Above, event attendees cheer on Captain Bob Douglas, winner of the 38th Creative Living Award. Photo: Ray Ewing
The Creative Living Award recognizes members of the Vineyard community who embody the spirit of Ruth J. Bogan—who made the initial bequest of $60,000 to form the Marthas Vineyard Community Foundation.
Since 1983, we have celebrated our community in our annual Creative Living Award, dedicated to recognizing an Islander who has “enhanced and preserved the quality of life of the Vineyard forever.” This Fund was created to honor Ruth Bogan who, in the words of her friend Ruth Redding, was a “gallant woman who loved beauty, who loved the Vineyard and who believed ‘anyone can do anything.’” In her letter of instruction to the Foundation, Ruth Redding requested that some funds be used to “encourage fine craftsmanship, creativity and ingenuity in many field.”
From artists to farmers and doctors to volunteers, this award has highlighted the accomplishments of individuals and groups who have contributed significantly to the quality of life on the Island. A look at past recipients creates a living tapestry of the life and values of Martha’s Vineyard.
| Year | Award Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Charlie Esposito |
| 2020-2021 | Captain Bob Douglas - click here to watch the short film! |
| 2019 | IGI, Island Grown Initiative. |
| 2018 | Clarence A. 'Trip' Barnes III |
| 2017 | Heidi, Peter and Frank Dunkl |
| 2016 | Johnny Hoy |
| 2015 | Ann Smith and Francine Kelly |
| 2014 | Steve Ewing |
| 2013 | Rez Williams |
| 2012 | Paul Brissette |
| 2011 | Daniel Waters |
| 2010 | Ross Gannon and Nat Benjamin |
| 2009 | Helen Lamb and Camp Jabberwocky |
| 2008 | Clarissa Allen and Mitchell Posin |
| 2007 | Susan Klein |
| 2006 | Russell S. Hoxsie, M.D. |
| 2005 | MJ Bruder Munafo |
| 2004 | Gus BenDavid |
| 2003 | Art Buchwald |
| 2002 | David and Rosalee McCullough |
| 2001 | Stan Murphy |
| 2000 | Bill and Kathleen Joyce Costanza |
| 1999 | Peggy Pinney Vance |
| 1998 | John R. Abrams and Debbie Milne |
| 1997 | Peter Boak |
| 1996 | African-American Heritage Trail of Martha’s Vineyard |
| 1995 | Fae Kontje |
| 1994 | Allen D. Whiting |
| 1993 | Cornelia Mendenhall and the Red Stocking Fund |
| 1992 | Mary Beth Grady and Allison Burger |
| 1991 | Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard in Honor of its Volunteers |
| 1990 | Margaret Hall and Sara Piazza |
| 1989 | Margaret Love |
| 1988 | Edwin B. Gentle III and Roxanne Jardin |
| 1987 | Jean L. Silva |
| 1986 | Harold Heeremans and Alison Shaw |
| 1985 | E. Gale Huntington |
| 1984 | Sydna White |
| 1983 | Marian Halperin and H. Stanton Lair |
NOMINATION FORM FOR THE CREATIVE LIVING AWARD DUE BY JULY 16, 2023 [CLICK HERE]
