Sunday september 7th was a beautiful sunny day. Perfect for walking the city and visiting the local galleries. While I wasn’t able to go to all the galleries I made it to a few. The most lively spot on the walk was Rambo fair (second time its been held by my account). This year rambo fair was held on verbeke street between second and penn. they had live music, and arts and crafts booths set up with their respective artisans selling their wares. The mantis gallery hosted the event as they did last year. The event was on north street last year in front of the mantis’s old location. Mantis is currently using the front room of Albert Michaels a restoration company on the corner of penn and verbeke. Open only on the first friday of the month, this was a bonus opportunity to see what they had on the walls.
Next we headed for the progressive galleries show at the maennerchor on north street. progressive routinely host events there, like the one coming up on the night of the 13th. This space is great. We’re talking a.c., a bar with inexpensive drinks, a d.j. and a lot of art to see and admire. While a little tamer than the saturday night shows it was a great time. As usual the art was excellent.
My third stop was brass monkey studios. While primarily a tattoo shop (an excellent one at that) they double as a gallery. the art definitely reflected a tattoo influence. Hip and cool and worth the visit. This spot is on north in the same place were mantis used to be. The guys that run the place are talented, pretty cool and have fashioned the space well. I always enjoy visiting them.
The final stop on my walk was arts at 510. 510 third street to be exact. This gallery is a classically run gallery with a frame shop in the back. This is another can’t lose stop. The art is always good and the atmosphere’s upscale. They also had chocolate chip cookies out and I love chocolate chip cookies.
Unfortunately I was out of time and had to end my tour of hbg galleries. I heard pleasant reviews from friends who made it to other venues. It seems that all in all this years gallery walk was a good time for all. I hope those of you who checked it out had a good time and will continue to support local art. Those of you who didn’t…….well come on get on board! We have tons of talent in this region and it can only be realized if we support it as a community.
Thank you for your kind comments on your blog about Gallery Walk, and all of the forementioned galleries, and of course, the Art Association of Harrisburg;s Carrie Wissler Thomas and Terrie Hosey for their long time commitment to keep arts moving here for all. This town is HOPPING and getting better all the time. From the Arts at 510 to Progressive Gallery to Mantis and our friends at Maennechor (Jonas Hair)….all are doing great work and will continue to do so. Arts at 510 is more upscale, but as with all art, it changes, times change and keeping up with the “market” and the tastes that move people are important to keeping the arts alive. That is not the only thing that makes them so special. They have heart, commitment and a true full service gallery with open ears and eyes. It is nice to know how the arts are so appreciated in this community. Onward and upward to all who work so hard to present and all who support by gathering their time and money to support the galleries. Together, we will all make this a better community which is the keynote speaker of making Harrisburg a continually up and coming and changing city. Progress, progressive thought and compassion….great combination!