Tag Archives: “Art in the Wild”

Bob’s Art Blog: Art’s Soundtrack for Spring

March 10, 2026 | by Bob MacGinnes

Spring’s art season kicks off early this Saturday at the Susquehanna Art Museum with a five-star blockbuster. Please read to the end for that special announcement.

The actual arrival of spring takes place on Friday, March 20, just in time for 3rd in the Burg. The venerable century old bastion of art, the Art Association of Harrisburg will hold its artist’s reception. Taking a page from the Beatles revolutionary album, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” director of exhibition, Nate Foster and his assistant, Alanna Barton, borrow one of their hit tracks for the AAH show, “A Day in the Life,” powerful yet relatable, artfully sliced and spliced together elements of works from another quartet (not yet as famous as the lads from Liverpool) assembled exclusively for this exhibition that opened Feb. 27. You are not late to the party as its artist reception is scheduled for March’s 3rd in the Burg from 5 to 8 p.m. on the 20^th, comprised of four artists, all finding harmony within the gallery’s walls.

Rebekah Campbell adds to setting the stage for landscapes painted with an eye to nature, “inspired by hikes and road trips across the U.S.” Following in her mother’s footsteps as a watercolorist of renown, Rebekah is an award-winning painter from our city. Sarah Mendez is a storyteller painter working with figures, often herself. Hailing from our southern neighbor, Maryland, she is enchanted with the everyday aspects of life as ordinary settings help to shape her as a woman and as an artist. Influenced by both classical and contemporary techniques, Sarah ably navigates the bridge between the two. As a Latina in this volatile political climate, she feels her “body is being monitored at uncomfortable level.” Her compositions often invite seeing the female under the critical lens of the male gaze going from subject to object by forcing the viewer to come in on a private moment, each more revealing than the last.” Lisa Moore calls Chambersburg home and more than dabbles in the abstract as a painter who say, “Life down on the farm is where you’ll find my heart.” Her surroundings greatly inform her work with textured landscapes and horizons infused with color. Her foundation of valleys and hills speaks to self-reflection, encounters in her life that provide a window to personal growth and a never-ending journey.

Mark Dennis provides a masculine perspective to the mix enchanted with the bronze casting process of sculpting fine art. From taking an introductory course to full immersion, he ended up managing a bronze foundry after graduating from Mansfield State College with a bachelor’s degree in technical theater. Now a portrait sculptor working in wood, bronze and polymer clay, with the last garnering him acclaim as “one of the more recognized art doll artists in the world” and for his book, “The Human Figure in Clay.” The four artists featured put forth a very listenable studio session, almost Beatles-esque in an understatedly powerful exhibit. “A Day in the Life” becomes a month of Sundays in its presentation as this talented quartet individually and collectively deserves a standing ovation.

The Road Less Traveled: “Art in the Wild”

When you have been a major part of something since it began 14 years ago, often leading the pack for many of those, you become highly qualified to know what works well and what doesn’t. Touched with a gimlet eye for land art creations, one name comes to mind. “Art in the Wild” designer/artist, Beau MacGinnes, has captained his team since Wildwood’s annual park adventure began. Along with his mother, Jana, and sister, Aubrey McNaughton, he decided to take a different ‘path’ this time around. Opening on March 29 to the public, Beau and family with their proverbial plus one, Debbie Reihart, are taking the road less traveled in the form of the Towpath Trail, a scenic, one mile, relatively flat path built along the historic Pennsylvania Canal at Wildwood Park. It offers stunning views of the surrounding wetlands and Wildwood Lake. This year’s theme is “Balance,” something that has become more difficult to obtain, always a delicate proposition at best. There may be nothing more delicate than a dragonfly—perhaps the most well-balanced of all insects. As always, Beau and team craft their choice from all natural materials found within the park. They are only one of two entries employing the Towpath Trail to create their art. The other 15 will display their works throughout the path from the Visitor’s Center, incorporating the main portion of the 3.1-mile loop. In speaking with Beau, he revealed that, “The dragonfly is my wife, Kaila’s favorite living thing found in nature,” and he is dedicating its creation to her and their daughter. Dragonflies are found worldwide, mostly near water and are often seen with vibrant metallic red, blue or green coloring.

Beau MacGinnes and Aubrey McNaughton at work for “Art in the Wild.” (credit: Ashley Stephen Photography)

In addition to team MacGinnes, Wildwood Park’s environmental educator, Richelle Curanzy, shared a roster of 17 participating artists for 2026. First-time creators include Mary Chang, Moyra Goughnor, Kristi Rines, Karen Dehn and family, Vu Quoc Nguyen, and Sarah Fogg. Back for a wild ride along Wildwood Ways (the name for the central path) are returning veterans that include last year’s first place winner, Craig Bomberger. Other honorees from years past include Richard and Maria Joel, Carol Reed, Jill Lippert and Mark Cummins, Lorayn McPoyle, Brook Lauer, Subrina Lay, Chip Hitz, Will King, Tim Hoover and the aforementioned team MacGinnes, plus Debbie Reihart. Come out and see all the new instillations before summer construction starts, which will close part of the main trail. The collective group of artists is a close-knit community and this year’s 11 returning artists and teams are a great source of inspiration and information, always willing to lend support to those just getting started. Landscape art truly is its own reward. Your open invitation to meet the artists on opening day, Sunday, March 29, from 12 noon to 3 p.m., is a great way to celebrate the beginning of the new season. Be sure to walk the main trail and the road less traveled (it might as well be spring). Disclosure: this writer counts the MacGinnes team as family.

THE SUSQUEHANNA ART MUSEUM PROUDLY UNVEILS “AMERICAN IDENTITY: RESTORING THE SUSQUEHANNA’S ARTISTIC LEGACY”

“It is entirely fitting that a stunning art exhibit focusing on the Susquehanna River is opening to coincide with the 250th celebration of the founding of our great country. In a matter of days on March 14, the vaunted Susquehanna Art Museum reveals “American Identity: Restoring the Susquehanna’s Artistic Legacy.” Its historical timeline has run deep and true artistically for four centuries.

Painting by Paul Webber from “American Identity”

A Must-See Exhibit!! 5 out of 5 Stars
-Bob’s Art Blog, The Burg-

Have Art Will Travel: 400 years in the making, yet but a block away
The Painted Word: “The Susquehanna River in all its Artistic Glory…Not to Be Missed!”

SHOW TIMES WEDNESDAY 10AM TO 7PM
THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY 10AM TO 5PM
SUNDAY NOON TO 5 PM
SUSQUEHANNA ART MUSEUM
1401 N. 3RD STREET

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Bob’s Art Blog: April Jewels Day

April 1, 2025 | by Bob MacGinnes

I know…today is April 1, the day reserved for foolish pranks and such. Replace the ‘F’ in Fools with a ‘J’ for Jewels and read on for a few of April’s art gems. And April 2 is reserved for our beautiful daughter’s birthday. Happy Birthday, Aubrey “Mc”! Just one of the artists for “Art in the Wild,” Aubrey and family provide the perfect segue for…

Art in the Wild’s Lucky #13 (How a “Space Oddity,” Oz, Mother Nature, and Avian Sky Walkers all landed in Wildwood Park).

