RACHEL RAVINA/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
Monster Mash Curator Pete Mueller dresses in disguise ahead of the art show this
Friday at the Globe on 12 Broad Street, during Second Friday Art Stroll in downtown Berlin.

By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer

(Oct. 10, 2019) Art novices and enthusiasts can get into the Halloween spirit this Friday during the Monster Mash art show on Friday in downtown Berlin.

Curator Pete Mueller said about 15 artists will present their pieces at the show, which will take place from 6-9 p.m. at The Globe on 12 Broad St.

“I’m thoroughly impressed by the artists that … are about to show their work on Friday,” Mueller said.

Heather Layton, contributing artist and president of Berlin’s Arts and Entertainment Committee, agreed.

“I am floored at these entries,” Layton said. “I mean they are just incredible.”

Layton, who typically works with jewelry and plants, said this is her first foray into painting. She’s submitting a piece based on something she said truly terrifies her.

“It’s based on a super-irrational fear that I have, but I have this insane fear of moths,” she said.

Artist Tiffany Collins said she drew her inspiration from the upcoming holiday, pops of color and tattoo designs. She also said she used acrylic paints on the canvases.

“I just like to see a lot of alternative artists come together, and I love the spooky season, so I’m excited,” Collins said.

Mueller said he typically works with graphic design and digital art media. He said he found his love of art during a previous collaborative art show.

“It was an eye-opener, as far  as meeting other artists, and realizing this is something I want to do,” he said.

Mueller said Layton approached him about curating an art show with a “vintage monster” motif.

While he’s originally from Baltimore, Mueller has been living in the Ocean City area for roughly 30 years. He added that the show’s Halloween theme is a nod to his childhood –growing up in the late 1980s and early 1990s — playing old video games, watching horror movies and visiting the haunted house on the Ocean City Boardwalk.

“It’s a time of the year that anyone can be creative and no one really questions it,” Mueller said. “It’s a time to kind of be free and express yourself.”

The Mystery Machine, featuring local musician Bill Todd, also will perform Friday. Mueller also said the location is fitting for the spooky theme.

“Here we are in a theater,” Mueller said. “I mean it’s probably the perfect spot to get a little on the wild side of things as far as decorating and costumes.”

Layton said she’s looking forward to it.

“I just think it’s going to be a really good time, and hopefully it’ll be a really awesome kickoff to Halloween,” she said. “Berlin, I feel, [does] Halloween right.”

Additionally, Layton said several downtown shops will have extended hours.

Friday will also mark the final opportunity for patrons to purchase locally handcrafted art during Makers Market on Jefferson and Commerce streets.

For more information about Second Friday, visit Berlin’s Arts and Entertainment Committee’s website at artsinberlin.org.