28th Annual Thanksgiving Weekend Festival
November 29th & 30th: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm each day
[Read more…] about 28th Annual Thanksgiving Weekend Festival21st Annual Fall Festival
October 12th & 13th: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
[Read more…] about 21st Annual Fall Festival29th Annual Labor Day Festival
August 30th from 4:30 – 6:30 pm, and August 31st & September 1st from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.
[Read more…] about 29th Annual Labor Day Festival27th Annual Summer Festivals
June Sundays (9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th), Sundays from July 7th – September 29th, and Thursdays from July 4th – August 29th
[Read more…] about 27th Annual Summer FestivalsMemorial Day Weekend Festival
May 25th & 26th from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
[Read more…] about Memorial Day Weekend Festival2024 Holiday Fair (For Vendors)
Saturday, December 21st, from 10:00 – 4:00 pm
Grange Hall, West Tisbury
Dear Artisans,
Show set-up hours: Friday, December 20th between 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.
Show hours: Saturday, December 21st from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Booth information: Your entire display must be within the confines of your space as allocated. Your access or that of your customers cannot encroach on neighboring displays. All boxes, etc. should be stored out of sight. Tables should have a neat appearance with front and sides closed in.
Questions and more information: Call show manager Andrea Rogers.
Day of show questions only, call cell 508-221-5406 otherwise, call Andrea at home 508-693-7927, email: artisan02557@yahoo.com or write to PO Box 774, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557.
The Vineyard Artisan Festivals have specific guidelines in our rule sheet, if you are new to the show please read it, we operate in two of the most beautiful properties on Martha’s Vineyard, and it is a privilege to be invited to come back since 1995. So please read and respect the guidelines. We also take pride in the fact that we are the only group of exclusive Islanders who hand-make all the work that is shown at these very special shows. So remember if you didn’t make the product and you are not a year-round artisan you can’t be in the shows.
2024 Memorial Day Weekend (For Vendors)
Dear Artisan,
To those of you who have never applied to the show before, welcome!
To all who participated last year, thank you. You are the island’s greatest representation of island hand-made art and fine crafts. The following is information everyone should read and keep for your records.
Jurying: The jury process was the basis for your placement in the show. All work was judged based on design, technical skill, originality, and creativity. The manager reserves the right to limit the amount of vendors per category to balance the shows. Artisan designs replicated by a 3rd party or mass-produced items are not acceptable in any category. All art and crafts must be handmade, one by one.
Sales Tax: It is the exhibitor’s responsibility to collect and pay to the state.
Show Set Up Hours: Indoor artists only: Friday, May 24th, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Show Hours: Saturday and Sunday, May 25th & 26th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. As with all the Vineyard Artisans shows you may not break down before 4:00 pm.
Trash: You may put trash in the barrels in the back of the hall. You may not leave any boxes or display units in the hall, we must leave the hall the way we find it after the show. The Preservation Trust rents the Hall to other events, so please clean your area when you leave.
Please read the rules for further information on booths, space restrictions, etc.
Questions and more information: Call show manager Andrea Rogers. Day of show questions only, call cell 508-221-5406 otherwise, call Andrea at home 508-693-7927. or Email: artisan02557@yahoo.com. Or write to P. O. Box 774, Oak Buffs, MA 02557.
2024 Labor Day Weekend Festival (For Vendors)
To those of you who have never applied to the show before, welcome!
Remember: Friday night is opening night and will be open to the general public. On Friday night there is free parking. On Saturday and Sunday, there is a parking fee of $2 for the scholarship fund.
Jurying: This jury process was the basis for your acceptance into the show. All work was judged based on design, technical skills, originality, and creativity.
For more information on refunds, booths, etc. please read the rules.
Security: Will be provided on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Sales Tax: It is the exhibitor’s responsibility to collect and pay to the state.
Show set-up: Date/time TBA. After you set up, you must move your car to the designated area behind the orange fence, or wherever the parking plan is at the time.
