Don’t be misled from the above cryptic title…that’s a number one and not a capital “I.” I would never insinuate an IQ of 26…that is reserved for amoebae. Actually, they don’t have a brain but do respond to stimuli. I hope you do the same with this blog, which represents the first quarter of the New Year regarding art goings-on.
Jana MacGinnes, Bob MacGinnes and Carrie Wissler-Thomas
With January just about out the door, you can still catch the biannual “members only” show, “Figuratively Speaking,” at the Art Association of Harrisburg for two more weeks. “Members Only Jackets” (remember those from the mid-’80s?) are optional for viewing the exhibit. They predated the iconic fashion of “Miami Vice.” A bit of trivia: when we lived in Miami during that era, I sold NBC-TV the shoes for the new hit series at the Brass Boot in Bal Harbour Shops, an exclusive enclave for valet-parked South American tourists spending lavish sums of money on handmade Italian footwear. Among the locals, the Bee Gees’ wives were regular customers of our store. They even sent flowers to the hospital the day our daughter, Aubrey, was born. Life does have second acts. Jana and I feel blessed indeed as we are entering, at the least, Act 5 in our lives together.
The first quarter of the year can be humdrum across the board dependent upon the weather, but Bob’s Art Blog holds exciting happenings taking place later this week. In a month, relegated for recovery from the holidays the Red Rose City of Lancaster rolls out the red carpet hosting a show unlike any other.
On the cusp of Black History Month, owner/founder/curator Victoria Abadir’s Lancaster Art Vault spins the vaults tumblers to an opening night reception on Friday, Jan. 30. The exhibit, “Expressions of Strength: A Celebration of Black Art and Identity,” expertly blends art with poetry. A powerhouse lineup showcases two Harrisburg artists, King Prolifik and Reina 76. Joining them are Spencer Sinclair, Gabrielle Baker, Michael A James, Keisha Finnie, Tonya Engel, Isiah Bates and emerging artist, Morgan Scott. Merging the written word throughout the gallery’s walls weaves a spell of wonder when paired with thought-provoking works of art. As for the poets, they paint with the most imaginatively expressive words, getting to hear them jump off the page—”spoken word experience” is the icing on the top. Listen for rhythm, rap and rhyme from Le Hinton, Sir Dominique Jordan, Maria Thompson Corley, Khalisah Hameed and Jonathan Kedrock. In addition, Gabriel Angrand (AVG), Christopher KP Brown, Malia Burris, Danitra Tierra, Kirsten Lindemuth, Ruel Rahim, Beimnet Getahun and Shelby Wormley round out this eclectic baker’s dozen.
African drumming will be performed by Gerri McCritty, Dumas Thompson, Tyrell ‘Teetos’ Hoff and Marion CoCo Coleman, adding music and celebration to the evening’s festivities. Judging by this compendium of performances, the two-hour party will be a night to remember. Mark the date-this Friday…Lancaster Art Vault 100 N. Queen St., from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
“Sugar Shack” by Ernie Barnes at Lancaster Art Vault
Of special note: Complementing the exhibition is “Grandma’s Walls,” an intimate presentation on loan from the private collection of Beverly Smith, curated by the late Lenwood Sloan, a highly respected historian and cultural steward in the African American community. Featuring works by artists Ernie Barnes and Charles Bibbs. Both exhibits run through Feb. 28.
