It’s that special time of year when the calendar flipped to September before we knew it, and the glorious kaleidoscope of color that lies ahead. The kids are back in school and Labor Day’s end of summer salute foretold the changing of the seasons. “September Song” sounds sweet to all the senses, “as the days become shorter and the leaves turn to flame…September, remember”…that art lies in the heart everywhere you look. The fall forecast is full of thought-provoking, awe-inspiring art. 3rd in the Burg’s bough for September breaks just days from now.
“Reconvered Pieces” by Andrea Lapioli
If you are art lovers of a certain age, you may want to start your 3rd in the Burg activities early like we do, say a midafternoon date for the State Museum at 300 North St. Its latest exhibit, new as of Gallery Walk Sunday, is the 57th edition of the annual “Art of the State” juried exhibition. In all, over $5,000 in cash prizes were awarded to a select group of statewide artists across five categories that included painting, work on paper, sculpture, craft and photography/digital media. A total of 96 works from 96 artists culled from 28 counties throughout the state were chosen from over 2,200 entries. The winners represent the cream of the crop as chosen by a group of discerning judges. Local artist Angela Lapioli took first place in the painting category. Her abstract work, titled “Recovered Pieces,” is an acrylic on canvas that garnered the Elizabethtown resident top honors. Lapioli’s paintings feature diverse approaches, moving from the abstract to more figurative styles. She employs acrylics, collage and oil, as well as cold wax. The museum closes its doors at 4:30 p.m. so give yourself a good hour to walk and view “Art of the State.” The exhibit closes Jan. 5 in the new year.
Rubicon and Mangia Qui in Harrisburg
Afterwards, an early dinner may be just the ticket. So close to the museum it lies doors away at 270-272 North St., Mangia Qui/Rubicon, an epicurean’s delight. First seating for reservations starts at 5 p.m. This Italian fine dining establishment’s reputation places it among the top of any gourmand’s list for a memorable evening of a sumptuous repast. The restaurant is enhanced throughout by art to complete the experience. Mangia Qui translates to “eat here.” While there, be sure to tell Qui Qui Musarra, Mangia Qui’s co-owner and chef, that Ted and Linda Walke of Gallery@2nd heartily recommended her establishment as the go-to place on the way to their art emporium.
Harrisburg’s hidden gem of an art address is Ted’s gallery found at 608 N. 2nd St. in a handsome, Federal-style building. The destination is referenced in Ken Frew’s book, “Building Harrisburg.” The house was built by a brick mason and his son’s way back in 1839. Owner-proprietor and artist in residence, Ted’s approach to ambiance affords two floors devoted to his ink-and-acrylic-on-wood renderings, with one for local artists on an invitational guest list. Ted is erudite and articulate especially when waxing lyrical about art. Gallery@2nd has been in operation since 2010 and is open to the public on 3rd in the Burg evenings and by appointment. Ted’s niche nouveau nonpareil “notes” navigate the lowbrow appeal of pulp comics, masterfully mixing surreal scenes with his alter ego, “Munkybear” an art animal who takes the guard rails off. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss.
“Yellow Magnolias,” fabric art by Barbara Passeri-Warfel
Noteworthy news of a grand reopening for the fall season finds Sunday, Sept. 29 marked on the calendar as Arts on the Square, located at Market Square Presbyterian Church, unveils guest artist, Barbara Passeri-Warfel. Her mixed media, fiber art and paintings provide the centerpiece for an opening afternoon reception at the church at 20 S. 2nd St., from 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., upstairs in Geneva Hall. Under the leadership of art gallery director, Beth Hager, the church is excited to start its season, which will continue into the new year. Passeri-Warfel expertly weaves the tapestry of the everyday elevating it to a new level of fine art. A highlight of the show is her fabric art masterpiece, “Yellow Magnolias.” The exhibit runs through Dec. 29.
Fall officially arrives this Sunday at 8:44 a.m. Get an early start in style at anyone of the 40 galleries, museums, restaurants, clubs, bar and bistros that comprise the Harrisburg Arts District in Midtown, downtown and all around the square.
If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!