Show hours:
Friday, August 30th: 4:30 – 6:30 pm.
Saturday, August 31st and Sunday, September 1st:10:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Important: do not move your car or break down before 5:00 pm on Sunday, the show has to maintain a certain standard. Also, do not leave boxes or trash anywhere in the hall or on the grounds. You may dispose of your trash in the large dumpster outside the kitchen door.
You must bring all tables, chairs, props, and display units for your products. I advise you to bring someone to relieve you during the show.
Space restriction: Your entire display must be within the confines of your space as allocated. Your access or that of your customers cannot encroach on a neighboring display. All boxes, etc. should be stored out of sight. Tables should have a neat appearance with front and sides closed in. You must remain at your booth for the duration of the show, and may not move your vehicle near the barn or tent before the show has officially ended.
Parking / Unloading and loading: Please pay special attention to this because it is a privilege to be at the Agricultural Hall. Cars driven fast on the grassy areas dig into the soft ground and the Ag Society has asked us to be more careful about how we drive (especially when the ground is wet) to set up and break down. No one may drive their vehicles to the back of the barn by the horse ring or the front of the hall outside the kitchen. No one may pull up the handicap ramp to the front doors, and do not move any cones.
Parking fee: This is still $2.00, except for vendors themselves. The parking fee is for our scholarship fund and benefits students of Martha’s Vineyard high schools.
Questions and more information: Call show manager Andrea Rogers. Day of show questions only, call cell 508-221-5406 otherwise, call Andrea at home 508-693-7927. or Email: artisan02557@yahoo.com. Or write to P. O. Box 774, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557.
2024 Summer Season (For Vendors)
Dear Artisans,
Here’s looking forward to another successful summer season!
Jurying: This jury process was the basis for your acceptance into the show. All work was judged based on design, technical skills, originality and creativity.
Space Placement: While every effort will be made to accommodate your preference the aesthetics and balance of the show have priority. The show manager also reserves the right to limit the vendors in categories to balance the shows.
Please read the separate Rules & Guidelines sheet for more information on booths, trash, refunds, space restrictions, etc.
Please read this information it is important!
Show “set-up” hours: All shows begin at 10:00 am. Set-up is very important and begins at 8:00 am for anyone who has a booth inside the hall, and 8:30 for outdoor artisans. If you can’t come on time or can’t come at all call me after 6:00 am the morning of the show at 508-221-5406. You can also tell someone in the show and they can give me the message when they show up. This helps to avoid holes in the show. If I don’t hear from you and you are not in your booth by 8:30, I will move someone else over into your assigned spot.
Breakdown: As with all the Artisans shows you may not break down until the show has officially ended at 2:00 pm. If you are sick or have any other problems please find me so I can help.
Trash: The Preservation Trust is allowing us to use the trash barrels at the back of the hall, so please clean your area before you leave. You may not leave any boxes, display units, or trash in or outside the hall, we must leavet the hall and the grounds the way we find it after every show. The Preservation Trust rents the hall to other groups and events. Remember it is a privilege to be at the Grange Hall!
Sales tax: Sales tax is the exhibitor’s responsibility to collect and pay to the state.
Help: If anyone is interested in helping with the shows, please indicate it on your return application. I can always use help distributing brochures and would be extremely grateful.
Summer Show times: Are the same as last year: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on all days.
Questions and more information: Call show manager Andrea Rogers.
Day of show questions only: call cell 508-221-5406 otherwise, call Andrea at home 508-693-7927 or Email: artisan02557@yahoo.com.
2024 Fall Festival (For Vendors)
Saturday, October 12th and Sunday, October 13th, from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
The Grange Hall, West Tisbury
Dear Artisan,
Booths: Every effort will be made to accommodate your preference, but the balance and aesthetics of the show have priority. More info on booths can be found in the rule sheet.
Sales Tax: It is the exhibitor’s responsibility to collect and pay to the state.
