Mural in Frederick, Maryland
“Have Art” has lined up the perfect day trip for a spring drive. “Maryland, My Maryland” echoes the state song, a quick jaunt to Maryland for all the daylong.
The similarities are striking immediately. You may think the bustling art scene in Frederick would be worlds apart from our corridors of creativity in Harrisburg’s Midtown district. It is eerily uncanny just how much the two resemble each other’s landmarks dedicated to art. A mere 75 miles separates the two, so it becomes the ideal one-day getaway for a symbiotic sojourn. You may even do a double take, especially at the trompe l’oeil street scenes and murals. A special thank you to Ellyn Wexler of Find It Frederick magazine, whose article from last spring’s issue focused on a day trip to Harrisburg taking in the “Museums and Brews on the Susquehanna.” Her in-depth approach to our city’s charms inspired me to do the same for their vibrant downtown art haunts. Frederick is home to over 200 specialty shops, restaurants, art galleries, bistros and brewpubs, with surprises tucked away on every street just waiting to be discovered.
After your 90-minute drive, park in one of the six downtown garages. We used the Church Street Garage and then ventured to 118 E. Church to the Gaslight Gallery owned by Cynthia Scott, purveyor of contemporary art in a historic 1800s-era setting. A global array of art is amassed from a group of hand-selected international artists who “bring art to light.” Be sure to look for Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer in the shadows. Then head to the Pottery Guild of Frederick at 14 S. Market St., which offers the best of artisanal ceramics. Vessels of beauty from pitchers, mugs and bowls to home décor, jewelry and giftware complete the vast collection from local artists.
The Delaplaine Arts Center, found along Carroll Creek at 40 S. Carroll St., plays host to 80,000 visitors a year. Seven galleries change exhibits on a regular basis. Innovative and enticing, public programs speak to the artist in us all. Event space and a gift shop are bonuses with free admission daily. With that winning combination, the Delaplaine is a gem of the city. A must-see at 59 S. Carroll St. is the Frederick Art Council’s magnum opus, “The Sky Stage,” a large-scale public art installation and outdoor amphitheater. Its unique design repurposes a Revolutionary War-era building. It is now a nationally recognized, self-watering garden sculpture. A cultural gathering place, one can experience everything from independent films, stage performances, yoga, salsa and just about anything the public deems appropriate.
If you combined the Susquehanna Art Museum and Millworks (without the restaurant) then you would have just stepped inside the Al and Helen Hurwitz Gallery at 1 N. Market St. The gallery, located in an early-20th century bank, is complete with a show-stopping vault. You will be amazed at the striking resemblance to SAM in its entranceway. It houses 30 artist studios offering amenities like a kitchenette and classroom. Its in-house residents display their works on a rotating basis just like at Millworks. The building itself is a jewel. You can bank on it!
Art Lover’s Feast
To market to market, we go.
District Arts is at the very heart of the downtown art scene found at 15 N. Market St., with owners/artists Bill and Staci McLachlan at your disposal. They represent over 35 local, regional and national artists offering two types of special events. The first is a “featured artist show” while the other is a “themed” exhibit. The shows rotate monthly, so there’s always something new to look at and experience. North Market Street boasts five galleries starting with Gallery 322 at—guess where? The gallery features Maryland artists who offer contemporary painting, sculpture and assemblage. Next, visit Bravura at 428, offering custom framing and other art services one may need at a moment’s notice. NOMA Gallery at 437 showcases 24 local artists in a wide range of mediums, and look for the smalls, larges and extra larges while there. The Art Center at W. 5th and N. Market offers artist studio rentals and a gallery space to show their art, all under one roof. The Artists Gallery showcases original art for sale during monthly solo exhibitions and ongoing group exhibits at 503 N. Market.
If antiquities are your thing, then Great Stuff by Paul Antiques may hold the treasure you’ve been looking for. Hand-selected pieces at wholesale prices speak to the bargain hunter. Husband-and-wife team Paul and Joan Berkowitz know a good deal when they see one. Choose from the best that England, Germany, France and China have to offer at 257 E. 6th St. Think “Antiques Roadshow International” when visiting their shop.
Truly, Frederick is an art lover’s feast, with dozens of outdoor community projects that encompass a self-guided walking tour along the Public Art Trail, with loads of breathtaking murals and sculptures. The Frederick Arts Council can be found at 5 E. 2nd St., and they would love to talk to you about the art in Frederick or Harrisburg.
The Frederick vibe awaits your visit—make a day of it or, better yet, an overnight stay. Drop in at Firestone’s Market for a quick bite to eat, offering sandwiches, salads, fresh-baked breads, gourmet cookies and brownies. Check out the wine and beer scene as the Market at 113 is just up from their namesake culinary tavern at 105 N. Market, an upscale bistro with an outstanding Sunday brunch. Lastly, when you plan your day, first stop at the centrally located Visitor’s Center. Tell them Bob at TheBurg sent you—and a special word of thanks to Gabriella Smith of Frederick Arts Council for a helpful hand.
The Visit Frederick Visitor’s Center is located at 151 S. East St., Frederick. For more information, visit www.visitfrederick.org.
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