Tag Archives: “Art in the Wild”

Summertime, with a Twist: Harrisburg seasonal favorite activities change, take new form

June 30, 2020 | by Maddie Conley

Artwork along Sprocket Mural Works’ Mural Trail

Summer is always busy for Ross Willard. Dozens of kids flock to his shop in Allison Hill in the course of a day to get a hand with a bike repair or pick up a new set of wheels.

Recycle Bicycle is especially busy this summer. With the COVID-19 pandemic restricting many indoor activities, families are looking for ways to get outside and entertain themselves.

“People say, ‘Ross slow down,’ but I can’t, there are people in need,” he said.

With the core of Recycle Bicycle’s volunteers in their 70s, the shop had to close for safety reasons, but that didn’t stop Willard’s phone from ringing off the hook. It wasn’t long until the team was back fixing bikes by appointment.

“One day, I went in two hours early, stayed one hour late, wore a mask the whole time and didn’t take a bathroom break,” Willard said.

Just another summer Saturday in Harrisburg.

Out and About

At the start of summer, people were just creeping out of their houses, testing the waters of returning to public life. But with Harrisburg now in the “green” phase of reopening, sidewalks are filling back up and stores are re-opening their doors.

Still, summer will look different this year.

One of the most notable changes was the city’s decision to close its pools. Not unique from many other cities, Harrisburg acted out of caution.

“I know this is going to be a disappointment for many, but there are a couple things that could be seen as positives that come out of this,” Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse said in a Facebook Live broadcast.

He mentioned the possibility of maintenance work on the pools and applying for grants to build a spray park in the coming years.

Along with closing the pools, the Department of Parks and Recreation is holding limited events this summer.

Department Director Kevin Sanders said that the city will host a series of movie nights beginning in July.

Although there’s no access to the pools this summer, outdoor activities are not hard to find.

After closing for a few weeks, Water Golf’s mini-golf course on City Island opened in early May.

“The city gave us approval to open whenever we wanted to,” Owner Jeff Palkovic said. “If I couldn’t keep my employees and customers safe, I wouldn’t have opened up.”

Water Golf employees are taking precautions to ensure the safety of their customers. They sanitize clubs and balls after each use, installed a sneeze guard at the front counter and encourage customers to wear masks as well as social distance.

Palkovic said their concession stand has been picking up even more than the golf, acknowledging the desire people have to get out of their homes.

The response from golfers has encouraged Palkovic, as many have been extra supportive.

“Normally we get 999 really nice people out of 1,000,” he said. “This year, it’s even better than that. Everyone is so excited.”

In Session

Even with school out for the summer, students around the city participate in educational experiences—aka, summer camp!

Most are still on for the summer, although their format may look different.

Open Stage, for one, is holding a 10-week virtual theater arts class.

“Things are different this summer, but I think that has given us license to change things up,” Producing Artistic Director Stuart Landon said. “We’ve put together a really cool curriculum.”

While Open Stage summer courses are typically focused on a specific topic, this class will be more general, Landon said. Topics included are musical theater, acting, theater history, design and tech. There will be a group for 8 to 12 year olds and one for 13 and older.

“This situation is not going to keep us down,” Landon said.

Bethesda Mission’s Community Center in Allison Hill is also holding camp, but chose to take an in-person approach.

Starting in June, groups of about 25 kids each have been participating in outdoor and indoor activities. Executive Director Scott Dunwoody explained that the teen group is especially important because it provides internships and job training.

Art & Nature

For those looking to get out and enjoy the sunshine, there’s plenty to do outdoors in the city.

Throughout the pandemic, Harrisburg parks have remained open.

“We are a community in Harrisburg that is fortunate that we made the decision to keep our parks and playgrounds open,” Papenfuse said. “We felt from the beginning that it was important for people to be able to go out to exercise and take walks.”

The Capital Area Greenbelt, Wildwood Park and Riverfront Park are of few of the most popular nature spots in the city. Wildwood is currently holding “Art in the Wild,” the park’s annual environmental art exhibition.

Sizeable trees populate each of these parks, offering shady resting places.

In addition, Sprocket Mural Works is encouraging people to stroll through the city for a self-guided mural tour. There are 40 murals to observe, 14 of which are new this year.

Whether you’re staying indoors and out of the heat or enjoying the summer sunshine, good news—summer is still on in Harrisburg.

Recycle Bicycle is located at 1722 Chestnut St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.recyclebicycleharrisburg.org.

Water Golf is located at 600 Riverside Dr., Harrisburg (City Island). Visit www.h2ogolf.com for more information.

To learn more about Open Stage’s Alsedek Theatre School, visit www.thealsedektheatreschool.com.
Bethesda Mission’s Community Center is at 1438 Herr St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.bethesdamission.org/our-ministries/community-center.

To download a map of Sprocket Mural Works’ Mural Trail, visit www.sprocketmuralworks.com.

Wildwood Park is located at 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg. Visit www.wildwoodlake.org.

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

May 22, 2020 | by Lawrance Binda

Dave Houseal as a Harrisburg firefighter, 1985.

The coronavirus pandemic continued to dominate news coverage for yet another week. What made our headlines? We have all of our coverage for the week listed and linked below for your reading convenience.

Art in the Wild demonstrated that the show must go on, as it debuted for the season
in Wildwood Park. The outdoor exhibit is now on display along the 3.1-mile trail, which prompted a blog feature from our arts writer.

Artsfest is going virtual this weekend, as the pandemic scrubbed the annual live arts and entertainment event. Harrisburg is trying to make the event as close as possible to the riverfront festival. Get the details from our online story.

COVID-19 cases continued to grow in PA this week, though the rate of growth has been declining. At the same time, fatality data remained high. Each day, we wrote an update, and the most recent can be found here.

COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating toll on the commonwealth’s elderly and ill. The state began issuing data this week breaking down coronavirus cases by age and pre-existing conditions. Our online story showed the grim results of this analysis.

Dauphin County is slated to enter the “yellow phase” of reopening next Friday, May 29, joining much of the rest of south-central PA. What does that mean? Our online story offers the latest on the commonwealth’s phased reopening plan.

Dave Houseal has been a fixture around the Harrisburg Fire Bureau for decades and now is the department’s resident historian. What makes him such a fount of firefighting facts? Our magazine profile shows that it’s all in the blood.

Friends of TheBurg turns a month old this weekend, so our editor wanted to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to community members for their tremendous response. His blog post explains what has happened over the past month as the community rallied around TheBurg by joining our new membership program.

Harrisburg school district is debuting a new cyber option for students, the Harrisburg Virtual Learning Academy. Our online story explains why it was started and when it will be available.

Harrisburg University officials know that we are living in an important historical period. To capture this unique time, they’ve launched a history project to show how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting all aspects of university life. Our online feature details what they’re up to.

PA Department of Health released long-awaited data on COVID-19 cases in the state’s nursing homes, including for the Harrisburg area. Our online story reflected this sobering report, which showed the devastation within these congregant care facilities.

Pride of the Susquehanna is appealing for donations as the COVID-19 pandemic has wiped out its early sailing season. Even when it finally takes to the water, the iconic Harrisburg riverboat will face other problematic issues, as our online story explains.

Sara Bozich is still at home, but that hasn’t stopped her usual list of things to do over the long weekend. Check out her suggested options for virtual activities, accompanied by some takeout.

School district receiver Janet Samuels approved a preliminary budget for the 2020-21 academic year that contains a large budget deficit but does not raise taxes. Our online story explains the district’s situation, which has been impacted by the pandemic.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events delivered right to your email inbox? If not, subscribe here!

