“Future Fossils”
Image courtesy of Susquehanna Art Museum
Gallery Walk #37, on Sept. 14, features 17 stops along the way, a very pleasant walk on a sunny day. For this preview, you may want to “suspend disbelief” as imagination is the key factor here. Indulge me if you will. Plug in the Wurlitzer jukebox for a trip down memory lane. The (imaginary) VW hand-painted bus parked outside the Art Association of Harrisburg is about ready to roll, just waiting for the driver to arrive.
Carrie Wissler Thomas, president of the Art Association of Harrisburg, originated the idea for Gallery Walk towards the end of the 1980s. She remembered Judy Garland singing the “The Trolley Song” from the 1944 film, “Meet Me in St. Louis.” To Carrie’s ears, a trolley sounded like the perfect vehicle to get art enthusiasts from point A to point B. It still is a grand idea. However, the logistics of pickups and drop offs never synced up. After “the third try wasn’t the charm,” the trolley idea was put to rest.
Going from that lightbulb moment begged the theoretical question—what if there really was a “Magic Bus?” Hence, my imagination pictures the VW outside the AAH. The Who rhetorically answered when singing, “Every day, I get in the queue (too much magic bus), to get on the bus that takes me to you.” I imagine the director of exhibitions, Nate Foster, along with his assistant curator, Alanna Barton, driving through town looking for scoundrels, scurrilous sorts amongst the usual suspects. The theme for their AAH show, “Anti Heroes,” may well include miscreants and misanthropes. The timing could not be more perfect to address the ilk of ignominious individuals worldwide who feel all is justifiable if they follow the letter of the law. Politics aside, it will be interesting to see who the AAH members portray in their exhibit.
The next stop on the “Magic Bus” tour can be found just up the street at 301 N. Front St. at McCormick Riverfront Library, where art is displayed throughout. Tours of the recently renovated repository are going on for the event and even a craft for kids is provided on site. Cross Market and immerse yourself in history at the John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion at 219 S. Front St. More than just a pretty face, the mansion is a national landmark. While in the neighborhood, “stop into a church, you pass along the way,” sang the Mamas & the Papas way back in 1965. Zion Lutheran’s pastor, Karin Pejack, would love to greet you. Featured artist Ann Lukash’s artwork reflects her “commitment to Jesus” and hope that “others will come to know the beauty of His love through her work.” Take a tour of the church and its stained-glass windows lighting the interior beauty. Be sure to drink in stenciled prints by Japanese artist, Sadao Watanabe. At 3rd and Walnut, you will find Strawberry Square housing the Capital Area School for the Arts and its students’ eclectic and electric artwork inside. You may be in for a shock or a treat.
We stop the bus for a brief pickup at a Midtown parking lot for a group of five passengers ready to board. Where would art in the city be without its stalwart group of museums, bookstores, restaurants and independent galleries?
I’ve got my walkie-talkie out with Ted Walke on the other end—owner/artist of his Gallery at 2nd, found at 608 N. 2nd St. Ted, for years, has been a vital cog in the local art scene, promoting artists like the effervescent Krissy Whiski and the irrepressible Tina Berrier among them. As for the inside track on art, there is no one more knowledgeable than Ted, save for the Art Association’s grand dame, Carrie Wissler-Thomas. Given Ted’s passion for lowbrow art that features his alter ego, Munkey Bear, you never know what you’ll find on his walls.
Circle back to 258 Verbeke St. for other art bright lights. “Imagine you and me and me and you”—the Turtles must have been singing about owners/proprietors Vivi Sterste and Jackson Boyd, who have been “Happy Together” for 12 years at their art gallery and studio. Together, they set a dramatic stage in their window to the world with every passing season. Vivi, a potter personified with her limited-edition Susquehanna River series of plates, bowls and mugs, is also a poetic painter whose recent portrait of the Broad Street Market graced the April cover of TheBurg. For photography well beyond the norm, Jackson Boyd stands head and shoulders above others who find their calling behind the lens. Equally skilled as a metal sculptor, Jeb is as comfortable with a torch or a camera in hand. Be sure to stop in and celebrate their art at the address that put the “V” in Verbeke.