What started as a cool idea, and a revolutionary one at that, from Elizabeth Johnson and the original group of “Friends of Wildwood” 13 years ago has certainly proven “Art in the Wild” is here to stay. Initially an effort to bring more visitors to Wildwood Park from spring through fall by installing unique land art throughout its 3.1-mile trail, “Art in the Wild” gets better every year.

“Our Thoughts Can Change the World” by Craig S. Bomberger. Photo by Jana MacGinnes.

For 2025, the field of 19 installations will test the limits of the theme “Pathways,” with both literal and figurative interpretations of what the word entails. The commitment landscape artists make first and foremost is a love of nature and beauty. Couple that with imagination and innovation and the picture comes into focus. For 13 installations, veterans from previous years step forward to lead the way for six new entrants, three of whom are students and one of whom is a group of guildsmen. Step by step, this core of creators begins with a proposal, an outline or sketch and site selection to build out their concept. Starting the process in January, the actual groundbreaking begins March 2, and by March 31, installations must be complete as it opens to the public on April 6. That day is reserved to showcase the new art and for the public to meet the artists from 12 to 3 p.m.

New to AITW, with a reputation for hand-painted silk scarves and paintings poised positively palpable, is artist Craig S. Bomberger. He takes “Pathways” literally as his installation “explores the neurological pathways to our brain and how visually they appear to be trees and tree branches,” according to the artist. The end result is more than thought-provoking as “Our Thoughts Can Change the World.”

“Mother Nature on the Run” by Jill Lippert and Mark Cummins. Photo by Jana MacGinnes.

There are new students like Wil King blazing “Freedoms Path” while Brooke Hamilton is “Untangling Choices.” Courtney Djane twirls in ‘The Dance of Pollination.” Brian Kenny proceeds nicely, “Following on the Pathway.” Rebecca Schultz must be well-versed in geometry for her “Tranversal(s).” The final new entrant finds the Susquehanna Valley Chapter of the Pa. Guild of Craftsmen (say that five times as fast as you can) proves that the sum total is greater than its parts. I wonder if they “whistle while they work?” After all, “Snow White” is resurfacing as you read this, will this new edition “dwarf” the original? Will the craftsmen gild the lily? Their take: “Our Pathway Through the Arts” may answer all. The “Guild” lays the groundwork for the seven dwarfs with colorful ceramic tiles and mushrooms along the path. No wonder ‘Sleepy’ was a little late.

Among the returnees are The Trek Crew, holdovers from the “Star Trek” series, whose sequel is “Trek Your Trail.” Copy that, Captain Kirk. Steven Reinhart adds to his ‘stick’ repertoire from years past by adding “A Few More Sticks.” Emma McDowell Best throws a school of psychology into the mix with her “Gestalt Barriers.”

Veteran, multi-dimensional artist, Carol Reed, known for natural dyeing in indigo and eucalyptus, brings her vision full cycle in “Journeys.” In her words, Carol revealed, “Pathways is the sense of movement or journey inherent in the word. I want to provide a network to be traveled. One with many options for direction and interesting stops along the way to meet fellow journeyers and create something together.” Much like Craig stated earlier, Carol feels the “Network created can be regarded as ‘neural pathways,’ roads or lines on a page.” Beyond that, “The landscape and the wildlife in Wildwood Park are an inspiration and a joy to interact with while planning, installing and viewing the art.”

“The Yellow Brick Road” by Chip Hitz. Photo by Jana MacGinnes.

Richard and Maria Joel take a break from stage design and gardening to ponder “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” in their latest offering. Jill Lippert and Mark Cummins as a team strike ‘a fine balance.’ Together they present an indelible interpretation, 100% naturally organic “Mother Nature on the Run,” complete with bow and arrow. Stalwart veteran Chip Hitz’s “Wizard of Oz” homage brings to life Dorothy’s companions for her journey on “The Yellow Brick Road.” The Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion are all present to protect her and Toto along the way. Cindy Mindy, indeed, returns with a three-parter. The name of her piece is “Triad Tee Trail: Heaven, Man and Earth.” You may be over the moon when you see it.

More repeaters find Tracie Houston coming back to “Let It Bring Hope.” Fingers crossed, Tracie! Lorayn McPoyle walks the runway or the water with her “Elegance Afloat.” Sabrina Lay circles back for this round and is “Walking the Walk.” If one were to put birds of a feather on stilts, high above the treetops, festooned with seashell shoes, you may be envisioning Sabrina’s latest installation for AITW. Her avian Sky Walkers not only Walk the Walk, they squawk the talk. What a group of artists, but where is woodsman extraordinaire, Ray Curanzy, a fixture over the years at AITW? At this point, I needed to make a call to Richelle Corty, the educational director for Wildwood Park. All it took was me posing the query, “Where is Ray Curanzy?” Without missing a beat, Richelle answered, “Marrying me in May!” You can’t make that up. Question answered and best wishes to the double RCs, Ray and Richelle! They won’t even have to change the initials on their towels.

“Walking the Walk” by Sabrina Lay. Photo by Jana MacGinnes.

Somehow, I almost forgot the all-time participant of AITW’s 13 years and someone quite familiar…my son Beau MacGinnes and my wife, Jana and daughter Aubrey, plus Debbie Reihart. But first, let’s go back a few decades. It was the summer of 1969, and I had just graduated from high school and the United States would land men on the moon in July. David Bowie had just released his huge hit, “Space Oddity,” the week before and “Major Tom” was somewhere floating out in space desperately searching to find a lonely planet. The MacGinnes’s vision for “Pathways” takes place in outer space thousands of light-years away. Their installation finds them exploring a new galaxy as their title reflects a “Lost in Space” (remember that relic of a TV show) sort of feel? Their unique art is called “The Lonely Rolling Planet” and does not borrow from “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” but writes a new chapter as this go-round marks their lucky 13 AITW iteration. “Time to conquer a new solar system,” shared Beau MacGinnes with his art partner and mother, Jana. Sister Aubrey McNaughton donned her space helmet and was on board immediately. Debbie Riehart was outside the spaceship putting final touches in place for their mission. “Imagine if you will a sphere of tangled branches and limbs, gnarly and twisted grapevine hurtling through space, breaking the speed of sound, gathering the detritus of space particles packed potently in a ball of beguiling bounty growing bigger and bigger by the minute, obliterating everything in its path. KA-POW!”

“The Lonely Rolling Planet” by Beau MacGinnes, Jana MacGinnes, Aubrey McNaughton and Debbie Reihart. Photo by Jana MacGinnes.

As “The Rolling Lonely Planet” bursts through the Earth’s atmosphere, its forward momentum found it stopping at Wildwood Park just in time for the April 6 opening day. “The Lonely Rolling Planet” is protected by a force shield forming pathways from a meteor shower. “This is ground control to Major Beau; you’ve really made the grade.” It will be on view through Sept. 30. Watch it visually change through the three seasons ahead and marvel at how nature holds the ace up its sleeve, always a surprise, no matter what time of year.

