Page 13 - Stuart Exposure - February '21

Stuart Exposure, Page 13

Travel from page 12

the west coast of Sweden, with Latvia as its closest neighbor. peasant society on the island – had trading houses to Novgorod paying its taxes and looking only for protection. Otherwise
Several bays interrupt the limestone coastline of Gotland, while and dominated the routes between Western Europe and Russia. Gotland wished to remain an independent, passive community.
the interior of the island has numerous clay-covered bogs. The The German trading class was quickly drawn to Gotland It remained fairly peaceful until 1361, when Danish King
western side has steep cliffs and is covered by conifers, while activities and as a result, Visby was invited to join the Hanseatic Valdemar IV Atterdag conquered Gotland in a battle just outside
most of the island is used for farming. League. Trade flourished until the mid-14 century, with most the wall at Visby. The next 300 years brought shifts to the trade
th
Examples of the Bronze Age were found in coinage of the Novgorod (northwestern Russia) trade passing through route and dominance by Denmark, the Hanseatic League and
discovered on the island. Gotland’s inhabitants traded during this the island. The prosperity of the time was reflected in the many other privateers, as well as the Teutonic Knights. Sweden got it
period with peoples on the eastern and southern shores of the fine churches and cathedrals built during this period (97 in the back in 1645, but by then the island had become impoverished
Baltic. Later evidence pointed toward the ties the island had with countryside and 17 in Visby). and had lost its importance in the Baltic.
Rome and the Islamic and Byzantine empires. The 12 century Gotland became part of
th
brought Gotland into prominence. Its traders – representing the Sweden around 900 A.D.,

Windmills dot the countryside in Gotland. An eye-catching alley of red roses in the medieval town of Visby
MCOST to Present Open Studio Tour of Gotland, is a city frozen in time. Very little has changed since
Visby, “the city of ruins and roses” and administrative capital

the 13 century when it was in its heyday. To protect the riches of
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By Jackie Holfelder the city, a two-mile, 30-foot-high wall was built to surround the
Information about the exhibiting artists, studio locations town. Included in the wall were some 40 towers and numerous
If you’re ready for some safe and distanced enjoyment, and more is available at www.MCOST.org, Martin gates. The wall was capped on the end with the Powder Tower,
Martin Artisans Guild hears you! Artisans Guild Facebook page or on Instagram at which was the munitions storage for the town.
#MartinCountyOpenStudioTour. Today’s visitors can still see remnants of the wall, as well as
They are delighted to extend an invitation for you to attend portions of the churches and cathedrals that were built. However,
the 5th annual Martin County Open Studio Tour (MCOST) on Photos provided by Martin Artisans Guild only one of these landmark churches is still in use. St. Maria
March 6-7, during which you can visit 32 artists who will be Cathedral is the only medieval church that remains intact and
displaying their work in 22 studio locations in Martin County. is used today. Although roofless, the nave serves as a concert
hall for musical festivals that are staged late each summer.
MCOST’s hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. Today, the villagers of Visby look to festivals and tourism as
their major source of income. Townspeople suffered a setback
Just about the only differences between the four previous several years ago when the “ruin-plays” were discontinued.
MCOSTS and this one will be the change of month from These performances, held in St. Nicolai Church, go back to the
January to March (for obvious reasons) and the safety turn of the century. The most famous of these plays was Petrus
precautions that will be taken at each studio. de Dacia, which features music composed by Friedrich Mahler.
Interestingly, not only has the temperate climate of Gotland
Masks will be required of all attendees and exhibitors, and produced an abundance of award-winning roses that cover the
social distancing will be practiced at all sites. walls and buildings in the village, but in addition, 36 species of
orchids make their home here.
As in years past, MCOST – which is free to the public - will During summer, the island swells from its usual 58,000*
highlight local artists working in a wide range of mediums: residents to more than 300,000 visitors for the various festivals.
painting, drawing, sculpture, glass, ceramics, jewelry, mixed However, even with very admirable weather, once the summer
media and textiles. season is over, Gotland reverts to its landowners.
As one might expect, getting to Visby today is probably
You can see the exhibitors at work in ateliers in the Jensen Diana Rell Dean easier than it was in the Middle Ages. There’s an airport, and
Beach, Stuart, Port Salerno, Palm City and Hobe Sound regular ferry service is available from the mainland. Perhaps the
areas. Watch as magnificent items are created and interact best way to enjoy this medieval masterpiece is aboard one of
with the skilled masters as they work. the cruise ships that now use Visby as a port of call on a regular
Baltic Sea cruise itinerary. Regardless of how you get there, the
Original pieces will be available for purchase. time spent experiencing Gotland and Visby, this true medieval
village, is priceless.
Help kick the event off with a flourish at a special Preview *Source: Gotland in Figures, 2017, https://www.gotland.
Event on February 17 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Elliott se/104323, Page 6
Museum. Don Kiselewski writes from his personal experiences, having
traveled in 122 countries and cruised the oceans, seas and rivers
Each participating artist will display two samples of their of the world. Palm Beach Gardens Travel Leaders, his family
work to give event attendees a taste of his or her style and owned and operated agency, is located at Mirasol Town Square,
medium. The preview party is open to the public and there 11360 North Jog Road, Building A, Suite 102-6, Palm Beach
will be a $5 per person donation at the door. Gardens. The agency has been serving the travel needs of the
South Florida area for over a quarter of a century. Contact him
Informational guide booklets are available now at numerous at (561) 694-9696 or Aussie@PBGTravel.com.
locations including The Palm Room at Harbour Bay Plaza,
Court House Cultural Center at Arts Council of MC, Red Photos by Don Kiselewski
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