Like the ebb and flow of the Susquehanna River, caused by weather and seasonal change, the art in Harrisburg’s annual Gallery Walk, as well as the event itself, often reflects the changing times in the city.
When the Art Association of Harrisburg conducted the first walk 24 years ago, there were 15 galleries participating. The number has fluctuated over time, only a few years ago it reached as high as 31 galleries. This year, there are 19.
“This has been the way it’s always been, some come and some go,” said Carrie Wissler-Thomas, president of the Art Association.
Economic headwinds and last year’s flood, which postponed the event for the first time in its history, have taken a toll on gallery owners. The latest, Hodge Podgery, a Midtown shop that was to feature its artists’ Funky Fiber Art, recently closed its doors.
Yet, for a few galleries that have closed, “there are a few new ones that have opened,” Wissler-Thomas said. “It’s a treat for me, and gratifying, to hear the galleries talk each year about who they will be featuring.”
This year’s Gallery Walk – patrons can walk, drive or hire a bike taxi to visit the galleries scattered across the city – is Sept. 9. Patrons can fine plein air artists at their easels in the gardens at the Governor’s Residence and the hit-and-run street band, No Last Call, appearing at any given corner, performing a variety of tunes.
“We’re mostly playing rock covers and funk,” said Ted Reese, a trumpeter who works for the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra. “We’ll probably have between 15 and 20 people playing.”
It’s a pleasant way to spend a Sunday afternoon, and has drawn people from as far as Allentown, State College, Reading and York. The walk begins at the Art Association, but patrons can choose whichever galleries they want to visit.
One of the galleries is the lobby, designed to exhibit art, at Penn National Insurance on Market Square. It will feature oil paintings by Hershey’s John Davis. Another is Historic Harrisburg Resource Centre, 1230 N. 3rd St., featuring art and architecture.
At the State Museum, 300 North St., patrons have a last chance to view the annual “Art of the State” exhibition before it closes. A tour by select featured artists is scheduled at 2 p.m. that afternoon.
The farthest gallery is Mitrani at Home, just north of the city at 3535 Walnut St., where local, national and international artists’ renderings of their favorite animals are featured. Proceeds from sales of pet toys and furniture benefit the Humane Society of Central PA.
The Art Association, 21 N. Front St., premiers its fall membership exhibition, “Out of the Blue,” following last year’s color-themed exhibit, “Red Hot.” The Melina Blackwell Acoustic Duo will provide music, including some blues, all day.
“We’re sort of on a color kick,” Wissler-Thomas said.
Patrons to Gallery Walk will see exhibited art and photography by hundreds of artists as they step into each gallery. The event is free, designed more to promote artists’ works than make sales, although art is for sale, Wissler-Thomas said.
“It’s just a way to get people to realize how much art there is,” she said.
The 24th Annual Harrisburg Gallery Walk is 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 9. The event is free. For more information, visit www.artassocofhbg.com/GalleryWalk or call 717-236-1432.
