Page 9 - Martin Downs Bulletin - February '21

Martin Downs, Page 9

Travel from page 8 Today’s visitors can still
see remnants of the wall, as
Visby, “the city of ruins and roses” and administrative well as portions of the churches
capital of Gotland, is a city frozen in time. Very little has and cathedrals that were built.
changed since the 13 century when it was in its heyday. To However, only one of these
th
protect the riches of the city, a two-mile, 30-foot-high wall landmark churches is still in use.
was built to surround the town. Included in the wall were St. Maria Cathedral is the only
some 40 towers and numerous gates. The wall was capped medieval church that remains
on the end with the Powder Tower, which was the munitions intact and is used today. Although
storage for the town. roofless, the nave serves as a
concert hall for musical festivals
that are staged late each summer.
Today, the villagers of Visby
look to festivals and tourism as
their major source of income.
Townspeople suffered a setback
several years ago when the “ruin- Visby’s brightly painted buildings line the cobblestone streets, reflecting a period locked
plays” were discontinued. These in time.
performances, held in St. Nicolai
Church, go back to the turn of
the century. The most famous of
these plays was Petrus de Dacia,
which features music composed
by Friedrich Mahler.
Interestingly, not only has the
temperate climate of Gotland
produced an abundance of award-
winning roses that cover the walls
and buildings in the village, but
in addition, 36 species of orchids
make their home here.
There are gates peppered along the two-mile wall that circles During summer, the island
Visby. This one has a large opening for carriages and a swells from its usual 58,000*
smaller one for pedestrians. residents to more than 300,000 Multicolored fishing boats dot the small harbor in Gotland.
MCOST to Present Open Studio Tour visitors for the various festivals. However, even with very
admirable weather, once the summer season is over, Gotland
reverts to its landowners.
By Jackie Holfelder As one might expect, getting to Visby today is probably
Information about the exhibiting artists, studio locations easier than it was in the Middle Ages. There’s an airport, and
If you’re ready for some safe and distanced enjoyment, and more is available at www.MCOST.org, Martin regular ferry service is available from the mainland. Perhaps
Martin Artisans Guild hears you! Artisans Guild Facebook page or on Instagram at the best way to enjoy this medieval masterpiece is aboard one
#MartinCountyOpenStudioTour. of the cruise ships that now use Visby as a port of call on a
They are delighted to extend an invitation for you to attend regular Baltic Sea cruise itinerary. Regardless of how you get
the 5th annual Martin County Open Studio Tour (MCOST) on Photos provided by Martin Artisans Guild there, the time spent experiencing Gotland and Visby, this true
March 6-7, during which you can visit 32 artists who will be medieval village, is priceless.
displaying their work in 22 studio locations in Martin County. *Source: Gotland in Figures, 2017, https://www.gotland.
se/104323, Page 6
MCOST’s hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. Don Kiselewski writes from his personal experiences,
having traveled in 122 countries and cruised the oceans, seas
Just about the only differences between the four previous and rivers of the world. Palm Beach Gardens Travel Leaders,
MCOSTS and this one will be the change of month from his family owned and operated agency, is located at Mirasol
January to March (for obvious reasons) and the safety Town Square, 11360 North Jog Road, Building A, Suite 102-6,
precautions that will be taken at each studio. Palm Beach Gardens. The agency has been serving the travel
needs of the South Florida area for over a quarter of a century.
Masks will be required of all attendees and exhibitors, and Contact him at (561) 694-9696 or Aussie@PBGTravel.com.
social distancing will be practiced at all sites. Photos by Don Kiselewski

As in years past, MCOST – which is free to the public - will Answer for
highlight local artists working in a wide range of mediums:
painting, drawing, sculpture, glass, ceramics, jewelry, mixed Crossword Puzzle
media and textiles.

You can see the exhibitors at work in ateliers in the Jensen Diana Rell Dean
Beach, Stuart, Port Salerno, Palm City and Hobe Sound
areas. Watch as magnificent items are created and interact
with the skilled masters as they work.

Original pieces will be available for purchase.

Help kick the event off with a flourish at a special Preview
Event on February 17 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Elliott
Museum.

Each participating artist will display two samples of their
work to give event attendees a taste of his or her style and
medium. The preview party is open to the public and there
will be a $5 per person donation at the door.

Informational guide booklets are available now at numerous
locations including The Palm Room at Harbour Bay Plaza,
Court House Cultural Center at Arts Council of MC, Red
Barn Furniture and Stuart Art Supply, as well as at each
studio on the tour.

Major sponsors include Women Supporting the Arts, Arts
Council of Martin County, Frugal Framer, Elliott Museum, Captain’s was established in 1980 servicing
Stuart Art Supply, Visionary School of Arts, Whiticar Palm Beach County and is a privately
owned and managed company.
Boatworks, Jewelry by Whiticar, Curt Whiticar Collection Captain’s is committed to providing
and Aya Fiber Studio, dependable, reliable and professional
ground transportation to and from all
Here’s your opportunity to experience the process of South Florida Airports and Seaports. PBCVH212
art being made, as well as to meet the renowned people Torenzo Gann To reserve your vehicle:
creating it. 561-798-2180 or 800-634-7890 www.captainsairport.com