This issue of Arts & Ideas, one of our MV Times publications, was a joy to bring to life. Compiling diverse stories — from how do we find happiness to an excerpt from contributing editor Kate Feiffer’s new novel to getting to know gallery owners Valerie Francis and Ralph Groce III (make a note about their definition of FITFO), all of these stories let us into the creative world of their subjects.
We love the way essays let us into people’s lives, and we have some excellent pieces about some of the talented people the Vineyard lost this year — two of them about artists, Rez Williams and Jackie Baer, and another about treasured theater critic and dramatist Bob Brustein. Chef Tina Miller writes about how she views her creativity in the kitchen as its own artform. We have an essay on writing by guru and storyteller Nancy Slonim Aronie, as well as a sweet ode to the creative friendship between photographer Dena Porter and writer Abby Remer.
Another gifted photographer, Robyn Twomey, brings us her Portraits with Purpose again this issue, highlighting three successful individuals: Felice Belle, Kamilah Forbes, and Bisa Butler.
John Battelle, entrepreneur, author, and journalist known for launching Wired among other endeavors, interviews multi-talented musician John Forte (whose photo is on the cover). John’s been in love with the Island since his first visit in the late 1990s, when he came with his friend Ben Taylor, son of Island legends Carly Simon and James Taylor. We also catch up with Tiffany Vanderhoop, artist, weaver, and jewelry maker who brings her family heritage — her father is Aquinnah Wampanoag and her mother is Haida of Gaw Git’ans Masset inlet Eagle Clan, from Old Massett, Haida Gwaii, British Columbia — to her craft. Nicole Galland writes about her friend (and sand artist) Jeremiah Brown in a bittersweet story about how art can manifest in everyday life. Mathea Morais writes about documentary filmmaker Dawn Porter and her film “Luther Vandross: Never Too Much,” which uncovers parts of a personal story that may be news to her audiences. Art aficionado Monina von Opel interviews fiber artist Mary Beth Parker and we see how her love of animals is a major part of her work. And I was lucky enough to meet artist Stephanie Danforth and introduce readers to her daughter’s special work with the Leo Project. Our last page, The End, is devoted to MV Times publisher Charles Sennott’s piece on the truth — our pursuit of this age-old principle that seems to be eroding day by day.
We feel like this issue of Arts & Ideas brings a healthy combination of information that enlightens, entertains, and engages the reader and we hope above all else that you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed publishing it.
– Connie Berry