Our Mission
The mission of the MVAA is to preserve and enhance the cultural life of the Vineyard community by providing quality art education, annual scholarship awards, exhibition opportunities for artists in the historic Old Sculpin Gallery, and curating our permanent collection of island art.
History
Formerly a sail loft, a whale oil factory, an old grain store, and a boat builder’s shed, the distinctive building now known as the Old Sculpin Gallery, home of the Martha’s Vineyard Art Association, was built in 1840. Over the years its unique shingled tower has welcomed visitors to the waterfront along Edgartown’s harbor and today its wide floorboards and hand hewn beams welcome art lovers into its gallery and studio spaces. Incorporated in 1954, the MVAA opened for the benefit of the island community: “to increase facilities of art education, create interest in the arts, make an art center for the whole island, establish a permanent collection, and preserve an old landmark.” Such were the lofty goals of its founding President Ruth Mead and its Vice-President Henry Beetle Hough. Thank you to Doug Cabral for writing this wonderful article for our “On The Waterfront” event in 2018.
What Makes Us Different…
The Old Sculpin Gallery is also the home of the Martha’s Vineyard Art Association. We are a 501c3 non-profit organization, which makes us a unique entity from other galleries. Being an art association means an integral focus on community. When artists become members they get more than a gallery space to show, they become a part of a community of local artists on the island. We are the biggest advocates for our artists and showcase them in many venues. We provide weekly shows, annual inclusive member exhibits and artist workshops. Additionally, we foster art education and offer annual scholarships to Vineyard high school students.
Click above title to read about the history of our building and the working Edgartown waterfront.
We are proud to be one of the Vineyard Preservation Trust’s 20 landmark properties
To learn more, visit their website here