What if we were given the chance for a “re-do” regarding an important part of our life or a chapter of it or perhaps just one event? Would it change dramatically or a little by adding a few seconds back on the clock?
A quartet of “outside artists” from beyond the mainstream art world get that “date with destiny” at the same locale as their initial foray took place. Two years and some odd days ago, the Art Association of Harrisburg held an invitational exhibit for two lowbrow artists, Sean Arce and Ted Walke, who operate outside the expected norm. If there is one discipline that can go outside the box, it would be art. Knowing today what I may have only suspected then, art surrealists, Tina Berrier and Krissy Whiski, skew above that appellation given that their paintings float, caught in the headwinds, reaching far beyond the clouds, lost in the ether of enchantment. Berrier and Whiski comprise the other half of “Nothing Pretty,” the exhibit that opened this past Friday.The artists reception takes place this Friday for a 3rd in the Burg featured event at the AAH.
The trick is to get from point A to point B in the show. The “A” represents Arce, clocking in at well over 20,000 followers who appreciate his art endeavors. In the lowbrow universe, Arce’s cartoon characters create contextual calamity even when they are standalone images. It allows the viewer to fill in the blanks. A digital designer, Sean operates in his own dimension. Point B is for Berrier, as in Tina, who’s following in numbers is noteworthy with her reputation as an artist of varied genres crossing time and dynasties. In her multimedia works, from paintings to assembled objects, Tina may incorporate Oaxacan artifacts to Dia de los Muertos masked figures in her paintings. Capturing tribal chieftains to cocky barnyard animals in her works, one cannot pigeonhole Berrier as her imagination shifts gears quicker than the weather changes and is just as unpredictable. That is the beauty of her art.
Yet, the real question is how far would you Walke for a Whiski? The answer lies with Ted of the Gallery at 2nd who ‘Walkes’ this way to the AAH. From his brownstone at 608 N. 2nd Street, it is but five blocks to the Art Association’s front door. Along the way Ted will meet his alter ego, IG handle, Munkybearhell. Don’t be alarmed by the name as this character loves to hide in the dark recesses of Ted’s subconscious mind, springing forth on the unsuspecting at any moment. Truth be told, a lovable chap, “Munky” lives in the grottoes frequented by trolls and troglodytes. Pen and ink and the kitchen sink form the link Ted takes to the brink. And Munky shape shifts with the best of them. By now, you are probably ready for a double shot of “Whiski” straight up, as in Krissy. Psychedelic pop art mistress, Ms. Whiski is a burst of sunshine and a healthy dose of what the doctor ordered for the blues. You’ll never be under the weather when viewing her art. Followers again in the 20,000 range, she matches Sean Arce “like for like,” but who is counting? Like the Rolling Stones song from the ’60s, “She’s Like a Rainbow, she comes in colors everywhere.”
Let’s face it, “social media” (Meta, Twitter, IG, est.) rules the roost or at least the people who subscribe to its presumptive status. Thankfully, I can say I only use IG as a means of following artists and dogs and inspirational messages. I need the last two to help lighten and brighten the day ahead. Regarding the social media phenomenon, one cannot deny the numbers. If you combine all four of the artist’s followers from IG alone, there would be a line reaching from 21 N. Front Street at the AAH stretching the whole way to 920 N. 3rd St, home of The Burg. That is well over 50,000 people (you read that right) who embrace their brand of art. It’s a good thing the “Nothing Pretty” exhibit runs almost two full months through Jan. 5. It needs that long of a “run” to get all those followers in the door. Contact Ticketmaster now for once it’s sold out, it’s sold out! Just kidding. But all joking aside, the tickets 1st to go will be for this Friday’s 3rd in The Burg reception, no admission fee. For good measure, the Association’s curator, Rachel O’Connor, set a limbo bar standard for this show so high, I could dance under it, and I’m 72.
Something Very Pretty
Steph Holmes in her studio (Photo: Jana MacGinnes)
For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. So, if “Nothing Pretty” exists in the art universe then “Something Very Pretty” must, as well. Just a few months ago, destiny knocked on artist Steph Holmes door or she did the knocking at 336 West Market St. in York’s downtown district. The building’s main window leads to a street view, providing the young artist with a perfect portal to the world right outside her front door. It’s realistic scene never fails to inspire, and yet Steph inhabits the natural world filled with flora and fauna through her lens filtered by a heart that’s in touch with beauty well beyond the downtown vista.
Her love affair started with the great outdoors and drawing that magical world began as a child. It led her to the moment on Sept. 1 when Steph Holmes Artist Studio opened to the public. Shy by nature, she is content to operate behind the scenes, creating treasures of birds and insects, flowers and woodland creatures, all captured on canvas with acrylic paint. A passion for “Cardinals and Orioles” sounds like a true baseball fan, but Steph’s are those that take 
wing in flight. The studio shelves offer clues to her personality and interests, full of beakers, vases and vessels like a young botanist looking for the quintessential specimen. A Millersville University graduate speaks to an inquisitive mind with a bachelor of arts degree on the wall lending credence to her scientific studies of the outside world. The gallery and studio are full of originals, prints, and exquisite cards suitable for framing. Her youthful looks belie her age, having spent 10 years as an art educator for Creative York. The present day finds her making a career with her art. Challenging herself to 133 days in a row “painting and creating” for at least an hour a day will take her through to the New Year. If you are lucky when you visit the studio, she may be in the window painting whatever dream comes next. Contact the artist at stephholmesartatgmail.com
November Special Art Events
A work by the Huckle Buckle Boys
Carlisle Arts Learning Center (CALC) for “Pulled: The Art of Print Making,” featuring prints of the Huckle Buckle Boys, Garrick Dorsett and Zack Rudy and a host of others. On going through Dec. 23, upstairs gallery.
Saturday, Nov. 25, Shop Small Business Saturday, Millworks Annual Odd Ones Bizarre 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 5 to Dec. 23, “Art for the Holidays” at CALC (gifts for the season). Holiday hours Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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