Berkeley Arts Council Opens Exhibit to Celebrate Green Hill Historic African-American Cemetery

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Fresh Visions:  An Exhibit to Celebrate the Green Hill Historic African-American Cemetery will open February 19 through March 20, 2021 at the Berkeley Art Works, 116 N. Queen Street, Martinsburg. 

The idea for the show was proposed by Berkeley Arts Council member and GHHAAC volunteer Charles Mortensen.  His purpose is to bring attention to the cemetery and the GHHAAC Committee, a not-for-profit group of volunteers who organized to clean up and care for the cemetery site located on the east side of Martinsburg.  The exhibit is also a fundraiser for the GHHAAC Committee.

Several themes are represented in this show, including revitalization and preservation activities at the site; preservation of the history and identity of the cemetery; and commemoration and remembrance of souls buried there.  The show includes the work of twelve artists from as far as Baltimore, MD.  There are approximately 20 works of art with a range of media and techniques represented, including drawing, painting, photography, woodworking, stained glass, clay, mixed-media, assemblage, collage, and gravestone rubbing, as well as historical artifacts.  Current hours at Berkeley Art Works are Friday and Saturday, 11am – 3pm.  Images from the exhibit will soon be posted on the Web site https://berkeleyartswv.org.

The Berkeley Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) non‐profit organization incorporated in West Virginia working to ensure that Berkeley County has a vibrant, vital arts environment by promoting awareness, understanding and appreciation of the literary, visual and performing arts in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.  The Berkeley Arts Council supports local and regional artists, brings quality arts experiences to the community, and provides a wide range of arts learning experiences for local residents, artists and artisans.

Call for Artists: 11th Annual Art & Earth Juried Exhibit

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The Berkeley Arts Council (BAC) announces the 11th Annual Art & Earth Juried Art Exhibit. The exhibit has the theme ‘Art and Earth: My Art – My World’. The exhibit opens Thursday April 22, 2021 in the Berkeley Art Works, 116 North Queen Street, Martinsburg, WV. The exhibit will be on display through Saturday May 29, 2021.

Entries should reflect the artist’s view of nature, the environment, or reflect an Earth Day related theme. Any medium or technique, 2-dimension or 3-dimension, is acceptable. The exhibit is open to visual artists throughout the continental United States, over the age of 18, working in any media. Entries must be original works of art that have been completed within the last three (3) years, and have not been previously exhibited at the Berkeley Art Works.

Juror:

The Juror is Paula Phillips, Faculty & Residency Coordinator for the MFA in Community Arts Program, Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). She is a former director of MICA’s Community Arts Partnerships (CAP) program, and has been a full-time member of the teaching faculty in the MA and now MFA in Community Arts Program since 2004. She holds Bachelor of Arts degrees from Huston-Tillotson College (1971) and Texas Wesleyan University (1994), and a Master of Fine Arts degree from MICA’s Hoffberger School of Painting (1996).

Phillips is a practicing studio and community artist, a social justice advocate and activist. She specializes in mixed-media paintings that embrace social justice issues, actualized through personal experiences and cultural and professional relationships. She incorporates the disciplines of painting, fibers, photography, ceramics, and sculptural form in her work. Her artwork has been exhibited along the Eastern Seaboard, primarily in the Baltimore-Washington areas.
Phillips is a recipient of MICA’s 2018 Trustee Award for Teaching Excellence and the 2007 Distinguished Service Award. She has been recognized by the Maryland State Department of Education for curriculum development of summer programs for Baltimore City children, youth and teens and received citations from the Baltimore City and the State of Maryland. She served three years as coordinator of MICA’s Community Arts Convening & Research Project.

Deadline for Entries: Midnight Wednesday March 3, 2021

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

Entry Fee: The entry fee for the exhibit is $35 for the first two works. Artists may submit one or two additional works for $10 each, for a maximum of four works.

Awards: Best in Show $500 Total prizes $1,000.

Click “Continue reading” for additional details:

Continue reading →

Upcoming March Zoom Berkeley Arts Council Art Classes!