Operating behind the scenes for “Art in the Wild” are Chris Rebert, Wildwood Park manager, another long-time fixture responsible for so much of the well-cared-for and cultivated beauty of Wildwood Park. Chris always credits the volunteers for their vital role in the park’s maintenance. As mentioned previously, Richelle Corty is the environmental educator and the go-to guru for AITW, coordinating so many aspects of the event. Shawn Williams, professor of the Fine Arts Department of HACC, will be the guest interpreter this year for the installations and artists. Critiquing the works in a ‘no judgment zone’ has only heightened the camaraderie among the group. Capital Area School for the Arts (CASA) new Film and Media Arts teacher is Alexander Zemaitis, a 2017 alumnus of the school, who will be guiding students in capturing AITW on film. Alexander is the creative design director of Moonrise Candle Co. with his dad, CEO Paul Zemaitis.

In conclusion, our lives take us on many “Pathways” at each stage of our journey. Some lead to nowhere while others inspire to everywhere. At times anywhere may do, yet the most meaningful is somewhere… to the road less traveled. Life is a series of labyrinth-like twists and turns. One leads to this while another leads to that, but they all point to finding your own way.

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Bob’s Art Blog: Those Who Have…Great Minds Think Alike

March 26, 2024 | by Bob MacGinnes

“Navajo Corn Maiden” by Sabrina Lay at “Art in the Wild”

One for the money. Two for the show. Three to get ready. Sneak peeks at three spring events taking place the first half of April are delivered neat and tidy in this Easter basket of Bob’s Art Blog.

“Those who have…” refers to the veterans of an annual rite, the season known as “Art in The Wild,” Friends of Wildwood’s gift to the public of landscape art. The 12th edition, opening April 7, features quite a few surprises.

Back in 2012 in its initial offering, AITW founder, Elizabeth Johnson and friends, felt it imperative that the park’s exhibit, open to the community, would engage the public on all levels, provide good public art, and place an emphasis on educational opportunities. Time marches on to 2024 and a field of 17 participants. Visionaries like Marcy Brenner, Donna Curanzy-Seltzer, Moe Hickey, Mary and Paul Lundeen, Olivia Susskind and Jim Caufield have steered the event over the years. Chris Reber, long-time Wildwood Park manager and Richelle Corty, environmental educator, add additional annual support in the day-to-day operations through the six-month run of AITW through Sept. 30.

Beau MacGinnes and his mother, Jana, past back-to-back fist-place award winners, shared the theme this year is “Nature Heals.” Their team includes Aubrey McNaughton, sister, and daughter respectively, and Debbie Reihart, city parks guru, who approach this installation from an ecological point of view with reforestation as its primary focus. In its simplest form, a woodland creature plays a vital role in forest ecosystems. This character is solely responsible for the continued growth of tree development purely by accident. Without revealing its identity, this culprit is taking shape by the hour and day as the team builds from the ground up. On Sunday, April 7, the public gets to meet the artists and can choose to saunter, stroll or scurry and scamper to see what this forest hero drops to replenish the woods.

In terms of AITW artists, they fit into two categories. Having discussed the first already, the group of “those who haven’t” are newbies to the fray. Both sets of participants are equally important in carrying out the tradition. In any annual event, especially one now in year 12, the x-factor needed is to add fresh ideas to the mix to ensure the event’s growth and success in years to come.

Included in the group of those who have are Richard Cary and Maria Joel, will-o-the-wisp woodsman, Ray Curanzy, Lorayn McPoyle who loves the soil, student Ava King has a certain ring, teacher Cindy Mindy, you can’t make that up, the Marcus family of four may leave their mark for sure, and Sabrina Lay may save the day with her “Navajo Corn Maiden” (pictured). Double R’s, Stephen Reinhart and Carol Reed at one end balance Indie Kachel and Tracie Houston, rounding out these time-tested terrain technicians. Chomping at the bit to start creating includes the Heather Whipple family of six promising to gather sticks. Student Yianna Karagianis and Emma McDowell Best individually add fresh takes while dynamic duos, mother and daughter, Samantha and Adeline Lezcano as well as Cortney Malecki and Tracy Buikema prove two may be better than one. Again, behind the scenes, Mick Corman and his intrepid group of student videographers at Capital Area School for the Arts, captures the installations to perfection.

Circling back to the trail’s beginning, team MacGinnes put the finishing touches on their outsized installation. As to the identity of their forest hero, all Beau would say is, “sometimes you feel like a nut!”

Great Minds Think Alike

In the case of the title listed above, a dilemma arose when great minds decided the day to honor spring is April 14, just a few weeks away. On the east shore, Sara Bozich, yes, the one and only, unveils her third annual rite of passage with Plants + Pints on that day from 1 to 5 p.m. at Strawberry Square in Harrisburg, while the west shore raises the curtain on their second Earth and Arts Festival, held by the New Cumberland Collective, on the lawns of the New Cumberland Library from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A scene from last year’s Plants + Pints in Strawberry Square

If one were to distinguish between the two, the main difference is Plants + Pints may be better suited for the over-21 set as craft beer is a featured attraction. Sara promises that “suds may splash so make a dash and be sure to stash some ready cash for this bash!” With swag bags, exciting demos, and plant-based food vendors, it’s all for a worthy cause to benefit Downtown Daily Bread, feeding the unhoused. Plants + Pints might be just the ticket for you. Shine Delphi will be providing a live soundtrack to make certain the plants enjoy the day. With well over a dozen vendors and vegan cooking demos from Chef Craig Ward of his eponymous Ward of Health restaurant, as well as Chef Corrie of Downtown Daily Bread, health and wellness will be the key items on their menus. Free city parking on Sundays, this family friendly community event will be a sure hit. Buy tickets for $20 (adults) and $10 under 21. https://sarabozich.com/event/plants-pints-2024/

Artist Steph Holmes at last year’s Earth and Arts Festival

Jon Crum, festival chair and Alana Bubris of New Cumberland Collective tout the second annual Earth and Arts Festival as “an arty party for the planet.” It’s a free family get together for the entire community to celebrate spring in all its glory. With all the hoopla surrounding the event, it promises to be bigger and better than last year. With workshops, hands-on activities for the kids, food and fun, and just all out fabulous, you’ll be counting down the days till the 14th. Speaking with some of last year’s participants, artist Steph Holmes of York shared, “The day was amazing with a great turnout, and the reception at my stand came from art lovers of all ages.” Nature inspires Steph’s fine art renderings of flora, fauna and fantasy finding favor with young and old alike. Kid crafter “Kiwi” McNaughton of Harrisburg, age 9, stated, “Sales were brisk all day” as she sold out of her one-of-a-kind handmade clay bracelets perfect for kids and adults. Perhaps as the youngest crafter there, she co-opted the booth with grandmother Jana MacGinnes, artist and soap-maker selling her vegan soap with partner, Barb Kline. This year, they’ve added some new nature-inspired tea soaps. Live music, a plethora of garden topic talks and demos from two dozen “advocates” for those of “the green thumb way of life” will inform and educate from A-Z, and did I mention food trucks with an entire street full of options? Follow New Cumberland Collective on FB and IG for more details or visit their website.

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Bob’s Art Blog: April’s Artful Arrivals

April 11, 2023 | by Bob MacGinnes

“April” pulled into the station at Harrisburg about five minutes late. She only felt a little “foolish,” but, by the next day, all was well. Now, April 2 is a very special day for us, but you will have to read through to the end to learn why.

