Local and regional artists to be featured during Berlin event
LISA CAPITELLI n Staff Writer
Carver Bennett Scott will showcase his artwork at Victorian Charm during Berlin Arts Night. (Nov. 27, 2009) Residents and visitors can avoid the hustle and bustle that is "Black Friday" and have a relaxing, laid back evening during Berlin's annual fall Arts Night.
This year's day after Thanksgiving event includes more than a dozen businesses. Some will host artists demonstrating their crafts. Guests to the quaint, historic community will have the opportunity to meet local and regional artists and listen to holiday tunes as they stroll through the shops and galleries. Refreshments will be offered at various participating businesses. The event will take place from 6-9 p.m. and is free to the public.
The town's Christmas tree-lighting ceremony will begin at 5:30 p.m. in front of Hotel Atlantic. The Delmarva Chorus will provide music.
John Fisher, owner of j.j. Fish Studio, has participated in the event since he opened in April 2001.
"It's been sort of a staple for the town," he said. "It's one of the nicest events that happens in Berlin."
j.j.Fish Studio and Fine Craft Gallery will feature Kathleen Davis' kaleidoscopes and stained glass pieces. On a daily basis, the studio features pottery, jewelry, fiber wearable art, wood, functional glass and marbles created by 60 regional and national artists.
Bonnie Preziosi's sea glass jewelry and original paintings and prints will be for sale at A Step Above Art Gallery.
"I love the fact that Arts Night is such a great venue for local artists and exposes the area residents to it," she said. "It is a fun night in Berlin."
Author/Poet Beverly Lynch will also be on hand.
Deborah Colley will showcase her hand-knit scarves and hats made with Italian and Argentinean wool and painted glassware at Bruder Hill. This is the first time Colley will be part of Arts Night.
"I'm really looking forward to it," said Colley, an employee at Bruder Hill. "I'm very excited. [Arts Night] really gets people in the holiday spirit."
Painter Liz Lind will open her gallery for the celebration. Lind's work typically focuses on Ocean City and beach themes. She will present a new print design for the 2009 holiday season, titled "Beach Dogs."
Randy Hofman, an Eastern Shore artist who paints local scenes will have his "Signs of Assateague" oil paintings on display at The Water's Edge Gallery.
"The work this year introduces pieces inspired by 13th century television, that is church art and icons, but I illustrate them with scenes from Assateague," he said. "Lots of woodworking and gold leaf. There are also many paintings that are just a beachcombers memory of Assateague in regular frames."
Hofman's Biblical sand sculptures can be seen just off the Ocean City Boardwalk near Second Street.
Patty Falck, owner of TaDa, will set out her painted glassware and daughter, Blair Elizabeth, will sell her handcrafted jewelry.
Wildfowl carver Bennett Scott's pieces will be at Victorian Charm, where pianist Earl Beardsley will perform. Stuart's Antiques will feature painter Therese Blood, who works in oil, watercolor and pastels, and Treasure Chest will host oil painter Patti Ellison. And the Henry Fine Art Gallery will have the photography and paintings of owner Patrick Henry.
Jeffrey Auxer has participated in Arts Night before but this is the first time in his own design studio. He will display his blown glass and demonstrate his craft.
"I wanted to be involved because it's a great way for people to come out and maybe see a new form of art," he said.
The Worcester County Arts Council will host a "Holly-Days" exhibit of holiday themed art such as paintings, ornaments, pottery and wearable art, done by gallery members. The exhibit will run through December. A portion of sales will support art scholarships, camps and development grants.
The Globe will showcase several artists in the crafted gift exhibit, "Little Local Things." Artists include sisters Kristie Maxa of Kiki Burleigh handbags and jewelry designer Heather Layton of A Mermaids Purse, painter Jim Adcock, who will release a new print called "Seaside Snowfall," and Manette Cramer, who creates handknit scarves.
The Mike Allen Jazz Trio will be on the Globe stage from 7-10 p.m.
Main Street and several of the adjacent streets will be closed to traffic for the event.
PARTICIPATING SHOPS: jj Fish Studio, Fine Craft Gallery: Kaleidoscopes, stained glass of Kathleen Davis // TaDa: Glass painter Patty Falck, jewelry designer Blair Elizabeth Falck // Bruder Hill: Hand-knit scarves and hats, painted glassware by Deborah Colley // Victorian Charm: Carver Bennett Scott, music by Earl Beardsley // Liz Lind Gallery: Painter Liz Lind // Stuart's Antiques: Painter Therese Blood // Henry Fine Art Gallery: Photographer/painter Patrick Henry // The Water's Edge Gallery: Painter Randy Hofman // A Step Above Gallery: Glass jewelry designer and painter Bonnie Preziosi, poet/author Beverly Lynch // The Globe: "Little Local Things" locally crafted gifts show // Jeffrey Auxer Designs: Glassblower Jeffrey Auxer // Treasure Chest: Painter Patti Ellison // Worcester County Arts Council: "Holly-Days" exhibit, holiday themed art