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Coming in March, “All About Color I” will be held on Wednesdays March 17, 24, 31, April 7 from 6:30-8:30pm.  This class is a comprehensive study of color and all its attributes necessary to producing outstanding 2-dimensional art.  Participants will learn about color theory, rules in using and mixing colors, using the color wheel, triads and tetrads, color in design, color schemes and much more.  Class is comprised of both lectures and hands-on exercises, and is useful for beginners as well as advanced artists.

“Creative Techniques for Painting Landscapes” will be offered on Thursdays, March 4, 11, 18 and 25 from 2:00-4:00pm.  Discover interesting, even unusual, ways to reinterpret a landscape photo.  Using the same reference photo for all four class sessions, participants will select exciting color schemes, redesign the composition through cropping and highlighting, eliminate uninteresting elements, change the focal point, and explore how to abstract the subject.

All classes will be offered via the Zoom application.  Pre-registration is required.  For more information, materials lists, class prices, and to register, visit https://berkeleyartswv.org/instruction/#zoom.  Due to the pandemic, the Council has suspended in-person classes.  Watch the Berkeley Arts Council Web site http://www.berkeleyartswv.org for more Zoom classes as they become available.  Direct questions via e-mail to berkeleyartswv@gmail.com or call 304-620-7277.

The Berkeley Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) non‐profit organization incorporated in West Virginia working to ensure that Berkeley County has a vibrant, vital arts environment by promoting awareness, understanding and appreciation of the literary, visual and performing arts in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.  The Berkeley Arts Council supports local and regional artists, brings quality arts experiences to the community, and provides a wide range of arts learning experiences for local residents, artists and artisans.

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Call for Artists: PHOTO 21 National Juried Photographic Art Exhibit

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The Berkeley Arts Council announces PHOTO 21, a national juried photographic art exhibit. The exhibit will open Thursday June 3, 2021 and will be on display through Saturday July 3, 2021.

The exhibit is open to all artists throughout the continental United States, over the age of 18, working in any photographic medium or technique (digital, film, alternative, or antique photographic processes). The theme for the exhibit is open; 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional* artwork is welcome. Work must be original, completed within the last three (3) years, and must not have been exhibited previously at the Berkeley Art Works. (*3-D work where a photographic technique is used as the main medium.)

Our Juror: Robert M. Hein is Associate Professor of Art at Frostburg State University, Frostburg, MD, where he teaches Photography, History of Photography, Digital Imaging, and Mixed Media. In his teaching, he emphasizes the development of technical proficiency, the ability to work with traditional and digital media, knowledge of the history of the photographic medium, and a visual literacy in contemporary and historical artists’ work. About his own work he states, “I believe the photograph to be a pliable form of art, not necessarily defined by pre-existing standards for what makes a photograph true to its medium. I do not have a strict agenda to process for my personal work, and I don’t find myself traveling extensively, or working with exotic subject matter to find content. Each project tends to have individual ideas I am interested in pursuing.”

Robert has a BFA from Ball State University and an MFA from the University of Cincinnati. He was awarded the Maryland State Arts Council Individual Artist Award in 2012 and 2015. He was a semi-finalist in the Gran Prix De La Decouverte, Paris, France. His work was included in the Masur Museum’s 58th Annual Competition, The Print Center of Philadelphia’s 88th Annual International Competition, and has had solo exhibitions in our region. He has also been a guest speaker at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts and the Allegany Arts Council.

Entry Fee: The entry fee for the exhibit is $35 for the first two works. Artists may submit one or two additional works for $10 each, for a maximum of four works.

(CLICK HERE TO ENTER)

Deadline for Entries: Monday April 19, 2021 (Midnight)

Notification of Accepted Work: The juror’s selections will be announced by e-mail and will be posted on our Web site on or about Friday May 7, 2021.

Awards: Best in Show $500; total prizes $1,000.

