SPRING FOR THE ARTS On Martha's Vineyard: April 2016 Edition

Spring on Martha’s Vineyard brings a burst of events in theater, music, galleries, agriculture, and culinary delights in what is known as SPRING FOR THE ARTS. Martha's Vineyard is the perfect place to witness a vibrant reawakening from a calm winter slumber, and enjoy a perfect Spring fling. Plus, the nice weather and reduced rates for lodging make visiting in the Spring even more appealing.
Here’s a highlight of some of the amazing events happening this season. Be sure to check the calendar for a full list of all events. And while you're here visiting, tune into the Island's newest radio station — one of only three reggae stations in the country! 105.5 FM WYOB hit the airwaves earlier this year, and is the soul of Martha’s Vineyard, the rhythm of the rock. Give it a listen! 
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Film, Food, and Friends on Friday, All April 
This is truly a Vineyard experience, where someone opens their home to strangers for a night of entertaining. Author John Caedan is on Martha’s Vineyard while preparing the launch of his latest novel. Guests are invited to join him every Friday night as he makes a pot of outrageous soup, opens the door of his writer’s studio in Katama to five friends, and enjoy dinner and a movie. It’s an “all ages, all kinds, couples and singles” thing, with a focus on laughter, intelligent interaction, and new friends. Contact 303-325-3947
 
 
Night Heron Gallery Spring Opening
The Night Heron Gallery is Martha’s Vineyard’s only artist owned and operated cooperative gallery, featuring the work of 10 island artists, with the added and unique feature that one or more of the artists are always present. Come in and celebrate the joy of Vineyard art at as the gallery opens again for the season this April. More information at NightHeronGallery.com 
 
Wicked Good Musical Revue, April 8 & 9, at Martha's Vineyard Playhouse 
Led by Molly Conole and Peter Boak, and with the company of four other singers, the evening shows will highlight incredible talent and great singing. This extra special event's theme will be BY REQUEST, and is sure to be a wonderfully good time for all. More information at mvplayhouse.org
 
Vertical Influences: Ice-skating Performance, April 9, sponsored by The Yard 
Head on over to the Martha’s Vineyard Ice Arena to enjoy a wonderful show by Le Patin Libre, a contemporary ice-skating performance company. Get up close and view this thrilling and serene performance. More info at DanceTheYard.org 
 
Dinner & Comedy, April 15 
Head over to the grand Harbor View Hotel and laugh, laugh, laugh your way into Spring with comedians Ryan Lehamn, Chris Zito, Stacy Kendro and Justin Hoff, but first enjoy a delicious culinary experience and views of the Edgartown Lighthouse. Or just come to the show! More info at HarborViewHotel.com 
 
 
Exhibit Opening: “In the Giant’s Shadow - Vineyard Life During the Whaling Age” at Martha's Vineyard Museum, April 15 
There was a time when nearly everyone on the Island was involved in whaling. It was one of the most important and lucrative businesses in the country, and it required the efforts of shipwrights, shopkeepers, candle makers, coopers, farmers, and many others to support the captains and seamen who took to the seas for the hunt. This exhibit will explore when whaling was the center of Martha’s Vineyard life. More info at MVMuseum.org  
 
Sheepapalooza, April 16 
A real Spring hoedown at The FARM Institute in Katama allows you to join others in a celebration of sheep and shepherds, local food, farming, and fiber. This annual events features sheep shearing, meeting newly born lambs, a sheep dog demos, wagon rides, and fiber arts such as spinning, weaving, dyeing, felting, and knitting. The day also includes local food by the Artcliff Diner Food Truck. More info at FarmInstitute.org
 
Daffodil Show and Spring Celebration, April 16 
Wow yourself at the Polly Hill Arboretum with their vibrant daffodil show. Held at their Far Barn, the day showcases dozens of varieties. There will also be children’s arts and crafts and a guided tour will also be offered. More info at PollyHillArboretum.org 
 
 Red, Yellow and Blue: Color Mixing for Watercolor with Lynn Hoeft, April 16
Painting with watercolors can be frustrating if you end up with muddied colors, or just plain mud! In this one day workshop, you'll look at why transparent watercolor is so different from oils and acrylics and how to choose the brands, grades and pigments that give artists the best chance for success. More info at FeatherstoneArt.org

Yiddish Literature, April 17
Join the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center for readings and discussions on Yiddish Literature. Pre-registration is required. More info at Martha's Vineyard Hebrew Center. 

9th Annual Shearing Day at Island Alpaca, April 23
Over 60 alpacas are scheduled for shearing and public viewing at this wonderfully fun and unique Island event, where you will meet alpacas and enjoy a day with Island friends. More info at IslandAlpaca.com  

PechaKucha Night, April 29
Devised in Japan in 2003 as an event for young designers to network, PechaKucha Night has since turned into a massive celebration, with events happening in hundreds of cities around the world — including Martha’s Vineyard. Drawing its name from the Japanese term for “chit chat,” it rests on a simple presentation format: show 20 images for 20 seconds each, making presentations rapid and concise. The event is sponsored by the Martha’s Vineyard Museum and held at the Harbor View Hotel. More info at MVMuseum.org   

SEE YOU ON THE VINEYARD!