Sometimes, art venues can appear in the least likely of places. At first glance, Barely Used Consignments on Main St. is a great place to score a reasonably priced piece of furniture or a fashionable outfit or accessory for your home. Dig deeper, though, and you’ll find that they offer so much more. Moving to their new location at 8 North Main Street (just two doors up from their old spot) opened up an opportunity for owner Tianna Alves to offer much more than items on consignment.
Their new location includes a large open room, which Tianna refers to as the “gathering place”, where local artists can display and sell their work. Currently, there are eight artists represented and they will rotate so there will always be something new to look at when you stop by. Tianna is continuously looking for new local artists. If you are an artist who’s looking for this type of venue to spread the word about your work, contact the store for all the details.
Photo by Julianne Alzamora of Forest Hill
The gathering place inside Barely Used has also allowed Tianna to begin offering classes and events to customers of all ages. In November alone, Barely Used is hosting a Lego club, a bead making class, an evening of live music, a walking tour and photography class plus many more events. Julianne Alzamora of Forest Hill recently participated in the photography class led by local photographer, Dave Gigliotti. Julianne said, “It was a ton of fun seeing Bel Air through the eyes of the camera. I was very surprised by the pictures that came out! It was definitely a great experience for photographers of all ages and skill.”This is just the kind of response Tianna was hoping for. She has always been a huge fan of the arts and has felt that art provides a form of therapy. According to Tianna, “I wanted to create a safe, warm place for people to come and relax, whether it is for an event or even just for fifteen minutes on their lunch break.”
One look at the calendar of events at Barely Used and you will see what an asset this new space is to the Bel Air A&E District and what Tianna’s energy and love of the arts adds to our existing framework of cultural events. Stop by and check out what they have to offer!
The Town of Bel Air Film Festival is right around the corner and the festival crew is gearing up for the event which will celebrate its 5th anniversary in October. “We’ve seen a lot of growth in the last few years and we are excited about offering this event to residents of Bel Air and visitors as well,” says Trish Heidenreich, Director of Economic Development. This year’s festival will be held October 18-20 with evening screenings Friday and Saturday and matinees on Saturday and Sunday.
The festival crew researches thought provoking, well-crafted, great examples of the art of the cinema and brings in guest speakers to host each film. These are not movies you can readily see elsewhere. They are the kind of films you find yourself talking about long after you are home. “We are excited to bring in various guests to host each screening ,” says Festival Director, Rebecca Jessop. “We want to thank the Town of Bel Air for the opportunity to bring these high quality films to the community.”
The Festival is a family friendly, affordable event. Tickets are $5 per film or $10 for a weekend pass to all four films. Plus, each ticket includes complimentary popcorn and a soda. Children 10 years and younger are free.
Advance tickets will be available the beginning of October, Monday through Friday 8:30-4:30, at the Town of Bel Air Economic Development Department located at the Bel Air Reckord Armory, 37 North Main Street. For more information, visit www.TownofBelAirFilmFestival.com or call 410-838-0584. You may also contact the Festival Director, Rebecca Jessop at Rebbecca@CenterfortheArtsHarford.org.
Look what’s in the lineup for summer 2013 in the A & E District!
We have concerts, theater, movie
s and visual arts for all ages. Many events are free. Here is a glimpse of what’s coming. Stay up-to-date with all events with the Arts & Entertainment District’s online calendar. “Like” The Town of Bel Air’s Arts & Entertainment Facebook page for frequent updates.
Music
- Bel Air’s free outdoor concert tradition continues on Wednesday and Sunday evenings at Shamrock Park. Bring a picnic, relax on the grass and let the sounds of music surround you. Check the A & E calendar to see who’s performing at the William A. Humbert Amphitheater.
- Barbara Martin is an accomplished vocal interpreter of the great jazz and blues standards yet brave enough to stretch the boundaries of the female jazz and blues singer stereotype. Vince Lewis is a veteran jazz performer, composer and recording artist. They will appear together at the Bel Air Armory stage on June 29 from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Admission: $10, advance; $15 at door. For tickets and more details: 410-638-5323.
- The Bel Air Armory is an emerging venue for musical presentations, including Bel Air’s debut appearance by The International Music Institute (IMIF). IMIF brings accomplished young musicians from all over the world to Maryland for an intense ten-day solo and chamber music experience at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg. The following week, the group performs around the state. This year, they have included Bel Air on their rounds. See them on Saturday 7/27 at 7:00. Ticket information TBA.
- At Rockfield Manor, the Women’s Challenge will present Jazz at The Manor: A Summer Series under the stars on four Friday nights this summer. The performances benefit their mentoring and social projects.
- The Bel Air Downtown Alliance and a host of local sponsors rock Bel Air on First Fridays! Don’t let inclement weather give you pause. In that case, the party moves to Magerk’s Pub & Grill on Bond Street.
Farmers Markets with artistic flair
Find local flavor, live music and artists on Saturday mornings at the Bel Air Farmers Market as well as Wednesday afternoons at Marketplace on Main.
Theater
BOOM Theatre’s quest to bring innovative but accessible theater to Harford County continues with the Brave New Works Theatre Festival in June as well as The Baltimore Waltz in July. For tickets and to learn more about this emerging theater group, visit The BOOM Theatre Co.
Visual Arts
The Harford Artists Association has an ever-changing collection of original and locally created paintings, pottery, jewelry and unique gifts at the Harford Artist Gallery, 503 East Churchville Road. Harford Artists are frequently on hand for many town events including Marketplace on Main.
Spend a leisurely Sunday with breakfast in Bel Air then a stroll to the Liriodendron Mansion. Artist Susan Diliberto’s collection The Joy of Color is on display until June 23.
Several Bel Air merchants are artistic destinations unto themselves. Stop by Lavalier for a seasonal mix of jewelry. Walk south on Main Street to Two Sisters Gallery for a unique selection of American made crafts. Barely Used Consignments on Main St. features the works of local artist each month.
Dance
Erin Go Bragh! Join the Emerald Isle Club for a traditional Irish ceili at the Bel Air Armory on June 22. Don’t be shy, no experience needed and there are free lessons. The evening features Ellis Island along with Peter Fitzgerald. Special presentation by our Arts & Entertainment District neighbors Ryan-Kilcoyne School of Irish Dancing.
Outdoor movies
One of our best family summertime treats is also free! Outdoor movies in Shamrock Park sponsored by the Bel Air Downtown Alliance take place twice monthly through August in Shamrock Park. Festivities begin at 6:30 p.m.; movies at sunset
At the Library
The Bel Air Branch of the Harford County Public Library hosts a number of artists and cultural events throughout the summer.
Of special note: GIs and the Kids: A Love Story, a photo exhibition that tells the story of how American soldiers helped save the lives of thousands of orphaned Korean children during the Korean War, on display during library hours June 21 – July 27, 2013.
The library also operates ongoing book discussion groups and other literary events. See hcplonline.org/programs/search and use the drop-down box to select the Bel Air branch.
History
Ladies of Liberty by Cokie Roberts, recalls the women, some ordinary citizens, whose vision influences us to this day. Join the Historical Society of Harford County at the Hays House Museum on June 23 from 1 – 4:00 p.m. for a book discussion.
Τhe Independence Day Open House at the Hays House Museum features patriotic music and tour of the 1788 Hays House.
