Kaleidoscope Collection at the Boatworks

This past Sunday the Boatworks hosted an exciting event, organized by local resident Charlie Sweeny. He brought together a bunch of creative people representing many different artistic media for a one night art exhibition in our back room. Besides the art covering the walls, the Kaliedoscope Collection also included a temporary half pipe constructed outside (see below) for skateboarders to show off their skills, and a musical performance from local band Brick and Mortar. Most important, he also found a whole lot of people who were interested in being part of this and got them to come to the Boatworks. Estimates are 350 to 400 people, even more than Sweeny had hoped, and further proof of how much local interest there is in the arts. Things kicked off in the early evening and went until about 10 pm, just as the rain arrived.

Our friends at the Coast Star published a few stories about the event, and sent their camera crew over to do a video piece about it. Check it out to learn more about how it came together, and some of the people involved, as well as to see examples of the art that was on display.

Collage Workshop

Last week saw the conclusion of Paste Paper, Collage, and Painting, a workshop led by Sandy Taylor that explored many mixed media materials and strategies for making art. The four sessions were held through June, July, and August, with about half a dozen participants joining in the fun. The workshop started with artists learning how to make their own decorated papers for collage, using such materials as paste, textural tools, paint, crayons, markers, and collected items. Next, these items were used to create a small collage, and in the last stage (seen above) artists created larger collages, combined with paint. The participants enjoyed learning about the process and materials. Perhaps this workshop will be offered again in the future- check the main website for information about the many art classes held at the Boatworks.

Picnic at the BlueClaws

Tonight the BAC celebrated the summer with its first ever official picnic. This special occasion did not happen at our home location, but rather in Lakewood at BlueClaws Stadium. We reserved a part of the stadium picnic area, where we feasted on unlimited burgers, hot dogs, sausage and peppers, chicken, salads, and beverages. Not only that, but we had great seats right along the first base line to watch our local representatives from the South Atlantic League take on the Delmarva Shorebirds. Possible rain never arrived, making for a lovely evening, ever so slightly spoiled only by the BlueClaws losing the game.

A Different Kind of Belmar Video

The current Belmar Urban Myths exhibition on display at the Boatworks is breaking new ground (for us) in that it includes multiple entries in the medium of digital video, in addition to excellent works in the more traditional media that we are more accustomed to seeing there. Those who attended the reception early this past Saturday saw a different kind of video in progress. The BAC has always enjoyed excellent local press coverage, especially from the weekly Coast Star. For the recent reception they sent a whole team, and shot a video that looks at some of the art in the exhibition and includes interviews with a few of the participating artists. If you want to see the digital videos in the exhibition you will have to visit the Boatworks during gallery hours between now and August 27th, but if you want to see the news video from the opening reception, that can be viewed on YouTube from the comfort of your home computer.

Belmar Urban Myths Opening Reception

Today we held the opening reception for the new Belmar Urban Myths exhibition at the Boatworks. This show invited artists to explore the idea of the urban myth and local legend and folklore, and to work in almost any medium imaginable. Work in the show included paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, mixed media, short story, and digital video. The videos were shown on both a small monitor in the gallery (above) and on the biggish screen (below) in the back room.

A nice crowd turned up to see this unusual show and to learn legends old and new about the Belmar area. In addition, those who attended had the opportunity to vote for their favorite piece. The voting will remain open through the end of the show, so make sure to come by and make your opinion known.

The exhibition remains on display during gallery hours through August 27th. Admission is free.

Belmar Myths Coming Soon

Today a small crew installed the wall and pedestal portions of the upcoming Belmar Urban Myths exhibition, an interesting combination of paintings, prints, drawings, and sculptures. The show will also be featuring a number of pieces in video format, which will debut at the opening reception, this coming Saturday August 7th, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Come be a part of this special event.