When you visit the Vineyard Artisans Festivals you are in for a unique experience which is not duplicated anywhere else on Martha’s Vineyard. We are the only art group that is exclusively made up of artisans who live and work on the island. All the art is hand-made by the artists. The artists represent their own work, explaining in detail the manner in which each piece of art was made and why.
Imagine entering the historic Grange Hall in West Tisbury and witnessing Carol Tripp spinning wool. Carol and her husband Richard raise sheep, hand-dye the wool themselves, and then spin and weave it into blankets, shawls, scarves, hats and much more. Or you can meet Lisa Stachan, who creates the most unique fine porcelain ceramics. Whether it’s hand-made jewelry by Kenneth Pillsworth or hand-forged iron brackets by our own blacksmith Jamie Rogers, the Vineyard Artisans Festivals is a must if you’re looking for a true piece of art native to Martha’s Vineyard.
We offer two special Festivals that take place at the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury. One is on Labor Day Weekend. It’s the Islands largest art show of the summer season. The Grand Hall has been the home of the Vineyard Artisans for the last 18 years. From the very first show it has been the only place to find over 120 island artisans proudly displaying their wares. These shows host some of the Island’s most talented furniture makers, fine artists and craftsmen. Enjoy music and horse rides for the children. Visit on Friday evening for the special opening. The second festival at the M.V. Agricultural Hall is the Thanksgiving weekend show, where you will find an abundance of holiday gift ideas for your home and some one special.
New this year is our Vineyard Artisans Cook Book. A true one of a kind, just like the art you will find in our show’s. The book is filled with our artisans favorite recipes and it’s illustrated by our own artist John Holladay. All proceeds from the book fund our Scholarship that we give to graduating students from the Martha’s Vineyard High Schools.
As always, the shows include catered local food. The shows are rain or shine, and also include free admission and plenty of parking.