Chincoteague Island .Net

The 2nd Saturday Art Stroll on September 12 kicks off the fall season with an eclectic mix of special events. In addition to the array of demonstrations, exhibits, music, tastings and more in participating shops, the 6th Annual Plein Air Exhibition and Sale takes place from 6:00 – 10:00pm at St. Andrew’s Paschal Hall on Church St. More than 40 artists from across the country will be displaying the works they painted on the Islands during the day. Stop by to meet the artists and perhaps find the perfect item for that one remaining space on your living room wall. Both the Art Stroll and the Plein Air event are sponsored by the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance, home of the Arts on Chincoteague Island.

Start your stroll early in the afternoon with a visit to Gull Watch Basketry on South Main St. Owner Helen Sheets will be demonstrating basket making from 10:00am – 3:00pm. Continue the evening portion of your stroll at Island Cottage Collection, which is hosting demonstrations of metalsmithing by Laughing Dog Studio, soapmaking by
Marianne Warren, painting by Nancy Madison, drawing by Adam, wildlife photo techniques by Melissa of Salty Lady Photography and basketmaking by Deb Finnegan. Next door, Island Arts features Torchwork beadmaking by Madeline Ramsey of the Alexandria Glass Artists.

Continue down Maddox Blvd. to Main St. and head south to Bayside Arts Coop where resident artist Jenny Somers features her very own mystery demo. Next door, Threadgoodes hosts artist Jan Eichfeld from Angel Wings Gallery with new paintings of “The Perfect Seaside Village.”

When you reach Church Street, take a left to stop at the Plein Air Exhibit and Sale, then continue down Church St. to the Linda Nerine Gallery with ceramic windchimes by Ellen Freeman and abstract photographic images of the sea and refuge by Linda Nerine. Stroll back to Main Street and walk south to the beat of the Island Boys, who will be performing on Main St. as part of the Chincoteague Police Poker Run for the Kids. Stop at Island Butterfly to meet watercolor artist Chris Holmes, then head next door to Wine, Cheese and More for a special wine-tasting to benefit the CCA Scholarship Fund. Across Main St., Mia Weldon demonstrates glass beadmaking and DJ Michael plays his favorite fabulous tunes at Psychotronic Music and Beads.

Continue down Main St and visit the Island Library for a local artist exhibit. Then stop next door at Sundial Books to meet author Ron Zeitz, who will sign copies of his book Blockade Runner (6:00 – 9:00pm). Farther down Main, at Guinevere’s, Sir Jim from J Nicholas Jewelry presents handcrafted jewelry with stones, pearls and crystals. Then, follow your ears to the Kite Koop where Neal Hooks and the Brethren play acoustic rock on the front deck. End your night on North Main St. by helping to create a collective painting at the ever-popular 2nd Saturday Soiree at aNoPheles Blues.