If you are a returning artisan, thank you for helping to make last year’s show a success. If you wish to retain the same booth you had last year then the March 15th date applies to reserve your booth. If this is your first show, welcome! The artisans are open to new artists and craftsmen year-round.
Jurying: The jury process was the basis for your placement in the shows. All work was judged based on design, technical skill, originality, and creativity. Placement in the show is at the discretion of the show manager. The show manager also reserves the right to limit categories to balance the show.
Booths: Every effort will be made to accommodate your preference, but the balance and aesthetics of the show have priority. More info on booths can be found in the rules.
Sales Tax: It is the exhibitor’s responsibility to collect and pay to the state.
Show Set Up Hours: Friday, October 11th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Show Hours: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on October 12th and 13th.
For more info on booths, restrictions, etc. please read the Guidelines & General rules.
Questions and more information: Call show manager Andrea Rogers.
Day of show questions only, call cell 508-221-5406 otherwise, call Andrea at home 508-693-7927 or email: artisan02557@yahoo.com or write to PO Box 774, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557.
2024 Thanksgiving Festival (For Vendors)
Thanksgiving Weekend Festival
Friday & Saturday, November 29th & 30th, from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
MV Agricultural Hall, West Tisbury
Dear Artisans,
To those of you who have never applied to the show before, welcome!
Jurying: The jury process was the basis for your placement in the show. Booth spaces will no longer be guaranteed from year to year. All work was judged based on design, technical skill, originality, and creativity. Placement in the show is at the discretion of the show manager. The show manager also reserves the right to limit the number of vendors in each category to balance the shows.
The parking fee is still $2.00, except for vendors. The parking fee is for the scholarship fund and benefits all Martha’s Vineyard High School students.
Sales Tax: It is the responsibility of the vendor to collect and pay the state.
For information on booths, trash, restrictions, etc. Please read the rule sheet.
****Unloading and loading your car: Please pay special attention to this because it is a privilege to be at the Agricultural Hall; cars driven fast on wet grass will dig into it, not only destroying it but also leaving a mess! Please don’t pass any orange cones and pay attention to the parking attendants.
Show “Set-up” Hours”: Wednesday, November 27th, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
No one will be setting up on Thursday (Thanksgiving Day) and there will not be security on Wednesday evening. You may also set up early on Friday at 7:30 am until we open to the public at 10:00 am. Entering and parking at the Ag Hall are in designated areas ONLY. Remember, be respectful of the grounds, spinning tires destroys the grass.
Show Hours: Friday, November 29th, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Saturday, November 30th, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Do not break down your booth until 4:00 pm on Saturday.
Important show rules: Please read the rules for more information.
Trash: Do not leave BOXES or TRASH of any kind in the hall or on the ground, leaving trash for me to dispose of will cost you more money! You may use the dumpster outside the kitchen. You must bring all tables, chairs, props, and display units for your products.
Your entire display must be within the confines of your space as allocated. Your access or that of your customers cannot encroach on neighboring displays. All boxes, etc. should be stored out of sight. Tables should have a neat appearance with front and sides closed in. You must remain at your booth for the duration of the show and may not move your vehicle near the barn before the show has officially ended. Public safety is a main concern. If you must leave for an emergency, contact me and we will help you.
Questions and more information: Call show manager Andrea Rogers.
Day of show questions only, call cell 508-221-5406 otherwise, call Andrea at home 508-693-7927 or email: artisan02557@yahoo.com or write to P. O. Box 774, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557.
Guidelines & General Rules for Artisans
Remember that the use of the Grange Hall, and The MV Agricultural Hall is a privilege which can be revoked at anytime. It is essential that we treat both locations with respect and consideration so that we will be welcomed back.
A word or two about booths: In order to maintain a level of professionalism, as well as to adhere to safety and fire regulations please read and follow these guidelines.
General Rules
Applications: The Vineyard Artisans has an open enrollment feature for all new artisans. Meaning you can apply anytime of the year. Deposit and Balance payments still apply depending on when you have applied. Call Andrea Rogers for any concerns. 508-693-7927 or e mail: artisan02557@yahoo.com
Payments: Booths are booked in advance. Payments may not be prorated for dates on which you will be unable to attend. There are no refunds for any shows for any reason.
