Take the plunge and dive in to the Artists Association of Nantucket Gala, on Saturday, July 12, 2024 at the Great Harbor Yacht Club. Feel the fresh ocean breeze as while bidding for the finest art pieces on the island. This time-honored tradition celebrates the arts, artists, and aficionados of all mediums. This year’s honoree artist is Anne Marie Bratton, who specializes in photo-real paintings.
Connie Anne Harris, a Chair of the evening, expressed her delight: “I am so thrilled that the Artists Association of Nantucket is bestowing on Anne Marie Bratton the Honoree Artist of 2024 award this summer. She is an accomplished artist, a dedicated patron of the arts, and an absolutely fabulous woman.”
In the 1920s and 1930s the art colony on the island blossomed with artists attracted to Nantucket’s brilliant light, creative opportunities of every description, and maritime lifestyle. In 1945 the AAN was created to promote island artists and provide exceptional art education. They have welcomed hundreds of students to the Visual Arts Center, encouraging all manner of artistic endeavors on the island.
If you didn’t pack for it, never fear as we went to the best island shop for fashion, Erica Willson, run by our friend Vanessa Deserio. There we discovered several sea-worthy styles to wear with ease.
Erica Wilson, the First Lady of Stitchery, was renowned for her expertise on the subject that included several books and a television series on the topic. She opened her store in Nantucket attracting enthusiasts from far and wide. Her daughter, Vanessa Diserio, transformed the boutique with her signature style; and in addition to the needleworks and supplies, the shop stocks all kinds of unique and chic items. From head to toe, one-stop shopping.
Hilary found her painterly ensembles at Bergdorf. “If you do have time to pack ahead for the Gala, Bergdorf Goodman has the perfect pieces. When I think of Nantucket I think of wearing blues and pinks like the bountiful hydrangea bushes that are everywhere on the Island. Shell accessories seem appropriate as well as a sturdy heel to traverse the cobblestone streets and view the beautiful art on display.”
The Gala begins with cocktails and canapés overlooking Nantucket Harbor, the subject of countless artists’ endeavors. After dinner, there is a live auction of local artists, whose work is treasured and preserved by AAN.
And if you miss the ferry, you can still participate by visiting their Online Gallery to find some remarkable works in all mediums informed by this marvelous island in the sea.