Become our newest Friend of TheBurg! What’s that? Click here for information on our exciting new membership program.

Bob’s Art Blog: Art Gone Wild

May 16, 2020 | by Bob MacGinnes

Part I: Folklore and Fact: Fairies, “Friends” and a Farrago (What put the “wild” in Wildwood)

Legend has it that magical creatures, sprites and fairies reside amongst the lichens and moss found in Wildwood Park. Will-o’ the wisps light up the nights on the lake, and whispers from wee folk are heard on the walking trails if you listen closely.

The lore surrounding the environ speaks to this haven for nature and its otherworldly inhabitants. The 229 acres comprising the space within the park’s parameters have been designated as a natural habitat now approaching 120 years in operation. The superstition, “knock on wood,” has its origins in the days of yore when the Celts roamed Europe. People would run into the woods to share secrets then literally knock on the trees, so the spirits abiding within would not hear what was divulged.

“The Last Wave” by Beau and Jana MacGinnes at “Art in the Wild”

In late afternoon, Wildwood Park becomes a photo from an album of bygone years—blue sky, calm water, a lone heron on the lake and twee chipmunks frolicking among the ground cover. It wasn’t always that way. Wildwood Park’s history has had its share of ups and downs over its six score years.

It was originally called Wetzel’s Swamp. In 1901, Wildwood Lake was established by Harrisburg as part of a national movement called “City Beautiful,” incorporating elements of interest well advanced for the day. It housed a zoo that counted “lions and tigers and bears” oh my…(just kidding) among its constituency. Seriously, the zoo was home to a whimsical farrago of animals that included elk, buffalo, a black bear and a barrel full of monkeys, 24, in fact, exotic and enchanting. The zoo was a popular feature from the 1920s through the 1940s. The menagerie included a mountain lion, muskrat, raccoon, mink and white-tailed deer among the attractions. Where the deer and antelope played was situated on the acreage today that is the HACC campus. Riding stables, boating concessions and a ball field all provided entertainment and recreational opportunities. Combine the legend and lore, and therein lies the foundation for “Wildwood.”

The park fell to disrepair and ended up becoming a dumping site by the 1960s. Also, later in that decade, the Audubon Society, through a study, determined Wildwood to be ideal for a nature center with programming as a natural extension. The Dauphin County commissioners purchased the land we recognize today as Wildwood Park for the magnanimous sum of $1 in 1976 with the blessing of Harrisburg City Council and a land transfer. The nonprofit “Friends of Wildwood” was established in 1987 and, in 1989, the American lotus, native to Wildwood, was placed on the endangered plant species list. In 1992, philanthropist and one of Wildwood’s greatest “friends,” Benjamin Olewine, established a trust and, in 1999, the $4-million-plus Olewine Nature Center opened. To this day, it stands as a cherished treasure. The center anchors the park as the repository for education, enlightenment and entertainment of the outdoor variety.

“Kindred Spirits” by Eve Gurbacki

This nod to Wildwood’s storied past acknowledges Wildwood’s friends and Dauphin County Parks and Recreation’s role, as well as Harold Plasterer, the original zookeeper, historians Floyd Demmy and Ernest Morrison and the generosity of Benjamin Olewine. So, in the spirit of knocking wood, I have left that bit of history out of the bag. There you have, in part, some of the backstory—what put the ”wild” in Wildwood.

Speaking of history, the 2020 edition of “Art in The Wild,” an annual event now in its eighth year, owes its success to the visionaries steering its committee.

Elizabeth Johnson’s humble demeanor and gentle spirit belies the embodiment of a passionate advocate for the environment, particularly that of Wildwood Park. She is assisted in her mission by longstanding committee members Marcy Brenner and Jim Caufield, equally invested in the gift “Art in the Wild” brings to the residents of Dauphin County. As in most endeavors, it takes a village, and, in this case, perhaps a forest, which includes committee members Donna Curancy-Seltzer, Patricia Garcia, Moe Hickey, Carol Lopus, Michelle McKeown, Mara Shall and Olivia Susskind, who all do their part to make this annual event a success. Park Manager Chris Rebert nurtured the first seven years with a passion and love before handing the torch to Richelle Corty, the park’s environmental educator. Sending emails and making personal calls to all the entrants, she ensured participation and kept everyone up to date on all the changes as they occurred.

Part II: “Art in the Wild” Installations 2020

Nature and art are irrepressible forces as are the artists creating. As the seasons evolve, so does the landscape. You can almost hear the gentle hum that stops for a brief reverie, then begins anew.

“Art in the Wild,” like any other art event, relies on the artists to deliver the goods. What started out as the largest field of participants (20), dwindled to a smaller group (due to the pandemic) of committed environmental artists.

“Rings of Reflection” by Suzanne Pagel

Past winners truly stepped up to the challenge solely for arts sake. Two teams, Eve Gurbacki and Adrianne Zimmerman along with Beau and Jana MacGinnes, won back-to-back, first-place awards and have been at the vanguard since AITW’s inception.

Advancing this year’s theme of harmony, Gurbacki spread the visual field with crop circle totems to Mother Earth in her installation entitled “Kindred Spirits.” The MacGinnes team pushed an apocalyptic vision to new heights in “The Last Wave,” with a tsunami of a wave reaching towards the heavens, so powerful in its scope that it leaps the path to the other side. In fact, both use wide angles in promoting visual acuity as 20-20 comes into focus.

New to the mix, Suzanne Pagel created a triptych of transformation incorporating hanging ceramic disks using filament that gives the sense of being trapped in a spider web, capturing the very essence of art’s fragility in her piece, “Rings of Reflection.” “Ecospheric Tones,” created by Jill Lippert, is, on the surface, a sphere replete with pinecones camouflaging the wind chimes within.

“Ecospheric Tones” by Jill Lippert

In fairness to the other entrants, no more spoilers will be revealed as viewers need to experience the installations by walking the 3.1-mile trail. They say competition is good for the soul, and everyone likes to be recognized, but the core group of AITW winners over the past few years share a mutual admiration and appreciation for each others’ work. It embodies a sense of camaraderie more than competition. Perhaps a landscape leitmotif will run through the installations, offering individual takes on the chosen theme, “Woodland Harmony.” Jim Caufield, at last year’s awards ceremony, spoke to the level of involvement, citing the number of installations to date, which now tops 100 with this year’s offering. Mick Corman, film/video teacher at Capital Area School for the Arts, graciously videotaped the installations, as the students who previously did so were unable to this year.

By all accounts, there have been more visitors to the park since the pandemic began in March, which has resulted in greater public interest and awareness than ever before. Up close and personal is still the best way to view AITW while practicing social distancing. “Art in the Wild” has become an annual rite of spring, like the geese migrating back north, the sight of the first robin and the buds blooming on the trees. This time around promises art in nature from seasoned veterans and first-time entrants presenting a varied collection of installations for the public’s consideration, rendered refreshingly radiant. It speaks to this dedicated group. They have created monuments to nature out of fertile imaginations, from conceptualized theme to articulated achievement.

What could very well be the only new art event in the area for spring opens to the public on May 16 and runs through September’s end.

Nature Shapers: Fresh-air art refreshes the homebound at Wildwood Park.

April 30, 2020 | by Diane White McNaughton

Image from last year’s “Art in the Wild”

Here’s your perfect antidote to mind-numbing weeks of coronavirus-induced cabin fever.

