Farewell to the Galaxy Gallery: A Celebration of Vineyard Artists

After six years of showcasing the work of local artists on Martha's Vineyard, the Galaxy Gallery on Dukes County Avenue will be closing its doors in mid-October. To honor its mission of providing a platform for Vineyard artists, the gallery is hosting a final, all-inclusive exhibit titled "Artist Choice Show."

A Vibrant Artistic Community Bids Farewell to a Cherished Gallery

Empowering Unrepresented Artists

The Galaxy Gallery has been a beacon for Vineyard artists who might otherwise have limited opportunities to exhibit their work. "We have so many fine artists on the Island that haven't been gobbled up by galleries," says executive director Holly Alaimo. "We've been able to allow them to participate in a way that really showcases their work." This final exhibit, the "Artist Choice Show," gives these artists free rein to present their most personal and meaningful creations.

A Cooperative Effort to Promote the Arts

The Galaxy Gallery is a cooperative artist's space, operated by the Martha's Vineyard Center for the Visual Arts (MVCVA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering the arts and supporting local artists. In the mid-1990s, the MVCVA purchased a former firehouse and opened its first gallery, eventually selling the building to renowned photographer Alison Shaw. The organization then relocated its gallery to its current location on Dukes County Avenue, where it has become a cornerstone of the Vineyard's thriving arts district.

A Diverse and Talented Artistic Showcase

The "Artist Choice Show" features the work of more than 30 artists and artisans, showcasing a wide range of media, including paintings, drawings, photography, sculptures, ceramics, woodwork, clothing, and jewelry. Some of the participating artists, such as Marston Clough and Renee Balter, have been exhibiting at the gallery since its inception, while others, like Lynn Combs, Richard Skidmore, and illustrator Linda Wurm Bryant, are making their debut at the Galaxy Gallery.The exhibit also includes the work of notable figures like Ruth Kirchmeier and Linda Taft, as well as artists who have been afforded their first opportunity to exhibit on the Island, such as painter Beth Smith and photographer Anthony Austin. The diverse array of styles, from large-scale geometric abstracts to traditional landscapes, offers a comprehensive glimpse into the vibrant artistic community of Martha's Vineyard.

A Bittersweet Farewell and a Lasting Legacy

As the Galaxy Gallery prepares to close its doors, the "Artist Choice Show" serves as a fitting tribute to the gallery's mission and the talented artists it has championed over the years. "It's been a really good season," says Alaimo. "We've had lots of participation, lots of activity. I think we've done very well in engaging the artists in our community."While the Galaxy Gallery may be closing, the MVCVA will continue to support local artists through grants and other initiatives, ensuring that the Vineyard's artistic legacy endures. The "Artist Choice Show" is a poignant celebration of the gallery's impact and a testament to the enduring creativity of the Island's artistic community.