Kent County Arts Council -- Artsake

April 2004

CHESTERTOWN’S FIRST FRIDAYS
A gray drizzle filled the chilly afternoon, but the weeping cherry’s lovely blossoms cheered up the dark granite stones in Chestertown’s memorial park, and the town’s shops and galleries were lively with light, warmth, and music. It was April 2, the first First Friday. Each month the arts and antiques of our region will be on display along with musical performances, poetry readings, craft demonstrations and receptions. The lovely art shows and special events that were enjoyed by many residents and visitors to Kent County will be available for the rest of the month, as well.

Some of the highlights of the evening were:
• At The Artists’ Gallery (239 High Street) a party was in full swing. The walls, covered floor to ceiling with paintings, photography and ceramics, were bouncing off Craig Galbreath and company’s ole-timey music that filled the place.
• Artworks Gallery (308 Park Row) featured The Black and White Show curated by Mary Rhinelander. Paintings, weavings, photos, ceramics, prints, and mixed media in nothing but black and white created an elegant art exhibit.
• Chestertown Arts League (312 Cannon Street) hosted a reception for its Members New Spring Show. The beautifully lit room featured the varied and colorful work of many Arts League participants.
• Carla Massoni Gallery (203 High Street), featuring the work of several well-known artists: Elizabeth DaCosta Ahern, Karen Hubacner, Larry Schroth and Celia Pearson, offered a “sneak preview” to the show which opened the next day. The awesome pottery and flora arrangements by Seiko Behr were also on display.
• At Radcliffe Mill (860 High Street) the huge beams and weathered boards of floors and walls made a perfect setting for the paintings and sculptures by a group of contemporary artists including Fai Wilson, Marilee Schumann, Chad Jones, Lincoln Mudd, Brian Taylor and Linda Serrone. The though-provoking work was enjoyed by a large crowd.
• At Play it again Sam (118 South Cross Street) folks packed in to enjoy a special tapas night, while out in front, Jimmy Reynolds demonstrated a work-in progress painting to admiring passers-by.
• At the Robert Ortiz Studio (207 South Cross Street), a lovely reception featuring delicious food from neighbor Old Mill Bakery & Café was offered to visitors who admired the fine-crafted wooden furniture on display.

Most of the specialty shops and antique stores were open for First Friday. Many offered refreshments and special events. The Easter Bunny delighted youngsters at Pride and Joy the lovely children’s’ shop (321 High Street). At Finishings, (113 S. Cross Street), Philip Perry demonstrated the art of faux painting. At the Geddes-Piper House Museum (The Historical Society of Kent County) the Corner Cupboard Museum Shop offered its enticing selection of gifts.

April is National Poetry Month, and the spoken and written word abounded. At the Unitarian-Universalists Center on Cross Street poetry readings were held throughout the evening. Further down Cross Street at The Compleat Bookseller, Lindsay Lusby, a Kent County High student, midst smiles and bouquets of flowers, offered her newly published volume of poems, “Whispers in the Ceiling”. More poetry was performed at The Prince Theatre as participants read their favorite “Neurotic Poetry”.

This was a very exciting and successful event, and everyone is looking forward to May 7th, and Chestertown’s second First Fridays

9TH ANNUAL POETRY CONTEST
Kent County Arts Council, along with the Arts Councils in Cecil, Queen Annes, Caroline and Talbot Counties, presents a reading by the winners of the 9th Annual Regional Poetry Contest on Thursday, April 22, 6:30 pm at the O’Neill Literary House, Washington College. Among the winners are Bennett Price and Anna Caldwell of Radcliffe Creek School, Nathan DeProspo of Chesapeake City elementary, The public is invited.

DANCE AT WORTON ARENA
Once a month, The Chester River Swing Band plays music for your listening and dancing pleasure at the Worton Parks and Rec. Arena. The spacious hardwood floor, and the big-band sound make a perfect combination to get out there and fox-trot, waltz, polka, and jitter-bug. The band, led by Sam Scalzo, features vocalist Barbara Ferris, and many accomplished musicians. This month’s dance will be on April 15 at 7:30 pm. For more information contact Kent County Parks and Recreation at 410-778-1948.

April is full of wonderful arts and heritage activities throughout Kent County. Information about events at The Prince Theatre, The Mainstay in Rock Hall, Washington College, Andy’s, and Art Galleries throughout the county can be found on the Web at www. kentcounty.com Click on “Arts and Entertainment” on the home page and access specific information on any of these activities. It’s a simple matter to enter information about your event or studio on the same site. We hope you will take advantage of this efficient means of communication. Contacts for the Kent County Arts Council are 410-778-3831; kcac @friend.ly.net; www. kcarts.org

Read the last Artsake.