Now in its 6th year as a designated Arts and Entertainment District, Bel Air is a hub for cultural and arts events. The 2017 calendar for the A&E District shows Bel Air is filled with great opportunities, including a variety of festivals, lectures and outdoor concerts, which residents can take advantage of. Economic Development Coordinator, Angela Robertson, had the opportunity to talk with Alex Kopp who leads the marketing and publicity efforts for Harford Artists Gallery. Here is what Alex had to say about what’s coming up with the Harford Artists Association (HAA):
Harford Artists Gallery has been a part of the A&E District since it was designated in 2011. What sort of response have you seen from the community regarding your move from Rockfield Cottage to Armory Marketplace on Main Street?
The response from the community has been wonderful. Many of our guests have commented that they are so excited about our expanded gallery in the new location and the businesses have also been very welcoming. We partner with the Town and the Downtown Alliance and are very engaged in activities that happen downtown. In 2017, we will start offering workshops too that will be open to the community and further engage the community.
In January, HAA opens their second exhibit, “Starving Artists” in the new space at Armory Marketplace. Where did the idea for a “Starving Artists” exhibit originate? What will your customers likely see when they visit the exhibit?
January and February are traditionally slow retail months following the holidays. We started the “Starving Artists” exhibit as a great way for customers to purchase local artwork at wonderful prices. All of the artwork at the exhibit will be priced $99 or less. People can expect to see the gallery filled with all types of artwork including painting and photography, some framed and hanging on the wall, others unframed, as well as sculpture, pottery and artisan jewelry. This is our 5th year for the “Starving Artists” show and each year it grows in popularity. The exhibit runs from January 5th through February 26th and gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday 11 am to 6 pm.
As a part of the 50th Anniversary celebration for HAA, I understand you are hosting a big event in April for the community. Can you tell me more about that?
We are hosting an event at the Armory on Friday, April 28th featuring Victoria Wyeth, granddaughter of Andrew Wyeth. The “WYETH ON WYETH” event will include a meet and greet with Victoria followed by a presentation with an introspective look at the artwork and life of her grandfather. To complement the lecture, the gallery will be hosting a “WINE, WYETH AND CHOCOLATE” open house with a “Wyeth Inspired” gallery exhibit. Tickets are $45 and include the lecture, meet and greet, gallery open house, and catered refreshments. They can be purchased at the Harford Artists Gallery or by downloading the order form at www.artinharford.org. There will also be a selection of limited edition Andrew Wyeth numbered prints and signed prints for sale during the event.
Harford Artists Gallery and Association is a non-profit organization completely run by volunteers. The goal of HAA is to promote the visual arts in Harford County and support the arts community through exhibits, education and community involvement. All artwork exhibited at the gallery is created by Harford County artists.