It’s close by, it’s creative, and it’s outdoors. Gloriously outdoors, under golden sunlight and towering trees, straddling a glistening lake, rare birds that strut and soar, and an explosion of green lushness that is the essence of Dauphin County’s Wildwood Lake sanctuary.

For those who have spent untold hours trapped inside, obeying the governor’s statewide stay-at-home order, this open-air art exhibit is a welcome injection of natural beauty and artistic flair, combined with a simple, silent reminder to rejoice in simply being alive.

The seventh annual “Art in the Wild” exhibition is more welcome than ever, as it serves up 16 displays of human-created environmental art, woven into Mother Nature’s handiwork.

This year’s rendition may be a bit more scaled-back than in past years, and modifications may be made to protect public health and promote social distancing, but the green light is still on.

“We are on like Plan F,” said environmental educator Richelle Corty, explaining the many iterations of planning after the COVID-19 pandemic hit just as artists began creating their installations back in March.

Even though Wildwood’s Olewine Nature Center and park restrooms are currently closed, and all other Wildwood programming has been canceled through May 30, park trails are still open. And “Art in the Wild” has survived like a wildflower poking through the concrete.

Corty said that about half the exhibits this year are from first-time entrants and half are from returning artists. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place, and for “People’s Choice.”

“[The artists] really want to do this,” said Corty. “They don’t have awards and judges in mind. They like the feedback and use the positive feedback to improve, but a lot of them want to do it because it’s something they love to do.”

This year’s theme is “Woodland Harmony.”

Corty said many artists played upon the theme of musical harmony, using instrumentalism or a musical staff. Others interpreted it to mean peace among nature, utilizing different shapes representing unity and tolerance.

The natural lifecycle proved to be a popular direction for artists, such as the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly and the transition of tadpoles into frogs.

“At these times, people are drawn toward the peace they feel in nature,” Corty said. “The theme speaks to the present moment.”

Before the pandemic, “Art in the Wild” was looking forward to its largest year ever, featuring four area high schools and showcasing 20 installations. The art displays dovetail well with 3-D art classes offered in many high schools, Corty said. But with the governor’s school closure order, students lost access to their classrooms and their tools and could no longer participate.

Some artists couldn’t access their workspaces and ended up creating while under quarantine at home. One teacher, shut out from her school, found someone with a personal kiln for her ceramic pieces.

Many artists use durable natural materials, such as branches, in their work. Corty said. Wildwood has a remnant pile, which artists have free access to, along with anything fallen along the trails. Visitors are not allowed to take live animals and plants from the park, but artists are permitted to use fallen trees, logs and vines.

“I think it’s one of our programs that reaches the most people,” Corty said.

Usually, Wildwood offers a map of the exhibits along the 3.1-mile trail, but the brochure probably won’t be published until June to obey the governor’s guidance about touching shared surfaces.

May 11 is the final cut for installations. Tentatively, the exhibit will be unveiled on May 16.

The exhibit might be one of the few surviving outdoor art exhibits of the year in the area, Corty said. While “Media Day” and the “Meet the Artists” reception have fallen by the wayside, it is expected that installations will be outside through September.

Visitors drink it in. So do the artists.

“I love how ‘Art In The Wild’ allows artists to use their creativity in unique ways while providing our communities with great recreational alternatives,” one artist said.

“I think it’s going to really help lift people’s spirits to see all the artwork on display as usual,” added another. “Thank you for continuing to support our community!”

One participating artist regularly signs his emails, “For the Love of Art.”

That’s a passion that no voracious, single-stranded virus can vanquish.

“Art in the Wild” runs from mid-May to early autumn at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.wildwoodlake.org.

Bob’s Art Blog: Outsider Art

March 20, 2020 | by Bob MacGinnes

Along the Susquehanna River, nature makes its own art.

Life has changed dramatically for us all. Yet it is more important than ever to see beauty in the every day.

Often, adversity brings community closer. We are all in this together. Safety measures are self-evident. Take the necessary steps to stay healthy and hopeful.

The great outdoors is our best bet to capture beauty in its purely natural state. For now the arts community, like so many others, is in a holding pattern with no end date in sight.

There are a number of places close by to get exercise and view art in natural habitats surrounding us all. Nature walks can provide the perfect antidote to ennui, sequestered quarters and more. Nothing can lift our spirits like a beautiful sunrise or sunset or a walk through the woods.

A great starting point is Wildwood Park and the now in-progress eighth undertaking of “Art in the Wild.” Landscape artists began their new projects two weeks ago with the actually unveiling scheduled to take place on May 14. You can see and meet the artists now as they work to create installations for this year’s theme, “Woodland Harmony.”

An exhibit from a previous “Art in the Wild” at Wildwood Park

The view along the Susquehanna River is unsurpassed no matter the time of day or weather. It can afford a moment of peace and tranquility that stirs the soul. If the Uptown neighborhood is your go-to, then Italian Lake provides the perfect backdrop for a daylight trek. Walking trails and bike paths get you outdoors in the sun-soaked days of spring.

For a foray into an artistic endeavor this weekend, the Harrisburg Sketchers will be in action on Saturday at Soldiers Grove in back of the state Capitol building starting at 10 a.m., offering “Six Foot Outdoor Sketching.” The weather forecast is sunny for the weekend before rain arrives for the week ahead.

Italian Lake in Harrisburg

When you are out and about in your outdoor adventure, be sure to support your local businesses, restaurants and breweries for drive-by pickups and deliveries to your door. Community counts collectively. Friends and neighbors are the lifeblood of culture. Do your part whenever able.

Drink in the buds on the trees, the flowers pushing through the ground and listen to the song of the birds. They all bring great comfort in knowing there are brighter and better days ahead. There is no greater source for inspiration and hope than the canvas provided daily in the world around us. Especially in uncertain times, it gives us pause to count our blessings and to be able to partake in nature even if we are six-feet apart.

Bob’s Art Blog: The new “Roaring ’20s”

December 31, 2019 | by Bob MacGinnes

A sculpture by Charlie Feathers hangs on the wall of his Midtown home/studio, as does the painting below by Reina “R76” Wooden.

Sometimes, spur-of-the-moment get-togethers with like-minded people create magic. Collective conversations converge, creating sparks that carry over into the next day—or the next year.

For a couple of dozen creative types, that moment of magic coalesced on Monday night, the eve before the last day of 2019. It was fitting in many ways.

The scene was reminiscent of the art salons that were the place to be in Paris during the 1920s (isn’t that a coincidence?) when Gertrude Stein and partner Alice B. Toklas held court at their residence surrounded by literary figures (Hemingway and Fitzgerald) artists (Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse) and other legendary bright lights like Gerald and Sara Murphy of the French Riviera playground.

This group of expatriated Americans known as “The Lost Generation” (after the Great War ended) altered Paris forever, embracing the Jazz Age spirit. The ever-changing roster of artists actually invented the nuance of networking. The salons valued ideas and intellectualism over social strata as the mix of personalities hailed from all walks of life.

On Monday night, Harrisburg had its own version of this Roaring ’20s scene. In the heart of Midtown, artists “Bootleg” Charlie Feathers and Reina “R76” Wooden threw an art open house where many familiar local faces showed up to celebrate a reconstituted art salon and to gather together for an impromptu art show tour. Who better to appreciate art than artists and art lovers?

Among local luminaries present, portraitist painter Andrew Guth rubbed elbows with potter Vivian Sterste and photographer Jeb Boyd of Vivi on Verbeke. Bearded sculptor Chad Whitaker and friend Jess surveyed the offerings upstairs and down. “Art in the Wild” sculptor Beau MacGinnes (sounds familiar) and his model wife, Kaila, were there, as well as my beautiful wife and 3rd in the Burg photographer, Jana. In fact, Beau and Jana formed a landscaping lynchpin four years ago installing art exhibits at the annual Wildwood Park show.

