It’s time to celebrate the holidays and the joy of gift giving at RiverArts annual Holiday Show and Sale. You will find inspired, creative gifts for everyone on your list. Each piece is one-of-a-kind and affordable. Even better, this year there are three shopping locations.

The  RiverArts Main Gallery is having its opening reception for its annual Holiday Show and Sale on Thursday, November 16, 5-7 pm. All are welcome. Over 1,000 items created by more than 50 artists, at least ten of whom are new this year, will have their work in the show.  Expect to see holiday décor including ornaments, wreaths, and cards. In addition, there will be fine art and photography, jewelry, pottery, knitted and woven items, silk scarves, wood, glass, and paper art and more. As items are sold, new ones are brought in.

Adjoining the gallery exhibit is the newly expanded Store at RiverArts which has additional items by some 60 artists, many of whom are not represented in the Holiday Show itself.  These artists bring in items throughout the year.

New this year at the RiverArts Gallery on High are works created by five artists. Mary Jane Svenson’s hand woven wearables are truly special as is her unique woven wall art. Three potters, Marcey Sherman, Diana Frymiar and Wanda Brumwell  are offering a broad range of utilitarian vessels and decorative works in very different styles. Also see Kris Kelley-Majors hanging glass stars.

The Main Gallery and Store are located at 315 High Street, in the breezeway.  The Gallery on High is located at 200 High Street, next to the RiverArts Clay Studio. The Holiday Show and Sale at both locations will be open through December 24. Hours at both locations are:

Wednesday through Friday: 11:00 – 4:00

Saturday: 10:00 – 4:00

Sunday: 11:00 – 4:00

For more information go here

Ever wonder what artists’ studios really look like?  Have you ever wanted to see how artists actually create their amazing work? And surely wouldn’t you love to buy it all?

Chestertown RiverArts Annual Studio Tour invites visitors to take a sneak peak inside Kent and upper Queen Anne’s Counties creative spaces. This self-guided tour takes place over two Fall weekends, October 21-22 and October 28-29, rain or shine. And it’s free!

This year 60 artists, many nationally known, are really looking forward to having visitors in to chat, check out how they work, and provide the opportunity to buy original artwork at studio tour prices.

The art is as diverse as the artists who create it, with styles ranging from traditional to avant-garde to just downright whimsical. Media include painting, photography, sculpture, metal, pottery, fiber, wood, jewelry, glass, and more.

The studios run the gamut. While there are some that look just like you would imagine, others are unique. There are a few studio galleries and several independent studios in a small art complex. Some are at the artists’ homes, either in a separate building or in the homes themselves where you will see their sense of style.

Studios can be as large as a vast two-story metalworking shop or as small as a woodworking set-up in a one-car garage. Seven artists will be showing their work at a group studio at Heron Point, Chestertown’s premier retirement community. In a few instances there are artists displaying their work at a venue other than their own studio. And do stop by the RiverArts Clay Studio to see demonstrations on the wheel.

Enjoy the small town feeling when you visit studios in historic Chestertown and Rock Hall, a delightful Waterman’s town. Explore the beauty of autumn in the Kent County and Upper Queen Anne’s County countryside as you drive to studios farther afield and take in scenic views of the Chester River.

To plan your personal itinerary take in the exhibit of works by the tour’s artists at the Chestertown RiverArts Gallery, 315 High Street, in the breezeway. Brochures will be available to help you decide on must-see venues along with helpful maps. The exhibit will be open for the month of October. Regular hours are Wednesday-Friday, 11-4; Saturday 10-4 and Sunday 11-3. During the Studio Tour itself, Gallery hours are Saturday and Sunday, 10-5. For more information go to www.chestertownriverarts.com/studio-tour .

The tour can be a great day’s outing. However, with so many studios on the tour, you may wish to make a weekend of it. We hope that you will join us!

Special thanks go to Chesapeake Bank and Trust which has been a long time sponsor of the Studio Tour.