Calendar:

Deadline for digital entries: Monday April 19, 2021 (Midnight)
Notification of acceptance e-mailed & posted: On or about Friday May 7, 2021
Hand delivery & shipment of accepted works Berkeley Art Works: Monday May 24 – Saturday May 29, 2021
Exhibit Dates: Thursday June 3 through Saturday July 3, 2021
Reception: Awards/reception to be announced.
Pick Up Work at End of Show: Saturday July 3, 2021 between 11:00am and 4:00pm

Detailed entry instructions after the break: Continue reading →

Berkeley Arts Council Winter Classes via Zoom

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February, 2021

Become a Color Pro

Via Zoom
Fridays February 5, 12, 19, 26; 2:00-4:00pm (Four Weeks)

Instructor: Judith Becker

This is a four week, 8 hour class offered on Zoom.  Each 2 hour class period will lead you through all the features, benefits and nuances of each of the primary color families ending with an explanation of blacks and greys.  Every week we will delve into many of the commonly known hues in each color family starting with the reds, then progressing through the blues and then yellows.  Your learning will give you a firm foundation of knowing which hue in the color family you should use to get a specific effect.  There will be simple exercises to do for each color family.  And you can use your favorite medium, water colors, acrylics, oils or colored pencils.  (Not helpful with pastels).

Materials needed:

Your medium of choice and appropriate painting surface (some type of paper, not boards).  Sheets of oil or acrylic paper or acid free watercolor paper work best for these mediums.  You will also need appropriate brushes, ruler, pencil or pen, note book, etc.

Tuition $80 for four weeks (8 hours)
Pre-registration required

Click Here to Register

Continue reading →

Berkeley Arts Council Annual Members’ Exhibit Runs Through February 13

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The Berkeley Arts Council’s Annual Members’ Exhibit opens Friday, January 15 and runs through Saturday, February 13, 2021 at the Berkeley Art Works gallery, 116 North Queen Street, Martinsburg.  The exhibit is open during business hours, Fridays and Saturdays from 11am to 3pm.

The Annual Members’ Exhibit features 36 works by 20 member artists, and includes 2- and 3-dimensional work in drawing, painting, photography, clay, wood, fibers, mixed media and assemblage.  The variety of media represented in this exhibit demonstrates the array of artwork being produced in this region.  This annual exhibit is a benefit of membership and the Council is grateful for our members’ support.

On Friday, January 15 the Arts Council is trying something new – a live streaming event via Facebook, which will include music, a walk-through of the show, and discussion with some of the participating artists.  The event will be streamed from the Berkeley Art Works from 6:00pm to 8:00pm and will be viewable from the Berkeley Arts Council’s Facebook page.

Call for Artists: Fresh Visions: An exhibit to celebrate the Green Hill Historical African-American Cemetery

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The Berkeley Arts Council will host an exhibit of artworks in support of the Green Hill Historical African-American Cemetery (GHHAAC) in Martinsburg, WV, from February 18 through March 20, 2021 at the Berkeley Art Works, 116 N. Queen Street.

The purpose of the exhibit is to highlight the work of the GHHAAC Committee, a nonprofit organization formed in September 2017, to restore the long-abandoned African-American cemetery located on the east side of Martinsburg. The exhibit is open to all artists in the region, over the age of 18, working in any medium, including visual, literary, music, and performing arts. The subject of work may focus on any of the following themes:

– Revitalization and preservation of the cemetery grounds,
– Preservation of the history and identity of the GHHAAC, or
– Commemoration and remembrance of souls buried there.

Visual Arts: Work in all visual arts media, including drawing, painting, photography, mixed media, assemblage, sculpture and graphic arts; fine craft media, such as clay, glass, metal, wood, fibers are welcome. To participate, deliver one or two art works to the Berkeley Art Works gallery, 116 North Queen Street, Martinsburg on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, February 11, 12 and 13 from 11am to 3pm.

Artwork must be properly framed or otherwise professionally presented and ready for display.  All 2-dimensional artwork framed up to 48 inches in width, is eligible. Framed work must be wired for hanging (no saw tooth or single ring hangers, please).  Three-dimensional fine art and fine craft up to 72 inches in height and 36 inches in width or depth must be free-standing. Larger visual works or works in a series are welcome, but will require prior arrangements to ensure sufficient space in the gallery. Film or documentary work can be provided in DVD format. A DVD Player and TV screen can be provided at the gallery.

A signed consignment form for the exhibit must be submitted when the work is delivered. An identification tag must accompany each piece and must include the artist’s name, title of the work and price, if the work is for sale. The Berkeley Arts Council will retain a 30% commission on sales of work during the exhibit. The Berkeley Arts Council does not insure art work while in the gallery. Although the Berkeley Arts Council will take reasonable measures to ensure the safety of the entries in the gallery, the BAC is not responsible for loss of, or damage to, the artwork and the artist is responsible for his/her own insurance if desired.