Entrepreneurs and partners Zachary Nitzan and Tahirih Alia, owners of Modern Rugs on N. 3rd Street, were excited to see all the recent work that the collaboration of Charlie and Reina’s partnership has brought forth. By the sheer volume of energetic pieces across all mediums, that team effort has spurred a creatively combustible collection. From bootleg jewelry and adorned fashion pieces to wire-wrapped wall hangings, paintings, sculpture and more, the duo presented an outpouring that surpassed their previous groupings individually. When two artists encourage and challenge each other, magic happens.

Vivi and Jeb have shared a similar bond, as well as being a creative couple. Kirsten Moe, a long time arts patron and Harrisburg resident owning one of Charlie’s teapots, spoke to the object being more than functional, going beyond a teapot and becoming a tempest of a treasure. Last but certainly not least in the art world sphere was Lessa Helm, potter and catalyst behind the 3rd Street Studio, one of the founders of 3rd in the Burg, who was also revolutionary in bringing contemporary art to Harrisburg. As the evening continued, I even got to meet Lawrance Binda, co-publisher and editor-and-chief of TheBurg. It was our first opportunity to actually converse—my boss of sorts.

When you hear the phrase, “they phoned it in,” it usually references an actor’s performance. In my case, it’s my art blog. Instead, I just hit “send,” which I’m doing right now. Happy New Year!

Editor’s Note: You don’t need a party invitation to see Reina and Charlie’s works. Look for a new exhibit featuring the artists early in 2020 at the Art Association of Harrisburg.

The Painted Word: For spring, a trip to Carlisle, a loop around Wildwood.

March 29, 2019 | by Bob MacGinnes

Spring is its own reason for a road trip just 30 minutes away to view great art and visit a quaint boulevard.

Anyone looking for charm in historic Carlisle need look no further than Pomfret Street. At first glance, you may think it is perhaps a street in Georgetown or Colonial Williamsburg. Pomfret is one block, chock full of great restaurants, a teahouse, gift shops and one-of-a-kind stores.

The gem that anchors it all is the Carlisle Arts Learning Center (CALC). Art gallery and educational emporium rolled into one, CALC is located at 38 W. Pomfret St. in the old firehouse building. CALC truly stands out as a distinguished destination for all art lovers, no matter which side of the river they live on.

CALC recently celebrated 25 years of building community through the arts. Exhibits change bi-monthly under the creative vision of gallery Curator Cathy Stone and Executive Director Becky Richeson. CALC generates almost half its revenue with contributions, with grant funding providing the balance.

Upcoming events for spring start unfolding April 26, with a dual-artist show entitled “Imagery and Field.”

This exhibit features a contrast from Harrisburg-based artists Mary Hochendoner and Maaike Heitkonig in the lower gallery street level.

Hochendoner paints with detailed imagery that is juxtaposed with Heitkonig’s subtle, color fieldwork. Her dreamlike style is simultaneously symbolic and narrative, providing a pivotal point to Heitkonig’s works, which more engender spatial and emotional feelings.

Upstairs, the CALC collaborative will house “The Real Faces of Homelessness” from Carrie Breschi, a founding force of CALC and former gallery director. Mounted through 2-D and 3-D installations, Breschi’s works will explore the faces of homelessness and the community misconceptions that accompany this profound societal problem. Her work shines a spotlight on what too-often is an invisible population.

CALC’s far-reaching educational components include classes available to the public across all mediums of the fine arts. Summer art camps for children ages 5 to 15 start when school ends and run through the start of the new school year in August.

“S.E.E. Art Salon” is another program through CALC, featuring in-house art salons through lectures and field trips. Of interest on May 9 is a trip to the Glenstone art museum, located in Potomac, Md. The exhibit includes the works of Louise Bourgeoise and a guided tour of the monumental sculpture garden. This trip is free by carpool so RSVP by April 17 at 717-249-6973.

The acronym, CALC, represents the first four letters of “calculated.” It’s a destination you will want to make plans for in the near future. No risk involved.

Art in the Wild

By its very nature, spring is unpredictable. However, eventually, the birds return, the bunnies bound, and we humans come out of our winter hibernation.

To partake of the local offerings amid the beauty of seasonal change, a good place to start is in your own backyard—figuratively speaking.

For the seventh year since its inception in 2012, “Art in the Wild,” sponsored by Dauphin County Parks and Recreation and Friends of Wildwood, will unveil a group of art created with a love of nature.

By definition, “Art in the Wild” lends itself to its founding premise—that the art be formed by found objects within the framework of the park. Fallen limbs, gnarly grapevine, trustworthy trees and verdant moss abound for artists to cull and create their vision around a unifying theme.

Unveiled to the public on April 13, the installations are available for viewing through Oct. 31. The theme this year is “Playful,” perfect for inspiration after our long, cold winter.

Wildwood Park and “Art in the Wild” are environmental and cultural gems. Just traversing the six miles of trails amidst the park’s 229 acres, which includes 90 acres of wetlands, is a visual treat no matter the season. And the subtle changes the seasons bring to the installations are noteworthy in that nature alters the canvas to suit its will.

Perhaps the greatest insight for reflection is to catch “Art in the Wild” early in April, then again at the height of summer and again before its last breath at October’s end.
The Carlisle Arts Learning Center (CALC) is located at 38 W. Pomfret St., Carlisle. For more information, visit www.carlislearts.org.

Wildwood Park is located at 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.wildwoodlake.org.

“The Painted Word” will appear every few months to highlight a group of upcoming artistic exhibitions in central Pennsylvania.

September News Digest

September 29, 2017 | by Lawrance Binda and Lizzy Hardison

Madsen Named to Council

Dave Madsen is Harrisburg’s newest council member, as City Council last month appointed the Midtown resident to a four-month term.

Madsen takes the seat vacated by former Councilman Jeffrey Baltimore, who resigned in August.

Six city residents applied for the position, and City Council named four finalists: Madsen, Brian Ostella, Jennie Jenkins and Joshua Burkholder. In the end, Madsen, Ostella and Jenkins received nominations from council, which selected Madsen, a technician with the state Department of Revenue, by a 4-2 vote.

Also last month, the Democratic Committee of Dauphin County selected Madsen to appear on the November ballot as its nominee for a two-year council seat to fill the remainder of Baltimore’s term.

In that committee contest, Madsen narrowly bested city official Devan Drabik after Jenkins withdrew her name from contention and threw her support behind Madsen.

Civil War Museum Accord Reached

Harrisburg’s mayor and a city museum have put aside their contentious past in a deal that would give the museum ownership of its permanent collection.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse and board members of the National Civil War Museum last month outlined an agreement in which the city would sell the collection to the museum for $5.25 million and begin to charge the museum rent.

“My goal has always been to reach an agreement in the city’s best interest, and I believe this is in everyone’s best interest,” Papenfuse said.

After becoming mayor in 2014, Papenfuse strongly objected to deals reached under former Mayor Steve Reed that allowed the museum to display the city-owned artifacts at no cost and that charged the museum just $1 a year in rent for the city-owned building. The new agreement, which must be approved by City Council, addresses both those issues.

First, the city would sell the artifacts to the museum for $5.25 million. In turn, the city would put $1 million into a reserve fund to pay for capital improvements to the building, which the city would continue to own. The other $4 million would pay for improvements to Reservoir Park, where the museum is located.

