Tag Archives: Carrie Wissler-Thomas

Bob’s Art Blog: Pop Goes the Easel

May 17, 2021 | by Bob MacGinnes

Art pop-ups may well become the go to venues for featuring “of the moment art” that is here today and literally gone tomorrow. Promoting a capsulized version of an art fair into a one-day format, with a ticking expiration, brings urgency to the foreground.

Proving to be old hands at this, Charlie Feathers and Reina Wooden return to create a seasonal symphony at the Civic Club of Harrisburg for a May gala in the garden, as well as occupying The Overlook mansion for an afternoon tea party of art. Based on their two-day event at the Civic Club back in February, the couple felt it was the perfect time to reunite artists and art lovers for a spring fling, “Art of the Susquehanna.” The impetus behind the art pop-up is to showcase emerging artists creating diversity through art. There is no better place to do so than the spacious Civic Club and its sprawling grounds. With the backdrop of the rolling Susquehanna River, an outdoor party is perfect for the season even if the weather should turn playful. A veranda and porch will provide shelter just in case. Feel free to carry a parasol to stroll the grounds for that fashionable “Sunday in the Park with George” persona. And that Sunday is May 23, just days from now.

A painting by Ruby Doub

It’s always hard to top the one before, as in the Civic Club’s two-day event for February’s fete, but this edition does just that, as it is taking on the hoopla of a Hollywood movie production. The “Usual Suspects” will be there, of course, with only one missing—Keyser Soze—no surprise there. As before, the “Maestros of Midtown” will be there from the first show, plus a star-studded cast of new faces. From artists to musicians to poets to BBQ, it promises a day to remember. So come out and take part.

With any luck at all, mixed-media artist Nora Carreras will be tickling the ivories at the baby grand downstairs, vying for playing time with musical magician, Jonathan Frazier. Next to them are two of my personal favorites, my beautiful wife Jana and our granddaughter, “La Petite,” selling handmade soaps while the little one promotes her one-of-a-kind clay bead bracelets from kid to adult sizes. You better buckle in for a wild ride as the Huckle Buckle Boys, Zack Rudy and Garrick Dorsett, will be in high gear with their outsider art. Bethany Nicholle’s, abstract paintings are just one of her many offerings that include tongue-in-chic masks, buttons and magnets, et al. Larry Washington Jr. (aka Larry Lenzz) rejoins the “Maestros” with photographic panache of sights from around the city. Ghost Bae haunts the grounds with “art plus” beyond her tattoo prowess. Jelani Splawn, aka Jelly the photographer and man about town, always has his camera at the ready. Claudie Kenion’s Black Lives Matter will be spreading the word through his venture featuring masks and gear in his effort to Unite Central PA. Chad Whitaker’s art could make for a soft landing with his sculptures, puffy and playful. Charlie Feathers always brings surprises to the party and loves to catch the community off guard and avant-garde. Grace Robinson makes a plea to color.ur.soul with her passionate paintings poetically placed.

A work by Darius Davis

New faces joining the scene are Jeannine Marie with her fashion round up known as Savagehabitexchange.com, with uniquely upcycled wares. Darius Davis, acrylic artist and entrepreneur, will be certain to make a splash. Steve Zerbe is known for pen and ink and adds acrylics in his art, too. Brad Maurer, featured as TheBurg’s “Artist of the Month” in April, works wonders within illustrative insect entomology cartoons. Quincy Yates gets tie-dyed up with clothing for kids (Shopkidsinc.com), while Jamie Earl hawks custom buttons and pins under Keystonebuttoneer.com. The rose between two thorns, Ruby Doub, “sticks” to Keegan Beinhower and Donny Lyons as this trio artistically dabbles in acrylic paints among their other interests. Individually, acrylic is their go-to medium that rounds out and rounds up the Maestros of Midtown to a full roster of 24.

Tie-dye by Quincy Yates

Spinning vinyl will be an import from Carlisle, D.J. Joe George, while Ace Rhoad will be “grilling for chilling” with Smoking Aces BBQ, “where every day is a tailgate.” In fact, Ace will have that food truck card up his sleeve. They wouldn’t be called “the Maestros” without musical components, performances and artists. JAH the G.O.D is taking the stage, sharing a personal journey. In addition, Jonathan Frazier will be romancing art-goers at the piano indoors while, in the garden, violinist and trumpeter, Morgan Hackett, provides the sounds for the season. After sounding reveille, I am hoping for a rendition on the violin of “Moon River,” perfect for the backdrop of spring on the Susquehanna. Troubadours Cherry Springs and Winter Parks will be showcasing their musical talents, as well. Even Maria James-Thiaw, creative writing program coordinator for Capital Area School of the Arts, will be sharing her poetry. She knows art, too, as the CEO of the Reclaim Artist Collective.

Art by Donny Lyons

Again, no better venue for this one-day only special event Sunday, May 23, from 1 to 5 p.m., than the Civic Club of Harrisburg. A big thank you to the president of the oldest civic organization operating in Harrisburg, Marybeth Lehtimaki. And a round of applause to hostess, Reina Wooden (R76), for an art party like no other, perhaps the one of the spring season. No expense was spared in creating this Hollywood opus of a production that exceeds expectations on all levels. The event is free, with masks and social distancing mandatory.

This art blog comes to you special delivery as today I turn 70, which is the new 35. We are returning from art heaven in Asheville, N.C., full of inspiration and ideas. See you on Sunday at the Civic Club with a surprise (no, not a cake).