Back in 1964, Paul Simon wrote a tune with the beginning refrain, “April come she will…when streams are ripe and swelled with rain.” The brief song (1.53 minutes) takes one through a season of love ending in September. Simon equates the seasons of change as a metaphor for a girl changing her mind about love or at least the one she loved just six months prior. April heralds spring and its rebirth of life both pastoral and elegiac in its myriad odes to the cycle in nature.

“Octopus’s Garden” by Beau MacGinnes, Jana MacGinnes, Aubrey McNaughton and Debbie Reihart at “Art in the Wild”

“All on board, first stop, Wildwood Park.” One of those bookmarks is “Art in the Wild’s” 11^th edition, highlighting land art installed by 18 artists this go-round, which just opened to the public on April 2. The theme this year is “The Earth Laughs,” so get out and have one on them as you traverse the 3.1-mile trail at Wildwood Park. Pulling up to Site #5, “The Octopus’s Garden,” I was greeted by familiar faces all. The MacGinnes team spearheaded by Beau, the only 11-year participant of AITW and his mother, Jana, now in her eighth year, with his sister, Aubrey McNaughton, in year five were joined by land art enthusiast, Debbie Reihart in her second year as part of the team. She is now considered family. They were putting finishing touches on their magnum opus. It is woven of grapevine, limbs, branches, reeds with its eight tentacles inlaid with lichen for an authentic suction cup rendering. Its extended limbs lead to a beatific garden of daffodils safely protected in its grasp. The team prides itself in incorporating only materials found within the park, true to AITW’s original concept and rules established in 2012. Past back-to-back winners, the MacGinnes team was buoyed by all the onlookers stopping to marvel over the process of the four weekends creating the work. The Beatles would be honored by their tribute.

Past participants of “Art in the Wild” made worthy contributions, notably, Eve Gurbacki, Ray Curancy, Carol Reed, David Reeve, Richard and Maria Joel with Steven Reinhart’s installation named best of show. Newcomers to the fray collectively made an impact with school groups, family presentations and an amazing number of youngsters paving the way for future endeavors at Wildwood Park. Highlighting the artist reception was a presentation from Bill Allis of the Bower, a 36-acre land garden sanctuary nestled in Perry County. AITW is open to the public through Sept. 30.

Meanwhile, indoors, the Art Association of Harrisburg is now down to its final 10 days in its revolutionary “Reinterpretations” at 21 N. Front Street. For the first time, this institution will hold a must-see closing night reception on April 21. AAH curator Rachel O’Connor brilliantly brought together a foursome of fearless facilitators of art for the exhibit from this side of the Mississippi to Harrisburg in mounting this powerhouse show. O’Connor discussed the criteria she uses when grouping artists together for a show. “Do the artists’ works allow for conversations between them; do they stimulate dialog metaphorically and literally; is the bridge between solid enough to work in sync with each other? Certainly, opposites attract and yet there is a distinct thread of continuity at play,” she said.

Art by Joseph Mayernik

Chicago-based photographer, painter and collage creator, Jeffrey Equality Brooks’ works are like a gust of fresh air blowing in from Lake Michigan. Tossing all three mediums into the air, Brooks balances them like the art juggler he is, pulling parts from one, adding to the next and completing the exchange before they crash to the floor. In a feat of legerdemain, they remain somehow suspended in a surreal surfeit suitable for any taste in art.

Joseph Mayernik hails from Rochester, N.Y., well familiar with March Madness, home to basketball powerhouse, Syracuse University. One could say that artist Mayernik is a real “cut up.” His reputation for dicing up vintage comic books in creating larger-than-life iconic images and superheroes is the stuff of legend. In a hyper-exaggerated manner, catapulting collage characterizations cohesively careening off the canvas, Mayernik’s “madness” explodes in a comic bubble. KAPOW!

Works by John Guarnera

As seen through the eyes of an 8-year-old boy walking through the Philadelphia Museum of Art for the first time, a world of wonder and beauty seeped into the subconscious mind of ceramist, John Guarnera. John, looking back at his younger self shared, “The statuary shaped, multi-colored and ornate is representative of headdresses worn by chieftains.” His vessels, vital vagabonds, create a community contained in its own unique cadence. Pretty heady stuff for a young mind to assimilate years later in modern-day interpretations. John is from Duncan’s Island or, as it is known today, Duncannon. Guarnera’s objets d’ art stem from a 12^th-century process firing ceramic vessels using the Obvara technique of Raku as the pieces are dipped into an alchemist mixture that incorporates flour, yeast, sugar and water that creates a unique pattern. He is part of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen and teaches Raku at the Carlisle Arts Learning Center.

James Gallagher, who calls the Red Rose City of Lancaster home, shares the love of ancient cultures with fellow ceramist Guarnera. In fact, he was the latter’s mentor. He explores how prior civilizations used art to better understand the world. Symbols and signs represent a variety of natural phenomenon. He renders his pottery full of markings and meanings such as spirals, chevrons, zigzag patterns and more to arrive at the foregone conclusion as to what came before comes full cycle. Ancient art conveyed seasonal change and major events in the circle of life. Gallagher is represented by Lancaster Galleries and has taught at Millersville University and Lebanon Valley College.

CEO Carrie Wissler-Thomas and curator O’Connor are aided by gallery assistant Nate Foster, who singlehandedly completely revamped the Gallery Sales Room with members’ works and exhibiting artists’ pieces available for purchase. The trio is greatly anticipating the closing night reception featuring the artists from the eastern seaboard from 5 to 8 p.m., which promises a tour-de-force evening of electric exchanges. With this show, the AAH positions itself as a showrunner of imagination, innovation and ingenuity.

New Cumberland Collective: Earth and Art Festival

Did you hear the one about the educator, environmentalist and artist who walk into a library? The educator asks the librarian, “Please give me the latest data on implementing change in schools.” The environmentalist queries, “The last word on climate change please?” And the artist pauses, reflecting on their requests and inquires, “Can you point me to the kids’ section because I know there I will get the truth?”

“Yellow Warbler” by Steph Holmes at New Cumberland Earth and Arts Festival

Touted as “an arty party for the planet,” the New Cumberland Collective is hosting the first annual “Earth and Arts Festival” at the New Cumberland Public Library on Sunday, April 16, promising five hours of earthbound excitement from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mark your calendar, it’s this coming Sunday. This environmental event kicks off spring as a pre-Earth Day celebration. With music, food and merchants, as well as quest speakers, true Earth advocates will share their experiences all day long. It speaks to the public having much to choose from. Topical talks and workshops will range from fish fly-tying, seed swaps, stewardship for wildlife, a neighborhood foraging walk and a seed-planting station round out a smorgasbord of Earth-friendly fare. Activities artistically entail a community clothing recycling drive incorporating vintage clothes, hands-on indigo dying with fabric chanteuse, Dirt Petal, screen printing station to print your own and a tutorial on recycling clothing 101. Music from Swamprat, Joe Pye Revival and Autumn Sky Hall will offer something different for everyone’s taste. Food trucks galore will temp tastebuds. A Restyle Sustainable Fashion Faire features varied merchant vendors. Merrymakers include homemade soaps from Soap du Jour and handmade clay bead bracelets for adults and kids, upcycled clothing from Beehive’s Vintage and Cumberland Bootleg. Gabe’s Gardens and Em’s Garden showcase, you guessed it, garden accoutrements. Steph Holmes Art, Moonrise Candle Company, The Rebel Herbalist, Radiant Flora, Lawler Creative Company, Beshore Hill Farm, Mycrosymbiotics, Why Knot, Jillian’s General Store, “Paint Your Stones” by Lisa Jones (hum a bar, it will take you far), Meraki, Thrifting Fashion with Hannah Lyter and, last but not least, Carrie Shusta’s stained glass.

