The Granary Gallery at the Red Barn, Martha’s Vineyard

by Lisa Amore

Lucia owner Lucy Dearborn and I visited Martha’s Vineyard recently to assist with a home renovation project. On our to-do list was a stop at the Granary Gallery in West Tisbury. The homeowner’s renovation started primarily because they needed to light a beautiful painting newly purchased at the Gallery (along with other artwork in their home), so we wanted to do a little research before visiting their home.

The Granary Gallery at the Red Barn, West Tisbury

The Granary Gallery at the Red Barn is the oldest and largest gallery on the island, opening in 1954. They represent a variety of artists, including painters, sculptors, photographers, craftsmen and jewelers. They display fine art paintings and drawings of landscape, still life compositions and photorealism by well-known national and local artists, exhibited alongside emerging artists.

The main purpose of our visit was to offer suggestions for lighting a beautiful ocean painting by artist Heather Neill. Ms. Neill created a collection of painting inspired by the purchase of the old Marine Hospital on the Vineyard by the Martha’s Vineyard Museum. Reclamation: An exploration of a hidden island treasure beautifully details the architecture and history of the building.

Reclamation, by Heather Neill

Vineyard Porcelain, by Heather Neill

Memorial Day, by Heather Neill

James Pond, by Heather Neill

Manchester Gothic, by Heather Neill

The Granary Gallery is also proud to be one of the few art galleries in the country to exhibit an important collection of early American photojournalism, and the first to have limited edition prints for sale by noted Life photographer, Alfred Eisenstaedt, known as the father of photojournalism. We saw Eisenstaedt’s VJ Day in Times Square among several more of his prints. My favorite was the Puppet Theater Triptych, taken in Paris in 1963.

Puppet Theater Triptych, by Alfred Eisenstaedt

VJ Day in Times Square, by Alfred Eisenstaedt

Future Ballerinas of the American Ballet, NYC 1937, by Alfred Eisenstaedt

With several indoor galleries, an outdoor sculpture lawn, and beautiful art-filled courtyard, The Granary has something for everyone. It is the primary destination for the Vineyard art scene! Owners Sheila and Chris Morse, along with their friendly staff, always make a visit to The Granary Gallery a memorable experience. When you’re on the island, make a point to stop in there, as well as their sister galleries, The Field Gallery “up-island,” and the North Water Gallery in Historic Edgartown.