Artisan Festival Talk

Ever wonder how the Artisans Festival began, what they were like in the early days, and even, perhaps, where they are headed? Well, on Sunday, Feb. 5 at 2 p.m., Andrea Rogers, the maestro behind what has become a Vineyard institution (and an impressive broom maker too) is giving a talk at the Vineyard Haven Public Library.

The library knows how to treat its visitors too; refreshments will be served following the talk.

For more details, call 508-696-4211.

Arts Grants

Calling all Island artists, the Martha’s Vineyard Center for Visual Arts (MVCVA) has declared that supporting and encouraging creative endeavors is the new focus of this arts organization. And they are putting money where their mouth is with grant money available for artists of all mediums..

Applications are being accepted until April 1 and are available on the MVCVC Web site at artmv.org or by contacting Renee Balter at 508-696-7643 or rebalter@yahoo.com.

Susan Johnson Exhibit

Oil paintings by Susan Johnson are on exhibit this month at the Chilmark Bank. Ms. Johnson studied en plein air painting in Tuscany with Boston University last summer. She has since utilized this style with a focus on Beetlebung Farm. Eighteen landscape paintings will be on display.

This winter Ms. Johnson will continue this project with the Vermont College of Fine Art, and she has been accepted into the Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts, a distance learning program with international residencies.

Garden Gate Art Show

The kids at the Garden Gate Child Development Center, ages two to five, are having an art exhibit at Featherstone Center for the Arts. The reception is today, Jan. 20, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Okay, perhaps a bit late for the little tykes but the rules are off when it comes to artists.

The kids have been working on sculptures inspired by Dr. Seuss, as well as a study in faces centered on collage exploration á la Picasso.

There will also be music, champagne and hors d’oeuvres.

West Tisbury catboat sailor Jim O’Connor has come out with his fourth annual calendar. Each month gets a photograph. Mr. O’Connor is a professional caterer and runs ChefWorks. When he is not cooking up meals in the summer he and his wife Kim, an educator at the Oak Bluffs School, and their black labrador retriever Marshall are out sailing in their 22-foot catboat Glimmer. They like to cruise about Southeastern Massachusetts waters with the purpose of having a good time and taking pictures for the next calendar.

Art in the Stacks

The Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library are presenting an exhibit of paintings by Brazilian artist Bella, also known for her work as a musician, singer, songwriter, playwright, and puppeteer. The exhibit will be on display during regular library hours through Feb. 4.

For more details, call 508-696-4211.

Al Hurwitz Reception

Al Hurwitz is a world-renowned art educator. He has won numerous awards including a National Art Educator award, a Sir Herbert Read award from the International Society for Education through Art and, most recently, the Eisner Lifetime Achievement Award. He also holds the Chair Emeritus of the Center for Art Education at the Maryland Institute College of Art, and has written the classic art book, Children and Their Art: Methods for the Elementary School with Michael Daly.