Of Special Note: Happy Birthday

And as for the story behind April 2 in our hearts…borrows from Bread’s ’70s hit, “Aubrey.” “And we’d go a million times around the world just to say she had been ours for a day.” Our beautiful daughter, Aubrey, was born in Fort Lauderdale on that date and now we have her daughter, too, making life that much sweeter. Happiest of birthdays, Aubrey!

April Art Events

“Midtown Makers Series,” classes in diverse art mediums, April 1 to April 30

New Cumberland Collective: Art in the Stacks at the New Cumberland Library features the Art of CASA Students April 1 to April 29

“Art in the Wild,” 11^th edition, at Wildwood Park, April 2 – Sept. 30

Hershey Art Gallery & Studio Grand Opening, April 15 and 16, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1077 Swatara Rd., Hershey

“New Cumberland Earth and Art Festival,” April 16, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the New Cumberland Public Library

3^rd in the Burg, Friday, April 21

Art Association of Harrisburg Closing Night Reception for “Reinterpretations,” meet the artists. The 4 J’s from 5 to 8 p.m., April 21, with James Equality Brooks, Joseph Mayerink, John Guarnera and James Gallagher

Odd Ones Bazaar, April 22, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Millworks 340 Verbeke St., Harrisburg

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The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

April 1, 2022 | by Lawrance Binda and Maddie Gittens

Jamien Harvey, executive director of the Camp Curtin and East Shore YMCA, at the site of an affordable housing development project in Uptown.

Ready for spring? We sure are. This month’s home and garden issue of the TheBurg magazine features all the things, green and leafy, that spring brings. Look for the cover with lots of plants. and grab a copy of the April issue. And, of course, don’t miss out on this week’s local news, listed below.

Art in the Wild returns to Wildwood Park in April, celebrating its 10^th anniversary. In our magazine story, get a behind-the-scenes look at the event that features art made of elements found in nature.

Bob’s Art Blog features a fun April Fools’ Day twist and showcases art happenings at The Millworks.

The Camp Curtin branch of the YMCA in Harrisburg began construction on an affordable housing project in Uptown, our online story reported. The development will include four single-family homes for low-income residents.

Church World Service hosted a night at the movies this week in celebration of the opening of its new Harrisburg office, our online story reported. The organization will provide services to refugees including case management, basic needs support and cultural orientation, among others.

The Dauphin County Library System kicked off National Library Week with the county commissioners reading to local students, our online story reported. Also this week, they are asking residents to participate in a connectivity survey.

Our editor discusses the newspaper industry and the importance of local news to a community, in his April Editor’s Note.

Five candidates will compete in the race for the redrawn 103^rd House district, which may prove to be especially hot. To find out who will be included on the primary ballot in May, click here.

Harrisburg Havoc, the area’s new women’s tackle football team, will take the field for their first season on April 9, our reporting found. According to players, the team has provided a way for women to participate in a sport that they’ve largely been left out of.

Harrisburg will plant over 50 new trees in Allison Hill throughout April, our online story reported. The city is seeking volunteers to assist with the plantings.

John Wilsbach is central PA’s traffic guy, our magazine story reported. He updates central Pennsylvania commuters on traffic conditions multiple times each workday, mainly during rush hours, 52 weeks of the year.

The Ronald McDonald House in central PA provides a home for families with children receiving treatment at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. In our magazine story, read more about the services and care that the organization has given to over 1,000 families annually.

Rubicon will host a dinner to raise funds for the family of a Ukrainian staff member, among other relief efforts, our reporting found. The multi-course meal will feature traditional Ukrainian dishes.

Sara Bozich has weekend recommendations from concerts to beer trails and art outings. Click here to view them all.

Spring events are in full swing this month. See what’s happening in the Harrisburg area in April, here.

Trader Joe’s opened in Camp Hill on Thursday, our online story reported. Customers waited in a line that wrapped around the building on opening day.

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The Painted Word: Artists offer Sunlight and Shadows for the annual “Art in the Wild”

March 31, 2022 | by Bob MacGinnes

Art by Carrie Breschi

What started out as a grand experiment in 2012 is about to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

This month, “Art in the Wild” returns to Wildwood Park to mark a decade of magnificent outdoor installations.

In announcing this annual rite of spring, committee chair Jim Caufield shared that he felt “excitement about hosting the regionally recognized outdoor environmental art show at Wildwood Park, providing an opportunity for artistically minded participants to demonstrate their skills in this special genre of the art field.”

A decade ago, Elizabeth Johnson and a few likeminded Friends of Wildwood, including Caufield and Marcy Brenner, made it their mission to create unique, seasonal landscape installations, mounted from April through September’s end.

To date, over 140 works have been placed throughout the park throughout the history of “Art in the Wild,” with a promise of an additional 18 for this year’s exhibition.

For 2022, Caufield and Richelle Corty, environmental educator at the Olewine Nature Center, put out a call to new participants this past fall. A hands-on, mini-day camp to teach what is involved was held on an early November Saturday with four sets of instructors, veterans of the event instructing initiates in the art form. Two members of the class have now joined forces with past entrants for this spring’s event, and the instructional session will now take place annually.

Twelve returnees from past years, along with six new participants, will comprise the field in 2022. Of that half dozen, four will be students, including an art major from Dickinson College, a Central Dauphin High School student mentored by her art teacher, Newport High students and a group of art students from St. Joan of Arc Middle School. Last year’s top three winners are returning to the fray with Carrie Breschi, Jill Lippert and Carol Reed, who took first-, second- and third-place awards, respectively. The exhibit opens to the public Sunday, April 3, offering visitors the perfect time to come out to Wildwood and meet the artists to discuss their visions.

Serendipitously synched to the backdrop of world events surrounding the ongoing pandemic, this year’s theme is “Sunlight and Shadows.” Art enthusiasts creating new works will aspire to incorporate elements of both, sharing a message of hope in sunlight, even with the darkest days of shadows. One can’t help but think of the Irish elegy in song, “Danny Boy,” as the narrator’s solemn oath, “I’ll be here in sunshine or in shadow.”

It begs the question—did the “Art in the Wild” committee have that in mind when choosing the theme? The contrast between light and shadow is one of coexistence, for one does not exist without the other. In the end, it is the choice we make to remain in the shadows or step out into the light. The artist may straddle both, reflective of the balance in nature. To take part in their adventure, make a promise to be there in sunlight or in shadow.

“Art in the Wild” runs April 3 to Sept. 30 at Wildwood Park, Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.explorewildwoodpark.org. Images are from the 2021 “Art in the Wild.”

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Bob’s Art Blog: Nothing Pretty

October 25, 2021 | by Bob MacGinnes

Part I — “Nothing Pretty” A surreal revisionist “Western” art exhibit

Take One: “All quiet on the set. ACTION!”

