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We hosted shows in Martha’s Vineyard for
twelve consecutive years. Oak Blufs, a town on October Gallery

Martha’s Vineyard, was founded in the early 19th
century as a Methodist summer camp. A century Art Show Ads
later, the town became an exclusive summer haven

for well-of Blacks. Now all of the small towns on the
island are popular vacation spots for Blacks, who go of the Past
for reunions, tennis championships, shopping, private
parties and beach parties.

Martha’s Vineyard was rewarding for us. Our staf
and people who helped us over the years always looked
forward to the annual trip at October Gallery’s expense.
Unlike many vacation spots in the country, Martha’s
October Gallery manager Sandra Blakely loved
Vineyard was frequented by numerous Black families, Martha’s Vineyard.
who spent June through September there each year.
Most brought disposable income with them and used it
to satisfy their passion for acquiring African-American

art.

By hosting shows on Martha’s Vineyard, where
summer vacationers came from far and near (from all

over the U.S.), we gained more national exposure for
October Gallery without having to leave the East Coast.
A wide variety of high-quality art was displayed over a
4-day weekend, with excellent attendance. Te setting
for our exhibition–the Harborside Inn in Edgartown–

was relaxed, friendly and warm. Map of Martha’s Vineyard.

We used a wide-screen TV and a VCR to expand the
educational component of the show. We remember

countless people who came to these shows just to learn
from the videos. Videos described how prints were
made (Works of Art on Paper), why one should buy
Black art (Welcome to the World of October Gallery) and

so forth. Lloyd Trotter, a vice president of General
Electric, and his wife Terri, visited the shows many
times. Once, they sat through an entire video on
Jacob Lawrence’s life and the Harlem Renaissance.

Tey seemed quite pleased with the information Taking a break in Martha’s Vineyard. From left to right:
and presentation. Te other notables who attended Wade Redcross, Prate Bailey, Alan Burgess, Lamar Redcross,
Doris Brown and Horace Wright.

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