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3rd in the Burg Events: A “Free for All” at the Art Association (opening May 21)

Growing up as a kid in the ‘50s, when I heard the phrase “free for all,” it was code for anything goes, meaning all bets were off. One can only imagine what ensued…the gamut from brouhaha to brawl and anything in between. Better head for the hills! Or better yet, to…the Art Association of Harrisburg for their latest show, opening this Friday for 3rd in the Burg. This 3rd annual “Free For All” is a more well-mannered affair. After all, it is being held at the AAH. The only pugilistic posture, perhaps poised precipitously, portrays paintings packed peerlessly palatable. Where is Peter Piper when you need him? Perhaps you’ll find him perusing paintings patiently at 21 N. Front St., home of the AAH.

An image from “Free for All”

Prized juror and former art instructor at this venerable institution, artist Maaike Heithonig-Hickok, has a field of entrants to preside over, from members and students alike for this open show of artists. It allows for one work from each person in the juried venue. CEO Carrie Wissler-Thomas and curator Rachel O’Connor shared that this annual event is back by popular demand—and who is to argue that? Any discussion could very well lead to a free for all. So, come out and join this free for all at the AAH for 3rd in the Burg or anytime over the next seven weeks, as the exhibit runs through July 8. An appreciative note to gallery assistant Nate Foster for sending a photo preview of this upcoming show.

The Susquehanna Art Museum

The SAM at the Marty welcomes Midtown Property Management to the neighborhood in opening their courtyard as part of its welcoming party to this business for 3rd in the Burg from 5 to 8 p.m. Ralph Diekemper will be offering up on the piano, “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, won’t you be my neighbor”? The evening’s festivities are sponsored by Messiah University.

The above events are just two of 22 venues open for this Friday’s 3rd in the Burg on May 21.

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Bob’s Art Blog: Spring Has Sprung

March 22, 2021 | by Bob MacGinnes

The Art Association’s “Figuratively Speaking” exhibit includes a newspaper skirt from fashion designer Carley Furlow (left).

It’s officially arrived…at least on the calendar.

The birds are always the first to know, sounding the news late in February. So says a line or two from the 1940 “The Brooklyn National Anthem,” it’s ode to the season.

“Spring has sprung, the grass is ris,
I wonder where the boidies is,
the boid is on the wing…”

This boidie flew before he knew that fresh art had truly sprung, so join me now, I’ll show you how and where that art is hung.

Downtown beckoned. Starting at the Art Association of Harrisburg (AAH), local celebrity Hannah Dobek, gallery director of Metropolis Collective, gathered her thoughts judiciously when judging the breadth of works assembled for the members show. Curator of the AAH, Rachel O’Connor, had 78 works submitted for “Figuratively Speaking,” the exhibition revolving around the human form from portraiture to statuary.

What does one do with a newspaper after it’s been read? If you happen to be fashion designer Carley Furlow, perhaps you make a skirt. Before hitting the runway in Paris, you’ll be able to view it as part of “Figuratively Speaking.” Her design sparkles, so I’m guessing that the source material came from TheBurg. Carley is but one of a group of featured members at the AAH. CEO Carrie Wissler-Thomas shared that the members show has already been extended through May 13. The best advice for viewing this is in person… go figure!

As the crow flies to Midtown, so did I, landing at the recently reopened Millworks to catch the first show of the new season featuring a “Fast Five” of artists whose works on the main lobby wall curried favor with flavor.

We started with Tara Chickey, the Millworks art director who uses color cogently in her paintings, which bridge abstraction and pop art to perfection. Her colors of choice reflect a “sky of blue and fields of green” and a pink sunset too. Like Easter eggs, the shades are so pretty, Peter Rabbit would be envious.

Works by Tara Chickey hang on a wall at the reopened Millworks.

Pamela J. Black’s spring garden paintings draw on a color palette planted in annuals that quickly become painting perennials. There, you will see all the shades of spring as seen in gourmet beets of a five color rainbow, tri-colored cherry tomatoes that resemble garden candy and baby leaf lettuce in its heirloom cutting mix. Mr. McGregor will be on the alert to keep Peter from Pamela’s garden-colored paintings.

A painting by Pamela J. Black

Tristan Bond’s works defy being pigeonholed as this or that to become focused studies of his varied interests from anime to Afro punk, with some pop culture as well in his unique approach. Tristan’s world will take you on a globetrotting journey of innovation and imagination.

Artwork by Tristan Bond

Amie Bantz draws on her South Korean heritage in her fresh take on folk art. Her tableaux of painted paneled symbols (pictured) share elements of the past linking them to a timely treasure trove for today. Bridging centuries of history and heritage, Bantz bolsters those hallmarks as representative of modern day meaning for future generations to come.

This “Fast Five” is completed with Tina Berrier, artist-in-residence since the Millworks first opened its doors. Berrier balances bravado with bold brushstrokes in unexpected ways to create worlds both real and imagined. Departing de facto design, she inhabits history and cultures, mining the myths handed down in vivid detail to create wondrous portraits honoring indigenous people worldwide. Her cultural communiques reflect only one aspect of this dramatically diverse interpreter of art. The Millworks is firing on all burners and celebrates this with the return of first Saturdays as an added opportunity to meet and greet the artists. Look for the next one to arrive on April 3.

Works by Tina Berrier

Alice Anne Schwab, executive director of SAM at the Marty, shared artist Sanh Brian Tran’s Vault exhibition, “Country Charm,” which runs through April 11 and offers an added bonus. Sanh has created a booklet that accompanies the exhibition, which guests can take along with them. All proceeds of the booklets go to SAM’s neighbors and friends at the LGBT Center of Central PA as a donation to their worthy cause(s). In addition, the recently opened exhibit taking place in their S. Wilson and Grace M. Pollock Foundation Education Center Gallery features “From Selfie to Community.” This showcases Bloomsburg University art students under the tutelage of Prof. Chad Andrews marrying “selfies” taken over the course of the past year during the pandemic to an age-old art form (pictured). This produces a deeper resonance by incorporating woodcuts of the same. This mash-up creates lasting impressions of self-reflective moments literally embedded for posterity. On the surface, the modern day selfie becomes a historical artifact in its finished product. The exhibit runs through July 18.

