Chincoteague Island .Net

Take advantage of the warm summer evenings and visit Chincoteague Island on Saturday, August 14 from 6:00 – 10:00pm for the 2nd Saturday Art Stroll, sponsored by the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance.

Participating shops and galleries around town have a variety of exhibits, demonstrations, live music, book signings, gourmet tastings and more. Pick up a 2nd Saturday InfoMap at participating shops as well as many restaurants, motels and the Visitor Center or check the CCA web site at www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org for additional details.

Begin your stroll on Maddox Blvd. The Island Cottage Collection is hosting a Sea Glass Festival with artists Suzie Hazel, Elaine  Stitcher, Ron and Sue Posey and a book signing by Richard  LaMotte, author of Pure Sea Glass. Bring your own sea glass for identification. Island Cottage is also featuring an exhibit of “Chincoteague Summer Memories” by Lucy Roehm and a tie-dye demonstration by Jennifer Forrester. Next door, Island Arts has carving by Ed Kuhn and live music with Bill Troxler on hammered dulcimer.

Stroll over to Church St. to the Linda Nerine Gallery for sea glass jewelry by Sonja Grondstat, sculpture by Sanra McKenzie Smith, signs of whimsy by Nealy and painting the sea by Janice Nelson.

Head down to Threadgoodes on Main St. for a tasting featuring their famous gourmet foods and wine slushies and browse the exhibit of lighthouse, shore bird, pony and folk art paintings by artist Joyce Umplett Reed.  Next door, at Bayside Arts, watch resident artist Jenny Somers demonstrate painting a waterfront scene. For another painting demonstration, head down Main St. to Island Butterfly, where local artist Jamie Thompson paints flower pots, garden ornaments & more. Step next door to Wine, Cheese & More for a wine tasting while browsing their selection of gourmet goodies. Across the street, Mia Weldon demonstrates the art of glass beadmaking.

Stay on Main Street and visit Ron Hugo Photography where Ron will sign copies of his new book, Swing: Chincoteague Island Swing Bridge – A Photographic Essay. Next door at Sundial Books, local author Karen Tweedie signs copies of her two books for young readers, Treasure on Chincoteague Island and The Hidden Key. Sundial also features a demonstration of jewelry making by Laughing Dog Jewelry.

The south end of Main St. is alive with the sound of music. Stop by Egret Moon Artworks, just off Main St. at Cleveland St., for karoke in the garden. Then visit the Kite Koop & Book Store for live and lively music and treats.

Back up on North Main St. aNopheles Blues hosts the infamous monthly 2nd S Soirée. Bring your favorite candle or lantern. We celebrate the Rolling Blackout on this day in 2003.  We’ll be off the grid from 6to 10 and our Fine Times will include toasting all the babies born in May of 2004. It’s proper to schmooze at aNoPheles Blues.

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, Guinevere’s & Vintage Rose, Island Style and the Osprey Nest Gallery.

The Chincoteague Cultural Alliance is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization formed to enhance community life by fostering and promoting the growth and vitality of arts and culture on Chincoteague Island and Delmarva’s Eastern Shore. Program support is provided by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Town of Chincoteague. For more information, visit www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org or call (757) 336-5636.