Gallery Exhibition Schedule 2015
January
January 9 through 31
Exhibition Chairs: Marj Morani and Pat Thompson
Members Open Show
Members are invited to show their best work in this non-themed exhibition. Regardless of medium, the exhibition will showcase only the best. Please restrict your selection to pieces that have not been exhibited at RiverArts in the past 2 years.
Main Gallery
Through a Child’s Eye: Children’s Art Show
Curator: Sue Basener
On display will be some of the best children’s art produced in Kent County’s eight elementary schools this year. Artwork produced by kindergarten through fifth grade students, selected by their art instructors, will be hung on clotheslines in the Studio Gallery. Also featured will be the winning works of the National PTA Reflections art contest in Kent County. Middle and high school students compete in the visual arts, dance choreography, music composition, literature, photography, and filmmaking. Be prepared to be delighted and impressed by the creativity and technique exhibited by our young artists.
Studio Gallery
February
February 6 through February 28
Exhibition Chair: Sue Basener
Without Reference: The Abstract Show
Artists compose with color and texture, line, shape and size. RiverArts invites artists to explore the relationship of these elements of art by breaking away from the traditional representation of physical objects, to create abstractions. This departure from the traditional can be partial or total; but each piece will challenge the viewer to think creatively and to ask such questions as “How does this make me feel?” and “What creative process did the artist experience?”
Woodworker’s Showcase, a Judged Show
Established and emerging woodworking artists are invited to enter their original creations in wood made by any woodworking technique. The curators seek to present the best in high-quality woodworking and design. The beauty of the wood form and finish will be enhanced by the concurrent Abstractions Exhibition, featuring two-dimensional art which also emphasizes beauty in shape, line and space. Entries will be judged with modest cash prizes awarded.
Both Galleries
March
March 6 through 28
Exhibitions Chair: William Brockschmidt
Fiber Show
Works on Paper
Curator: Sue Wright
Main Gallery
iShow: Digital Art
Curator: Zane Carter
Studio Gallery
April
April 3 through 24
Exhibition Chair: Lani Seikaly
The Art of Stewardship
Juried Art Show
Awards Ceremony, Thursday, April 2
Curator: Marcy Dunn Ramsey
The protection of this fragile world is a responsibility we all share, and conveying that idea in art is at the heart of this exhibit. Stewardship is the act of caring for whatever has been entrusted to us. Artists are invited to submit works of art in any medium that express what you care most for in your world – what is worth preserving and protecting on this earth. Entries will be juried and judged and winners announced at a special awards ceremony.
Both Galleries
Paint the Town Wet Paint Show and Sale
April 25 and 26
Both Galleries
May
May 1 through 30
Exhibition Chair: Sue Basener
The Art of the Photograph, Judged Show
Photographers are invited to exhibit their best work at the 13th annual open Judged Photography Show. This popular show includes outstanding work from local photographers and from photographers who travel a distance to exhibit their work. Two entries may be entered of any subject, theme, and photographic technique. The judge’s awards will be presented at the opening on First Friday.
Curators: Ed and Diane Blake
Both Galleries
Art from Earth: A Judged Clay Show
Artists are invited to exhibit all forms created from clay, whether functional, figurative, conceptual or abstract. Artists should let their hands be guided by the clay to express their unique ideas through this very sensuous material hardened by heat, then left raw, painted or glazed. Entries will be judged and winners announced at the First Friday opening in May.
Curator: Jessica Coner
Both Galleries
June
June 5 through 26
Exhibition Chair: Marj Morani
The Artists Touch:
Judged Painting Show
Judged Sculpture Show
“The Artist’s Touch” exhibit showcases the participants’ best work reflecting how the artists express their view of the world. The show will feature original sculpture and original works in oil, acrylic, pastel, watercolor, and egg tempera.
Both Galleries
Art in Bloom
June 14 & June 15
Both Galleries
July
July 3 through August 1
Exhibition Chair: Cindy Stafford
The ART of Wine
Curators: Cindy Stafford and Anne Vansant
This show will illustrate many of the aspects of wine that make it so popular in our country today. What does a bottle of wine mean to you? Celebration? Camaraderie? Warmth and laughter? A delicious meal? Relaxation at the end of a tough day? Does it make you think of picnics on the beach? Romance? Elegant stemware and crystal? A special trip to Paris or the rolling hills of Tuscany? Concerts in the parks? Vineyards slipping down to the Chester River?
While wine is usually made from lush bunches of grapes picked from vines in beautifully manicured vineyards, delicious varieties are also made from raspberries, cherries, blueberries, and even dandelions. It can be accompanied by tangy cheese, crusty bread, delicate biscuits, dark chocolate or enjoyed with a meal.
As more and more vineyards emerge on the Eastern Shore, we thought it was time to celebrate this growth and examine the beauty associated with it. Wine, friendship, celebration, and good food all evoke lovely images. Interesting and imaginative art is used to create memorable labels. Woodworkers and glassmakers create beautifully handcrafted stoppers, cheese boards, and snack dishes to compliment all of this. After the meal, inventive recycling results in wreaths, hot pads, and a variety of useful or fun things made from corks. Bottles are cut, melted, or bound together to create whimsical sculptures, serving pieces, wind chimes, or plant feeders.
Main Gallery
Available for Rent
Studio Gallery
August
August 7 through 29
Exhibition Chair: Shelley Minch
Communication Arts
Featuring comics, graphic design, illustration, film, video
Main Gallery
Caroline Huff, solo show
Studio Gallery
September
September 4 through 26
Exhibition Chairs: William Brockschmidt and Shelley Minch
“Handmade in America” Juried Fine Craft Exhibition
Chestertown RiverArts will celebrate artful living with our first juried fine arts and crafts show opening First Friday September 4, 2015. The show, “Handmade in America” promises to be a beautiful blend of finely-crafted handmade ceramics, jewelry, metal and glass works, clothing, furniture, and home décor by artisans of note. Many of our own artist members will be showcasing their work along with invited participants from around the country. Come see, feel, and take home a fantastic high-quality American craft on the Eastern Shore.
Both Galleries
October
October 2 through October 31
Studio Tour Exhibition
Curator: Cindy Fulton
Main Gallery
Art of Stewardship 2014 & 2015 Winners Exhibition
Art Benson (2014) and David Crane (2015) – Studio Gallery
November/December
November 3 through November 14
Stories of Kent County: WWII Home Front
A collaboration between RiverArts and Washington College’s C.V. Starr Center
Holiday Show and Sale: Make a Joyful Noise
Exhibition Chair: Sue Wright
(Nov 15 – Dec 24)
Curator: Sue Wright
Both Galleries