The Bass in the Grass art exhibit and fundraiser is now in its eighth year, and artist Traeger di Pietro has been part of the tradition since the beginning.

“This year one of my themes is an astronaut and since it’s underwater, I’m using the aquanaut inside the fish and he’s making the art as if the fish is his studio,” he said.

Over 20 artists participated in the exhibit this year, each one putting their particular creative spin on a wood block shaped like a fish. The event also pairs as a fundraiser and auction to benefit the artists, the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby scholarship fund and the Edgartown Board of Trade, which runs the event. Artists are sponsored by local businesses and individuals can bid on the artwork.

The exhibit will be displayed in The Carnegie Heritage Center in Edgartown through Oct. 19.

Vineyard Gazette sponsored fish was created by Steve London.

Jeanna Shepard

Vineyard Gazette sponsored fish was created by Steve London.

Jeanna Shepard

According to Erin Ready, executive director of the Edgartown Board of Trade, the exhibit is a perfect blend of creativity and community.

“This week, when they all arrive at the Carnegie, is one of my favorite weeks of the year because it’s a mystery,” Ms. Ready said. “It’s a great reveal of everyone’s creativity.”

Many returning artists find joy in the freedom of creating their aquatic masterpieces. Painter Jasmine Thompson, who has participated in the event for five years, highlighted Circuit avenue with a spotlight on Mad Martha’s Ice Cream, her sponsor.

“It’s fun to let your ideas come and do different things on the same type of canvas,” she said.

“The derby itself is also an inspiration. Rachel Cassiani, who is sponsored by Edgartown Meat and Fish, always looks to depict images of fishing around the Island.

“I try to go for spots that I grew up fishing with my mom, and places and times of day that connect me to that,” she said.

For more information and to bid on the art, visit bassinthegrassmv.com.