Chincoteague Island .Net

During the weekend of September 12 - 13, Chincoteague Cultural Alliance will sponsor the Fifth Annual Plein Air Art Event.  Plein Air is a French term that means painting in the open.  That is what more than forty professional artists from seven states and Puerto Rico will do for two days throughout Chincoteague and Assateague Islands.  The Plein Air Art Event culminates on Saturday evening, September 13 at Comfort Suites on Main Street in Chincoteague during a 6 – 10 pm reception and sale of the artists’ work.

Artists choose distinctive locations throughout the Islands and make use of their unique styles in pursuit of the common goal of capturing scenes as quickly as possible before the movements of sun and clouds alter the lighting and colors of the view.  The press of time and changing light make plein air work energetic and exciting.

Plein air painting demands intense concentration and great skill by artists.  No two plein air paintings will look alike even if the artists set up their easels side-by-side.   Works may be executed in oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel or pencil.   Paintings will range in size from charming miniatures that can beautify any space to large scale master works that can be the focal point of a room.

Visitors are encouraged to watch the artists at work.  Some artists are willing to talk about their work while they are painting.  Others may be so engaged with their work that they are unaware of any onlookers.

The 6 - 10 pm reception and sale at Comfort Suites on Main Street in Chincoteague offers opportunities to meet the artists, and see and purchase the art work completed during the two-day event.  The show and sale are free and open to the public.  Gourmet refreshments will be provided by local culinary artist Sally Locklin.

The Plein Air Art Event is part of the 2nd Saturdays Art Stroll sponsored by the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance.  The Stroll is a monthly, island-wide event hosted by galleries and shops that present art and craft demonstrations, exhibits, live music, wine tasting and the unexpected.  Info Maps are available at shops and galleries throughout the Island and online at www.chincoteagueculturalalliance.org

A Tribute to “The Country Gentlemen” coming the The Chincoteague Center

Saturday August 16 — 7:00pm

Bill Yates and Friends ” A Tribute to the Country Gentlemen” is the result of the love of the “real”  Country Gentlemen music. A small jam session to sing some Country Gentlemen songs led to the idea to keep the CG music alive.

The Country Gentlemen are considered by many to be the  first “progressive” bluegrass band. Several things set the CG apart from other  bluegrass bands of the time (1950’s). Since the bands inception, they have been known for their unique choice of material, ranging from traditional bluegrass  to the popular music of the time. One of the  Gentleman’s strength is adapting music from many different genres to bluegrass style. Their influences can be seen in almost every bluegrass band’s playing today. Many of the top bluegrass names can be counted as former members. In 1996 the CG were inducted in to  The International Bluegrass Hall of Honor.

Bill Yates Played with the CG for Charlie Waller for 18 plus years and recorded 17 projects with the band. Mike Phipps provides the stellar vocalizing reminiscent of Charlie Waller”s. The tribute band succeeded in depicting both the sound and psyche of the pioneering Country Gentlemen. In their effort to keep the Country Gentlemen music alive, “Bill Yates & Friends succeed.

As usual There will be door prizes, home-made chili dogs, pork barbecue and Ice cream.

Also, VIP table seating will be available for $30.00 advance reservations. $25.00 for gen admission at-the-door & $20.00 for advance gen admission.

The August 2nd Saturday Art Stroll, sponsored by the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance, takes place Saturday, August 9 in participating shops, galleries and museums around the Island. Meet artists, authors and musicians and see demonstrations of their work. Most events take place between 6:00 – 10:00pm, unless noted. Join us for a great evening of art under the stars.

Afternoon Event

Oyster & Maritime Museum: Demonstration - Watercolor Painting with Diana Davis from 3pm to 5pm

Evening Events

3rd Annual Hoopla Hula Island Queen for a Day

Start at Guinivers for your crown makings and map, create your crown next door at Egret Moon. Go to Dreams Gallery for your flower lei, Tomorrow’s Treasures to create your shell necklace, and Vintage Rose for your queenly photo. Stop at Threadgoods for a cool slushie and wind up at Egret Moon for the Island Queen Competition and Crowning at 9:30 pm.

New Member Gala Premier: Dreams Gallery at Oyster Bay Outfitters

Meet artists Laura Ellison Opdyke, jeweler and Pat Ellison, painter with music by Sean Kelly

Demonstrations

Bayside Arts Cooperative – painting by Jenny Somers, watercolor by Tracey Arvidson and drawing  by Deborah DeLoach

Gull Watch Basketry - Basket-making by Helen Sheets, 6-8 pm

Island Arts - Painting by Nancy Richards West

Island Cottage Collection - Decoy Decoration by Jen Daisey from Chincoteague, Photography by Lauren Pochron from Chincoteague, Metalsmithing and Soapmaking by Jim and Marianne Warren from Parksley

Linda Nerine Gallery - Water color painting by Jan Nelson

Psychotronic Music & Beads - Glass bead-making by Mia Weldon

Meet the Artists

Island Butterfly - 2008 Photos and postcards featuring Island scenes by Carla Leonard

Solid Rock Photography - 2008 Pony Penning Photos & exclusive Salt Water Cowboy Trading Cards by Kenny Lewis

Exhibitions

Bayside Arts Cooperative - Pottery by Elizabeth Hunt and Photography from around the world by Barbara Luehning

Island Cottage Collection - Pine Needle Baskets by Reds Miller and Hand-painted Pony Swim ornaments by Joyce Reed

Linda Nerine Gallery - Mixed media jewelry by Isajul and Wearable art by Elizabeth

Betty Shepard will be signing copies of her new book “Virginia, An Alphabetical Journey Through Virginia History” on Saturday, August 9 from 6:00 – 8:00pm at Sundial Books on Chincoteague Island.  From Arlington National Cemetery to the distinctive Zouaves uniforms worn during the Civil War, the book is a great way to help young readers become familiar with key events and places throughout the Commonwealth. Betty Shepard is a teacher, librarian and author of numerous teacher guides and lives on land that was once part of the Mount Vernon estate. Sundial Books is located at 4073 Main Street, next to the Island Library. For more information, please call (757) 336-5825.

During August work will continue on the Chincoteague Bridge. Crews have completed transmission line relocations, restoring marsh grass and driving all the piles allowed by the time of year restriction. In addition, crews have completed a mock assembly of the movable bridge span components at the offsite fabrication yard and disassembled it after prime coating the components.

In upcoming months, progress will be more visible as you drive by the project. The bridge’s main horizontal support beams have been set in place for 2/3 of the spans, and crews are currently working on wall pours, forming retaining walls and pouring concrete.  The first deck pour is scheduled for early August.

Motorists traveling on Route 175 from the Wire Narrows Bridge to the Main Street Intersection should expect multiple alternating lane closures from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. until the beginning of October. These closures are necessary for crews to receive equipment and materials for the project.

source: Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) press release