Rounding out the spring preview in Midtown are two Verbeke favorites. At address #214, you will find La Cultura, an event space enterprise by Elyse Irvis, home to entrepreneurs, artists and an ilk of creatives looking to showcase products, ideas and art. With space to rent for special events, be they business or social, La Cultura has a vibe all its own, bringing an atmosphere of high energy and intimacy to its four walls. La Cultura is an amalgam of art gallery, event space and vendor’s market. It is in fact Harrisburg’s only event space for Black and Brown entrepreneurs, artists and startups. Its mission statement succinctly sums it up, “franchising the disenfranchised we exist to reignite the consistent and frequent circulation of dollars into Black and Brown communities locally.” La Cultura showcases emerging artists across mediums, from fashion to art. You can meet Elyse at La Cultura during any 3rd in the Burg and book your spring happening.

Speaking of “Boyd’s,” one named Jeb shared that his partner, Vivi (Sterste) has been busy round the clock crafting planters for spring posies. The learning never stops in their hot house of ideas at #258 Verbeke. I was recently informed by Vivi of Vivi on Verbeke, proprietress/potter, “Old clay makes better pots and with the intent of filling my storefront window with pay-what-you-can planters” which may fill a need for budding gardeners this spring. She envisioned tulips and daffodils sprouting up in the planters, providing a perfect photo op for partner Jeb Boyd. Taking it one step further, “Studio assistant, Zach, may be bringing some to the Broad Street Market to sell between the two buildings when the weather is warmer.” On a walk through the neighborhood, be sure to plant yourself inside the gallery for inspiration.

If you find yourself out and about in this season of renewal, your spirits may soar like a boid on the wing. When venturing forth into a gallery, restaurant or museum and coming across art that lifts you up, who knows, you may even start chirping.

Bob’s Art Blog: “Observations & Experiences” at AAH

January 12, 2021 | by Bob MacGinnes

The Art Association of Harrisburg (AAH) wishes everyone a Happy New Year with an after-holiday gift of a brand-new art exhibit that opened last week.

For those of you experiencing cabin fever lockdown, this is an exhibit well worth venturing out for—visual and valuable with the volume set to “imagine.” It’s not by accident that the show is titled “Observations & Experiences.” For must we not first observe, which leads to experience? For the artists and individuals, the two-part postulation will be different for each and everyone.

Carrie Wissler-Thomas, CEO of the AAH, could barely contain herself in announcing the first invitational exhibition in over eight months. This exhibit is a cohesive commentary “on life and its celebration of,” as seen and experienced by a quartet of female artists all well versed in the discipline of art.

Peg Belcastro “drew” on her 10-year sojourn in the wilds of Alaska as the experience of a lifetime. Belcastro’s palette is a result of diffused color, as if the paint were stretched across the canvas. Imagine a sunset with a surreal sky of pink and a touch of blue appearing as a new hue. Painting gives her joy, brought to the canvas and a sense of adventure in everything and everyone she paints. For viewers, the experience may well transcend its vicarious nature when that joy captures colors of celebration, which portray poetry in paint. With her adept brushstrokes, the canvas comes alive, revealing a humanness in the “acceptance of ourselves.”

Carden Holland, once an art teacher in secondary education in Connecticut, now resides in Lewisberry. Personal experiences over the years inform her mixed media works with a certain unpredictability often providing the backstory. With a highly unusual painting process, using India ink, the works take on a life of their own, creating a well-defined graphic look. For a deeper appreciation of her method to the madness, one must solve the underlying mystery in person, up close, seeing the details come alive.

Maureen Joyce employs a personal style that is recognizable as hers alone in her sculptured pieces. Often, the face is cherubic in nature, offering a joyful countenance. Joyce draws on her visual experiences as a child inspired by beatific sculptures seen in churches. In that regard, the human figure becomes a crucial element as she desires her work to invite interpretation. The artist states, “In making my art, I see character, not perfection. It is life experiences that provoke the representations I make.” Curator Rachel O’Connor adds, “There is a certain conceptuality of conversation in the way Joyce arranges her finished busts.” They allude to dialogues unspoken yet meaningful in mannerisms.

Julie Riker, an award-winning plein air painter, rounds out the quartet. Featured in a number of national art magazines, Riker is now focusing her attention on the human figure. Self described as an “observational painter,” the current world situation has entailed painting live figures to now working from photos instead. However, in keeping with an on-location approach to this, she keeps the paint fresh and loose. She shares, “I like to look for interesting compositions, and often it is a light effectual that draws me to a particular idea, not the subject matter.”

A painting by Julie Riker

In the end, “Observations and Experiences” delivers on its promise to inform and allow for personal investigation and illumination. Seeing is believing at the AAH through Feb. 18. A special word of thanks to gallery assistant Nate Foster for sending exhibit photos. The exhibit is a featured attraction for January’s 3^rd in the Burg, which arrives early this month on Jan. 15. For those desirous of avoiding any chance of a crowd, feel free to take advantage of the association’s open door Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, 2 to 5 p.m.

The Art Association of Harrisburg is located at 21 N. Front St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.artassocofhbg.com.

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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.

