In a new iteration of the Nantucket Historical Association’s popular fundraiser, Nantucket by Design 2024 has moved to July with an exciting and expanded itinerary of events and programming. This year’s theme of Craftsmanship celebrates both Nantucket’s legacy in the world of design, culture and the decorative arts as well as the importance of craft in today’s interiors and creative realms. As this year’s co-chairs Bill Richards and Marla Sanford explain, “We are excited to celebrate both the art of design and the spirit of Nantucket, weaving together the threads of creativity, culture, and craftsmanship in a way that honors this remarkable island’s heritage.”
Over four days, from July 15-18, a jam packed schedule of discussions, panels, workshops and more explore the theme, while supporting the NHA’s mission, as expressed by the co-chairs, “to preserve Nantucket’s unique charm and stories while enriching both its summer and year-round community.” The garden at the NHA’s Hadwen House, above, will be transformed by The Colony Hotel into an über stylish welcome and check in center, where, during the day, attendees can get refreshments and frequent special select events. Colony owner Sarah Wetenhall will be in attendance, speaking on one of Thursday’s panels, Transpire & Inspire.
I am excited to be kicking off this incredible week of design, moderating the opening panel on Monday, Nantucket Heritage in Modern Design. I’ll be in conversation with local talents, Michelle Holland of Nantucket House Antiques & Interior Design Studio, Bess Clarke of Nantucket Looms, Ray Pohl of Botticelli & Pohl Architects and Caitlin Parsons of Nantucket Bracelets, above.
I am especially delighted that this event, as well as Monday afternoon’s panel, will be held in one of my favorite NHA properties, Greater Light, above, the former summer home and studio of Gertrude and Hanna Monaghan. The independent, highly educated Quaker sisters from Philadelphia were part of what is now referred to as the Nantucket Art Colony, which thrived on the island in the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s.
Originally built around 1790 as a livestock barn, the sisters, above, one a professional artist and the other an actress and author, discovered it in 1929 when they followed a herd of cattle up Main Street. Delighted with their discovery, they purchased the dilapidated building and transformed it into their own summer oasis, incorporating an eclectic mix of architectural elements, decorative objects and furniture. Their unique vision blended artistic sensibilities and whimsy with a deep appreciation of unique handcrafted works that remains a testament to their distinctive spirit and so in keeping with both this year’s theme and the mission of the NHA in preserving the diverse stories of Nantucket through its collections, properties, programs and research.
The rest of this year’s extensive programming includes not only an impressive line up of events but much more, from our keynote with Ken Fulk, above, to our always sold out Design Luncheon, this year with Aerin Lauder and Mark D. Sikes moderated by Stellene Volandes, Editor in Chief of Town & Country, below,
to a plethora of panels with distinguished design luminaries. As Marla Sanford explains, “We made a commitment to further elevate this year’s program, offering more calendar days and, in turn, more speaking engagements.”
There are Decorative Arts Workshops (think Sailors Valentines, Historic Transferware and Nantucket Basket Woven Cuff Bracelets) throughout the week at the NHA 1800 House, which will also host The Hive, a pop up design showroom, a Master Class conversation with jewelry designers Nicholas Varney and Susan Lister Locke at her shop, book signings galore by attending designers (the one below on Tuesday at Eleish van Breems from 11:30 – 1:30 with Veranda Editor in Chief Steele Marcoux, Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller, Meg Braff, Nina Farmer and Amanda Reynal)
our sold out Opening Night Party at a beautiful Nantucket home, below,
private sponsor related dinners and events, such as the happenings at the brand new Ten Easy Street, a concept showroom, shophouse and gathering space in a reimagined historic house, conceived by designer and longtime Nantucketer Eileen Kathryn Boyd
cocktails with author Elin Hilderbrand at her Nantucket home,
and of course the festive Closing Night Party at the NHA Whaling museum with live music and summer cocktails! So while some events are already sold out, there are still opportunities to attend this singular event that supports this important island organization. As co-chair Bill Richards elucidates, “Nantucket by Design not only illuminates Nantucket’s rich historical and design significance but also preserves it for future generations as one of the Nantucket Historical Association’s key fundraising events.”
You can check out the full agenda and purchase tickets on the NHA site. For those who can’t be with us, feel free to follow along for all the fun and creativity on Instagram next week with @nantucketbydesign, the hashtag #nantucketbydesign , me (@quintessence), the speakers, and attendees. It’s sure to be a week of exciting inspiration. Hope to see you there!