Returned Checks: There will be a $25.00 fee for checks returned by the bank for any reason.
Arrivals: Please plan your arrival and set up times so that your booth is completely set up before the show opens. We are not allowed to have vehicles moving or parked in public walk ways once the show has opened.
Booths: Tables and booths must have a neat and professional appearance, boxes must be stored out of sight, display units must be self standing, and may not extend beyond the confines of the booth space. Do not block access to another booth, or extend into the aisle. Be respectful of your neighbors, keep in mind that your booth abuts other booths and keep back and sides facing other booths neat.
Helpers: If you have friends or family members helping you set up or break down please remind them of our rules.
Extension cords: cords or electrical wires which run across the floor or ground in an area where people walk must be covered with duck tape.
No Sales: Or reductions in price may be advertised either with a sign or by telling customers. This is not a flea market
Music: Please ask the show manager before playing music
Trash: Your must remove all trash at the end of the show. Please leave the building and grounds in good condition and clean.
Complaints: Regarding any aspect of the Vineyard Artisan Festival shows must be submitted to the show manager in writing outside of show times. These cannot and will not be addressed during show hours.
MV Agricultural Hall, West Tisbury
In addition to the general rules, there are a few more rules that apply to the Agricultural Hall.
You must enter the grounds from State Rd. on to Jane’s Fair Way. Do not use panhandle Rd. unless you are unloading into the Front Room. You may only drive on designated areas. No vehicles are to drive around the west end of the Hall for any reason. Do not remove cones.
Cones: No-one may remove any orange cones, fencing or other barriers with out the express consent of the show manager.
Parking: All vehicles must have been moved to the general parking area beyond the fencing before the show starts. This means by 9:30 am. NO vehicles are permitted in the area around the Hall while the show is in progress, before 5:00 pm or while customers are walking on the grounds. If you have an emergency and have to leave the show, please notify the show manager and she will help you out of the show.
Smoking: No smoking anywhere on the grounds
Trash: All trash must be put in our designated dumpster.
The grounds of the Agricultural Hall must be completely vacated by 6:30 on Friday and Saturday nights. No private parties or gatherings will be permitted
Grange Hall, West Tisbury
In addition to the general rules, there are some rules that apply to the shows at the Grange Hall.
Time: All artisans must show up at their indoor booths no later than 8:00 am and outside booths no later than 8:30 am or loose there reserved space. Please contact the show manager if you are going to be late, Andrea’s cell phone: 508-221-5406 or you can tell one of your neighbors in the show to let me know your on your way and I will hold the booth, otherwise you will be placed at the next space available at the end of the show.
No Parking: Do not park or have customers park at the town hall lot next door to the Grange.
Wind: All umbrellas and tents must be secured to the ground or a vehicle.
Vehicles: No vehicles may be moved after the show begins or before 2:00 pm and never while customers are still walking around. Do not under any circumstances remove any cones or signs.
Trash: Use the trash containers for your trash at the back of he Hall
Nails: Nails are not permitted at the Grange Hall, you may use screws but you must remove them at the end of the show.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation!
Andrea Rogers
Show Manager
In The Beginning
Andrea L. Rogers, founder
In 1986 if you were an artisan living on Martha’s Vineyard your options for selling your crafts or art were grim. You could give your wares to stores on consignment, but most times it would get man-handled, then handed back to you with a sad apology. If you were an artist and not lucky enough to have your own gallery, your options were again grim. It was off to the local gallery and wholesaling your individual painting, not a great way to earn a living selling your art. Fast forward to 1995, the year the New Agricultural Hall was built. I thought it seemed like such a logical place to have artists and craftsmen display their wares. One of the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society board members was Jules Worthington, a very good friend of mine. He brought me to one of the meetings so I could ask if they would consider my new idea, and if this new festival could be on Labor Day weekend. A short while later I was given permission.
