I really can’t believe it. I can only imagine how difficult it is for you guys to choose one. There are so many amazing artists here. I’m so grateful. It’s going to take a bit of time for it to sink in.

I grew up in Downeast Maine playing in the mud, fishing for mackerel in the harbors and making art. We lived in an old farmhouse heated by only woodstoves. I’d shoot lots of hoops with our two cats, Diesel and Unleaded. I always knew I wanted to be an artist when I grew up though.

I moved to Martha’s Vineyard 16 summers ago. There was a special energy I felt when I arrived on the island. Instantly I knew it was a place I could chase my dreams and try to make it as an artist.

I painted around 60 watercolor paintings this past winter, the Fair poster being one of them. I really enjoy the winters here. It’s my favorite time to paint. I’m a night owl and usually work until 3 or 4 in the morning. I couldn’t do it without music. It’s always playing 24/7.

You can find me at the Chilmark Flea Market all summer and I have work in Copperworks Gallery in Menemsha!

On the night before Christmas I was at the Ag Hall for the “ Christmas Pageant.” While hundreds of people were singing Christmas carols, I looked up into the rafters at all the fair posters and said to myself  “I want to be up there." The night was filled with so much joy and kindness. I left inspired.

I had quite a few ideas. By “quite a few” I mean about 45 give or take.  Haha... Anyways... I decided a rooster would be the focal point in the Fair poster.  I fly fish a lot and with most of the striped bass flies I tie, rooster hackle is incorporated into them. I thought that was cool too. I have always loved sunflowers. I wanted to add some movement to the painting so I did my best to make them look like they are “dancing," welcoming everyone to come the Fair. 

The Martha's Vineyard secession flag was originally going to be a cast iron frying pan filled with bacon grease that read “163rd.” But I thought there were enough circles incorporated already. So I went with the triangle faded flag thats suppose to look like its from the 70’s. 

When the painting was done I spent two months looking at it everyday. I wasn't sure if I wanted to fill the background in with color or add a few other things to it. I woke up one morning, looked at it, and decided it was finished. I'm happy with the way it came out. I hope everyone enjoys it.

The QUILTS! They are incredible. Oh, and of course the kids' art. It brings back memories of doodling, freezing in Downeast Maine.