The Painted Word: On the hunt for art at Gallery Walk

August 31, 2020 | by Bob MacGinnes

Mars #3 by Bryan Thomas Molloy at Old City Hall

Harrisburg’s annual art showcase, Gallery Walk, is nearly upon on us. The 32nd edition features a number of special treasures, so be sure to check them off the list as you search.

Greeting visitors at the Art Association of Harrisburg is an eight-foot zebra grinning from ear to ear and balanced on one hoof. Made of papier-mâché by Harrisburg artist Charlie Feathers, “Jumper” is the unofficial mascot for Gallery Walk. Meanwhile, good things also come in much smaller packages, like the member’s show at AAH, “La Petite Exhibition.”

Chances are you won’t need roadside assistance from AAA, but it does represent “Art, Artifacts and Architecture” at the Historic Society of Dauphin County at the John Harris-Simon Cameron Mansion. Up the street, look for a breath of fresh air from Jonathan Frazier’s plein air paintings in the Riverfront Gallery at St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Up on Allison Hill, Gloria Merrick, executive director at the Latino Hispanic American Community Center on Derry Street, has assembled a quartet of artists near and far. Legendary Lucy Giboyeaux’s award-winning art is a highlight, as is Peruvian painter Claudia Salazar’s tribute to Frida Kahlo. Raul Cruz’s recycled materials turn into magic. Nora Carreras creates art from found objects and paints with artistic abandon in what may be a one-day show at LHACC.

“Liminality” is the “Twilight Zone” episode you don’t want to miss at Capital Area School for the Arts in Strawberry Square. It is an experimental exhibition and explores transition from “What has Been to What Will Be,” as the liminal space is the crossing-over space. Both students and alumni create this world, which may change your view of the transition from student to graduate. The mood is heightened, as all visitors will be wearing masks.

That exhibit provides the perfect segue to Old City Hall‘s exhibit of stunning proportion from Harrisburg/Boston impressionist painter, Bryan Thomas Molloy, who takes us to Mars in his oil studies. Is there life on Mars? You might find a clue.

Is a church a gallery or a place of worship? In the case of St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, it is both. Its magnificent sanctuary with marble carvings is a work of art, as are the stained glass windows from Germany. Look for art from Sylvia Hepler and photography by John Robinson, Barry Ridge and Eric Smith. And, speaking of churches, don’t miss Barbara James’ art, which mixes mediums with manual dexterity at Salem United Church of Christ.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania unveils its annual blockbuster, “Art of the State,” which runs through Jan. 3. Pre-registration is required and free timed tickets will be issued for viewing due to limited access.

Be sure not to “Overlook” the Civic Club of Harrisburg, which dates back to 1898. Within the landmark riverfront mansion, enjoy the art of Dave Lenker and Stacy Brown with multimedia presentations of “Oneness” and “Blue.” Consider it your civic duty to pay a visit to the organization that was founded to benefit those in need.

And you thought City House Bed and Breakfast was just a place to hang your hat? Anything but as the art showcased by art impresario Robert Armetta of New York and Harrisburg is world-class on all levels. If this is your last stop, make reservations to spend the night.

Up on 3rd Street, stop into the magnificent Historic Harrisburg Resource Center, as there is much under one roof. If it’s a resource pertinent to Harrisburg, you’ll find it here. This includes an incredible exhibit, “With Open Heart and Open Arms: LGBTQ Cuban Refugees and the LGBTQ Community’s Response to the Mariel Boatlift.”

Across the street, Vivi on Verbeke is always full of vitality and variety as Vivi Sterste and Jeb Boyd roll out their vision for the upcoming fall season. The new interior layout features amber inlaid candlesticks, floral acrylic paintings and photography highlighting significant Harrisburg architecture.

Around the corner, raise a glass and toast “Here’s to you Mrs. Robinson,” sung by Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. Today, she may “Graduate” to more meaningful pursuits at Midtown Scholar Bookstore’s Robinson Gallery, where something is “bound” to grab your attention.

The symbiotic relationship between art and music is amplified to perfection in the groundbreaking exhibit, “Creating Joy: Art Inspired by Music,” which may be viewed at the Susquehanna Art Museum at the Marty. Right next door, the other standalone gallery in Midtown is turning 1 year old. Join us in wishing Michael Hertrich Fine Art a happy anniversary in his upper-level gallery. Award-winning artist Adelaide LaFond pays tribute in pastel paintings with ethereal scenes of our city.

Finally, this veteran gallery-walker offers some tips for the day. Major museums and galleries may be busier than usual with the day’s special events, so perhaps plan on visiting some of the venues on the roads less traveled. Map out your route and call ahead with a planned time of arrival for optimal viewing. Mask up and maintain that safe space of social distancing. Everyone will appreciate your consideration, and it will make for an all-around positive experience. Art lovers care; it is in our very nature.

The unique umbrella of museums, galleries and merchants participating is a testament to Carrie Wissler-Thomas and her inventiveness. One needs to appreciate the scope and work involved by the AAH CEO. The team of art coordinators, as well as the aggregate artists at each venue, is to be commended. A special thanks to Ted and Linda Walke of Gallery@Second for maps designed and distributed for this event. The Walkes create this annually to guide us safely on the path to great art.

Gallery Walk takes place on Sunday, Sept. 13, noon to 5 p.m., at 17 venues throughout Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.artassocofhbg.com/events.

Runs in the Family: The Washingtons rediscover their love of art, create gallery for city hall

August 31, 2020 | by Maddie Conley

The Washington family, from left: Dynellia, Siede, Selah and Sedrick.

Dynellia Washington remembers seeing her name in the newspaper when she was young.

She won second place in an art competition. Her mom was so proud that she cut out the section that featured her daughter. To this day, her mom still has that clipping.