Julia Mallory is the proprietress/owner of Ten Oh! Six Gallery and Studio. Ms. Mallory is also an author, artist, art advocate and an A-plus person. The late John Lennon penned the song, “Julia,” as a fitting tribute to his mother. And his words (“of the seashell eyes”) ring true when describing this Midtown art maven. For Gallery Walk, Julia showcases her own special series of abstract watercolor collage paintings inspired by Toni Morrison’s novel, “Song of Solomon.” In her own words, Julia offers up that her gallery “is a community-centered space for collective learning, connection and creativity.” Of special note, the studio offers everything from book review symposiums to poetry readings, art salons and even jukebox jams.
Rounding out the group of independents is outlier Charles Feathers, both artistically and geographically as 1606 Green St. is just a bit off the beaten path. “L’Enfant Terrible” is the title of the 1929 French novel by Jean Cocteau. It is a classic of French literature and a significant work of surrealism. The term itself is used to describe one whose behavior is unconventional and controversial. As an artist, Mr. Feathers always colors outside the lines, pushing the envelope as far from mainstream as its postage will allow. On some level, Charles courts the persona of “the artiste,” yet still manages to rein it back in when necessary. Look for art that challenges the norms of traditional notions. But isn’t that the point given art’s subjective nature?
Next up is Riverfront Gallery at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral at 221 N. Front St. Be sure to view the fabric art of Virginia Streckewald. The State Museum of Pennsylvania at 300 North St. bids adieu to its annual extravaganza, “Art of the State” exhibit. A stone’s throw away, the Civic Club of Harrisburg at 612 N. Front St. is celebrating “Art Unites the World” as its Artist Advisory Council will greet the public to share “The connection to our Community Art Gallery.”
Just “Pass Go” and travel to 1230 N. 3rd St. for the Historic Harrisburg Association’s adventure. The association is helmed by erudite egalitarian, David Morrison, a true lodestone of local lore and history of the city. Mr. Morrison may be on hand to field questions and to share archival photos of way-back-when from Harrisburg’s “Golden Age.” Midtown Scholar Bookstore is home to books, art, archives, books, bargains, rare editions—and did I mention books? All are found at 1302 N. 3rd St. in the heart of Midtown. From there, head to 1323 N. Front St. to the new headquarters of the LGBT Center of Central PA, where a maker’s market will take place with vendors from its community offering their wares.
Imagine a barbershop quartet crooning Mitch Miller’s 1958 hit, “Down by the Old Mill Stream,” in front of the Millworks’ “Food. Brewery. Art.” sign at 240 Verbeke. That last one proudly announces a stellar show for Gallery Walk with a list of who’s who showing their latest on the lobby walls. Leading the team of seven is artist R76 followed by Linda Benton McCloskey, Tina Berrier, Jamar Sweets, Julie Iaria, Kristen Fava and Spencer Jackson. Look for live demos and open studios filled with many of the 40 artists. Nearby, Susquehanna Art Museum unearths “Future Fossils,” a powerhouse exhibit presented by newly appointed director of exhibitions, Rachel O’Connor, and Rachel Abell, director of education. Art includes individual works of renown from Ai WeiWei, Do Ho Suh and Rachel Whiteread. What will our present society be remembered for decades from now? Better than any time capsule, these “fossils” are of the moment.
Gallery Walk’s Magic Bus Tour is headed back to the AAH where it all began. As Nate and Alanna pull up outside, they are happy to know all art lovers are safe and sound, suitably satisfied with the grand art viewed. Carrie Wissler Thomas breathes a sigh of relief, already planning for next year’s #38. And as for next year—who knows—maybe Thomas the Tank Engine will be the vehicle of choice. Better let Ringo know!
Gallery Walk takes place Sept. 14, noon to 5 p.m., at locations in downtown and Midtown Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.artassocofhbg.com.
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