New Location for Harford Artists Gallery
Harford Artists’ Association, a non-profit co-op with all artwork created by local Harford County residents, will be celebrating its 50th anniversary next year. Members have been displaying their artwork in public places throughout Bel Air for decades but in 2009 they opened their first gallery in the caretaker’s cottage of Rockfield Manor. Hosting exhibits throughout the year, they have become a “go- to” arts destination in Harford County. The cottage at Rockfield Manor has been a great location for Harford Artists’ Association but as their membership and community interest has grown over the past several years, a larger and more visible space was on their wish list.
“We have worked in partnership with the Town of Bel Air since our opening almost six years ago,” said Alex Kopp, who serves on the Board of Harford Artists’ Association. “As we have continued to grow, we have often wished that we had space for larger exhibits and to hold workshops for the community. When we were approached about available space on Main Street, we were all very excited about what that would mean for the growth of our gallery and our community outreach opportunities.”
On November 4, 2016, in a continued partnership with the Town of Bel Air, the Harford Artists Gallery will move to Armory Marketplace, located in the newly refurbished garages behind Reckord Armory on Main Street. “We are so excited to have Harford Artists Gallery relocate to Main Street,” said Angela Robertson, Arts and Entertainment District Manager. “As an anchor for the Arts and Entertainment District on the north end of town, the gallery will be a great compliment to the variety of existing shops and restaurants in downtown Bel Air.”
The Town of Bel Air recently finished the rehabilitation of the Armory Garages with the help of grant funding from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Community Legacy Program. Robertson continues, “Downtown Bel Air is a vibrant place for shopping, dining and cultural events and we see the Harford Artists Gallery as an integral part in helping us grow the Arts and Entertainment District.”
A Grand Opening and ribbon cutting for the Harford Artists Gallery will be held Saturday, November 12th at 1:00 and will include a reception immediately following in the new gallery. For more information about the Harford Artists’ Association, please visit their website at www.artinharford.org.
