Across the country unconventional pop-up galleries are being opened to showcase artists that might not otherwise find a venue for their work. In open lots, vacant warehouses and empty storefronts, artists are creating new ways to draw the arts into everyday life in spaces that find themselves in need of use. Now in Chestertown, the newest addition to this trend will be opening on Friday May 6 at 327 High St.
Student art work from the present AP Art Class at Kent County High School as well as work from students past and future will be featured during the month of May in the downtown gallery.
The idea, the brainchild of Fine Arts Department Chair Stephanie Spencer and former classmate Bill Arrowood, was to showcase the work of the talented local artists in a forum outside the traditional County Student Art Show located in Worton. In years past, student work has been seen at Artworks, Chesapeake Bank and Trust and in the distant past, Gallery 5, but this will mark the first year that the students will be showing their talents in their own space.
When asked about the quality of the work, Spencer gushes with enthusiasm, “The art staff at KCHS and I are so proud of the work that our students are achieving, both in our classrooms and beyond, that given the opportunity to share that work to a larger audience proved to be an opportunity we simply could not refuse.”
Arrowood explains the impetus for the gallery’s location, “the month of May is when we have some of the highest foot traffic in downtown Chestertown, it is a great time to create exposure for the young talent pool that we have in the county and allow folks to see the great work that is coming out of the program in Worton.”
After exploring various options for galleries, Arrowood contacted property owner David Wright about the vacant space located next to the New York Deli. Mr. Wright, immediately recognizing an opportunity to patronize the arts and realizing that filling the space during a busy month in town would be good for the betterment of the downtown community as well, donated the space for the month.
Students in the show include Class of 2011 Seniors, Kim Eyler, Holly Heinefield, Taylor Stefanoviz, Katie Steffy, Joel Turner and from the Class of 2012, Anna Black.
Additionally several former students are returning to show their work in their post high school careers including,
Jamila Cook, (KCHS’06) BA from MICA; Kristina Kelley, (’07), Psychology & Studio Art major at Washington College;
Kyle Hackett, (’07), Fine Arts major at University of Delaware; Victoria Brannock, (’08), BA Fine Arts from Salisbury University; Winona Janega, (’09) now studying Animation at Sheridan College.
There will be an artist reception on First Friday May 6 from 5 – 7pm.
The gallery will be open on weekends as staffing is available throughout the month, and during the Tea Party Festival.
For more information please contact Bill Arrowood at 215-431-6671 or at [email protected]
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