Literary, Music and Performance Arts: Artists interested in submitting literary, music and performance work are strongly encouraged. Due to covid-19 restrictions, live performance will not be possible; however, arrangements for virtual presentation of these works will be made, if there is sufficient interest. Project proposals are required in advance and are due by Saturday, February 13, 2021.

There is no entry fee to participate in this exhibit; however, a donation to the GHHAAC Committee is appreciated. Donations may be made when artwork is delivered to the gallery, in cash or check payable to GHHAAC.

Please direct questions via e-mail to berkeleyartswv@gmail.com, with “GHHAAC” in the subject line and be sure to provide contact information so our exhibits committee can respond to you.

Entry Forms:

Visual Arts Consignment Form (PDF)

Literary, Music and Performance Arts Proposal Form (PDF)

More Information about the GHHAAC is after the break:

Continue reading →

Call for Artists: BAC Annual Members Exhibit

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Call for Artists: Berkeley Arts Council Annual Members’ Exhibit

All artists who are members of – or who join – the Berkeley Arts Council for the 2021 calendar year are invited to participate in the Annual Members Exhibit at the Berkeley Art Works from January 14 through February 13, 2021.

Any current member (for 2021), working in any medium, may participate in the exhibit. Not a member, but want to be? Now is your chance! Artists who are not current members may join or renew online, at berkeleyartswv.org/join-us/. You can also join at the gallery when you deliver your artwork. There is no entry fee other than membership dues.

Participation in the exhibit is a benefit of membership. To participate, deliver one or two pieces of your work to the Berkeley Art Works on Thursday and Friday, and Saturday, January 7 – 9 from 11am-4pm.

The exhibit is not juried; however, work must be properly framed or otherwise professionally presented and ready for display. Two-dimensional work must be wired for hanging (no saw tooth hangers, please). Three-dimensional fine art and fine craft are welcome and encouraged and must be professionally presented. An identification tag must be attached to each piece, including the artist’s name, title of the work and price if it is for sale. The Berkeley Arts Council will retain a 30% commission on sales of work during the exhibit.

The exhibit will be open during Berkeley Art Works business hours, which are currently Thursday and Friday 11am to 5pm, and Saturday from 11am to 4pm. The exhibit will be promoted to the local press, as well as on our Web site and Facebook page. Due to covid-19 restrictions, there will be no opening reception. Please direct questions via e-mail to berkeleyartswv@gmail.com or call 304-620-7277.

Support the Berkeley Arts Council on Giving Tuesday

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Beginning in  2012, Giving Tuesday has turned the first Tuesday in December into a day that encourages global generosity.

This is the first year that we at the Berkeley Arts Council have participated in Giving Tuesday.  I downloaded the “toolkit” and was overwhelmed with the planning and preparation.  Where to begin?    The toolkit was filled with a host of activity suggestions to bring people to the organization.  After a lot of mulling I realized that the true intent of the day was to provide an opportunity to “share the load”.  The day was not meant to bring extra burdens for organizations.  So, for this year at least, it was time to simply put a foot out there and begin.

As a recipient of our monthly bulletin you have followed us as we have worked over the past 10 years to support increased frequency, quality and variety of arts-related events, facilitate activities that extend arts throughout the community, and to build communication and interaction among arts organizations.

Let’s face it, most of us do not like asking for help.   So as we start small with this our first foray into Giving Tuesday, we realize that to expand our programs we need to open up and ask for your help.  Membership dues, fees from classes, and revenue from exhibits are not going to expand our budget to meet  to our growing ideas for new art events in the community.

Making a monetary donation is easy to do.  Look down the right side for the large orange and blue “Donate” button Click and follow the steps through the PayPal system.

Thank you for taking the time to read this appeal.  If you decide to participate in “Giving Tuesday”, thank you  for  helping support the arts in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.

All the best,

Anna Howard

President – Berkeley Arts Council

 

St. Nick’s Picks is Here!

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Don’t Have to Shout, Don’t Have to Cry!  St. Nick’s Picks is Here!