Under the deal, the museum has five years to raise the $5.25 million to purchase about 25,000 artifacts. If it fails to raise the money within that time, the city would be allowed to sell 20 percent of the museum’s collection.

The agreement also outlines a graduated schedule for the payment of rent.

For the first five years, the museum would pay the city $45,000 per year in rent. However, no money would change hands, as the cumulative amount over that period almost equals the amount of money that the museum is owed by the city for unreimbursed building repair costs dating back to 2009.

“It took us a long time to be here, but I think we realize that this made a heck of a lot of sense for both (parties),” said Gene Barr, a museum board member.”

Harrisburg Finances Praised

State officials last month offered an optimistic forecast for Harrisburg’s 2017 finances, but the city’s ability to maintain a balanced budget through the end of the year remains uncertain.

Members of the city’s Act 47 team appeared before City Council to give a mid-year assessment of the current budget.

Praising the “exemplary” leadership of Mayor Eric Papenfuse and City Council, the team summarized the city’s 2017 finances through June and offered recommendations for the second half of the year.

While the team commended the city’s financial vigilance, Harrisburg will see some challenges looking into the second half of the year.

For example, the city doesn’t yet know if it can count on its annual payment from the state. In past years, the state has made a single, lump-sum payment to Harrisburg to cover the costs of supporting the state Capitol complex.

“Not getting $5 million from the state is a little concerning,” said Bruce Weber, city finance director. “Even though we may be in good financial position now, it’s tenuous.

Term Limits Proposed

Former Harrisburg Mayor Steve Reed served seven full terms, leaving financial devastation in his wake when he left office after 28 years.

City Council President Wanda Williams says she now wants to prevent a future mayor from staying in office too long, thus endangering the welfare of the city. So, she has introduced an ordinance that would limit future Harrisburg mayors to two terms.

“I don’t want that to happen again,” she said.

Mayor Eric Papenfuse said that, in general, he supports term limits for officeholders and might even consider them as part of a new Home Rule charter. However, he does not support this proposal because, he said, one branch of government cannot use term limits “to control” another.

In contrast, he said he might support a proposal that subjects all municipally elected officials to term limits. Williams said that she might go for that.

“If he wants to consider council members, that’s fine with me, too,” said Williams, who, with 12 years on council, is the longest-serving elected official in the city government.

Hamilton Health to Expand

A planned expansion at Hamilton Health Center in Allison Hill will increase pre-K access for children in that neighborhood, while also providing additional parking for the facility’s patients and employees.

Last month, Harrisburg City Council approved Hamilton Health’s application to add a new parking lot and a 25,000-squre-foot building to its facility on S. 17th Street. The building will house classrooms for Capital Area Head Start and another childcare facility.

Jo Pepper, executive director of Capital Area Head Start, said that the Hamilton Health expansion will allow her organization to direct more resources to its highest-need area, adding 80 slots starting next year.

“Every year, one of our biggest problems is finding safe, age-appropriate facility space in our areas of need,” Pepper said. “We’ve been looking for additional space in Allison Hill for five years now.”

Capital Area Head Start will occupy five classrooms in the new Hamilton Health building.

“We are a one-stop shop for families to access what they need,” said Jeanine Peterson, CEO of Hamilton Health. “Co-locating with Head Start eliminates a lot of the barriers that a lot of families have in ensuring that their kids get quality health care.”

New Office Building Planned

Downtown Harrisburg may soon get its first new office building in several years, as Harristown plans to clear and develop a narrow space off of Market Square.

Asbestos remediation work began last month on 21 S. 2nd Street, a small, three-story, dilapidated brick building that once housed the Coronet restaurant on the ground floor. Demolition will follow, said Brad Jones, president and CEO of Harristown Enterprises.

“This building was beyond repair,” Jones said. “Rehabilitation is always our preference when working on an old building, but, unfortunately, this former restaurant had severe water damage and asbestos and couldn’t be saved.”

Harristown hopes to construct a new, six-story office building next year, with retail or restaurant space on the first floor, once demolition is completed in February 2018. It expects to combine the space with a renovation of the historic SkarlotosZonarich building next door.

Home Sales Continue Rise

Area home sales resumed their upward trend in August, rising 4.4 percent year over year.

Sales totaled 989 units versus 947 in August 2016, while the median price rose to $184,900 against 169,900 the year earlier, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors.

In Dauphin County, 325 homes sold compared to 311 homes in the year-ago period, and the median price was $169,900 versus $157,500, GHAR said. In Cumberland County, sales increased by 10 to 346 units, and the median price rose to $204,950 compared to $178,450 in August 2016.

Perry County had sales of 36 homes, down by two units, while the median price decreased to $159,450 versus $162,250 a year ago.

GHAR covers all of Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry counties and parts of York, Lebanon and Juniata counties.

So Noted

Amanda Arbour last month was named the new executive director of the LGBT Center of Central PA. Arbour replaces Louie Marven, who served for more than five years in the post.

Beau MacGinnes, gallery curator for Zeroday Brewing Co., captured the first-place prize for “Windows of Perception,” his entry into Wildwood Park’s annual “Art in the Wild” competition. Eve Gurbacki and Adrianne Zimmerman took second place with “When Trees Dream,” and Sean Rafferty and Katlyn Goodyear won third for “Equus Cabullus.”

Boo-Boo’s Barbecue held its grand opening last month at 912 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. The new eatery, which features barbecued meats and homestyle sides, is owned by Litho “Boo Boo” Ware, a former city police officer.

Harrisburg Bike Share plans to launch this month with 10 city locations downtown, Midtown and on City Island. For a $25 annual fee, users will be able to use the bike-sharing service. For details, visit www.bike.zagster.com.

Meeka Fine Jewelry last month held a ribbon cutting at its location at 2135 Market St., Camp Hill. Owner Monika Kroll co-locates her studio in the renovated space, which features products from eight independent artisans.

Rep. Lou Barletta (R-11) last month announced that he would run for the U.S. Senate in 2018. Barletta, who is in his fourth term in the U.S. House of Representatives, would vie for the seat currently held by Sen. Robert Casey Jr.

Sam Jordan has been promoted to vice president, commercial banking, for S&T Bank. He previously served as assistant vice president, commercial banking.

Timothy Reardon last month announced his retirement as executive director of Tri-County Regional Planning Commission following a seven-year tenure in the position. The commission provides planning services and expertise for the greater Harrisburg area.

Zeroday Brewing Co. last month celebrated the grand opening of the Zeroday Outpost inside the stone building of the Broad Street Market in Harrisburg. To mark the occasion, a “community ribbon cutting” was held, with patrons cutting small pieces of ribbon.

