The First Friday Lowdown

There’s so much going on for First Friday in November: Earth Stewardship Days, Art of Stewardship Awards Ceremony (tonight, Thursday!), and many, many more events.

Earth Stewardship Days

November 6 – November 9

The Chester River Association is collaborating with RiverArts, Massoni Gallery and the Art of Stewardship Project to bring you a series of events and activities to inspire environmental activism for protection of our Earth and resources.

Earth Stewardship Days offers eight events from Thursday through Sunday. Event admissions range from free to $35. Whichever you attend, you’ll be having fun, learning, and being a part of the effort to appreciate and protect our Chester River.

To view the full schedule and description of events, as well as make reservations and purchase tickets, please click here.

Art of Stewardship Preview Reception & Awards Ceremony

Thursday, November 6, 5:30pm, RiverArts Gallery

Seventy-two artists were juried into this wide-ranging collection depicting each artist’s expression of stewardship. At tonight’s preview reception and awards ceremony exhibition judges Greg Mort, an internationally renowned artist whose Stewardship series of paintings has been exhibited to much acclaim and Rebecca Hoffberger, founder of the American Visionary Art Museum, will be on hand to present awards. Greg and Rebecca will also speak about the intersection of art and activism in the movement to raise awareness about the importance of caring for the Earth. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served. A silent auction to benefit the Chester River Association is also planned. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Click here to purchase tickets and learn more.

A sampling of First Friday features…

Many others will be open late with new exhibits and seasonal specials.

• Please join us at the Charles Sumner Post #25 (G.A.R.) this First Friday night. We will host the special reception of Marc Castelli’s Black Watermen of the Chesapeake Bay, and once again feature Andre Sisco in performance at 5:00, 6:00 and 7:00pm. On Saturday, November 8 at 11:00am, a talk about the Gallery Show will be held featuring Marc Castelli and Pete Lesher, chief curator at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.
• Visit Robert Ortiz Studios for a book signing and reception Friday, November 7 from 5:00-8:00pm. Chris Cerino will debut his new book, “Kent County by Water: A Portrait of Maryland’s Most Scenic Peninsula,” and show slides and give short readings at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30pm. The event is free thanks to the support of the Kent County Arts Council and everyone is welcome. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be provided.
• The Chester River Packet is hosting an open house on the boat from 5:00-8:00pm on Friday evening with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar, featuring the photography of Terry Willis.
• The Tree of Life Gallery, located at 312 Cannon Street, will host a special reception this Friday from 5:00-8:00pm in celebration of this month’s featured artist, Alice Pickett-Lewis. Owners Faith Wilson and Marilee Schumann are pleased to add fiber artist Pickett-Lewis’s colorful hand-woven rugs and sewn wall hangings to their own display of painted floor cloths and pottery.
• First Friday at Kent County Public Library will feature Photography, Student Art and 5th Grade Projects. Stop by from 5:00-8:00pm Friday to meet photographer Matthew Lane, view artwork created by students at Worton, Galena and Garnett Elementary Schools and Kent County 5th Grade Coastal Clean-Up Projects.
• Stop by the Garfield Center Kohl Lobby stage for live music by Big Hats and No Cattle (variation) beginning at 5:30pm. This quartet performs folk songs from the ’60s, standards from the “great American songbook” and a sprinkling of original tunes.
• Massoni Gallery is hosting a First Friday reception for Marc Castelli’s one-man show “The Leaning Wind.”
• Don’t miss History Happy Hour (with a twist this time!) at the Bordley History Center beginning at 4:00pm. Here you will meet Tillie Pierce, a 15 year old girl whose experiences of the great Battle of Gettysburg are chronicled in “What a Girl Heard and Saw of the Battle.” Listen as she remembers the harrowing week leading up to and encompassing the fight that raged around her little home town and the grueling aftermath that confronted her at the other citizens of Gettysburg. Tillie is portrayed by Abigail Harting, an interpreter and historian. Admission is free and there will be a wine and cheese reception.
• Twigs & Teacups will be open until 8:00pm for First Friday. Stop by, say “hi,” and see what’s new!
• Houston’s Dockside Emporium is ready for the holiday gift giving season! Great scarves, jewelry, sweaters, vests and jackets are in stock. Their newest line, DOG IS GOOD, is selling very well along with all of their jeans by NYDJ, French Dressing and Liverpool. Lisette pants are still on fire, with a new black tie dye on the way. Have you seen their purple crab flag t-shirts and sweatshirts yet? Don’t miss out!
• The Artists’ Gallery is featuring all new watercolors by Linda Hall. Her show is titled “Chasing the Light” and will hang all month, beginning with the First Friday reception.
• This First Friday will be a special night at Gabriel’s! Stop by for a mini makeover by Melissa of Salon. Get expert tips for how to look your best for the holidays. Enjoy a glass of wine or beer along with a warm bowl of turkey chili and check out all of Joyce’s fabulous fall finds!
• MusicLife will continue their storewide Fall Sale while also placing some items on a “One Day/Evening Sale.” In addition, stop by to hear some heartwarming songs!
• Have you visited Treasures ReFound on Cannon Street lately? Stop by to check out their antiques and one of a kind finds while you enjoy beverages and hors d’ouevres.
• We are very excited to have a new friend and neighbor in Downtown Chestertown! Visit 323 High Street where Al Cassinelli will have moonshine punch and a selection of Cassinelli Wines for sample. Introduce yourself and learn about Al’s distillery plans!
• Poor Richard’s has been transformed into a mecca of holiday gifts for every recipient! Gourmet foods, home decor, greeting cards, witty tees, canvas and leather bags, totes and pouches are just some of the items you’ll find in stock for the holiday season.
• Broken Paddle features locally made crafts and art, including handmade hats and scarves to keep you warm!
• In addition to the Art of Stewardship exhibition on display, RiverArts will also be opening The Five Turners Exhibition at their First Friday reception, featuring woodwork by Gene Adcock, Chuck Engstrom, Margaret Lospinuso, Lou Rudinski and Tim Moore.