Under cover of darkness on June 2, 1863, two Union ships stole up the Combahee River in a mission that would liberate over 750 slaves from South Carolina plantations. What became known as the Combahee Ferry Raid, was the first major U.S. military operation lead by a woman - Harriet Tubman. The same Harriet Tubman whose image was scheduled - until recently - to be on the front of the new $20 bill next year. And the same Harriet Tubman whose remarkable life as a spy, abolitionist, nurse and cook included connections to Boston. Many know her name but few know her story. Now, author and historian Elizabeth Cobbs is connecting the dots in a new historical novel detailing one of Harriet Tubman’s greatest achievements.

Later in the show…

The most painted building in the United States is a small, red fishing shack in Rockport, Massachusetts, known to the art world as Motif Number One. While each of the paintings is of the same building, each painter's work is different: Watercolor or acrylic, focusing on a distinct angle or time of day, lines that are straighter or more crooked and a selection of colors that vary in brilliance.

It shows how no two artists can represent a subject exactly the same way.

Now, a new show at the Martha's Vineyard's Featherstone Center for the Arts takes the same approach. Conversations in Art features artists from a variety of disciplines, including painting, photography, sculpture and even the culinary arts.

Conversations in Art is on display at the Featherstone Center for the Arts now until August 18th.

Guests:

Gavin Smith - Private chef based on Martha’s Vineyard and photographer.

Michael Rottman - Chef at the Outermost Inn in Aquinnah and painter.

Ann Smith - Executive Director of the Featherstone Center for the Arts.

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UTR is produced by Franziska Monahan. Doug Shugarts is our engineer.

Under the Radar is a production of WGBH.