FEATHERSTONE CENTER FOR THE ARTS is ushering in the summer season with a dynamic lineup of music, art, and community gatherings, all set against the picturesque backdrop of its Martha’s Vineyard campus. From June through September, the beloved arts center will host weekly performances, special fundraising events, and rotating exhibitions that showcase the island’s creative spirit and beyond.
Music and Community Under the Stars
The sounds of summer will come alive every week with Musical Mondays and Fridays with Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish. Beginning June 23 and running through August 25, Monday nights will feature a rotating roster of musical acts on the outdoor stage. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic and a blanket for a relaxing evening on the lawn. Friday evenings, from June 27 through August 22, are reserved for Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish, whose soulful blues and high-energy sets have become a Vineyard staple. These events are more than just concerts—they’re communal celebrations that draw neighbors and newcomers alike.
The Photographers Salon Returns
Visual storytelling takes center stage each Tuesday evening from July 8 through August 12, as local photographer Michael Johnson returns to host the Photographers Salon. This engaging series features weekly talks by guest photographers who present their work and discuss their creative journeys. The salon encourages dialogue, reflection, and a deeper appreciation for the art of photography, all in an intimate setting complete with refreshments.
Summer Fundraisers That Inspire and Sustain
Featherstone’s signature fundraising events are a highlight of the season, offering unique opportunities to support the arts while enjoying vibrant and creative experiences.
*The Annual Summer Gala, taking place Saturday, July 19 at 5:30 p.m., is the center’s largest fundraiser of the year. Guests will enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, a silent auction, and the always-popular Golden Ticket drawing. Proceeds directly support Featherstone’s wide array of community programs. The gala is presented by the Martha’s Vineyard Bank Charitable Foundation.
*On Sunday, August 10 at 4:00 p.m., the Anonymous Art Show invites attendees to select from a collection of 6”x6” works donated by local artists— without knowing who created each piece. With a roll of the dice deciding the winners, the event blends chance, charm, and creativity, making for a truly unique evening.
*The season rounds out with the Potter’s Bowl on Sunday, September 7 at 4:00 p.m. In this beloved annual event, guests choose from a collection of handcrafted bowls donated by local potters, which are then filled with soups provided by island restaurants and caterers.
Summer Exhibitions in the Francine Kelly Gallery
The Francine Kelly Gallery will host three distinctive exhibitions this summer, each curated to showcase diverse artistic perspectives:
*Currents in Contemporary Ceramic Art (June 30–July 20), curated by Jen Gandee of the Gandee Gallery, explores a wide range of ceramic works— from functional to abstract—by artists from New England and across the U.S. The opening reception takes place Sunday, June 29, from 4–6 p.m.
*Interiority (July 28–August 17), curated by Sandra Grymes, features powerful works by acclaimed Black photographers, delving into themes of identity, reflection, and personal space. The opening reception is scheduled for Sunday, July 27, from 4–6 p.m.
*The Philip and Eileen Brown Cartoon Collection: The New Yorker and Beyond (August 25–September 14) presents original works by some of the most celebrated cartoonists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Curated by the Browns’ children, this exhibit offers a rare glimpse into iconic and often humorous visual storytelling. The opening reception will be held Sunday, August 2,4 from 4–6 p.m.
For a full calendar of classes, workshops, and ticket information, visitors are encouraged to check the Featherstone website. Whether you’re drawn to music, fine art, or community connection, this summer at Featherstone promises to be unforgettable.
MORE INFO
30 Featherstone Lane
(Off of Barnes Road)
Oak Bluffs
(508) 693-1850
featherstoneart.org
