunami in Japan. The artists include Mark Zeender, Hiroko Thomson, Carrie Mae Smith, Elizabeth Cecil, Jocelyn Filley, Meg Bodnar and Greg Watson. Well, most are local. Hiroko doesn’t live here, but she’s a grandmother to locals which means her Island roots are not just deep but most likely spreading good vibes down at the playground as we speak.

Twenty Island Artists

On Tuesday, June 7, the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library will host an exhibition featuring the work of more than 20 Vineyard artists. A reception will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. that day.

Art by Wendy Weldon

Wendy Weldon began playing with paint as a young girl in her mother’s art studio on a farm in Indiana. She studied art at Bard College, Silvermine College of Art, Santa Rosa Junior College and the Boston Museum School.

These days she spends her time painting in her studio in Chilmark. Her dog, Mollie, is often by her side, which is appropriate as Mollie will be the featured subject at Ms. Weldon’s art show, on exhibit for the month of May, at the West Tisbury Public Library.

Windemere Raises $17,600

For Recreational Programs

Art of the Process

Island-raised artist Susan Johnson’s exhibition of impressonist works, Martha’s Vineyard Landscapes: Paintings & Drawings, will be on display at the Chilmark Library through May 19 during normal hours. A reception for Ms. Johnson is slated for Saturday, May 14, from 3 to 5 p.m.

The architecture of the 18th century Colonial home enjoyed by four generations of the Cooke family won’t be the oldest art on display on Friday evening when the Martha’s Vineyard Museum opens its season with a free reception for members and guests: A traditional Afro-Brazilian dance that dates back to the 16th century will be on show, too, courtesy of a group from Martha’s Vineyard Capoeira.

Great Scot at Dragonfly

Dragonfly Fine Arts Gallery is beginning its 17th Anniversary Season with 28 new and returning artists, including a broad selection of work in various media.

Voted best of the Vineyard in 2010, 2009. 2007 and 2005, the Dragonfly Gallery opening reception is from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 28. The first featured exhibit will include work from Scottish born Angus Wilson now living in California. His work focuses on bold and colorful still life oil paintings.

Student Art Show

A show featuring the work of the Martha’s Vineyard Art Association scholarship winners opens tomorrow at the Old Sculpin Gallery on Dock street in in Edgartown.

The reception is Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m.

Featured artists are scholarship winners Isaac Hurwitz and Kira Shipway and alternate Tova Katzman.

Isaac’s mediums range from oils, acrylics and inks to spray paint and watercolor. He is currently attending the San Francisco Art Institute.