Seven years ago, this week I covered the 91st International Juried Art Show at the AAH on my birthday…so this Friday’s opening for their “97th” means the next day is my 74th birthday.
“Ah, I was so much older then, I’m younger than that now,” sang Bob Dylan. Life for me has been so much richer since retirement a decade ago. Writing for TheBurg, coaching high school students and mentoring the next generation at Ralph Lauren. And soon to celebrate 48 years with my beautiful artist/photographer wife, Jana. I have much to celebrate as every day is a gift!
But before the candles are blown out, there is Friday’s 3rd in The Burg. For all intent and purpose regarding May’s Art Blog, Harrisburg is the center of the art universe, at least for this month.
Harrisburg boasts two institutions of historical significance that incorporate art as part of their mission. The Art Association of Harrisburg, helmed by Carrie Wissler-Thomas, a legend in her own right, is soon to celebrate its 100-year anniversary. And to think Carrie has led its vaunted growth for nearly half a century is all the more remarkable. Presenting the “97th,” opening on May 14, is director of exhibitions, Nate Foster and Alanna Barton, assistant curator. Under their skillful guidance, this annual exhibit promises new faces, names and works throughout its two floors. Local artists represented, who are truly world class creatives, include the likes of Cory Pigeon and Andrea Finch, two birds of a different feather. More from the artistic flock find Paul Nagle, Aubrey Maurer, Gail Coleman, Ann Benton Yeager, Jordan Bashore, John Guarnera and Earle Rock. TheBurg cover artists pose Ilana Gruber and Bethany Endicott Gill front and center for a turn on the gallery floor. Sarah Mendez leads a pack of artists that feature Jessica Waite, Susan K. Getty, Barbara Warfel and Susan Benigni-Landis. Adding to the mix are Biruta Hansen, Harold Zabady and Dominick Barnes. Nate Foster shared, “In total there were 171 entries, of which 78 were juried into the show.” You can hear the trombones playing in the background. The rest of this stellar group are unfortunately too numerous to mention. The opening reception is this Friday, May 16, from 5 to 8 p.m. Meet and mingle with a number of the artists. Look and listen for musical inspiration from bi-coastal Jonathan Frazier, traveling troubadour from the bayous of Louisiana to the shores of the Susquehanna.
Meanwhile, just blocks away at 612 North Front St., you will find an exemplary group of women artists across genres showcasing their diverse gifts at the Civic Club of Harrisburg. Spearheaded by one of the leaders of its art council is visual artist, Reina 76 Artist, waxing lyrical about the meaning behind her paintings. Joining her for the evening’s enlightening elocution as part of a vibrant panel discussion will be Maya Calderwood, ceramist, and Gabriella Gonzalez, author, showing their wares and inviting queries, respectively. With regard to the process of creating art of the canvas and wheel and art of the pen, these three unique women are found at the vanguard of tangible touchstones artistically. Adding luster to the performance is Kita P., vocalist. Together, this quintessentially quotable quartet unites for a dynamic dialogue of detente for “Art You Women?” The panel is moderated by Contrena Baltimore who shared, “This event is a tribute to the vibrant contributions of women in the arts…it is about honoring their voices and elevating the conversations that move our community forward.” This is the latest chapter featuring a stimulating sisterhood from the Civic Club’s “Art Unites the World Artists Advisory Council.” The event is free and open to the public from 6 to 8 p.m. It is sponsored by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC).
Camp Hill Festivals: Greek Fest & Plein Air Art Walk
Every year, the annual event known as Greek Fest gets better and better. This year’s weekend long celebration of Greek culture, food, music and dancing promises to be the best one yet. Now in its 53rd year, this time-honored tradition still has some surprises in store. Dimitri Zozos proudly is the official “Mayor” of Greek Fest. He is excited to announce that shuttles will run every 15 minutes from the Highmark parking lot on Wertzville Road to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral at 1000 Yverdon Dr., the home for the three-day extravaganza, from Friday through Sunday. With numbers like 5,000 souvlaki (those are shish kababs) and 19,000 servings of baklava, they have elevated Greek food and pastries to an art form and have exceptional customer service down to a science. This Herculean feat is accomplished solely through its volunteer parishioners. Last year, donations from the church benefited over 25 charities and organizations. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. This is a winner-take-all, with both sides coming out on top. Hungry patrons will feast on what Dimitri proudly declares, “The best Greek food this side of Athens.” Legendary hearty fare good for the body and soul… after all Achilles and Odysseus were raised on Greek cuisine.
Even if your name isn’t “McGraw,” you can come and see the “Quick Draw” contest for the Plein Air Art Walk in Camp Hill on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A posse of plein air pistoleros will be drawing their brushes from their holsters at 10 a.m. sharp till 12 noon for the contest. Winners will be announced at 1 p.m. Look for the likes of Julie Riker, Donna Barlup, Lina Ferrara, Paul Nagle and Susan Benigni-Landis, among them. Camp Hill is celebrating Spring on Market Street with a day of shopping, dining, games, live music and more. Of special interest are children’s Plein Air art sessions in Willow Park, a pop-up farmers market, and a scenic 5K trail walk. Free family fun from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come out and see what’s “In-Store.”
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