The Torch Is Passed at Carlisle Art Learning Center CALC
Cathy Stone and Emily Ashton of CALC
How does one begin to quantify a career in art at the highly regarded Carlisle Arts Learning Center over the course of 36 years in just a few paragraphs? It can be a daunting task. And yet now just-retired executive director Cathy Stone made it all look easy. Wearing so many hats at CALC, from art instructor to gallery curator to its chief executive in recent years, Ms. Stone took every obstacle as opportunity to make sure things ran smoothly, ensuring the bottom line came out on top. CALC is an active nonprofit art center in downtown Carlisle with its main focus on education and exposing all ages to the possibilities of art on every level. At its core, CALC has always been about community engagement. The essence of what Cathy brought to the institution is best illustrated in her sendoff party held just two weeks ago. Esteemed board members, both old and new, feted her with a retirement party for this auspicious occasion. The night featured tributes from many well-wishers, with a resounding, “Thank you, Cathy,” from everyone in the Carlisle community. That may sound like an exaggeration but isn’t. From that intimate gathering upstairs, we descended the steps to the opening night art reception downstairs to find the main floor teeming with wall-to-wall art enthusiasts. The Carlisle community at large always turns out for art events at the gallery. Lastly, Cathy handed off the baton of leadership to Emily Ashton, a North Carolina State University grad who is extremely well-equipped to carry the mantle of management. Emily is a seasoned senior leader with over a decade of experience leading high performing social impact teams. She is a skilled communicator and relationship manager. A fitting goodbye and welcome all in one night. Adieu to Cathy and to Emily, “Bon Jour!”
Members Only, “Figuratively Speaking” @ AAH
“The Thinning of the Veil” by Josephine Alexander and Michelle DiNicola
Let’s face it…everyone likes to see their work in the public eye, especially if you spent time working on its creation. Hence the popularity of “members shows” at art consortiums. The AAH rolled out the red carpet on its opening night to a packed house for a very frigid 3rd in the Burg. Early entrance gave us the opportunity to view 150 entries across mediums from paintings to sculpture, photographs to works on paper, without bumping into our neighbors. Curators Nate Foster and Alanna Barton put every artist’s best face forward in this latest addition. Making a yearly exhibit fresh and new can be a thematic challenge, but this duo brought clear eyes as the members did their part. In the end, everyone was as pleased as the punch served by Robert Potter, reception host. Prize juror was artist Earle Rock. As with any members show, there are perennial standouts like winners Josephine Alexander and Michelle DiNicola taking “Best of Show” for their stunning glass encrusted statuary, “The Thinning of the Veil.” Joining them are Anni Matsick, Jeff Wiles, Sanal Lester, DS Ingram, Ileana Rivera, Jeff Bye, Nicole Polanichka, Scott Meier, Ken Albright, Jeff Scorza and Deborah Williams. Rebekah Campbell took home honorable mention, and “Emerging Artist” was Wismy Faustin. The last “Figures” seen were “Live” as a picture was taken of us with the AAH’s CEO and president, the illustrious Carrie-Wissler Thomas.
Jim Mackey, The Woolly Woodsman in Dillsburg
Mixed media collage by Jim Mackey
There aren’t too many artists we would drive to Dillsburg for except the one-of-a-kind Larry Lerew. Add to that list Jim Mackey, who currently has a show at the new Dillsburg Area Public Library located at 204 Mumper Lane. Get off 11/15 S., make a left then put it in your GPS. The library itself is a work of art, especially its gorgeous grounds. The garden alone is worth the drive. Jim Mackey is an unabashedly unique artist who is self-effacing to a T. Modest and humble, he just goes about his business of creating great art like the “Woodsman” legend he has become, partly due to his penchant for hand-carving large wooden totems that are statement making. Once you have met Jim, you will never forget him. His persona is gnome-like in that he is clever, inventive and one who blends fey whimsy and hidden treasures, which hold meaning into his thought-provoking works. This exhibit showcases 10 of Jim’s works that run the gamut. They are a testament to time chasing down the dreams of an artist in search of El Dorado. This mixed media maestro manipulates the elements of found objects, shredded fabric, discarded newspapers, and cast- off parts in creating dynamic dioramas and surreal shadow box commentaries. Primitive and raw, they stimulate engaging conversation…the very essence of what art is all about.
NAACP Art Exhibit
Over in Lebanon County, don’t miss the Lebanon Valley Council on the Arts’ First Friday event on Feb. 6 at 5 p.m. The NAACP Art Exhibit is organized by Joyce Hansen and features the art of Bryan Hickman (King Prolifik), Reina 76, HAVE a ART, Vaughnbolino, Ryan Boddy and Myra Kitchen. The event also features live music by Luther Tyree and live painting by Have a Art. Light refreshments will be served. The Lebanon Valley Council on the Arts is located at 770 Cumberland St., Lebanon.
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