Art

Item Description

Oyster Bass | Seashells created with linoleum block print designs laser carved into wood.

Artist: Althea Freeman-Miller

Island born and full time artist on Martha's Vineyard, Althea specializes in linoleum block printing and painted folk art.

Linoleum block printing is a creative technique where a design is carved onto a linoleum block using special tools. Once the design is carved, ink is rolled onto the block, and then it's pressed onto paper to make a print. It's like making a stamp, but you can create detailed and intricate designs. While linoleum block printing can be a lot of fun and produce beautiful results, it does require a good amount of work. (And yes, if you win this Bass, you can definitely use it as a larger than life sized stamp! Last year, Althea made ink-stamped dresses from the 2022 fish for the Shored Up team!)

The carving process can be time-consuming, especially for complex designs like this year's Bass in the Grass seen here, and it takes patience and precision. Additionally, the inking and printing process requires care to get the colors and details just right. So, while it's a rewarding and enjoyable art form, it does involve a fair amount of effort and attention to detail.

You can visit Althea in her creative wellness studio and print shop "Althea Designs" at 34 Beach Road in Vineyard Haven, where she offers open studio sessions and shopping year-round. Althea aims to inspire and lead individuals to find their truth and purpose while using creative wellness techniques and making art. The mission of Althea Designs is to empower others to seek joy, celebrate life, live connected to authentic-self purpose,and remember it is in our human nature to be creators.

Sponsor: Shored Up Digital

Marnely Murray and Angela Prout teamed up to create Shored Up Digital after meeting many local business owners on Martha's Vineyard who were overwhelmed with their digital marketing initiatives. Marnely and Angela realized that they could leverage their skills and experience to provide businesses and organizations with the tools and resources necessary to bring their online presence to the next level.  

Both wash-ashores, Marnely and Angela have collectively called Martha's Vineyard home for almost 20 years. They bring both on and off-Island marketing experience, and the ability to understand the needs of small business owners as well as the wants of their diverse customers and discerning visitors. Their true passion, alongside digital marketing, is supporting not only business owners, but artists that want to grow their art into a business of their own. You can find Marnely and Angela shopping on many of the local markets, year round, supporting local art always!

Item Special Note

This bass is one sided. 

Artist Estimated Value: $1,000.00