Renegades all, the four gunslingers rode into town on steeds snorting fire, seeking a corral that might, just might, be able to contain their own brand of art. Theirs is a movement that started out west in the late 1960s in the territory known today as Los Angeles, borne out of a culture found only in the underground strata of comics, punk music, graffiti, hot rods and everything but the kitchen sink. An amalgamation of art meeting street culture colliding head on at the intersection of imagination and immolation. Those roots establish the genre known as lowbrow art, a surrealism stampede.

Artwork by Ted Walke

The Art Association of Harrisburg (AAH) is excited to share this exhibit that opened Friday and runs through Nov. 24. Visitors to the gallery may be surprised by this latest offering in a setting that has built its reputation on classicism in its representation of art.

Carrie Wissler-Thomas, CEO and sheriff of the AAH, called to deputize her gallery curator, Rachel O’Connor, who mounted this guns-blazing show. It’s a brave new world as “Nothing Pretty’s” desperadoes demonstrate in their visual redefining of the parameters for open-ended art. If they can dream it, draw it or paint it, it helps to establish their brand of surrealism run wild. And that is the whole point of lowbrow art. It appeals to an audience looking for a “beyond the norm experience” in a gallery setting. It takes thinking way outside the box and lets the inner child take over as the imagination runs wild on both sides of the aisle.

It helps to have a sense of humor, as do these art outlaws. They are led by Ted Walke, owner/proprietor of Gallery@2nd, whose calling card in pen and ink depicts human forms that sometimes border on the fine line of what one would recognize as human—something you don’t want to run into in a dark alley. Walke’s “characters” are poster children for the adage, “beauty lies in the eye of the beholder,” faces and images only a mother could love.

Artwork by Krissy Whiski

Joining Ted in his impish imagination and dry humor is Tina Berrier, whose paintings occupy a space all their own and are instantly recognizable. Employing mixed media allows her to bridge street art to a painterly point of view considering “life, death and the theme of temporality.”

Sean Arce, a featured artist of Gallery@2nd along with Ted, draws from his imagination by illustrating creatures of all sizes and shapes. Using digital formatting and two-dimensional media, Arce creates organisms, otherworldly original. Last but not least, with a western surname if ever there was one, when this artist sidles up to the saloon’s bar, “Whiski, Krissy.” Like a passage from Stephen King’s “Gunslinger” series, “The Dark Tower,” Whiski’s art “paints the spaces that exist between dreams, death and delusions,” states the artist, who uses themes as “fringe science, hallucinations and fairy tales as inspiration.” This is an exhibit that begs to be seen.

“Nothing Pretty” plays exclusively in the main gallery at the AAH through Nov. 24.

Part II — Market Places Market Faces at Doggie Delights

“Give a dog a bone,” a line from a child’s nursery rhyme, could easily be the catchphrase for Doggie Delights at the Broad Street Market and the flagship store at the West Shore Farmer’s Market in Lemoyne. The front man, or in this case, the face at the Broad Street Market location is Aubrey McNaughton. now in her sixth month with the dog snack and treat purveyor.

Brielle Glumac and Aubrey McNaughton

Aubrey is a cheerleader for Doggie Delights and everything market-related. She loves educating owners who have concerns regarding pups with sensitive tummies who may have to go without goodies, as Doggie Delights offers “gentle on the stomach,” handmade biscuits and soft chews for older dogs. They hand-cut and hand-dip all the baked goods for our four-legged friends with all natural, fresh ingredients and no preservatives added with all other treats being sourced from U.S. companies.

Donnie and Kelly Farner are the heart and soul of the company with daughter Brielle Glumac playing a vital role able to work both sides of the river. The company had a setback when their barn suffered a major fire in January, which housed the inventory and equipment used in their business. Through the generosity of customers and friends with a GoFundMe fundraiser, a sizeable amount was raised to help offset their drastic loss. Rebounding for 10 months now, the Farners are happy to announce the opening of a new outpost at The Fresh Market at Town Square in Hershey later this fall. Brielle will be managing the new location.

Meanwhile, the Broad Street Market is in good stead as Aubrey is the person you see Thursday through Saturday. A dog lover since she was a little girl, she now owns a cane corso mastiff. “Baby Tonka” weighs 110 pounds and loves the long-lasting Yak chew. Aubrey takes great joy in greeting the customers at 3rd and Verbeke market weekly. During the summer season, both Aubrey and her protege-helper-daughter assisted her at the stand. Their smiles for miles brought a steadily growing clientele.

So, if you need a special birthday cake for the diva dog in your life, they offer customized peanut butter cakes with yogurt icing or “pup cakes” cupcakes. In addition, they have natural chews, snacks and smoked bones. Aubrey and Brielle will ensure they are downright dog-delicious, no matter which Doggie Delight you visit.

Part III — Calling Art in the Wild Adventurers

This special announcement goes out to “budding” artists. Learn to create landscape art from AITW award-winning instructors Saturday, Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon with $20 registration fee for the workshop (all materials provided). Bring a friend and learn together in a preparatory class for spring 2022 of the 10th edition of “Art in the Wild.” Visit https://dauphincountyparksandrecreation.ticketleap.com/art-in-the-wild-workshop2021/

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Bob’s Art Blog: Notes from the Field

April 9, 2021 | by Bob MacGinnes

Art in the Wild Part II, “Notes From the Field” includes a chance encounter with an “old friend,” a heavy-handed installation, an angelic visitation and an opportunity to view the world through rose-colored glasses.

But first a word from our sponsor. TheBurg proudly unveils, with the Friends of Wildwood, the ninth edition of AITW. They say familiarity breeds contempt. AITW enthusiast Jana MacGinnes puts a different spin on the phrase when she states, “familiarity breathes content,” with the emphasis on the second syllable of content. She laughed when sharing that, on the first day of installation, she recognized a tree limb from 2017’s “Windows of Perception.” That’s when one knows they are one with the wood(s). Better notify “Twin Peaks” Agent Dale Cooper—there’s a new log lady in town.

The landscape changed dramatically over the past 30 days leading up to the completion of “Art In The Wild.” Going from a frozen state with the last vestiges of snow remaining in early March, the weather progressively turned to spring with each passing weekend. The ground changed from foe to friend, embracing the grooming process, and the remains of Old Man Winter evolved into a youthful countenance contemplating and complementing the season of new life we call spring. The efforts from the artists became less taxing as their final portraits came into view. Working in close proximity with other AITW artists allowed for and encouraged camaraderie and a dose of competitive spirit among all 17 entrants, as the group all became winners this year.

Over the course of its six-month run, AITW will be viewed and admired by thousands visiting the park and its walking path. Opening on April 10, this atmospheric arena of art can be enjoyed by all ages as the select group has installed their environmental edifices in “Reimagining,” the theme for this year’s opus. You can come out and meet the artists this Saturday, April 10, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and be sure to participate in the Wetlands Festival on April 24, from 10 a.m. 4 p.m.

Unveiling the 2021 edition of “Art in the Wild,” the entrants this year total 17, with 10 returning veterans and seven brand new participants. Leading the pack in years of experience is the MacGinnes team led by Beau who has participated in every edition to date. He is joined by his mother, Jana, who completes her fifth year, and newly welcomed Beau’s sister, Aubrey McNaughton.