St. Nick’s Picks holiday market returns to the Berkeley Art Works and is open for business Thursday, November 19 through Thursday, December 24!  The exhibit space at the Berkeley Art Works is transformed into a holiday shop, displaying various artists’ works for great selection and more shopping fun!

This year, in addition to the Artists at the Works Co-op members and your favorite visiting holiday market artisans, St. Nick’s Picks has brought in some new artists, too.  There is a mix of fine art and craft items for the home, including basketry, ceramics, glass, wood, photography, painting and mixed media; cards, calendars and clocks; even honey and handmade soap!  There’s art to wear, including woven fibers, knitwear, beautiful jewelry and more!  Not sure what to buy,?  The Berkeley Arts Council offers gift cards, which can be used to purchase work in the gallery, or any of our classes being offered via Zoom.

Now in its 11th year, the community has been looking forward to the Berkeley Arts Council’s annual holiday market since 2010.  Originally called the “Holiday Art & Craft Market”, it all started at 116 N. Queen Street, before the space became the official location of Berkeley Arts Council.  In 2011 and 2012, the market was held at 115 S. Queen Street.  When the Arts Council opened the Berkeley Art Works in 2013, the market returned to its current location.  

Beginning in 2018, the holiday planning committee decided to give the market a new brand and a new look.  The market’s name was changed to “St. Nick’s Picks” to distinguish it from other area holiday markets.  The goal was to acquaint the community with artists beyond the Co-op membership and increase the variety of work being offered during gift-giving season.   

By creating an environment with more artists’ work, shoppers get to experience the wide range of creativity and talent that resides in the Eastern Panhandle.  Throughout the year, the St. Nick’s planning committee keeps their eye out for potential artists and artisans to participate.  Selection criteria includes, skill in the artist’s medium, uniqueness of the work, and appeal to area gift givers.  There are always lots of great items to fit every budget.  

So Don’t Pout!  Stop by the Berkeley Art Works, 116 N. Queen Street, Martinsburg and let St. Nick’s Picks be the solution to your gift-giving list!  Holiday hours are Thursdays 11:00am to 5:00pm; extended Fridays 11:00am to 8:00pm; and Saturdays 11:00am to 4:00pm.

Trails and Trees Studio Tour at Berkeley Art Works

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The Berkeley Art Works is hosting the Trails and Trees Studio Tour this year.  The group of artists made the decision to cancel the usual, self-guided event for the health and safety of visitors, volunteers and artists.

“I offered the idea of a ‘pop-up’ venue at the Art Works to the group.  It’s a win-win for everyone.  The Berkeley Arts Council gets to fill their exhibit space with great work and exercise their tag line, ‘We Amplify the Arts’, and Trails and Trees gets a venue for their fall show,” said Anna Howard, who is a Trails and Trees Studio Tour member and the president of the Berkeley Arts Council.  “This year marks the 10th anniversary of Trails and Trees.  Members of the group have built the Tour into an important annual event.  Last year’s tour was a great success so we didn’t want to lose momentum,” said Howard.

Artists working in clay, glass, wood, fibers and other media are included in the exhibit.  There is functional pottery, blown and stained glass work, furniture, baskets, clocks, jewelry, quilts – even honey – all useful and handmade locally.  Being at the Art Works gives visitors a full month to appreciate the artists’ work, and do some early shopping for the fall and fast-approaching holiday season.

Visit the Berkeley Art Works at 116 N. Queen Street, Martinsburg and spend time with the art of Berkeley County.  The “Studio Tour at the Berkeley Art Works” is open until November 14; gallery hours are Thursday through Saturday, 11:00am to 4:00pm.  For more information contact berkeleyartswv@gmail.com, or call 304-620-7277.  The Trails and Trees Studio Tour is planning to be back as usual November 6 & 7, 2021.

The Berkeley Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) non‐profit organization incorporated in West Virginia working to ensure that Berkeley County has a vibrant, vital arts environment by promoting awareness, understanding and appreciation of the literary, visual and performing arts in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.  The Berkeley Art Works, a project of the Berkeley Arts Council, supports local and regional artists, brings quality arts experiences to the community, and provides a wide range of arts learning experiences for local residents, artists and artisans.