If the month of February is the apex of winter and April is a sure sign of spring, then what falls betwixt and between, March, assumes a role as the bridge. There are the icy winds of winter and the gentle breeze of spring, but March is a different breed.
The idioms associated with the month are many but speak to madness and singularity, “march to a different drum,” “mad as a hatter” (mercury poisoning in the process of hat making) or “mad as a March hare.” Caesar needed to take heed on the steps of the Senate, beware “the Ides of March,” and lastly a month that comes “in like a lion and out like a lamb” demonstrates that its bark can be worse than its bite. All of this discourse can provide conversational grist for the mill on your next coffee or tea date. Yes, you could talk about the weather but isn’t it more fun to share idioms?
This blog takes us on the road to the white rose city of York to Hive Art Space for its March exhibit, “A Fine Cuppa (Coffee, Tea, Or),” dedicated to hot beverages, perfect for the month. Hive Art Space, a “thematic gallery” like no other, is operated by owner and proprietress, Susan Scofield. Her impish stature (slight in height) belies her passion and zeal for what she brings to Hive. She is the “buzz,” no caffeine needed.
Hive owner Susan Scofield
In the 1936 Frank Capra film, “Mr. Deeds Goes to Town,” Gary Cooper’s character, Longfellow Deeds is a pixilated protagonist. Inheriting a windfall fortune, he wants to give it away to those who need it. In a pivotal courtroom scene, he is deemed certifiably pixilated by neighbors who have known him all his life. “The pixies got him as he is whimsical and prankish.” Who else fits that bill? Leprechauns, for sure, and Hive’s owner, Susan Scofield, who is proud to be part and parcel of that special group of pixies. After all, how else could a person be in two places at once? She is the concierge in charge at the newly reopened Yorktowne Hotel during the week and operates Hive on the weekends, sometimes feeling like she is in both places at once.
“Bitter Grounds” by Justin Ritmiller
The beverage-centric show overflows with ideas from 34 artists running through the month of March. Perhaps the most unique piece is a sepia-toned portrait appearing like Lawrence of Arabia. It was created by mixing coffee and water as the base ingredients for the painting rendered on illustration board. Justin Ritmiller brews a potent portrayal of art outside the norm. The artist hails from Seven Valleys, Pa. He shared the story behind the art, “The inspiration was taken from a Neil Gaiman short story entitled ‘Bitter Grounds’ as well as from a Zora Neale Hurston anthropological study of magic in Haiti.”
In addition, “Gem Kettle,” by Nicole Smeltzer from York and “I’ll Have the Regular” by Avery Grinstead of Palmyra put a different spin on the morning eye opener. Kyle Newkirk from Lancaster provides his painting, “Mugs,” suitable for any beverage. Be sure to look for something from Jim Hively as he is omnipresent in most Hive shows. Owner Susan deposits an assortment of $2 block prints for sale in the gumball machine. Half of the proceeds will go to the Culture Alliance of York County in support of its annual fundraising campaign. Behind the Hive counter for the show, which runs through March 25, are art baristas, Kate Rush and Heather Greenough, serving up banter and perhaps some idioms.
“I’ll Have The Regular” by Avery Grinstead
Gallery hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m., so pull up a stool, place your order and drink to your heart’s content. That last one is a Leprechaun pulling your leg. So, after viewing “A Fine Cuppa,” please patronize one of the great coffee shops, restaurants and bars in the eclectic Royal Square Arts District. At Hive, you are in the very heart of it. A treasure on every corner awaits and maybe, if you are pixilated, even a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Happy St. Patrick’s Day.
And now a word from our sponsor…As this blog inches toward March 17, McGrath’s Pub will be rolling out the barrels of beer for celebrants of all things green, (except envy). Be sure to visit them at 202 Locust St. for a Ceili to remember. Erin Go Bragh!
March Art Events
New Cumberland Collective’s “Art in the Stacks” featured artist, Deb Schell at the New Cumberland Public Library
March 17, 3rd in the Burg St. Patrick’s Day. See Sara Bozich’s Weekend Roundup list for special openings and deets.
March 23, Student Art Celebration Reception 5 to 6:30 p.m. Meet the artists at Carlisle Art Learning Center. Exhibit closes April 15.
Be sure to patronize your local Midtown galleries:
Vivi on Verbeke at 258 Verbeke St., pottery, paintings, photographs by Vivi Sterste and Jeb Boyd
Nyeusi Gallery, 1221 N. 3rd St. African and African American Art
Millworks, 340 Verbeke St. March featured artists, Tara Chicky, Rebecca Adey, Paul Gallo, Averill Shepps and Richard Souders
Nyianga Store, 1423 N. 3rd St. featuring African goods and art