Joining Jana with five years or more of participation are Eve Gurbacki, past winner and an elementary art teacher for Commonwealth Charter Academy who enters her sixth year in “Finding Focus” (pictured). Kareena Stellar, a glass bead and paper collage mosaic artist entering her fifth year, creates “The Great Escape.” Multimedia artist and HACC adjunct faculty member, Brook Lauer marks her fourth with “As Above, So Below, So Below.” Also in her fourth year, Jill Lippert, a retired IT project manager, has created “The Dawn of a New Day.” You may remember her “Ecospheric Tones” installation from last year, which graces the cover of the 2021 AITW brochure.

YMCA race coordinator in Harrisburg, Chip Hitz, is in year three and feels a need to share in “Let’s Stick Together.” A quartet begins their sophomore season including Richard Cary Joel, set designer for Theatre Harrisburg, and is assisted by his wife, Maria. Joel feels strongly that “nature is the symphony for the soul” in “Earthly Makeover.” Lorayn McPoyle plies her trade as a sculpture teacher at Central Dauphin High School with “Creating Lotus on the Land.” Steven Reinhart, fabricator and furniture designer, takes “A Step Sideways” to make room for repeater, Isabel Paterson, video editor and graphic designer, who creates a “Meadow Melody.”

New artists who hail from Carlisle are Carol Reed, art instructor at Carlisle Arts Learning Center and fabric artist, who will offer an on-site demonstration in natural dyed materials opening day from 1 to 3 p.m., displaying “Growth” (pictured). Carrie Breschi, founder of CALC and an art activist, showcases that grief is both universal and personal in dealing with family loss in “My Broken Heart.” Breschi expands her unique universe in “transformation of spaces with unexpected visuals, subject matter and material.” Her installation is certain to provide an environmental elegy.

Kristin Ziegler recently moved back to the area and is a textile, fashion designer and book-maker, proving “It’s Just a Phase.” David Reeve is a fabric artist and woodworker with an interest in mosaics as he created “Game of Rome,” adding credence to the phrase, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Jim Glenn is a retired postal worker working with stick figures, albeit walking men. Drawing on his professional experience, his installation is titled, “Wildwood Hiking Club.” Dana Mount uses fibers and textiles in teaming up with Loren Nocheck, exploring mediums and methods to create art with their thought-provoking, “Differences In Common.” Last but not least is artist Charlie Feathers, an “art alchemist who turns trash to treasure,” with his “Reimaging Sight and Sound.” Worth a look and a listen. His wood-limbed xylophone creates the sounds you make on it.

In the end, a total of 17 installations reached the finish line. Leave it to set designer Richard Joel and his wife, Maria, to create an “Earthly Makeover” with a kaleidoscopic view of what our planet could look like (pictured). Their installation reveals re-envisioning the Earth as a universe all its own with the moon orbiting and an optic viewer made of stained glass, allowing visitors to see our “home” through rose-colored glasses.

I caught up with veteran and past winner of back-to-back AITW’s, Eve Gurbacki, on a Sunday afternoon in late March. By day, she teaches 2,100 art students from kindergarten as well as third, fourth and fifth grade through CCA. She created a structure made of twine and roped bamboo poles lashed together as she was “inspired by a camera’s aperture” in “Finding Focus.” To say the installation was outsized is an understatement in that Eve needed to call in the troops to help erect the skeletal structure of bamboo to enable her to build her vision outward. Artist neighbors were only too happy to lend assistance as the community holds a deep respect for each other in achieving success. Along came a security guard named Mike, aka, a heavenly angel about to retire in 50 days, just as the women discovered they needed another set of hands, gladly hopping out of his truck to assist them. Mike may sound like a strange name for an angel but then so are Clarence and Dudley.

For the MacGinnes team, just one letter separates their titled “Haven” from heaven, as both represent a resting place, one temporal, the other eternal (pictured). With the addition of an ‘e’, it brings focus to the environment, our heaven here on earth. The installation’s crown encircling the structure makes a kingly statement worthy of humility and home—its underlying message being the dwelling of life is transitory as we are all but passing through. It is up to us what we make of our time here. In the end, a total of 21 artists enjoyed the fruits of their labors, creating installations for the park-going public to stop and admire, gazing upon environmental ebullience in its natural state. “Art in the Wild” is a magical land of the imagination brought to life for a brief period of time until nature turns to the next chapters, only to start anew again next spring. For now, enjoy the beauty before you.

Thank you’s abound to the Friends of Wildwood, TheBurg as a media sponsor and to Mick Corman, teacher and videographer from Capital Area School for the Arts, who again graciously captured the event. On a personal note, to my dear wife Jana, son Beau and daughter Aubrey, thanks for your “notes” and daily inspiration in my life. And for this writer, a debt of gratitude to Wildwood’s environmental educator, Richelle Corty, without whose insight, assistance and generosity this blog could not have been written.

“Art in the Wild” runs from April 10 through Sept. 30 in Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg. Meet the artists on Saturday, April 10, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit the Wildwood Park website.

Photos: Jana MacGinnes

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Bob’s Art Blog: From the Ground Up (Part 1)

March 8, 2021 | by Bob MacGinnes

The Olewine Nature Center at Wildwood Park

“Art in the Wild” (AITW), the annual art event envisioned and promoted by the Friends of Wildwood, is not for the faint of heart.

Beginning in the dead of winter, artists are faced with the daunting task of creating an environmental installation guided by nature over the course of time. March weather is a challenge all its own as one may be dealing with snow-covered terrain, harsh winds and the open grounds “logging” hours clearing a site to build a thing of beauty made primarily from cast-off tree limbs, fallen branches and detritus. It takes a pioneering spirit to realize that vision in the end, much like traveling to a new land, for that is what the artists create. Think of it as a brave new world when one enters the path leading into Wildwood Park for its 3.1-mile journey. That is the vista that “Art in the Wild” gives viewers as the ninth edition just got under way geared for its April 10 “reveal.” Starting with an idea and vision of what the final presentation will look like when viewed by the public a month after its start is no easy feat.

As with any building project that requires a certain blueprint and must operate within a framework of limited space, the creative options diminish due to the laws of nature. Such may well be the case as one begins the task of planning and creating an “Art in the Wild” installation. Having been part of AITW since its beginning, “environmental engineer” Beau MacGinnes, assisted by his mother Jana, could easily be stuck in a creative quagmire. The MacGinnes team added a plus-one to the mix this year, enlisting the aid of sister/daughter, Aubrey McNaughton. As in business, the phrase has always been location, location, location, and, for AITW artists, the same applies, perhaps even more so. Looking at the landscape for 2021, they felt that they found the perfect site for this year’s challenge that may take them down the rabbit hole for a wild ride.

There are rules and guidelines in place so that all participants play on a level field (even in Wildwood Park), which, by its very name, would indicate that this might be difficult to achieve. And this go-round may feature 18 approved artists and their installations.

AITW’s process really begins in January with choosing the site and making an application through a formal proposal to the committee overseeing the project. A field of entrants officially met collectively on March 6, and actual groundbreaking started the following day. It begins with a concrete idea of the desired end result but is subject to change along the way as nature has its own ideas. Clearing the space is critical and akin to producing a blank canvas and going from there. The gathering of materials provides the deliberate decay of the winter’s toll on the land and becomes the basis for a fresh take, apropos this year as the theme is “Reimagining.” The landscape lends itself to a romanticized version of beauty truly lying in the eyes of the beholder. While interviewing Beau and Jana, I heard, “If the public views the installation as magic, a vignette of our vision, then we have achieved our goal. The mere act of creating is reward enough, and we are thankful that the Friends made their vision come to fruition.”

