(Martha's Vineyard) Louisa Gould Gallery is pleased to announce the opening of the exhibit, “ Pastimes” featuring new works by Louisa Gould, Jeff P'an, John Holladay, Fran Dropkin, Nick Paciorek and Joan Rusitzky. The exhibit opens on July 17 ^th and runs through July 31 ^st . The opening reception will take place on Saturday, July 20 ^th from 5 – 7 pm. Please stop by to meet the artists, enjoy light refreshments, and listen to live music by Michael Haydn.

This exhibition includes works in a variety of mediums that reflect favorite pastimes whether it be horses and The Kentucky Derby, lazy days at the beach, relaxing at a cafe or by a marina, or rowing in a classic rowboat found here on the Island. With this show, we've also included new hand blown glass pieces as well as jewelry and scarves.

Louisa Gould, photographer and gallery owner, traveled to Kentucky on assignment to shoot the Kentucky Derby in May. Louisa spent a week capturing the excitement and thrill of the Derby from the days before leading up to and including race day. Her photographs give an insider's view to the trainers, jockeys, owners and the horses themselves as they prepare for the big race. In addition, Louisa will present a slide show on Wednesday July 17 at 6pm taking you “Backside of Churchill Downs”. The slide show will take place at the Gallery.

Once again, Jeffrey P'an returns this summer with an assortment of his hand blown glass vessels and sculptures. Jeff's work is a play on light and color as he creates intricate patterns within each delicate piece. One marvels at his attention to detail and the complexity of his work. As light filters through, there are ever changing patterns to view.

Jeanne Campbell, long time Vineyard photographer knows the island well and shares her pleasures in its variety of scenes and light and color. Dusk at Aquinnah when the water reflects the soft  pastel coloring of the sky.  An early summer morning in Oak Bluffs captures the sparkling blue skies and bright colors of early summer.  Bicycles near the Edgartown Light House are parked while the riders venture closer to the shore.  Her photographs are invitations to explore distant shores - Iceland's Northern Lights, a retired dinghy abandoned on a faraway beach.

John Holladay, a Vineyard Haven resident and teacher, depicts an all time favorite and summer icon, the rowboat. John's new series of works on canvas, both large and small have a rich and warm palette harkening to the warm days ahead of us this summer. The viewer will delight in the fine details that John has created in each of these pieces.

The gallery welcomes both Fran Dropkin and Nick Paciorek as guest artists for the 2013 summer season. Both of their works have been a great addition to the gallery and compliment the works of other gallery artists. Fran's light and bright oils on panel and canvas of beach scenes capture the easy, breezy feeling of life on an Island. Her large diptych, Early Summer reminds us of the early days of summer when there are just a few at the beach and everyone is soaking up the warm rays and cool breezes. Nick has created a whole series of works with bright, intense blue skies that capture the various views and sights on the Island. His earlier works from the summer reflect scenes from Menemsha to Vineyard Haven while his new oils on canvas are of cafes here and afar.

Another newcomer to the gallery is jeweler and wearable artist, Joan Rusitzky. She brings to the show, an incredible selection of fine jewelry including necklaces with assorted stones and beads. Joan also shares her finely detailed and lush colored scarves.

We look forward to see you on Saturday, July 20, from 5 – 7 pm for the opening of “ Pastimes” and throughout the show. The Louisa Gould Gallery is located at 54 Main Street, Vineyard Haven. For more information or directions, please call (508)693-7373 or check out our website at www.louisagould.com .