ModernRugs

The flowers of May are not the only things blooming in the Burg this spring. The cultural mainstay for over a decade that focuses on the flavors of the local art scene, restaurants, breweries, bistros and night spots that takes place the third Friday evening of the month has truly come of age.

A few years ago, post-pandemic business participation had dropped to under 20 for this monthly celebration. Now in 2024, there are just shy of 40 3rd in the Burg venues, with 38 being the magic number this month. The group is amazingly diverse and eclectically energized with many choices operating from at least 5 to 8 p.m. and later, especially the restaurants and bars. As the weather warms toward summer, those hours may be extended further as Memorial Day is just two weeks away.  

Over the five years I have covered the art scene in Harrisburg, the event has grown by leaps and bounds, showing no signs of slowing down. More and more businesses want to grab their share of the festivities where friends can go to view art, eat, drink and converse. That last one may be the best one of all. A unique opportunity just to be and to hang out with friends or meet new ones consistently provides an extra incentive.

If necessity is the mother of invention and thinking outside the box breaks from convention, then please turn all your attention to the wide range of participants for 3rd in the Burg adventures. With over a dozen participating restaurants, bistros, pubs and lounges to choose from, there is something for all interests and tastes. So, what do a church (Pine Street Presbyterian), library (McCormick Riverfront) and wellness boutique (CR Blooms) have in common? They all show art to varying degrees and art comes in many varieties. Or how about a clothing boutique (Nyianga Store) and vintage stores sharing a passion for fashion (Found Collab, The Rummagers) open late for browsing and “pal-sing” around. Try the LGBT Center at its new location at 1323 N. Front St. or SoMa’s pop-up at 31 S. 3rd St. and say “hi” to Sara Bozich.

In an effort to not overstate the obvious, art galleries take on a novel approach. Choose from a half dozen, starting with the Gallery at 2nd, Susquehanna Art Museum, the Art Association of Harrisburg, Robinson’s Fine Prints at the Midtown Scholar Bookstore, Vivi on Verbeke, Millworks studios, La Cultura’s art pop-ups, Nyeusi Gallery and lastly the brand new Ten Oh! Six Gallery. Be sure to wish its gallery owner, Julia Mallory, which rhymes with gallery, a Happy Birthday on Friday. So put the phones away, grab a friend or go solo, who knows what lies in store? Throw caution to the wind, especially with spring in the air! 

3rd in the Burg’s Hot Ticket for May 

There’s a lot of buzz about ModernRugs’ newly expanded space next to their rug emporium showroom. It is no small wonder as ModernRugs is “where art and rugs come together.” If masks could talk, the stories they would tell are part of the “I’m Fine.” closing celebration, which wraps up in grand style in the new space at 1408 N. 3rd St. this Friday evening. “I’m Fine.” project directors Carrie Breschi and Maureen Joyce are over the moon as the exhibition at Susquehanna Art Museum (SAM) may very well be the art show of the year. It showcases close to 1,200 masks in the SAM Gallery, starting in mid-February, and runs for five more days. Alice Anne Schwab, SAM’S executive director, and the “I’m Fine.” team felt the energy of ModernRugs owner Zachary Nitzan’s vision space is a perfect fit for the after party at SAM and ModernRugs. You can catch the “I’m Fine.” ladies at SAM from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. before the party travels across the street from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at ModernRugs. With live music and refreshments, they promise not to pull the rug out from under you. Wear some green this Friday as it is the color for Mental Health Month in May. The color represents renewal, hope and vitality, so show your support.  

Nitzan revealed a sneak peek at the next project underway by the end of this month. “The Garden” at ModernRugs will provide a Zen-like atmosphere, an art haven if you will, perfect for meditation and outdoor events for music, performance art, dance, poetry readings and the list goes on. Picture lush plants creating a tropical paradise conducive to esoteric thoughts and lofty ideals. The overarching goal is to have a summer grand opening perhaps as early as the solstice in late June, linking the new open space and ModernRug’s buildings together as one grand design. Nitzan shared his dream is, “to create a place of community and acceptance where the entire neighborhood of Midtown and beyond feels welcome and in touch with art and the magic it holds.”