Changing Hands

Adrian St., 2249: N. Townsend to T. Bui, $48,000

Berryhill St., 2338: M. Ortiz to PA Deals LLC, $30,000

Berryhill St., 2432: PA Deals LLC to E. Shelly, $63,500

Boas St., 421: B. Andreozzi to M. Berlin, $115,000

Boas St., 433: D. & D. Dreher to S. Rives, $120,000

Brookwood St., 2619: B. Sweger to J. Torres, $65,200

Buckthorn St., 223 & 225; 1208 Walnut St.; 1468 Zarker St.; 2144 N. 4^th St.; 1835 North St.: LMK Properties LLC to RT Propertiez LLC, $86,867

Calder St., 102: K. Goodling & K. Shepherd to C. Hommel, $164,900

Derry St., 2435: PA Deals LLC to J. Tucker, $64,000

Fulton St., 1408: J. Bancroft to K. Black, $109,900

Fulton St., 1413: A. Beasy to C. Wilson, $118,000

Herr St., 214: Leonard J. Dobson Family Limited Partnership to P. Dee, $58,000

Green St., 800: J. & S. Wesley to D. & C. Seltzer, $219,900

Green St., 922: M. Roan to S. Winkeljohn & D. Black, $184,900

Green St., 1201: Equity Trust Co. Gordon Trump IRA to D. & L. Butcher, $189,900

Green St., 1417: B. Williams to L. Santos & O. Labinjo, $173,000

Green St., 1926: W. O’Brien to M. Stier & D. Gottlieb, $210,000

Green St., 2014: H. & S. Johnson to R. & J. Tilley, $135,000

Green St., 2137: N. Morrison to T. Sangrey, $51,000

Green St., 2138: C. Ly to Round Rock Investments LLC, $87,000

Green St., 2340: E. & K. Woolever to J. Clmens, $184,000

Green St., 3240: J. Mueller to M. Sangrey, $115,000

Hamilton St., 232: T. Gagnolet & M. Barth to A. & M. Fretz, $165,000

Harris St., 238: D. Leaman to W. Davis & T. Helwig, $194,824

Harris Terr., 2483: H. Nguyen to HT Properties LLC, $35,000

Lenox St., 1910: M. & J. Bryant to RTD Properties and Management, $40,000

Lexington St., 2600: M. Sink to Harrisburg Properties LLC, $38,500

Logan St., 2000 & 2001 N. 3^rd St.: Otterbein Evangelical & Z. Haverstock to New Day Way of the Cross Church in Christ, $85,000

Logan St., 2246: Dobson Family Partnership to S. Powell, $42,294

Maclay St., 219: Kusic Capital Group LLC to Good Management LLC, $105,000

Mercer St., 2424: L. Barber to R. Murphy III, $50,000

Mercer St., 2455: MidFirst Bank to D. Pham, $32,500

Moore St., 2122 & 2122A: 3 Anvi LLC to Harrisburg Homes Investment LLC, $50,000

Nagle St., 120: J. Piglacampo to J. & D. Griffin, $168,500

Naudain St., 1522 & 1524: H. & C. Myers to ERD Small Property LLC, $40,000

N. 2^nd St., 1105: K. Brett to Hamr Second Street LLC, $112,000

N. 2^nd St., 1331: E. Benion to S. Mimm, $70,120

N. 2^nd St., 1714: R. & N. Walborn to Harrisburg Redevelopment Group LLC, $325,000

N. 2^nd St., 1909: PA Deals LLC to S. Jusufovic, $35,000

N. 2^nd St., 2527: S. & A. Andrus to GRSW Stewart Real Estate Trust, $193,500

N. 2^nd St., 3031: J. Ritchie to D. & M. Main, $96,000

N. 3^rd St., 1620: K. Reimer to J. Reimer, $90,000

N. 3^rd St., 2010: R. Blumenstein to N&R Group LLC, $31,000

N. 3^rd St., 2204: R. & M. Zeigler to P. Ford, $146,000

N. 4^th St., 1701: R. Steinmetz to S. Biray, $129,000

N. 4^th St., 1703: D. Hopkins to S. Bradley & R. Daman, $123,900

N. 5^th St., C. & M. Enoch and S. Pollard to S. Jawhar, $35,000

N. 6^th St., 1316: A. Kraft & B. Kephart to T. Jones, $92,000

N. 7^th St., 2612: Great Foods Inc. to V. Galasso, $50,000

N. 18^th St., 112: Bigfoot Properties to Amiracle4sure Inc., $52,500

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 208: I. Valeo to S. & L. Weitzman, $115,000

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 511: A. & C. Yastishock to S. Sulecki, $200,000

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 601: A. Prashar to J. Devine, $174,900

Penn St., 1706: W. & M. Fontana to C. Harris, $132,000

Race St., 612: C. Pinto to D. Amaguayo, $180,000

Rudy Rd., 2492: My Neighbor LLC to HT Properties LLC, $33,600

S. 2^nd St., 21: D. Bratic to South Second Associates LLC, $150,000

S. 17^th St., 209: K. Lawson to M. Khan, $60,000

S. 17^th St., 447: O. & Y. Han to C&P Property Management, Inc., $60,000

S. 28^th St., 726: R. McClure to P. & L. Brown, $35,000

S. 29^th St., 712: C. Kiscadden to M. Gill, $92,900

State St., 234: G. & L. Martin to Harrisburg Buildings & Grounds Co., $163,000

State St., 1508: 1508 State Street LLC to Harrisburg Homes Investment LLC, $40,000

Woodlawn St., 2511: T. Hoa to PA Double Deals LLC, $130,000

Harrisburg property sales for August 2017, greater than $30,000. Source: Dauphin County. Data is assumed to be accurate.

August News Digest

August 31, 2017 | by Lawrance Binda

Councilman Baltimore Resigns

Harrisburg City Councilman Jeffrey Baltimore resigned last month from Harrisburg’s seven-member City Council.

In his resignation letter, Baltimore said he made a “difficult” decision after “person reflection” and “deliberation with his family,” according to Joyce Davis, the city’s communications director. He further said that he was “proud” to have served with “a creative, talented, caring and enthusiastic team” on council, Davis stated.

Baltimore was appointed to his council seat in 2014 following the death of Councilwoman Eugenia Smith. The next year, he was elected to a four-year term.

Baltimore has chaired both the Public Safety Committee and the Community & Economic Development Committee.

“Councilman Baltimore was a great asset to Harrisburg City Council,” said Council President Wanda Williams. “He is very passionate about public service, community development and an outstanding role model to the youth of our city. On behalf of City Council, we wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

Council now must pick a replacement for Baltimore. Council members have begun accepting applications to fill the vacant seat. The person selected will serve until January, and an election for a two-year council term will take place in November.

Security Camera for Midtown

A wireless security camera will be coming soon to Harrisburg’s Midtown neighborhood, as a community group last month received a grant to extend the city’s video surveillance system.

Midtown Action Council (MAC) announced it received a $15,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to help fund the extension of Harrisburg’s wireless security infrastructure to N. 2^nd and Forster streets. Currently, the system’s downtown component ends at 2^nd and Pine streets.

“Safety is our No. 1 priority as a community group, and it’s on the mind of every resident in Harrisburg,” said MAC President Jonathan Hendrickson. “This grant will help us access the infrastructure we need to eventually place wireless security cameras in the neighborhood.”

Before the system can be installed, MAC must raise $4,120 in matching funds. However, the organization is confident it can secure the funding for deployment this fall, said Dan Fulton, MAC’s secretary/treasurer.

In 2013, Harrisburg began deployment of a wireless security infrastructure, including 10 cameras downtown, Uptown and on Allison Hill, which allow city police and Dauphin County to conduct real-time surveillance. The $425,000 system was funded by Dauphin County’s Crime Task Force.

In Midtown, the first wireless camera will be installed facing north on 2^nd Street, from the intersection with Forster Street.

Fulton said this project “sets the stage” for future wireless cameras to be installed strategically through Midtown.

“This is just a first step, but it’s arguably the most important step because it gives us a foundation to build on,” Fulton said.

Airbnb Confab

Proponents and opponents gathered last month in Harrisburg’s Government Center at a city-sponsored meeting on all things Airbnb.

Harrisburg officials hosted the gathering to hear from a select group of business owners, as to how—or if—the city should regulate the run-your-own hospitality service.

