Chincoteague Island .Net

The arts are alive during the 2nd Saturday Art Stroll on Saturday, July 11. The Art Stroll, coordinated by the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance, offers an eclectic mix of free artistic and cultural activities in locations throughout the town. Most events take place from 6:00 – 10:00pm unless otherwise noted. Pick up InfoMaps at participating shops, the Chamber of Commerce, and many restaurants, hotels, inns, and other lodging.

Begin your stroll in the afternoon, 3:00 – 8:00pm, as members of the Chincoteague Carvers & Artists Association gather in Robert Reed Downtown Waterfront Park to demonstrate, exhibit and sell their work. Also, visit Gull Watch Basketry 10:00am – 3:00pm for a basket-making demonstration by Helen Sheets.

Then head over to Maddox Boulevard to Island Arts for more carving with a demonstration by Jennifer Daisy. The Island Cottage Collection hosts jewelry demonstrations by Laughing Dog Jewelry, soap making by Marianne Warren, wood carving by Hunter Wolfe, handmade baskets by Debbie Finnegan and pine needle baskets by “Reds” Miller. Island Cottage is also exhibiting watercolors by Diana M. Davis and decoys by Floyd “Sawdy” Jester. Across the street, Marion McDonough demonstrates painting on shells at Visions of Color.

Cruise on over to Church St and visit the Linda Nerine Gallery where Michael Garbacz will create paintings and luminaries and Linda Nerine features her own “A Broad Abroad” photos and treasures from Europe.

Back on Main Street, stop in at the Kite Koop for live acoustic music. Bring your shadow puppets to Egret Moon Artworks and win cool prizes in their big competition. Continue down Main Street and stop by the Island Library to see watercolor paintings by Barbara Schmitz.  Wine, Cheese and More has wine tastings from 6-9pm. They are also featuring sea glass nautical art by Ellie Mercier. Meet the artists at Island Butterfly where mother/daughter team Carla and Scharlene Leonard display their wild pony photography. Across the street, watch Mia Weldon demonstrate her talent in glass bead-making while DJ Michael spins favorite tunes at Psychotronic Music and Beads.

Continue up Main Street to Threadgoodes with paintings by Joyce Umphlett Reed and live music by guitarist Don Chapman. Next door, at Bayside Arts Coop is hosting a farewell for nature photographer Elwye Ess and offering 10% her works. Carver Mark Pleasanton will also be on hand to demonstrate his craft. End your stroll at aNopheles Blues with the infamous Soiree. Bring your favorite blind date and a poem you have created to read aloud.

Keep in mind that while the shops and galleries listed above have special events scheduled this month, other members feature art, books, antiques and specialty foods in their shops and many provide special treats during the art stroll. These include the Bookhounds, Guinevere’s. Flying Fish Gallery, the Osprey Nest Gallery, Sundial Books and Vintage Rose. For more information, visit the CCA website at www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org.