
Nags Head, North Carolina. Photo by Jana MacGinnes.
Of all the imaginable ways to celebrate one’s birthday, sitting behind the wheel of a car for nine hours would not be at the top of my list.
As we set out on the morning of my 74th birthday, the goal in sight was to follow friend, artist and gallery owner, Joan Maguire of Hershey Art Gallery and Gifts, to Nags Head, North Carolina. After a few stops along the way, we finally arrived at our destination. Tired, yet full of excitement and wanting to celebrate the occasion, we shared a toast. “Here’s to good friends and never growing old!” Peter Pan, that’s what they call me. Our out-of-a-storybook setting found us staying at an old fishing cottage from 1930, right on the water, looking out over the sound with a birds-eye view of an Osprey family as father and mother kept watch over their three fledglings. Never have we witnessed anything more precious, as the baby birds’ parents took turns feeding and nesting their young. Our spacious porch and deck led us straight out onto the boardwalk close to their handcrafted nest, beautifully curated high above the water. It didn’t matter, sunrise or sunset, both were equally astounding in their magnitude of sheer beauty. The real meaning of this life experience was seeing the tender care mom and dad provided in a rhythm all their own.

Bob MacGinnes at the Edgar Allan Poe Museum
The very best art resides in nature. Looking out over the vast expanse of water at night with the lights beckoning from miles away was the very best entertainment we could ask for. And like the surreal scene before our eyes, the three of us fell into our own special cadence of conversation and companionship. Joan Maguire is the consummate hostess, and the birthday week was our best getaway yet. After a week of fun, frivolity and even a fashion runway show, the vacation, at least that part of it, came to a close. Joan provided the fashions as she needed a “high summer” wardrobe, heading even further south to Cuba for an art appointment (more on that in an upcoming blog). Mission accomplished as we gave her a big thumbs up on the attire she chose for Havana’s blazing heat and humidity. As we said our goodbyes, Joan shared, “I know a place there where they make a mean Mojito!”
Jana and I were back on the road, headed for Richmond, Va., to the Edgar Allan Poe Museum. Poe and I have a history that dates back to my middle school days. This fascination carried through to my master’s thesis at Penn State. Small but mighty, the museum did not disappoint. The grounds surrounding it were all that Poe could dream of…ever the romantic, something we share, a wedding was about to take place, and I even got to give the bride-to-be well wishes for the future as I whispered “Evermore.”

Edgar Allan Poe Museum
3rd in The Burg and August Art Events

Megan Caruso and Reina R76 in front of Reina’s mural
Stop the Presses!! Breaking News! Ribbon cutting ceremony at Strawberry Square on Tuesday, Aug. 12 at 4 p.m. (that’s tomorrow) in the arcade walkway between Strawberry Square and the Hilton Hotel. Art advocate, activist and ambassador, Reina (R76), now adds one more “A” to her many appellations, “achiever,” as a dream of hers has come true…completing her first mural.
Reina and Megan Caruso of Sprocket Mural Works invite the public to Reina’s ribbon-cutting event. The artist shared, “I always ask myself, how would my artwork be received in the community as a mural? Living as an abstract artist, I wanted my mural to reflect the complexities of my personality. It is due to Megan Caruso’s belief in me as a muralist. Today I am able to say I have finished my first mural, and the experience still feels so surreal.” Come and see Megan and Reina in person at the arcade in Strawberry Square.
The end result of Reina’s mural journey reminds me of a Lesley Gore pop song from the 60’s: “sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows,” as the mural’s many colors lift one to a special place created just for you. Reina has captured happiness in her own inimitable style.

Mt Gretna Art by Milan Michaud at MG Mercantile
Extra! Extra! Mt. Gretna is proud to announce its 51st Annual Outdoor Art Festival this coming weekend, Saturday, Aug. 16 and Sunday the 17th. As an added bonus, the second annual Mt Gretna International Film Festival will be held in conjunction at the Playhouse. Look for over 200 art vendors from around the country displaying their works “Under the trees of Old Chautauqua.”