But, once she reached high school, Dynellia was discouraged to pursue art by a guidance counselor who told her it wouldn’t pan out well.

Despite feeling unsupported at school, Dynellia left her hometown of Harrisburg and went on to study at the former Art Institute of Pittsburgh and the Art Institute of Atlanta. She then taught art for four years.

Now, much more advanced than that piece in the newspaper clipping, her art hangs in Harrisburg’s MLK Jr. City Government Center as part of the Art Association of Harrisburg’s Community Exhibition Program.

This gallery was Dynellia’s entry back into the art world, a world that she never really left mentally, but was finally dipping her brush back into. It had been years since she taught art or focused much time onto her own art.

“This show put the fire back in me,” she said.

Dream Come True

This gallery holds even more importance to Dynellia because it’s not only her artwork showing but her entire family’s: husband Sedrick, son Siede and daughter Selah.

The gallery features a sampling of Sedrick’s photographs, which show animals like cattle, geese and insects up close. Dynellia’s collection revolves around the zebra. She used mixed media techniques to paint the animal as well as showcase its print on a grove of trees and a vase of flowers.

Dynellia said her artwork is often inspired by her husband’s photography.

“I critique myself very hard, but he’s always there,” she said. “He’s my biggest cheerleader.”

The couple met through art when they were both living in Atlanta. They connected while Sedrick was doing videography work. The two artists fell in love, got married and eventually had their two children. Dynellia’s dream of having a family that loved art like she did was taking shape.

Siede, who is 13, created a collection of anime sketches inspired by his favorite TV shows for the gallery. He watches YouTube tutorials showing him how to carefully pencil characters from the cartoons.

“He can go to his room and do it for hours,” Dynellia said.

On the other hand, 8-year-old Selah loves to join her mom when she paints.

“She likes to do abstract like me,” Dynellia said.

Displayed in city hall are Selah’s brightest and most colorful pieces of art. Some are mixed media pieces; one uses melted crayons to create a rainbow waterfall. Others are paintings like a big juicy watermelon and a glittery mountain range.

“I always dreamed of doing art with my kids,” Dynellia said. “It has come to fruition.”

Back to Life

The family became members of the Art Association about a year ago. There, they met President Carrie Wissler-Thomas, who found out that the whole family created art and then couldn’t resist putting it on display.

“I said, ‘Let’s show the whole family!’” Wissler-Thomas said. “I thought, what fun for the city government center.”

She gave them over a year to prepare and bring their best pieces to show.

After delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they finally put their art on display in July and couldn’t be happier to feature it in their hometown.

The AAH Community Exhibition Program puts displays art in a number of public places in the Harrisburg area. Wissler-Thomas explained how the program gives smaller-scale, local artists a chance to showcase their work.

“I found my outlet with the Art Association,” Dynellia said. “Even if I can’t do it full-time, I can at least do something.”

The art show encouraged Dynellia to start a website to showcase and sell her art. She plans to stay involved with the Art Association and find other ways to immerse herself in the Harrisburg art scene.

“The Art Association is what brought us back to life,” she said. “It makes me really proud that me and my husband have shown our kids that they can have a side hustle.”

The Washington Family Gallery is on display through the end of October in Harrisburg’s MLK City Government Center, 10 N. 2nd St., Harrisburg. The Art Association of Harrisburg is located at 21 N. Front St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.artassocofhbg.com. For more information about Dynellia Washington and her art, visit www.originalpiecesdsw.com.

Bob’s Art Blog: Art and About for 3rd in the Burg

January 20, 2020 | by Bob MacGinnes

“Kildalton Cross Sheep, Islay” by Carrie Wissler-Thomas, at the Riverfront Gallery

Editor’s Note: Our fine arts writer was out and about on Friday night during 3rd in the Burg. Here’s what he found.

Part I: “Scottish Landscapes” at St. Stephen’s Riverfront Gallery

Back in late summer of 2018, congregant and art enthusiast Lindsay Gottwald and a faithful few hatched the idea of a full-scale art gallery at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral. In its brief existence, the Riverfront Gallery already has made quite a name for itself in the local art community.

In September, it brought “Icons in Transformation,” contemporary religious iconography, to its cathedral walls for a three-month run as part of its national tour across the United States then back to Europe. Art, viewed out of its normal setting of a gallery or museum, becomes a brand-new experience within the cathedral’s cloister.

Following a world-class exhibit like “Icons” could prove to be a daunting task for a gallery and an artist to follow. St. Stephen’s deemed it fitting for an exhibit featuring the work of Carrie Wissler-Thomas, CEO of the Art Association of Harrisburg, who is showing her collection of oils of sacred sites from Scotland.

Wissler-Thomas’s paintings showcase the Holy Isle of Islay and other historical landmarks dating back to Neolithic days. In all, a score of sumptuous oils painted over the course of a decade from annual trips to Scotland capture an eternal beauty of well-known locales forming the Scottish countryside. Scotland’s nooks and crannies come alive in Wissler-Thomas’s power of place studies highlighting lochs, burns and tors. With a fluid continuity, they provide the perfect backdrop for textured tableaux of treasures unchanged by time.

In her palette, Wissler-Thomas took full advantage of the color-rich vegetation of Scotland, from the lavender-colored heather to the vibrantly irrepressible shades of gorse growing with wild abandon. Umber shades burst forth from the golden collars of the sheep, their wool mixed with specks of black-like peat in “Kildalton Cross Sheep, Islay.” Languid landscapes linger in the minds eye while the aires of ancient times lend accompaniment to a soundtrack playing in the artist’s head.