Look for Part II in April…the “After” will be notes from the field as AITW opens to the public April 10.

Disclosure: The author is the husband of Jana MacGinnes and father of Beau MacGinnes and Aubrey McNaughton.

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Bob’s Art Blog: A Year in Art

January 4, 2021 | by Bob MacGinnes

Part I – January through June: Artists, Exhibits, 3rd in the Burgs and Social Relevance

The New Year started “on the sunny side of the street—grabbed our hats and left our worries on the doorstep.” We headed to the first art shows of the season on Jan. 10 to the Wild West (Shore).

The year began with art activist Carrie Breschi at Carlisle Art Learning Center (CALC), who kicked off 2020 with another healthy dose of social relevance in her merry-go-round of “Untamed Color,” an amalgam of art addressing seasonal affective disorder (pictured). With colorful sunburst stations set up for kids of all ages to create eye-popping art, Breschi enlisted a company of color consultants featuring Thomas Oakes, Cathy Stone, Deb Allen, Aron Rook and Carol Reed, who converged in the upstairs gallery at CALC. So bright and eclectic, you needed sunglasses indoors.

Meanwhile, miles away in Mechanicsburg, Metropolis Collective held an after-party all night long featuring 20 artists who held fast to the notion there are no rules in art. Under the watchful eyes of owner Richard Reilly (aka Rock-it Man) and Hannah Dobek, gallery director and artist in residence, Metropolis mapped out mayhem in the gallery as the Huckle Buckle Boys, Zack Rudy and Garrick Dorsett unleashed their brand of outsider art, taking no prisoners.

January’s 3rd in the Burg featured two art exhibits that started with an “S,” Scottish landscapes at St. Stephens Cathedral’s Riverfront Gallery from the Art Association of Harrisburg’s CEO Carrie Wissler-Thomas, featuring sacred sites rendered in rich oils that lined the cloister gallery walls. The lure and lore of Scotland came alive under her ethereal brushstrokes.

“Kildalton Cross Sheep, Islay” by Carrie Wissler-Thomas

At the Susquehanna Art Museum, a radical “Shift” took place in the lobby gallery. The technology-tempered paintings from Tiffany Calvert and Alex Kanevsky created a new paradigm. Prominently featured in American Art Collector magazine, the exhibit brought national recognition to SAM, as well as to the artists’ works. To top that off, SAM at the Marty celebrated its fifth birthday in Midtown on Jan. 23 with a party and grand announcement of reaching its $3 million goal for future development and programs, due to the successful “Bridge to the Future” capital campaign.

With February designated for lovers and Mardi Gras partygoers, a 3rd in the Burg-timed event at the Art Association of Harrisburg featured a dual show, “Hear Me?”, an art exhibit featuring deaf artists from around the state downstairs, while upstairs, Charlie “Bootleg” Feathers and Reina “R76” Wooden took over the gallery rooms with a surprise behind every door. As the deaf artists created the connective tissue of disability disavowing any impact on art, likewise upstairs the dynamic duo left no doubt their art was aimed at social relevance too, addressing mental health awareness (Feathers) and the Me Too Movement (Wooden), in an artistic avalanche (pictured, “Me Too Mannequin”). The language of art is universal, be it spoken or signed.

The road trip to spring took us to the Milton Art Bank, where else but in Milton, Pa.? Their “Black/White” exhibit stole the show with a who’s who of A-list artists, past and present, sharing their diverse works across all mediums in black, white and even gray. Museum founder and curator Brice Brown of New York, created a visual tour-de-force for the art-loving public to appreciate in a six-month run. With the pandemic closing down businesses by mid-March, the edition of 3rd in the Burg became my take on “Outsider Art” scenes of nature’s art with a glorious sunset on the Susquehanna River, Italian Lake and an early peek at the eighth edition of “Art in the Wild,” which filled the void for the first look at springtime.

Spring’s return brought sad news when the art community lost local poet, Joe O’Connor, who succumbed to the coronavirus on April 13. One of Harrisburg and Camp Hill’s favorite sons, Joe left behind indelible words for all of us to live by in these uncertain times. Joe is sorely missed. The 50th Earth Day celebration took place behind shuttered doors at St. Stephens Riverfront Gallery, which featured the fine oil paintings of John McNulty, whose studies on the trees of the forest and glens were masterfully created with their inner-play of light and shadow. It is no wonder that McNulty is one of the area’s Seven Lively Artists.

“Conversation” by John McNulty

Meanwhile, at Elementary Coffee Co.’s temporarily closed North Street location, artist Katelyn Buchan achieved her “own personal Nirvana” with an introspective look at what drives her art and fuels her passion, an overlying principal of a deep and abiding love for nature. And to finish off the Earth Day celebration in neighborly fashion, our friends and artists Brandi and daughters Madden and Kendall with our very own granddaughter, Kiwi, created rainbows and stars chalked on the cul-de-sac for all to appreciate, lifting quarantine spirits.

The annual rite of spring known as “Art in the Wild” got moved back from its usual April opening to mid-May due to the pandemic. Established artists who create for the love of art pushed new entrants to grand heights. At the vanguard of installations were previous back-to-back winners Beau and Jana MacGinnes, as well as Eve Gurbacki, who inspired newcomers Suzanne Pagel and Jill Lippert, among others, in creating landscaping legerdemain (pictured, “Kindred Spirits” by Eve Gurbacki).

When June rolled around, I sought out the ancient art of rug-making. Our journey took us to Modern Rugs on the 1400-block of N. 3rd Street in Harrisburg. With their art gallery presentation, owners Zachary Nitzan and Tahirih Alia provided a rich history of rugs and romance, of exotic locales and enchanted people. Their lives are as fascinating as the exquisite rugs they produce. We were entertained and enlightened, regaled with high sea adventures and traveled to distant lands, all in search of the finest materials to create one-of-a-kind works of art. In the end, we realized rugs share the story of life, and we were hooked.

Additional Artistic Achievements

By mid-March, quarantine began as central Pennsylvania found itself in lockdown status. In response to a growing concern for her neighbors, Carlisle photographer Nicole Dube took it to heart and started a photographic journey, through social distancing, of over 100 family portraits. “Alive and Well” became not only an archival record but served as a time capsule of the pandemic to be valued even more in the years to come. Viewed at CALC over early summer, it served to define the heart of an artist and a community at large under stay-at-home orders. Dube’s exposé captured a place in time for posterity.

By April 2, just three weeks into restrictions, artists Nikos and Terra Phelps of Christmas Decor festooned an ordinary sycamore tree with 15,000 lights, providing Harrisburg with a Tree of Hope lighting, a way for city residents to rally behind local small businesses and restaurants experiencing hardship due to the pandemic (pictured). Their 17 hours of trimming the tree was a labor of love, which served as a fundraiser with its goal of raising $25,000. Twinkly Pro generously donated the lights, and the Tree of Hope at the base of the Walnut Street Bridge lit the way for other organizations to follow suit.

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