Carlisle Arts Learning Center (CALC) is set to “Elevate: Honoring the Ordinary” in its two-person show now through Sept. 13 at the GB Stuart Gallery. Scott Meier paints in the style of the Old Masters, while metalsmith Becky McDonah is an alchemist creating reliquaries using everyday objects.
Seven (+) Lively Artists & The Art Association of Harrisburg

17 Lively Artists in Black and White at the AAH
The black and white photograph depicts 17 faces posed for posterity. This August body of gentlemen artists comprises a moment-in-time glimpse of “The Seven Lively Artists.” This celebrated group of Plein Air landscape painters has engaged in the fine art since 1956, a total of 70 years. In recognition of their supreme artistry, The Art Association of Harrisburg hosts a comprehensive retrospective exhibit showcasing their works over that time frame. Director of Exhibitions, Nate Foster, has assembled this austere collection, which is a time immemorial tribute. Over the years, the number of participating artists has waxed and waned, but this coterie has always painted, traveled and exhibited their works together. To view this creative company under one roof is not only a historical achievement but is thrilling to view up close and personal.
Over seven decades, 35 Plein Air painters have been a part of the illustrious group. Still lively today are Bob Lackhove, Bruce Johnson, Bill Kocher, Jonathan Frazier, Robert Hughes, Brian Eppley and Paul Gallo. In addition, among the quick are Steve Wetzel, Dave Henry, Ralph Hocker, Bill Kerman, John Hassler, and John McNulty. The exhibit will also feature works from the likes of Earl Blust, Meade and George Logan, Don Lenker, and J.D. Wissler, among others who count themselves amongst the gallery of angels.
Opening night reception is this Friday from 5-8 p.m. for 3rd in the Burg. Look for Jonathan Frazier, artist/musician, who will be providing the soundtrack for the evening. Come out and meet him as one of the Seven Lively Artists. Join me in getting the up-to-the-minute head count. Carrie Wissler-Thomas will have the tally card at the ready.
Civic Club of Harrisburg Community-Wide Event

The master artist created us all with the ability to leave our “mark” on the world. In the spirit of humanity and creation, artist and cultural visionary, Bryan “King Prolifik” Hickman, invites one and all to the Civic Club of Harrisburg’s first-ever Community Art Project for 3rd in the Burg this Friday at 612 N. Front St. It promises to be an evening of art, music and culture, from 7-8 p.m. The club’s public relations guru, Dena Jangdhari, extends the opportunity “to help create a historic art piece by leaving your mark on what will be a work for Harrisburg’s history book.” Come out and celebrate community, creativity and connection. The finished work will be presented to the City of Harrisburg.
“LORE” @ Hive ArtSpace
Since the dawn of time, man has been fascinated with retelling the adventures of specific encounters exclusive to culture and traditions. They encompass beliefs, customs and stories. The oral traditions are handed down from generation to generation. Legends, myths and folk tales all add to the body of knowledge and information. Susan Scofield and her Hive ArtSpace in York is the queen of theme for art exhibits, and for August, she came up with “Lore,” an out-of-the-box exhibit.
Hive, at 126 E. King St. is buzzing with 85 works dedicated to the theme from a group of 40 artists. The exhibit runs through Aug. 31. Susan has received juried entries from the West Coast to the eastern seaboard. Perennial favorites include Bel Air’s Alana Beall and Paulette Smyth. Closer to home is Millworks’ multi-faceted folklore painter, Tina Berrier. The Harrisburg area is well represented with Caroline Booth, Alexis Manduke, Annie Nann and Hannah Waddington. Lancaster weighs in with Rachel Hoffman, Kristin Reynolds and Daphne Watts. The York area holds bragging rights with 16 artists that include Helen K. Wonders, Jimmy Weiner, Wendy Lane Smith, Kate Rush, Frances Pugh, Jess O’Connor, Tim Myers, Stormi Vaughn Morgan, Andrew Murphy, Jenna McFarland, Jess Landis, Joan Inman, Mariah Hertz, Sam Georgieff, Riley Deckard and Alex Bastian.
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