Scotland, for Wissler-Thomas, is akin to being transported to her own isle of enchantment, rich in history and meaning. She pays homage to Druidic days with her painting of sacred stones in “Callanish II, Isle of Lewes.” The upright tablets are captured right before dawn or at dusk as the sky turns ambiguous shades of marled oatmeal like flecks of tweed. Firing the imagination is a sea-swept scene in “Loch Fynne, Lowering Sky.” In tramping among the becks and rills over craggy terrain to find the perfect pitch to set her canvas aright (metaphorically speaking), Wissler-Thomas makes her annual pilgrimage worthy for those who follow.

“Callanish II, Isle of Lewes”

Wissler-Thomas paints with eyes wide open, seeing shades and sunsets, catching the sky as it changes quickly and quietly. Her canvases speak to a love that grows deeper with each year and visit—of Scotland wild and woolly and the siren call the wee shores make, beckoning her to paint those halcyon days of yore. The bucolic rural life lends itself to vagabonds and dreamers, to poets and painters. In the end, the sacred and the secular blend in their own perfect symmetry, creating a harmony found somewhere between the unfettered fields of heather and heaven.

“Scottish Landscapes” runs through Feb. 28 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral’s Riverfront Gallery, 221 N. Front St., Harrisburg.

Part II: “Shift” at Susquehanna Art Museum

Usually when you hear the phrase, “There is a glitch occurring,” it’s a bad thing. In art, that may not the case. In fact, just the opposite might be true.

At the Susquehanna Art Museum, two artists, painters both, employ and amplify technology, twisting it just so to meet their needs. A show entitled “Shift,” in the Lobby Gallery, offers distortion and drama in just the right amount. The end results are highly stylized, individualistic paintings that use technology as the backdrop to a new manner of looking at things familiar, yet different.

Tiffany Calvert’s oil paintings, layered atop digitally formatted glitch aesthetic Dutch floral still lifes, spring alive on their black backgrounds. The thickly applied textural touches of taupes and mauves, added to the flowers natural hues, pop off the canvas, creating a genre entirely its own. Alex Kanevsky’s oil-on-panel paintings distort time and its impermanence. The double-edged sword of memory and its unreliable nature, paired with how man views his meaning in a world where nothing remains constant, is a narrative purely his own.

#296, oil on digital inkjet print on canvas, by Tiffany Calvert, based on the painting, “Bouquet of Flowers in a Glass Vase” by Dutch artist P.W. Windtraken

Both artists are modern-day myth manipulators, mining the age-old dictum that art exists only within a certain framework. How does one improve upon art from centuries ago? The end result prods and provokes, which forms the foundation for a new reading. Those notions of the past, in laying a fresh perspective, are now determined detrimental in developing a solid template tempered through technology. This becomes the paradigm itself. “Shift” may change your way of thinking about art and certainly the way you look at it. Isn’t that what great art is meant to do after all?

Alex Kanevsky’s “Lulu in Madrid )Twice,” 2017

“Shift” runs through Feb. 16 at the Susquehanna Art Museum, 1401 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.susquehannaartmuseum.org.

Bob’s Art Blog: A Year in Art

January 6, 2020 | by Bob MacGinnes

The painting of more than a dozen murals was a highlight of the year in art in Harrisburg.

With one year ended and another just beginning, “end of year lists” are a common feature in publications of all ilk. “Bob’s Art Blog” for TheBurg is no exception. In a year filled with great art happenings on both sides of the Susquehanna, there were many exhibits and events to choose from. So, here is a baker’s dozen—you be the judge.

Most likely to leap tall buildings: In September, Sprocket Mural Works’ unveiling of 14 spectacular citywide murals led right into the 31st edition of the Gallery Walk art tour. As always, Gallery Walk kicked off the fall art season under the auspices of the Art Association of Harrisburg’s CEO Carrie Wissler-Thomas, who celebrated her 40th year with the AAH.

Art tackles socially relevant issues in a way that words cannot accomplish. With just one painting or photograph, the collective conscious grasps the import and deeper meaning brought to light by its focus. In a year when social debate reached its zenith, art activist Carrie Breschi, at the Carlisle Arts Learning Center, mounted a show that resonates resoundingly almost a year later. Shining a much needed spotlight on the plight of the homeless and its ever growing population, Breschi, within her context of cardboard, “Home Sweet Home, The Real Faces of Homelessness,” struck at the very core of why art exists in the first place.

Right on CALC’s heels in terms of social awareness and its call for equality, the Art Association of Harrisburg’s dual show celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots in New York City, which advanced the rights of the LGBT community. Curator Rachel O’Connor, with the blessing of Barry Loveland of the LGBT Center of Central Pennsylvania, presented a history in varied mediums of the community’s struggle for acceptance and inclusion. Paired with Maria Maneos’ “Brush With The Law” initiative, highlighting the opioid crisis through art, both exhibits struck home.

Beware the “Ides of March,” as March 15 began my journey in covering 3rd in the Burg art events. In the center ring upstairs at H*MAC, boxer Charles Bootleg Feathers met fellow avant-garde artist Gary Bartlett for a bare-knuckled brawl with the last man standing having bragging rights. In the end, it was a split decision. Both artists delivered a powerful punch with knocked-out art.

Earth Day was spent with Mother Earth, Vivian Sterste, and Father Time, Jackson “Jeb” Boyd, at Vivi on Verbeke, providing the perfect antidote from a long winter. Pottery, photography, pterodactyls and more brought the promise of spring, delivered to the door at 258 Verbeke St., Harrisburg. Over at CALC, an over-the-rainbow fantasy, curated by Cathy Stone, showed interpretive works from found-object sculptor, Sharon McCullough. It resembled Paris in the spring, with a darkly rich palette from painter Arlyn Pettingell’s advanced portrait studies of Parisian vocations. In the Upstairs Gallery, instructor Thomas Oakes’s collection of art from CPARC students demonstrated that disabilities have no bearing on creativity.

