Chestertown RiverArts is made up of a dynamic group of artists, art lovers, and folks who believe the arts enrich us all, both as individuals and as a community. With this in mind, it is offering an ongoing Creative Lives Lecture Series that appeals to both artists and non-artists. Two lectures are planned for November.
Table by Bob Ortiz
A Conversation about Art and Craft…as Process, not as Product will be given by award-winning furniture maker, Bob Ortiz, on Tuesday, November 11, 5-6pm. Bob writes, “I’m the son of two Latin Americans who met in New York City. My mother and father were factory workers who taught me the value and dignity of work and making useful things. At age 5, I studied piano and classical music for 8 years. I left home at 14, joined a Catholic Religious Order and lived with and learned from men whose life was dedicated to teaching and being of service. I left that order when I was 21. For the next 14 years, I taught high school (5 years), earned my living as a performing musician as a singer songwriter (5 years) and worked with emotionally disturbed adolescents (4 years). A look inside a book store window led me to woodworking where I have been for the past 29 years.”
“I’m self-taught. I worked for two furniture makers for two years and then opened my own shop in 1987. For the first 10 years I made other people’s designs hoping that I would finally get to the point where I could design and make my own pieces. For the past 14 years that is what I have been able to do.”
“Whenever I’m asked how long it took me to make a piece I always give two answers, one of them being ‘my entire life.’ I do believe that my work is a product of all my experiences and the different roads that I have walked.”
Bob’s lecture will be held in his studio, 207C S. Cross Street in Chestertown. The cost for members is $15 and for non-members $20.
The Logo for Chester River Brewing Co.
The Art of Craft Brewing will be given by Kevin Shertz on Thursday, November 20, 6:30-8:00pm. In 2013, craft beer comprised 7.8% of the beer sold in the U.S., up from 6.5% in 2012. What is fueling this rapid growth? Kevin believes it’s simple: people want to support locally-made products created by independent small businesses. And, believe it or not, craft beer has just as much flavor complexity and diversity as wine.
Kevin Shertz, a local architect, formally-trained brewer, a founder of the Chester River Brewing Company (opening next year) will discuss the art and science of beer, how it is produced, and lead a tasting of different beer styles, with a special emphasis on locally-produced beers from around the Delmarva area.
The lecture will be held in RiverArts Main Gallery, 315 High Street, Suite 106. The cost for members is $25 and for nonmembers $35.
For more information and/or to register for a lecture call 410-778-6300, email [email protected] or go to our website, www.chestertownriverarts.org.
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