(Martha’ s Vineyard) Louisa Gould Gallery is pleased to announce the exhibit, “ Summer Essence ,” featuring new works by Jeffrey P’an, Ellen Liman, John Holladay, and Rachel Paxton. The exhibit opens on August 4 and runs through August 31. The opening reception will take place on Saturday, August 6, from 5 – 8 pm. Please stop by to meet the artists, enjoy light refreshments , and listen to live music by Wes Nagy.

This exhibition includes works that reflect each artist’s interpretation of the true essence of summer here on the Vineyard, especially as August begins. Whether the artist lives here full-time like John Holladay, part-time for Ellen Liman and Rachel Paxton , or as a frequent visitor, like Jeffery P’an, the works capture the beauty of the island in the late summer.

Jeffrey P’an, a glass artist from Southington, CT, has a new body of work of vases and sculptural forms where the colors within each work suggest the rich colors of summer -- the bright pinks, oranges , and purples of local flowers, the blues and greens of the water, and the intense blues of the skies. For each of his unique works, Jeff strives to maintain the transparency so that the light may diffuse the colors as it passes through. In Jeff’s work " Egg Silver," the colors and patterns are fused together, creating a captivating visual display as can be found in each of his glass creations.

Ellen Liman, a long-time summer resident of Chilmark, has painted on the Vineyard for over twenty years. In her new works, as “ Up-island Shower , ” Ellen has captured the quintessential image of past summers – the outdoor shower. The canvases are bright, loosely painted images that remind us of the carefree days of August and the ever popular use of the outdoor shower here. Liman's landscapes come to life through a strong use of color and brushstrokes; this series will delight all.

John Holladay moved to the Island eleven years ago and says that “every time I turn a corner or every time I return to a same place, I see something new to paint.” As John describes, “the paintings in this show reflect some of my hot spots for the summer and reflect the summer colors of Martha’s Vineyard. My favorite time to paint is in the mornings and mid-afternoon when there are great colors and shadows.” In his paintings, "Aquinnah" and "Cape Poge," the works display his keen sense of color, attention to detail while capturing familiar spots, and clearly, his love for the Island.

Joining this show is Rachel Paxton of Chilmark and Boston with her mixed media assemblages, which represent memory, the passage of time , and the cycle of life. As Rachel describes her work, “I hand - paint birds, butterflies, flowers and berry branches on maps of the Vineyard to create the keystone of my assemblages, which give the essence of summer home life.” In Rachel’s work “ Pease Point Butterfly,” all of these unique elements plus other materials like sheet music are incorporated to create an intricately patterned and detailed image.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, August 6, from 5 – 8 pm for the opening of “ Summer Essence” 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 visit the website at www.louisagould.com