“We’re here tonight to take information from you, the current operators,” said Michael Hughes, Harrisburg’s tax and enforcement administrator.

Over 90 minutes, Hughes and other officials, including Fire Chief Brian Enterline, Planner Geoffrey Knight and Solicitor Neil Grover, heard arguments for and against so-called short-term rentals, which include Airbnb and other Internet-based room reservation services. The wide-ranging discussion included such issues as zoning, taxation and safety.

Dee Fegan, chair of the board of the PA Association of Bed & Breakfast Inns, was the first to speak up, objecting that Airbnb hosts do not currently pay the Dauphin County hotel tax or, in many cases, other taxes, such as sales and mercantile taxes, which apply to traditional B&Bs.

“I just want to point out that rules are already in place,” she said. “It’s just up to people to follow them.”

Ted Hanson, who owns a short-term rental on Boas Street, said that he long has leased out his two-bedroom Airbnb house, which is next door to his own home, on an annual basis, but now is just renting it in a different way. Besides, he said, he’s helping to stimulate the local economy.

“I feel like I’m doing a service for the city,” he said. “I send people to businesses all over Midtown.”

Following the meeting, Hughes said the city now needs to ponder what changes, if any, to make to laws and regulations to accommodate short-term rentals. He’d like any changes to take effect on Jan. 1.

“Airbnbs were never contemplated when the rules were passed,” Grover said. “Now, we have to answer the question—do those rules apply or not?”

Home Sales Flat

The region’s hot real estate market took a breather in July, with sales nearly flat compared to last year.

Residential sales totaled 936 units, two fewer than in July 2016, according to the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors. The median price rose to $180,000 from $175,500, GHAR said.

In Dauphin County, sales actually increased to 317 units in July versus 308 the year earlier, with the median price jumping to $164,900 compared to $155,900 in July 2016. Notably, average days on the market fell markedly to 44 days from 72.

Cumberland County sales decreased to 323 units versus 374, though the median price rose to $199,900 compared to $190,000 in the year-ago period. In Perry County, sales totaled 52 units, a rise from 34 units, with the median price falling to $164,000 versus $187,400 in July 2016.

GHAR covers all of Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry counties and parts of York, Lebanon and Juniata counties.

So Noted

BI Solutions has received the 2016 Admiral Stanley R. Arthur Award for Logistics Excellence for its work on behalf of the U.S. Navy. The Harrisburg-based company is the prime contractor of the LOGCELL project, which supports the P08A Poseidon, the Navy’s maritime, patrol and reconnaissance aircraft.

Harrisburg International Airport announced last month that it will receive a $10.9 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration. HIA said it will use the funds to rehabilitate the airport’s primary runway, prolonging the life of the pavement, replacing centerline lights, upgrading lead-on lights, reconfiguring the Surface Movement Guidance and Control System and upgrading runway surface monitoring equipment.

Mecum Auctions reported $20 million in sales last month from its fourth trip to the PA Farm Show Complex. The company said the highest bid came in at $415,000 for a 1970 Plymouth Hemi Superbird. More than 20,000 people, including spectators, bidders and consignors, attended the show.

Penwell Bowman + Curran LLC, a newly formed law firm, opened last month at 215 Pine St. in Harrisburg. Scott Penwell, Brandt Bowman and Matthew Curran are the founding partners of the firm, which specializes in business law.

PinnacleHealth plans to open a primary care doctor’s office inside Strawberry Square in downtown Harrisburg, according to the company. The 3,000-square-foot office, located next to Rite Aid, will have six exam rooms, a community/conference room, a patient check-in and waiting area, a laboratory area and several offices. It is expected to open in mid-November.

S&T Bancorp this month will complete the final stage of its acquisition of Integrity Bank. As of Sept. 5, all Integrity Bank branches will make the name change to S&T Bank.

Sara K. Weiser, PSECU financial education manager, was recently honored by Junior Achievement USA with a 2016-17 Bronze Leadership Award. This award recognizes people in the community who have demonstrated a sincere commitment to JA’s mission of inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy.

Visit Hershey & Harrisburg is the new name of the Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitor’s Bureau. The organization changed its name to offer better and more consistent brand identity, said President Mary Smith.

Wildwood Park is seeking applications for its 2018 “Art In The Wild” environmental art exhibit, with the theme of “Natural Abstraction.” Most of the materials used for the installation should be natural. Exhibit applications and information can be found at wildwoodlake.org.

Changing Hands

Barkley Lane, 2505: E. & I. Gonzales to Y. White, $71,000

Berryhill St., 1944: G. Domon to E. Cruz, $72,900

Berryhill St., 2334: S. Kemble to W., J. & J. Morrow, $35,000

Caledonia St., 1921: M. Schreck to Cardinal Investments LLC, $32,000

Conoy St., 108: P. Marks to D. Noll, $114,000

Cumberland St., 272: M. Walsh to B. Hall & K. Humen, $128,000

Derry St., 2426: S. Rimal to P. & C. Ambrose, $38,000

Edgewood Rd., 2301: D. Butler to New Holland Enterprise Management LP, $144,000

Ellersie St., 2350: B. Fuhrman to PA Double Deals LLC, $44,000

Elm St., 1707, 1709 & 1711; and 1706 & 1708 Walnut St.: I. Cox to Q. Webster & N. Brunner, $45,000

Emerald St., 248: M. Chapman to C., A. K. & K. Thompson, $80,000

Forster St., 216: Thomas Mark Mustio Trust to F. Farry & K. Erway, $115,900

Green St., 1730: A.J. Fedore and Co. Inc. to T. Zingman, $199,000

Green St., 1816: G. Brown to D. Leaman, $92,500

Green St., 1938 & 1940: I. Brea & O. Sanchez to D. & C. Varno, $212,000

Green St., 2011: M. & E. Hunter to E. & S. Orndorff, $225,000

Green St., 2022: Cartus Financial Corp. to M. Crider, $224,000

Green St., 2152: Kusic Financial Services LLC to J. Barker, $54,308

Green St., 2438: Federal National Mortgage Assoc. to R. Diggs Jr., $60,500

Harris St., 240 & 242: David Kaminski IRA to Heinly Homes LLC, $215,000

James St., 1315: W. Cropper to J. Brinks & C. Wise, $40,000

Kelker St., 425: Wells Fargo Bank NA to D. & K. Steiner, $95,000

Maclay St., 330: A. Clay to Keystone Properties Group LLC, $35,000

Mercer St., 2430: M. Janos to PA Deals LLC, $40,000

Midland Rd., 2316: J. & S. Kalnasy to S. Agyeman, $280,000

Muench St., 276: K. Lannon to S. Garraty, $122,000

N. 2^nd St., 607: Bricker Boys Partnership to DelPenn Partners LLC, $335,000

N. 2^nd St., 2241: D. Kray to K. Shubert & L. Christopher, $165,000

N. 2^nd St., 2345: L. Whitcomb & M. Quinn to L. Vaughan & M. Henry, $193,000

N. 2^nd St., 2410: C. Bennet to M. Sheaffer, $167,000

N. 2^nd St., 2534: J. Erb to M. Tuck, $149,900

N. 3^rd St., 1308 & 1310; 1313 & 1315 Green St.; and 1318 Susquehanna St.: P. & M. Navarro to James Family Holdings, $415,000

