Take a Stroll to the Arts District

The first of the season takes place this Saturday in Oak Bluffs on Dukes County Avenue. This gathering in the Island’s only Arts District is not to be missed. All of the seven galleries in the District will be open from 4 pm to 7 pm and will feature exciting shows.

The Arts District, a little enclave in Oak Bluffs, has grown over the last eight years. The season’s Arts Strolls are part of what makes this area the center of Island arts. The District features art galleries along with clothing shops, tattoo parlors, photography galleries and, newly added, the .

Participating in this year’s stroll will be The that will be celebrating the release of Shaw’s highly anticipated book of Cape and Islands lighthouses To the Harbor Light. The illuminating photographs promise to pair well with complementary shandies and “light” hors d’oeuvres.

will host a reception with Painter Jessica Pisano, Watercolorist Laura Wilk and fabric collage artist Wanda Wiggins. Visitors can talk with the artists about their unique creative processes and enjoy a performance by singer/songwriter Jeremy Nash. “The best part about having a gallery in the Arts District is the people,” stated gallery owner Don McKillop,

describes itself as, “a wicked cool mix of fine art, home goods, designer fashions and accessories for men and women.” PIK NIK Art and Apparel, where the shows never fail to surprise and delight, curator Michael Hunter encourages visitors to “expect anything.”  

The Red Mannequin is a unique boutique featuring a fantastic selection of stunning, funky and astounding shoes and a small collection of women's apparel that will help you look fabulous from head to toe. Red Mannequin will have live music from 5 pm - 6 pm and a special sale.

The owner Judith Drew Schubert’s paintings are of Martha’s Vineyard Landscapes, with or without sheep. “Art was always a part of me and having a studio in the district lets me share that.”

Schubert will be showing her most recent oil paintings called "Pear Tree Cove" and hosting an artist reception. “I would describe the Art Stroll as more of a party than fancy art showing,” said Schubert. “There is music, refreshments, and tons of people to have a fun evening with. Every year the Stroll is fantastic and I can’t say that one was ever better than the other.”

Next door at Jewelry Studio, Stefanie Wolf will be hosting a reception in her courtyard. “I'm tucked back behind a lush courtyard and have a lovely little space,” said Wolf. “The Stroll is a great opportunity for me to invite my customers into that space. People are pleasantly surprised to see what we're up to back here.”

Wolf has a lot of new things for customers to see this year including her leather ladder bracelets in eye popping colors. “This summer I'm working in bright orange, mint green, lavender and bright blue. I also worked over the winter with my glass bead maker to create a Wampum-inspired glass tile bead, which I'm calling 'Wampalyke'. You've got to see these!”

At Lucinda Enamels, Lucinda Sheldon will be showcasing her handmade children’s “dress up” clothes along with her classic, island-inspired enamel jewelry.

The Arts District Stroll takes place this Saturday, July 14^th from 4pm - 7 pm, Dukes County Avenue, Oak Bluffs.