In the merry month of May, my birthday surprise was opening night for the Art Association’s 91st “International Juried Art Show.” Art from all over the world filled the upstairs and down, and curator O’Connor’s delightfully dizzying delivery of central PA artists made for quite an experience.

The State Museum of Pennsylvania’s 52nd edition of “Art of the State,” curated by Amy Hammond and Carol Buck, brought varied work from 100 artists selected statewide, representing 35 counties, to center stage for a star-studded awards ceremony, kicking off its three-month run in June. Pictured: “Best Seat in the House” by Donna Barlup.

Summer in the city brought “Picasso: A Life in Prints” to the Susquehanna Art Museum, which connected its Executive Director Alice Anne Schwab to the Big Apple’s John Szoke Gallery in New York City with serendipitous style. The erudite Mr. Szoke’s talk and gallery tour was one of the highlights of the summer season. Two late summer shows, one at the Carlisle Arts Learning Center with “This Place I Call Home,” featured the poetic photography of Lori Snyder and potent pottery of Kurt Brantner, providing a serious study in art appreciation. “Eclectic Energized,” across the river at AAH, presented the perfect counterpoint with psychedelic trappings from Enola artist Andrew Brodisch, as well as York-based portraitist Rone Del Galeone’s use of bold colors and brush strokes.

St. Stephen’s Riverfront Gallery upped the ante with its fall arrival of “Icons in Transformation,” a moving and monumentally meaningful show filled with a personal side of mourning, shared with the world by artist Ludmila Pawlowska.

What constitutes great art was shown to us on an August 3rd in the Burg, starting with the Millworks’ hive of activity. Artists were abuzz gearing up for the citywide Gallery Walk. Tara Chickey, art director for the Millworks, gave us the tour of artists’ studios, enabling us to meet a coterie of creatives. Venturing further up Verbeke, we experienced an Earth Day déjà vu, running into Vivi and Jeb out on their perfect-for-people-watching bench at Vivi’s. Capping off the night with a jolt of energy, Elyse Irvis, entrepreneur extraordinaire, elaborated at her eclectic enclave, La Cultura. On hand for the evening’s festivities was artist Dillon Mitchell. In the end, “Atmosphere, Relationships and Time” created the acronym ART for another memorable 3^rd in the Burg.

Art displayed at Nyianga Store in Harrisburg.

October proved to be the busiest month on the art calendar. Paper Lion Gallery in Lemoyne opened it with a roar as owner Chuck Schulz brought an ancient Peruvian celebration in photographic splendor by Dilmar Santos to its freshly painted walls, displaying “Mamacha Carmen, The Festival of the Lady of Mt. Carmel” for its first new exhibit. Next was the celebration of American Craft Week at One Good Woman in Camp Hill with local painter’s Gail Coleman’s color-laden bursts of imagination, Toby Bouder’s wood-turned vessels in wonderfully wrought wood and Charlie Feathers’ teapot tureens in a highly creative presentation.

October’s 3rd in the Burg took us to meet Harrisburg’s newest gallery owner, Michael Hertrich, at his eponymous Hertrich Fine Art and Frame. In addition, Chantal Nga Eloundou, proprietress of her gallery/clothing and jewelry emporium, Nyianga Store, greeted us as we entered a bit of her native land, Cameroon. Closing out the 3rd, the Harrisburg Sketchers finished their run at the De Soto Gallery in the Susquehanna Art Museum. Also, Valerie Larko, artist of abandonedness, gave a tour of her paintings found off the highways and byways that she has come to know and love.

“It’s a Nice Night for a Picnic” by Peter Ydeen

November heralded a big top event, celebrating the 70th year for the Paxtang Art Association’s Annual Art Sale of over 3,000 paintings, led by ringmaster/instructor Nick Feher. Featured throughout, pop artist Michele Phillips, not of the Mamas and Papas but famous in her own right, displayed vibrantly colored and quirky character studies of people, places and animals. Over at SAM, Lauren Nye’s curation featuring Peter Ydeen’s haunting photographs of “Easton at Night” were safely locked up in the De Soto Vault with Inka Essenhigh’s “Other Worlds” showcased upstairs in the Main Gallery, which was like Dali meeting Disney. “War is Only Half the Story,” a photographic expose, rounded out the show.

December’s gifts came in small and big packages. One Good Woman’s original owners kicked off the month arriving back in town as Joe O’Connor, Poet Lariat, “roped” in a standing-room-only audience to hear his readings from his newly published book, “Why Poetry?” Joe and Holly were back for a one night only, closing out their fall book tour in their beloved Camp Hill.

The big red bow of a present waited to be untied at the State Museum of Pennsylvania as a gift to be treasured with its exhibit on muralist Violet Oakley’s preparatory sketches for her art depicted inside the state Capitol. As Midtown entered the new “Roaring 20’s,” the year-end icing on the cake was like an art salon of Paris in the 1920s with an open house by “Bootleg” Charlie Feathers and Reina “R76” Wooden, showcasing new works and admired by local luminaries and art lovers.

In the end, it was a memorable year and, judging by the exceptional works displayed, it is safe to say the art scene in central Pennsylvania is vibrantly alive and well.

The Week that Was: News and features around Harrisburg

September 6, 2019 | by Lawrance Binda

A mural nears completion on the back of International House during the 2019 Harrisburg Mural Festival.

