The paintings of Anne Martin will be on display at the West Tisbury Library for the month of September.

Gould Goes Abstract

August is the month of abstract at the Louisa Gould Gallery in Vineyard Haven. The new art show, which opened this week, features the abstract imaginings of six artists as they interpret The Emotions of Color and Passions of Gesture. The artists include Wendy Weldon, Marsha Staiger, Joan Konkel, Laura Roosevelt, Roberta Gross and Craig Cahoon. The show continues through August 29.

Chicken Alley Art Sale

Once again it is the time of summer for the Chicken Alley Arts and Collectibles Sale. This year’s sale will be held Sunday, August 19, from 1 to 5 p.m.

Cindy Kane Show

Artist Cindy Kane knows how to mix things up. Literally. Her latest exhibit entitled Inheritance currently on exhibit at the A Gallery in Vineyard Haven is a prime example of the artist’s journey into the paradoxical, eclectic world of today.

Ms. Kane’s mixed media exhibit brings together the many compartments of her life — motherhood, concern for the environment and global warfare and her interest in ancient artwork. She creates pieces that depict a world in flux and tumult.

Art and nature are more closely tied than ever at the Gay Head Gallery on State Road in Aquinnah. A current show features art across a variety of mediums with special goals — to relay the beauty of the natural world and contribute to conservation efforts. A dozen artists have work on exhibit for sale, and anywhere from 10 per cent to 100 per cent of the proceeds from sales will benefit the Vineyard Conservation Society and the Moshup Trail Project.

Up the stairs to Barney Zeitz’s bedroom, light peeks in from the stained glass pieces on the wall, leaving purple and blue shadows on the wood. The railing on the right, welded by Mr. Zeitz, curves alongside the stairs until it meets his and his wife’s bedroom door.

“That’s one of the first windows I actually saved, it was a keeper,” Mr. Zeitz said of the leaded stained glass window in his room, depicting winter trees with a glowing red sun. He made it when he was 22 years old.

Dressed in a simple tunic, carrying only his slingshot and a sack of stones, a poor shepherd boy approached the nine-foot-tall giant.

With courage and a steady hand, David slung one small stone right smack at Goliath’s head, knocking out the Philistine’s war hero.

It’s a tale most are familiar with and at the forefront of the underdog mentality, said liberal theologian Harvey Cox.

“We like the underdog,” said Mr. Cox. “That’s why everyone in the Boston area despises the New York Yankees.”

Rose Abrahamson has a history of saying this is her last art show. Who can blame her? After all, she is 90 years old. But thankfully, thus far, she has not made good on her promise.

Ashley Medowski creates unique frames for her paintings with wood salvaged from barns or found on beaches. Her painting The Elizabeth Islands is a panoramic done on an old wooden waterski.

Some people can do everything. Case in point, artist Elizabeth Langer not only creates magnificent artwork, she was also a successful lawyer working for the U.S. Depatment of Justice in Washington, DC and later in private practice.

But all that legal eagle stuff is behind her now, the creative lure so much more sharp and potent than the scales of law. Good for her. After all, the world is full of lawyers, some are even nice people, but an artist’s work is always a solo show.