Arts and culture abound on Martha’s Vineyard. For over a century, the island has occupied a special place in the hearts and minds of visiting artists. Generations of painters, photographers, and sculptors have found inspiration in the Vineyard’s breathtaking vistas, and easy-going way of life. They have brought to the community a rich, and vibrant art scene as predominant now as the island’s centuries-old maritime and agricultural traditions.
Fine art had its beginnings on Martha’s Vineyard in the early part of the twentieth century, when a tight-knit circle of nationally recognized New York-based artists "discovered" and began summering in Chilmark. The original artists were Percy Cowen, Johnny Gruelle, and brothers George and Worth Brehm. Thomas Hart Benton arrived shortly after. As word of the beautiful, little known island spread throughout the New York City art scene, the summer population of Chilmark grew. By 1919, dozens of successful painters were summering in the sleepy island town, where they could lose their reputable mantles, painting, picnicking, and sharing the beach together.
Unfortunately, many of Chilmark’s early summer painters have escaped the history books and have fallen into obscurity. Our project aims to rediscover these amazing artists, their stories, and their Vineyard-themed paintings to incorporate into a large-format coffee table book. Matt has spent two years searching Up-Island attics, basements and barns finding forgotten Vineyard paintings from the 1920’s and the 30’s. These works will be featured in the book, as well as century-old letters, photographs, and drawings. Matt will use these items to construct a never-before-documented timeline of the artists’ arrival to the Vineyard beginning in 1910, and ending in 1950, when scenes of Chilmark began appearing on the covers of mainstream, national magazines. In addition, countless interviews have been conducted with the small handful of people who can still recall the Vineyard’s early art scene. The most recent includes Thomas Hart Benton’s late daughter, Jessie, who also penned the book's introduction shortly before passing away in February.
Today, few people remain with first hand knowledge of this important time. They are well into their 80’s and 90’s. Treasured works will be at risk of ending up in dumpsters when estates are sold and houses emptied out.
The clock is ticking. The time to create this book is NOW! Please help us make this book a reality.
