Formerly a sail loft, a whale oil factory, an old grain store, and a boat builder’s shed, the distinctive building now known as the Old Sculpin Gallery, home of the Martha’s Vineyard Art Association, is over 240 years old. Over the years its unique shingled tower has welcomed visitors to the waterfront along Edgartown’s harbor, and today its wide floorboards and hand hewn beams welcome art lovers into its gallery and studio spaces. Incorporated in 1954, the MVAA opened for the benefit of the island community: "to increase facilities of art education, create interest in the arts, make an art center for the whole island, establish a permanent collection, and preserve an old landmark." Such were the lofty goals of its founding President Ruth Mead and its Vice-President Henry Beetle Hough.

In addition to its function of selling art works of its membership to the public, the MVAA’s outreach includes the awarding of scholarships to talented island art students from the high school and the offering of art classes to all ages. The permanent collection and the historic structure retain vital links to the history of the association and of the island. The Board of Directors of the not-for-profit MVAA continue the proud traditions set by its founders to encourage and maintain an atmosphere of artistic growth for its membership and the cultural enrichment for both the island community and visitors to our shores.)

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