Having a great idea doesn’t guarantee success. I was unknown to almost all artists and getting Islanders to trust me enough to do a show, and pay in advance, wasn’t easy. It took months of phone calls and meetings. Then I realized I didn’t have enough money to pay the rent, so I applied to the Cultural Councils of Aquinnah, Oak Bluffs and Edgartown, and was granted seed money.
It’s been 20 years since that first show, and today, whether you are a tourist or an islander you can enjoy a unique experience when you visit the festivals. Nowhere else on Martha’s Vineyard can you meet the Island Artisan and view hand-made fine art and craft. It’s a very personal experience when you buy direct from the artist. It gives the customer the story behind the art.
The Grange Hall
1059 State Road, West Tisbury, MA
“The Old Ag Hall”
Built in 1859, this was the original site of the Agricultural Fair until 1994, when the New Ag Hall was built down the road. Recently it was restored by the Martha’s Vineyard Preservation Trust, which manages several historic properties on the island.
Welcome to the Vineyard Artisans Festivals
The Vineyard Artisans Festivals provide an important link between the Community and the Arts. Our goal is to continue to bring together fine art and fine crafts and promote Island Artists and Artisans.
The Vineyard Artisans in conjunction with the Vineyard Craftsmen Scholarship Fund awards graduating students from the M.V. Regional High School several scholarships for studies in the Arts each year.
We thank the Local Cultural Councils, M.V. Agricultural Society, the Town of West Tisbury, The M.V. Preservation Trust, our wonderful Island Community and visitors alike for supporting us through the last 17 years, and into our future.
If you or someone you know is a full-time Islander interested in joining the Artisans Festivals, just call Show Manager Andrea Rogers to find out how to become part of these wonderful events.
Andrea Rogers – Founder
508-693-7927
artisan02557@yahoo.com
Click here for the history of the Artisans Festivals.
Mission Statement
Since 1995 the mission of the Vineyard Artisans Festivals is to promote Island Art & Craft. It is a link between the Island community and the Arts, providing an opportunity for both new and established Island artisans to show and sell their work.
A Unique Island Experience
When you visit the Vineyard Artisans Festivals you are in for a unique experience which is not duplicated anywhere else on Martha’s Vineyard. We are the only art group that is exclusively made up of artisans who live and work on the island. All the art is hand-made by the artists. The artists represent their own work, explaining in detail the manner in which each piece of art was made and why.
Imagine entering the historic Grange Hall in West Tisbury and witnessing Carol Tripp spinning wool. Carol and her husband Richard raise sheep, hand-dye the wool themselves, and then spin and weave it into blankets, shawls, scarves, hats and much more. Or you can meet Lisa Stachan, who creates the most unique fine porcelain ceramics. Whether it’s hand-made jewelry by Kenneth Pillsworth or hand-forged iron brackets by our own blacksmith Jamie Rogers, the Vineyard Artisans Festivals is a must if you’re looking for a true piece of art native to Martha’s Vineyard.
We offer two special Festivals that take place at the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury. One is on Labor Day Weekend. It’s the Islands largest art show of the summer season. The Grand Hall has been the home of the Vineyard Artisans for the last 18 years. From the very first show it has been the only place to find over 120 island artisans proudly displaying their wares. These shows host some of the Island’s most talented furniture makers, fine artists and craftsmen. Enjoy music and horse rides for the children. Visit on Friday evening for the special opening. The second festival at the M.V. Agricultural Hall is the Thanksgiving weekend show, where you will find an abundance of holiday gift ideas for your home and some one special.
New this year is our Vineyard Artisans Cook Book. A true one of a kind, just like the art you will find in our show’s. The book is filled with our artisans favorite recipes and it’s illustrated by our own artist John Holladay. All proceeds from the book fund our Scholarship that we give to graduating students from the Martha’s Vineyard High Schools.
As always, the shows include catered local food. The shows are rain or shine, and also include free admission and plenty of parking.