N. 3^rd St., 1615: Joshua Group to Heinly Homes LLC, $75,000

N. 3^rd St., 1623½: G. Neff & J. Shopf to Heinly Homes LLC, $75,000

N. 3^rd St., 1625: Gary Neff Inc. to Heinly Homes LLC, $75,000

N. 3^rd St., 2116: Katamin Properties LP to N&R Group LLC, $47,500

N. 4^th St., 1644: 1515 Associates to Z. & L. Engle, $57,500

N. 4^th St., 2452: V. Burkholtz & D. Cooper to Lifeline 1 LLC, $47,000

N. 5^th St., 1702A: V. Dincher to S. Kent, $82,000

N. 6^th St., 3001: R. Vogel to B. Yanez, $75,000

N. 7^th St., 2632: P. Chacon to T. Krone, $62,000

N. 18^th St., 714: C. Frey to E. Sanchez & R. Hidalgo, $36,900

N. Cameron St., 1914: J. Pagliaro to E. Maher, $98,500

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 212: T. Grumbine to D. Taylor, $142,000

N. Front St., 1525, Unit 213: L. Mundy to B. Esworthy, $85,000

Penn St., 1928: LSF9 Master Participation Trust to S. Burgin, $125,000

Race St., 554: N. Batholomaei to T. Corl, $125,000

Reily St., 210: P. & H. Jackson to J. Manzella, $103,000

Rudy Rd., 2017: A. Meppurathu to A. Saldana, $177,900

Rudy Rd., 2307: C. & E. Kerns to J. & K. Klein, $162,000

South St., 110: E. Comp to M. O’Neill, $110,000

S. 13^th St., 445: RWM Properties LLC to H. Yap, $59,900

S. 13^th St., 30; and 401 & 403 S. 14^th St.: San Pef Inc. to Round Rock Investments LLC, $226,000

S. 18^th St., 1304: S. Lee to H. Noh, $120,000

S. 19^th St., 1215: F. & B. Matjasic to C. Turner, $102,300

S. Front St., 573: T. & C. Hinkson to B. & K. Crews, $144,900

S. Front St., 577: E. Taylor to M. Kuhns, $139,900

S. Front St., 633: T. Imswiler & H. Jones to S. & P. Benjestorf, $90,000

S. Front St., 635: T. Imswiler & H. Jones to S. & P. Benjestorf, $90,000

S. Front St., 705½: J. Foreman to J. & A. Juratovic, $125,000

Susquehanna St., 1610: S. Uhrinek to D. Lawyer & S. Flagle, $156,000

Susquehanna St., 1839: J. Cremo to S. Conover, $104,000

Tuscarora St., 104: J. Jones to S. Muniz, $189,900

Author: Lawrance Binda

Natural Selections: Unearthing the creative process behind “Art in the Wild.”

April 28, 2017 | by Gina Napoli

Eve Gurbacki & Adrianne Zimmerman,When Trees Dream

You already may be familiar with “Art in the Wild.”

The annual outdoor exhibit, now in its fifth year, showcases art installations integrated within the rustic, leafy surroundings—the trees, grasses and wetlands—of Wildwood Park’s 3.1-mile loop.

But have you ever wondered who makes these unique artworks—and how they go about their creative regimen?

I did. So, I went to find out.

Positive Things

I could not have truly understood Ray Curanzy’s style without first visiting his creative space.

His third-generation family farm, in rural Lebanon County, surrounds the main road and features an 1800s-era stone house and mature trees that his grandparents planted. As he names each individual tree—persimmon, paw-paw, magnolia, Persian walnut—I become aware of how different each looks.

A woodworker by trade who goes by the online moniker, “Merry Woodsman,” Curanzy feels rooted in his family’s orchard.

“I draw my energy from this farm,” he said. “It’s much bigger than I am. This space is so humbling, so full of my grandparents’ influence.”

The barn overflows with treasures he’s accumulated from nature walks and other places he’s lived. In addition to the sawdust, tools and wood scraps I expected to find in this barn-turned-woodshop, I saw antique doll parts, X-rays from the 1950s and a collection of wasp nests I hoped were dormant.

“I’ll use these in my creations some day,” he said. “I stop collecting treasures when my pockets are full.”

On uneven ground outside the barn, sprawling across multiple sawhorses, I saw a sculpture-in-progress for “Art in the Wild.” I guessed that the bowed wood resembled fancy arches, but I guessed wrong. I had stumbled into him shaping and positioning a large octopus tentacle.

“I wanted to represent the transition of man fearing-to-revering sea monsters in symbolizing dangerous, uncharted waters,” he said. “Octopuses have a level of intelligence that inspired me.”

Curanzy’s exhibit spot is in the water, along the towpath of Wildwood.

“I wanted to lend credence to the image of a squid coming out of the water to accentuate the space,” he said.

The attention-grabber will be a wooden figure, maybe a “bird-person,” he speculated, as he still extemporaneously interacted with his art.

“Think circus ringleader, where the figure is directing the guests’ attention towards the tentacle—the main attraction,” he said.

Unlike many woodworkers who try to create flawless pieces, Curanzy fashions most of his process around imperfection and spontaneity.

“Why not start off with curved wood instead of straight boards?” he said. “We miss all sorts of opportunities during our misguided search for perfection.”

Part of Curanzy’s artistic contribution was his accidental collaboration with fellow Wildwood artists Eve Gurbacki and Annie Zimmerman. He gave them disks from his farm and helped with their installation.

“It cost me nothing to help them, and I knew I would be part of something bigger—positive exposure for the park,” he said. “Good interactions lead to positive things.”

Gurbacki has professionally collaborated with Zimmerman for more than a decade.

“Annie and I are classically trained in fine art, making [Curanzy’s] creative process different from ours,” she said.

Despite different approaches, Curanzy inspired them to expand their art space on both sides of the path to make it more three-dimensional, she said.

When I met these two artists at the Nature Center at Wildwood, they had everything ready to go: their slide presentation, sketches, material samples and a ride to the exact site. Something about their organized partnership—the click between them—was palpable.

“When we research and write our proposal, we think about what theme we want to convey,” Gurbacki said. “A lot of people come to Wildwood Park to look at birds.”

I spied her bird necklace.

Both this year and last year, birds have played a role in their art. Their 2016 exhibit featured birds on wood discs with blue dye. They resembled geodes, or crystalline formations, hanging from the trees. They made their cyanotypes—bluish images—using a process involving mixed chemicals, cold water and sunlight.

The pair’s 2017 exhibit, “When Trees Dream,” features more cyanotypes—white birds against blue sky in different stages of flight.

“It will be a canopy over the path,” Zimmerman said.

They create together mostly virtually, sharing ideas and solving problems. They play with materials to decide the best way to install their pieces and how to maintain them. Elements of their professional art training surface in their plans: sketches, photographs, dyes and bright pops of color.

I followed them to their exhibit site. In selecting the site, they had to consider “how to incorporate our work in visual harmony and compositionally within the natural space,” Gurbacki said. “Then we consider the practical things, like material durability, season changes, foliage coverage during each season, sun bleaching, weather damage.”

Zimmerman added that they think through motion and the movement of the pieces.

“How the wind will swivel and sway them, and how we can transition natural objects,” she said.

Their methodical approach to creating art has turned them into engineers by necessity. At the same time, the space flows and speaks to them while they use trial and error.

I watched their recycled bedsheets unfurl across the width of the path, clouds and birds outlined in denim blue. I imagined them hoisting the sheets using pulleys, components weaving through the trees, people transitioning underneath the azure canopies to absorb the art.

“Art in the Wild” runs through October at Wildwood Park, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg. The park is open every day from dawn until dusk. For more information, visit www.wildwoodlake.org.

Author: Gina Napoli

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