Chincoteague Island .Net

The 2nd Saturday Art Strolls are coordinated by the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance and take place on the 2nd Saturday of each month from April to November. Participating shops and galleries feature special events, exhibitions, music and demonstrations as well as arts, books, antiques and gourmet foods. Most events take place 6:00 – 10:00pm unless noted. Pick up InfoMaps at participating shops, the Chamber of Commerce, and many restaurants, hotels, inns, and other lodging.

Bring your creative spirit to the August Art Stroll on Saturday, August 8. It’s time for the 4th Annual Queen For A Day contest at Egret Moon Artworks and Guinevere’s. This year’s theme is Alice In Wonderland’s “Off With Their Heads Queen”.  Join the insanity, create your crown, and play croquet with the best!

Wear your crown as you stroll down Main Street to visit the Kite Koop & Bookstore for live music with the Hooks Family & Friends. Then stop by Sundial Books to watch artist Barbara Schmitz demonstrate Sumi-e watercolor painting and pick up a copy of A Chincoteague Pony Finds a Friend signed by illustrator Dan Hess. Next door, the Island Library features an exhibit of paintings by local artist Nancy Madison. Head over to Wine, Cheese and More for a taste of wine from Spain then cross the street to Psychotronic Music and Beads to listen to DJ Michael’s favorite tunes and watch Mia Weldon demonstrate glass bead-making.

Continue down Main Street to Threadgoodes to watch a demonstration of jewelry making by Susan Henry and discuss designs with Gloria and Sandy from Seastar Creations in Atlantic, VA.  Next door, the Bayside Arts Gallery features a carving demonstration by Mark Pleasanton, porcelain painting by Susie Tuberson and painting by Jenny Somers. Earlier in the day, from 10:00am – 3:00pm, visit Gull Watch Basketry for a demonstration of basketmaking by Helen Sheets.

Take a detour down Church Street to the Linda Nerine Gallery. Watch artist Janice Nelson demonstrate watercolors of the sea and browse the shrugs by Deb Street, jewelry by Kelly Perley, ceramic  wind chimes by Ellen Freeman, and new finds in jewelry, leather & wearable art by Linda Nerine.

On Maddox Blvd., Island Arts features demonstrations of painting by Nancy Richards West & carved fish wall hangings by Ed Kuhn. Island Cottage Collection features demonstrations of metalsmithing by Laughing Dog Studio, soapmaking by Marianne Warren, wood carving by Hunter Wolfe and basketmaking by Deb Finnegan as well as a display of Eastern Shore seascapes by Jack Richardson, Bill Carpenter & Guy Wilkins. Fran Severn will also be on hand to sign copies of her book Art Drives on Delmarva.

End your evening at the 2nd Saturday Soiree at aNopheles Blues beginning at 8:15pm.  Irrepressible keyboardist Natalie Gilbert from Durham, NC, plays the gamut from show tunes to jazz, Beatles, Radiohead, and original improvisations. The affable Bob Potts joins Natalie on fretless bass.

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, Flying Fish Gallery, Island Butterfly, Osprey Nest Gallery, Vintage Rose, and Visions of Color. For more information, visit the CCA website at www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org