If you’ve never walked by KidSPOT , you’re in for a real treat. In fact, you may be drawn to just walk in and see all the activity. It is truly a welcoming, happy place!

This summer KidSPOT is offering six art adventures to choose from. Each session is five days, two hours per day. All are taught by experienced teachers.

* Little Kids Art Adventures with Amy Boumiea
Ages 4-6, June 26-30, 10am-noon.
Create masterpieces using a variety of media including drawing, painting, mixed media and sculpture.

*   Clay Handbuilding Adventures with Chris Neiman
Ages 10-13, July 10-14, 10am-noon.
Using handbuilding techniques, create coiled and pinched pots, cups, and more and then glaze them.

*   Adventures in Printmaking with Mary Ann Herron
Ages 7-12, July 17-21, 1pm-3pm.
Create four different types of prints and then enhance them with pastels and watercolors.

*   Adventures in Painting with Amy Miller
Ages 7-12, July 31-August 4, 10am-noon
Experiment with different painting techniques and learn how color and how it enhances these masterpieces.

*   Little Kids Art-Full Garden Adventure with Elizabeth Healy
Ages 4-6, August 7-11, 10am-noon.
Create paintings, collages, sculptures and more while learning about flowers, insects, birds, and butterflies.

*  Adventures with Clay Creations with Teresa Jetton
Ages 8-12, August 7-11, 10am-noon.
Use handbuilding techniques to create a fantastic fish sculpture and other wonderful masterpieces.

KidSPOT is located next to the RiverArts Gallery and Gift Shop, 315 High Street, in the breezeway.

Space is limited, so sign up now. To learn more about these programs, fees, and to register go to, www/chestertownriverarts.com or call 410-778-6300.

“Navy Diving Helmet” by Lauren Burnett

Chestertown RiverArts invited artists and artisans to submit work that exemplified the mastery of their craft. The response was far-reaching. The exhibit took shape in RiverArts newly redesigned gallery space that is able to give prominence to each of the 78 pieces created by 45 artists. The exhibit opened with a First Friday reception and will run through March 26.

Works on view include everything from jewelry made from fine silver and semi-precious stones to large hand-crafted garden sculptures. The fine art includes oil, acrylic, watercolor and pastel paintings. Crafts include textiles, metal work, woodworking, ceramics, jewelry, and fused glass. In addition to the typical “oohs and aahs”, visitors were captivated by collages so finely crafted that they look like watercolor paintings and the dramatic effects created by printing photographs on canvas and metal. Many were curious about some of the unfamiliar media used such as pyrography, digital painting, and collagraph printing.

Visitors voted for the “Peoples Choice Award” which was given to “Navy Diving Helmet” by Lauren Burnett. The 7” x 6” x 7” helmet is completely hand-sculpted from clay and finished with metallic gold and copper glazes. The detail is outstanding, giving the observer the illusion that it is made entirely from metal. Although small, it is a functioning deep sea diving helmet.

No doubt those who see this exhibit will want to attend the “Artists Talk” on Thursday, March 9, 5-6:30. Attendees will hear the artists talk about their inspiration and process.

The RiverArts Gallery and Gift Shop is located at 315 High Street, in the breezeway. Hours are Wednesday-Friday 11-4, Saturday 10-4, and Sunday 11-3. For information on upcoming exhibits, talks, classes and special events go to www.community.chestertownriverarts.org or call 410-778-6300.

Painting of artist, Jack Fancher, by Ronn Akins

“Paint the Town” is very popular with plein air artists from all over the mid-Atlantic region. In addition to having the opportunity to paint wonderful scenes, past participating artists often commented that they found Kent County residents to be extremely welcoming, especially those that opened their homes to out-of-town artists. Many residents offered suggestions for scenes best to paint whether it was the early spring fresh green acreage of local farms, the waterscapes and marinas of the small town of Rock Hall, the 18^th century homes of Chestertown or the wonderful private garden in town that is open to the public.

“Paint the Town” is a 4-day event. From Thursday through early Saturday afternoon artists paint the scenes throughout the area that interest them. On Saturday afternoon everyone frames their work and hangs them in the newly redesigned RiverArts’ gallery in preparation for the “Wet Paint Show & Sale”. Once the show is up, the participating artists vote for “Best in Show” and “Best Body of Work”. The ribbons are placed just before the show opens to the public.

At 5:30 p.m. artists and their guests, RiverArts members, and visitors are invited to the “Wet Paint Show & Sale” reception. At 6:00 pm there is a brief awards ceremony followed by a reception where everyone has the opportunity to mingle and shop.

Artists who are unable to participate in all 4 days of “Paint the Town” may still register to participate in our one day “Quick Draw” competition on Sunday, April 23rd. Artists arrive between 8:00-9:00 a.m. After checking in, artists have two hours to paint scenes in downtown Chestertown.  At 11:00 a.m. artists set up their paintings on easels in Fountain Park for viewing and judging by an outside judge. While the judge is making his selections, the public is invited to vote for the “People’s Choice Award”.

At noon, the “Quick Draw” Awards are presented for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places and the “People’s Choice”.  These paintings are then added to the gallery exhibit which is open until 3:00 p.m. All awards during Paint the Town come with cash prizes.

This year the exhibit is to be extended through April 30^th to give artists additional time to display and sell their work. Participation in the extended exhibit is not mandatory but encouraged.

Registration will close once the maximum number of artists allowed have responded which should be soon. If you or someone you know is interested, go to www.chestertownriverarts.org and then click on Events for more information and to register.

For most people, a trip to a favorite museum or art gallery wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the gift shop. Always a magnet for shoppers seeking something handmade and unique, RiverArts Gift Shop goes a step farther, serving the entire community with a treasure trove of artistic items.

Newly expanded and redesigned, the shop will have a grand re-opening on First Friday, February 3, from 5 to 7 pm. You’ll find it in a new location featuring an even greater variety of one-of-a-kind items created by RiverArts members in a space more conducive to shopping.

Whether browsing for yourself or a gift for your Valentine, you’ll find a curated selection of textures and materials including paintings, photos, woodcraft, pottery, metal, paper, knitted and woven items, basketry, jewelry, wearables and more — all with a certain artistic flair.

The new open design makes shopping a pleasure.  Signs will now alert you to new artists and items you might like to check out. Another new feature is a special display showcasing the work of RiverArts Clay Studio artists.

Prices at RiverArts are set to please with a variety of affordable merchandise. Feel even better about your purchases knowing you are supporting a local artist and that a portion of every sale goes to support RiverArts and its many community programs for children and adults.

Until Valentine’s Day, any purchase will enter you in a drawing for a ceramic piece by Marlayn King, one of RiverArts most popular artists known for her decorative work and varied techniques.  There will also be three prizes that include a mini bottle of wine with two RiverArts glasses.

Regular hours are W-F 11am to 4pm, Sat 10am to 4pm, Sun 11am to 3pm.  However, for those who need to do some last minute Valentine’s Day shopping the gift shop will be open Tuesday, February 14, 11-4.

While visiting the gift shop also take in RiverArts new exhibit, “Merging Perspectives”. In celebration of Black History Month the February exhibit will feature both local and regional black artists who work in a broad range of media. The show will take place in the updated gallery space and run through February 25.

The RiverArts Gallery and Gift Shop as well as KidSPOT are located at 315 High Street, in the breezeway. For more information visit www.chestertownriverarts.org or call 410-778-6300.