(Nov. 26, 2015) Holiday Arts Night, the area’s longest running art stroll with a specific theme, returns to downtown Berlin on Friday.
The event started in 1988, as local painter Patrick Henry held an event inside his gallery, then located at the corner of Main and Jefferson streets.
By 1991, Victorian Charm joined the event and several other Berlin businesses followed suit during the following years.
Today, the town’s arts and entertainment committee sponsors Holiday Arts Night, which now includes woodworking, decoy carving, paintings, photography, authors and live music.
“Everyone downtown participates, even the antique malls, which are closed during normal 2nd Friday strolls,” Arts and Entertainment Committee Chairwoman Heather Layton said. “In addition to all the shops and eateries, Patrick Henry and Kate Cashman will each open their studios.
Both galleries are in the Union Station plaza on Old Ocean City Road.
Also during the event, Layton said Burley Oak Brewing Company will present live music by Bad Since Breakfast, as well as photography by Grant Gursky, and Bayside Gazette contributor Jim Adcock will hold an open house, hosted by Carrie Dupuie, on 215 North Main Street.
Adcock said the event reunites him with the home, which he was commissioned to paint a portrait of as a gift for Dupuie several years ago.
“Fast forward to 2015 and Carrie graciously offered to open her office to a showing of my work on arts night, which will include that house portrait,” he said. “Arts night has always been one of my favorite events of the holiday season. Most of the paintings shown are architectural in focus – house portraits, local landmarks and businesses, as well as paintings from my private collection from travels with my wife, Edie.”
Looking to up the ante on last year’s live ice-sculpture demonstration, this year’s event will include three ice sculptures by ice artist Erik Cantine, including an “ice corn hole” display, a “melt-away” Christmas tree with treats and a snowman.
The visitor’s center on 14 South Main Street will offer live music by jazz pianist Eric Byrd, as well as an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Additional live music includes Earl Beardsley and Matt Creamer (Victorian Charm), Spare Change (Sisters), Dark Gold Jazz (The Globe), Test Kitchen (Leaky Pete’) and Frankie Moran (Atlantic Hotel).
“I would love for family and friends to come out and just thoroughly enjoy this family friendly event,” Layton said. “Berlin has such wonderful small town charm, and when all the shops and the streets are decked out in their Christmas décor, its magical.
“It’s nice strolling and shopping the downtown area, not only because you are supporting small businesses, but its nice to take a step back and enjoy the holiday with out the hustle, bustle and chaos that malls can throw at you,” Layton continued. “It’s a nice, unique experience.”
Holiday Arts Night, which runs from 5-8 p.m., coincides with the annual tree lighting ceremony, sponsored by the Town of Berlin.
For information, visit Berlin Md Arts & Entertainment on Facebook.
The event started in 1988, as local painter Patrick Henry held an event inside his gallery, then located at the corner of Main and Jefferson streets.
By 1991, Victorian Charm joined the event and several other Berlin businesses followed suit during the following years.
Today, the town’s arts and entertainment committee sponsors Holiday Arts Night, which now includes woodworking, decoy carving, paintings, photography, authors and live music.
“Everyone downtown participates, even the antique malls, which are closed during normal 2nd Friday strolls,” Arts and Entertainment Committee Chairwoman Heather Layton said. “In addition to all the shops and eateries, Patrick Henry and Kate Cashman will each open their studios.
Both galleries are in the Union Station plaza on Old Ocean City Road.
Also during the event, Layton said Burley Oak Brewing Company will present live music by Bad Since Breakfast, as well as photography by Grant Gursky, and Bayside Gazette contributor Jim Adcock will hold an open house, hosted by Carrie Dupuie, on 215 North Main Street.
Adcock said the event reunites him with the home, which he was commissioned to paint a portrait of as a gift for Dupuie several years ago.
“Fast forward to 2015 and Carrie graciously offered to open her office to a showing of my work on arts night, which will include that house portrait,” he said. “Arts night has always been one of my favorite events of the holiday season. Most of the paintings shown are architectural in focus – house portraits, local landmarks and businesses, as well as paintings from my private collection from travels with my wife, Edie.”
Looking to up the ante on last year’s live ice-sculpture demonstration, this year’s event will include three ice sculptures by ice artist Erik Cantine, including an “ice corn hole” display, a “melt-away” Christmas tree with treats and a snowman.
The visitor’s center on 14 South Main Street will offer live music by jazz pianist Eric Byrd, as well as an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Additional live music includes Earl Beardsley and Matt Creamer (Victorian Charm), Spare Change (Sisters), Dark Gold Jazz (The Globe), Test Kitchen (Leaky Pete’) and Frankie Moran (Atlantic Hotel).
“I would love for family and friends to come out and just thoroughly enjoy this family friendly event,” Layton said. “Berlin has such wonderful small town charm, and when all the shops and the streets are decked out in their Christmas décor, its magical.
“It’s nice strolling and shopping the downtown area, not only because you are supporting small businesses, but its nice to take a step back and enjoy the holiday with out the hustle, bustle and chaos that malls can throw at you,” Layton continued. “It’s a nice, unique experience.”
Holiday Arts Night, which runs from 5-8 p.m., coincides with the annual tree lighting ceremony, sponsored by the Town of Berlin.
For information, visit Berlin Md Arts & Entertainment on Facebook.