Tag Archives: Beau MacGinnes

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: 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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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: Art Party Must Go On

February 21, 2021 | by Bob MacGinnes

Chad Whitaker’s soft sculptures

By their very nature, parties are a celebration and validation of life, friends and the very things that matter most in life—relationships. Man is a social animal, and what are we if we do not have friends?

There was no shortage of those on Friday night at the Civic Club of Harrisburg for a “Winter Art Party” celebrating diversity through art, hosted by Reina Wooden, “R76.”

February’s 3rd in the Burg special event left those in attendance with an “art afterglow.” Basking in the presence of many varied artists, all sharing a positive take on their respective mediums, allowed for a night apart from other 3^rd in the Burgs. It provided the opportunity for collective creatives, mixed in with the night’s guests, to “network and nosh” on some great barbecue by Queen’s BBQ and Southern Cuisine.

Beyond the artists were musicians Ari De Leo, featuring Winter Parks on the upstairs ballroom stage, lighting it up and sharing space with Chad Whitaker’s soft sculptures. A covey of creativity commingled en masse (as much as safety protocols allowed) in the spacious ballroom upstairs, maneuvering six feet apart. Judging by the turnout, dance cards were filled and egos checked at the door accordingly, as partygoers were thrilled to have an art event to attend.

Hostess Wooden and consort Charlie Feathers were over the moon by visitors coming and going all night long and are looking to do more art pop-ups throughout the year. In light of Mother Nature leaving frigid temperatures and some snow on the ground, the elements did not deter the hearty and the brave. The show itself, billed by an art blogger called Bob, name-dropped the artists as the “Maestros of Midtown.” In addition to the host, the Fab Fourteen are comprised of Shawn Maykovich who groomed the grapevine while Nora Carreras and Jonathan Frazier added to the downstairs decor with paintings potent and punctilious. Meanwhile, upstairs, artists Grace Robinson, Beau MacGinnes, Zack Rudy and Garrick Dorsett as a set (pictured), Larry Washington, Jr., Ghost Bae, Jelani Splawn, Claudie Kenion and Bethany Nicholle shared the spotlight.

It was a night to see and be seen. From politicos to gallery owners, the crowd was rabid to meet the artists. The vibe was contagious, and, by all reports, the evening a huge success. So much so that a second chance opening today, Sunday, Feb. 21 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., grants the art-going public another opportunity to meet most of the artists, view the art up close and even purchase. From a one night only to a one day more.

The evening was capped off by Mike Sutherland shooting the scene for posterity. Think of Friday’s party as electric and today’s encore as an acoustic set, stripped down and mellow, easy like a Sunday.

The Winter Art Party continues today, Sunday, Feb. 21, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the Civic Club of Harrisburg, 612 N. Front St., Harrisburg.

Photos by Beau MacGinnes

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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.

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.

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.

Art & Stroll: At Wildwood Park, the beauty is all natural.

April 30, 2018 | by Gina Napoli

Mash-up might be a newish word, but it’s certainly not a new idea—fusing together two or more unrelated items or concepts, then something inspiring springs from the mix.

“Art in the Wild” is Harrisburg’s mash-up of an art gallery, a student film project, a contest and a hike.

From now through October, you can walk the 3.1-mile trail encircling Wildwood Park’s 229 acres and wetlands to see unique expressions from area outdoor artists. The theme for the sixth annual contest, “Natural Abstraction,” lends itself to creative interpretations through 17 works, all composed of natural, native elements like logs, vines, branches and herbaceous materials.

According to committee Chair Elizabeth Johnson, you will find entries from both talented individuals and groups—first-timers and seasoned outdoor artists.

Veteran contributor Beau MacGinnes designed his sculpture this year with the goal of showing the beauty of the world around us.

“I like to only use things found in nature,” he said. “The past two years that I won first place, I incorporated dead or fallen sticks and branches. In past years, I’ve transplanted moss from other locations to my site.”

For MacGinnes, season changes also hold appeal. In April, the canvass is colorless from winter. Then a little magic happens.

“Spring and summer fill the pieces with lush greens and other colors,” he said. “Each art piece shapes around its background, growing into the environment.”

Brook Lauer, first-place winner in 2013, said that her entry plays upon interactivity with natural surroundings. Her sculpture, “Natural Connections,” is a simulation of heart and brain neurons using vines and sticks united with rainbow-colored yarn, symbolizing biological links.

To further connect the public with her piece, visitors can write a word or phrase of gratitude on a nearby rock and place it in a heart-shaped basket.

“[It shows] the “importance of our human experience and its connection to our natural environments,” she said. “How we need each other to survive.”

Main Driver
“Art in the Wild” also has a community component, with participation by students at the Capital Area School for the Arts. This year, 16 students in the film and video program shot a video, designed for those who cannot walk the trail themselves.

CASA teacher Mick Corman said he enjoys this project for its fast-paced, documentary-style filming. The video features how some pieces in the exhibit were created, along with artist interviews.

“It gives [students] the ability to film artwork outside the usual gallery setting,” he said. “Students have been happy with the resulting video and to work on a great project.”

The exhibit also inspired a Dickinson College “art and sustainability” class, which submitted an entry as a class project.

Well Received
To encourage and reward artists, “Art in the Wild” is a juried exhibit, featuring a prominent outdoor artist as judge. This year, it’s Roy Staab, a Wisconsin-based artist who has mounted sculptures throughout the world, including along the Hudson River, in New York’s Central Park and in Finland.

“It is important that this exhibition is well received in Harrisburg,” Staab said.

In judging the pieces, his criteria are materials and how they are used, how well the exhibit is crafted, siting, originality and creativity, he said. A first-place prize of $600, a second-place prize of $400 and a third-place prize of $200 will be awarded.

An extra layer of community voting offers more chances for honors and prizes. So, when you’re walking around the loop, be sure to cast your ballot for the People’s Choice Awards, which will be announced at the “Celebrate Wildwood” event on Sept. 23. Winners will receive monetary awards and a year’s membership with Friends of Wildwood.

Over the years, “Art in the Wild” has become one of the main drivers for visitors to Wildwood Park. Park, said Manager Chris Rebert. He cited a record attendance in 2017 of more than 100,000 visitors—a 40 percent increase from six years ago.

“I believe ‘Art in the Wild’ pushes people to get out and exercise and see beautiful sculptures while doing so,” MacGinnes said. “I really hope to see more parks adopt similar ideas.”

“Art in the Wild” runs through October at Wildwood Park, Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.wildwoodlake.org.

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.

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