It was a holiday-shortened week, which meant one less news day for us here at TheBurg. But whatever we lost in time, we happily made up with art, as the 2019 Harrisburg Mural Festival was in high gear. Catch up now on what you might have missed this past week, whether a news story, column, feature or blog post.

2019 Harrisburg Mural Festival couldn’t happen without the support of numerous backers and sponsors. Why do people and companies see art as important to our community? Our editor’s blog post shares some thoughts on the matter.

Brandon Spicer-Crawley is one of about 15 artists who painted this past week during the Harrisburg Mural Festival. Our writer shares his fascinating story. And don’t forget about the numerous Mural Festival events planned for the weekend.

Capital Region Water returns to the riverfront next week, restarting its Front Street interceptor project in Uptown Harrisburg. The project was supposed to be done last year, but hit a number of snags. Read the details here.

Gallery Walk returns on Sunday for its 31^st year. Meet the woman behind the annual celebration of art in Harrisburg, as well as the steady hand behind the venerable Art Association of Harrisburg: Carrie Wissler-Thomas.

Harrisburg’s music scene pops this month, with shows and genres that will appeal to a variety of tastes. Our music columnist shares her recommendations and hot takes for the month.

Salman Rushdie visited Harrisburg two years while on a book tour. With a new book just out, the world-famous novelist is returning to Midtown Scholar Bookstore in December. Find out how to see him.

Sara Bozich has no end of ideas for weekend fun around Harrisburg, including Gallery Walk and the 2019 Harrisburg Mural Festival block party on Sunday. So, get out and about for what’s predicted to be stunning late-summer weather. Check out what’s happening here.

TheBurg’s editor went way outside his comfort zone last month, taking to the woods with a local naturalist. So, what’s out walking amongst the trees—and how do we know that? He relates his story in his monthly column.

Whitaker Center soon celebrates its 20^th year. What’s in store for Harrisburg’s premier arts and science venue? Our writer takes a look back and a glimpse to the future.

Do you receive TheBurg Daily, our daily digest of news and events? If not, subscribe here!

The Painted Word: As you gear up for Gallery Walk, come meet the Art Association’s Carrie Wissler-Thomas.

August 30, 2019 | by Bob MacGinnes

Many people begin their journey with ideals to change the world, and, for the rare few, that happens. Central Pennsylvania has one of these people in its midst—Carrie Wissler-Thomas, who is starting her 40th year at the helm of the Art Association of Harrisburg (AAH).

Wissler-Thomas knew her life was destined for the world of art as a student at Ephrata High. When she married her high school sweetheart, Scott Thomas, and moved to Harrisburg, the dream began—a life of art unfolded as a publicist and copywriter at AAH. That stint grew into her becoming the main catalyst at the association, and, in 1980, she was elected president.

Later, Wissler-Thomas became the CEO and steered the vaunted institution from its 1926 humble beginnings to achieve its gold standard reputation today. When one enters the halls of the Art Association, it is like being ushered into a private club, without the pretense of pressure to fit into a certain niche. This state of mind is achieved through Wissler-Thomas, who is an expert in all facets of art through the ages.

Over a storied, four-decade career, Wissler-Thomas breathed fresh life into an association that relies on strong leadership across many settings. From art administrator to fundraiser to grant-writer, she does so many things well.

Her duties encompass full responsibility for the 500 students enrolled in the year-round art classes and in maintaining an art membership that now boasts 600 members. In addition, she supervises a part-time gallery staff of five and relies on 20 faculty educators. In fact, she is the first to recognize that the association is only as strong as every cog in the wheel and is quick to praise not only staff, but students and association members alike.

Gracious, genteel and gifted are but a few of the words that come to mind immediately upon meeting Wissler-Thomas. She welcomes you like an old friend of the family. And being in her presence is like taking a history lesson in the world of art.

In many ways, Wissler-Thomas was the progenitor of multi-tasking long before it came into vogue. She is an educator, painter, gallerist, author, mentor and the coordinator for the citywide Harrisburg Gallery Walk, which takes place on Sept. 8 for its 31st year. She also oversees 17 sites of rotating art installations found in select businesses, assisted in her mission by gallery Curator Rachel O’Connor.

Today, Wissler-Thomas whiles away any free time painting on the banks of the Susquehanna across from the association’s lovely building and on the wee shores of her beloved Scotland.

Wissler-Thomas is responsible in part for the Art Association’s new mission statement, “The AAH promotes the visual arts through education and exhibitions and enhances the wellness of area residents.”

Possibly the most fascinating chapter of the Wissler-Thomas/AAH relationship is the history captured in print by the CEO herself. Her book, “As the Paint Dries, the History of the Art Association of Harrisburg,” is more than a personal reflection on her life. It reads like a who’s who of both the association and the city that has supported the arts over the years. Rich in historical perspective, her lens lovingly recreates snapshots frozen in time from years predating her involvement with AAH and all the years since.

If longevity is a criteria for greatness, that box would be checked. If it’s the imprint one makes on a culture, then put an “x” in that box, as well. True greatness encompasses both and so much more. Greatness is measured on the tenets of enriching others’ lives and making the world a better place for all.

So, it is with a grateful heart that Harrisburg gets to acknowledge a veritable icon in the art world of central PA—Carrie Wissler-Thomas. Her orbit is as far-reaching as the number of lives she has touched throughout her career, equivalent to trying to count the stars in the sky.

2019 Gallery Walk is slated for Sunday, Sept. 8, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Art Association of Harrisburg is located at 21 N. Front St., Harrisburg. For more information on both, visit www.artassocofhbg.com.

“The Painted Word” is an occasional column on the fine arts scene around Harrisburg.

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