Local artists expo at the Civic Club of Harrisburg at Artsfest 2024. Photo by Larry Lenzz.
A Harrisburg artist’s passion for spotlighting local talent inspired an upcoming event.
Artist Reina “R76″ Wooden, along with a group of local artists, will present a showcase for Harrisburg’s Kipona festival on Saturday, Aug. 31 through Monday, Sept. 2, giving creators an accessible and affordable way to display their work.
“My mantra has been ‘artists, unite.’ No matter where I go in the city, I look to establish relationships with fellow artists,” Wooden said. “I realized over the years that many of these festivals were not showcasing local talent and that the fees were excessive.”
The group, which will set up in the Civic Club of Harrisburg, will consist of around 30 local art vendors, including LensWorthy Imagery, Prittify, Art by Elliot, Elle x Olyn Baking Co., WhyKnot and Drew’s Wish for a Cure.
Three years ago, Wooden reached out to the Civic Club of Harrisburg, a women’s community organization, to request the use of their garden, first floor and ballroom to host a local art market. Now, she regularly partners with them for events, bringing rising artists together to participate in the city’s festivals such as Artsfest and Kipona, charging artists only $25 for vendor space.
“The idea is for artists to learn how to sell their work and feel comfortable selling it and having different types of art,” Wooden said. “Many of them have not gone to art school, but it’s just natural talent.”
Wooden is also one of the founders of the Civic Club Presents Art Unites the World, a new gallery at the Civic Club showcasing the diversity and creativity of both local and global artists. A grand opening and ribbon cutting will take place at the Civic Club on Aug. 23, from 6 to 8 p.m.
“Reina is a giver,” said Civic Club President Contrena Baltimore. “She is connected to the artists in the community, especially the unsung ones who don’t normally have an opportunity to be showcased. She finds a way to get them out there. It’s really important as an artist to have someone that cares enough that she finds the time and space to help you be recognized in the community.”
To see R76’s work, visit Studio 318 at Millworks or visit her Instagram,@reina76artist. To learn more about the Civic Club of Harrisburg, visit their website. To learn more about Kipona Festival, visit the City of Harrisburg’s website.
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