October 2023
Berkeley Arts Council News
In Our Gallery

Now Open:

The Berkeley Arts Council announces the 11th Annual Eastern West Virginia Juried Exhibit, to be displayed at the Berkeley Art Works, 116 North Queen Street in Martinsburg, WV from now through October 7, 2023.
The Juror for this year’s exhibit was Rebecca Grace Jones. Rebecca received an MFA from Towson University where she was a senior lecturer in the art department for twelve years. She worked concurrently as a freelance illustrator, winning numerous awards and having her illustrations featured in the New York Society of Illustrators annual publication. Jones has curated gallery exhibits, taught privately and now makes her living as a painter.
Follow this link for a list of all of the participating artists.
There will be a reception and awards presentation in the gallery on Sunday, September 17 from 2-4pm.
November 15 – December 30
BAC’s 2023 Holiday Market Wants You! Berkeley Arts Council’s 2023 St. Nick’s Market will be held from November 15 through December 30. Members of BAC are invited to participate as a vendor in this annual event. We are looking to fill the back half of the gallery with a variety of arts and crafts, and we know that you can deliver! More detailed information will be available by email from the market’s co-chairs, Marilyn Schoon and Lindi Cahill. If you’re not a BAC member and want to participate, you’ll need to become a BAC member first; but the good news is your membership will run through 2024. (See https://berkeleyartswv.wildapricot.org/Membership/) Please join us in offering the Martinsburg/Berkeley County area a wonderful selection of unique local art. Contact Marilyn (mjschoon (at) comcast .net) and Lindi (lecahill111 (at) gmail .com) if you have any question.
Art Instruction

For details, materials lists, schedules, class prices, and to register, visit https://berkeleyartswv.org/instruction/. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Classes are held at the Berkeley Art Works, 116 N. Queen Street, Martinsburg, WV.
We maintain compliance with current federal requirements with regard to Covid-19 protocols. Additional proof of vaccination or masking requirements may be enforced at the individual instructor’s discretion.
Upcoming Classes
Ongoing Adventures in Oil and Cold Wax
Fridays: October 6-27, 9:30AM-12:30PM (4 sessions)
We are mixing it up a little! For those that took the introductory Cold Wax Oil Palette Knife class, this ongoing exploration will take those lessons learned to a new level. Learn new techniques and take your art to the next level! If you already have knowledge in this medium, please feel free to join us.
Instructor: Yoyi Fogarty
Details and registration
Writing Your Artist’s Bio
Saturdays: October 14, 2023, 2:00pm-5:00pm
Buyers, collectors, gallerists, curators and grant-givers want to know about you before they invest money, time and wall space. At some point, you’ll be asked to provide one. Your bio is a very important piece of information about you and your practice. Learn why a bio is important and what to include in yours!
Instructor: Annette Verna
Age Range: 21+
Details and registration.
Writing Your Artist’s Statement
Saturdays: October 21, 2023, 2:00pm-5:00pm
“Isn’t my statement the same as my bio?” Definitely not! Your statement focuses on your work. It is your opportunity to describe it to your audience. You will need an artist’s statement for things like entering exhibitions, joining artist registries, working with galleries, developing marketing materials, creating web sites and using social media, among other things. In this workshop, you’ll learn the importance of your statement, and what to include. You will learn tips for writing a powerful statement and begin creating your own.
Instructor: Annette Verna
Age Range: 21+
Details and registration.
Plein and Simple: An Introduction to Plein Air Painting
Sundays, October 22; 10am-4pm at the Berkeley Art Works
October 28; 9am-4pm at Poorhouse Farm Park
Take your paints outside to play! Create in the spirit of the Plein Air movement started by 19thcentury European artists. Learn a simple approach to avoid the overwhelm of painting from life outdoors. No paints? No problem! We will discuss simple set-up options to get you started, as well as tips to develop your kit over time. This 2-day workshop both in the classroom and in the field will teach you what you need to know to start painting confidently “en plein air.”
Instructor: Kirsten Lee
Age Range: Adult (see details)
Details and registration
Introduction to Gilding and Painting the Illuminated Letter
November 11, 2023, 1:00PM – 5:00PM
To illuminate means to enlighten with brilliant colors and to use gold and, at times, silver to embellish manuscripts. In this workshop, we will use modern materials to create an ornamented illuminated letter from historical lettering styles. We will learn and apply faux gold leaf to the illuminated letter, perfect for gift giving!
Instructor: Cynthia Huesman (Cinzia)
Details and Registration
Intermediate Gilding with Real Gold Leaf and Painting the Illuminated Letter Workshop
November 18, 2023 1:00PM – 5:00PM
How often have you admired artwork embellished with gold leaf? The richness of real gold lends itself to the brilliance of the work of art and is the most wonderous precious metal to employ for ethereal and sacred art. In this workshop, we will use modern materials to create an ornamented illuminated letter from historical lettering styles. You will learn how to apply real gold leaf to the illuminated letter, perfect for gift giving!
Instructor: Cynthia Huesman (Cinzia)
Details and Registration
Wool Needle Felted Tomte, Gnome, or Wizard
November 19, 2023 2:00pm-5:00pm
Learn to needle felt, or improve your skills by learning new techniques in a fun and relaxing setting. You will leave with characters that are perfect for gift giving while feeling inspired to create your own new designs. Choose the morning or afternoon session…or attend both!
Instructor: Maryanne Caruso
Details and registration.
For more details and registration links please visit https://berkeleyartswv.org/instruction/

Would You Like to Teach for the Berkeley Arts Council?
We are looking for qualified individuals to teach classes, events and workshops. Ideas and class proposals for all age groups, abilities, interests, and skill levels in all arts, including visual, music, performing, literary arts and more are welcome. Instructors are paid. Programs may be taught via Zoom, in-person, or by a hybrid method. Interested? Please send an e-mail to berkeleyartswv@gmail.com with the subject line: “Instructor”
Berkeley Arts Council Gift Cards
Got someone on your list that’s hard to buy for? We have gift cards, which can be purchased in any amount. They can be used to purchase artwork from our co-op or exhibits, or even class tuition.
Join Us!
We hope you find the information in our arts bulletin interesting and helpful. The Berkeley Arts Bulletin seeks to publicize arts events throughout the reason. While activity in the past year has been limited for obvious reasons, the Arts Council is working to adapt our services and activities and we continue to look forward to a return to an active arts community in the Eastern Panhandle and the surrounding communities. If you live in the Panhandle and value this service, please consider joining the Berkeley Arts Council or renewing if you are not currently a member. Your support will help ensure that we will be able to continue to “Amplify the Arts” for arts organizations, individual artists, and the art-loving public throughout the region. Please visit https://berkeleyartswv.org/join-us/

We have posted special online galleries of work by our Berkeley Art Works artists. Click on this image to view the artwork or visit the web site at https://berkeleyartswv.org/artists-at-the-works-galleries/
Hours at the Berkeley Art Works
Wednesday-Friday 11-5
Saturday, 11am-4pm
For the safety of our volunteers who sit the gallery, and our visitors, sanitization procedures are in place and the gallery has been arranged for safety and proper social distancing.

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The Berkeley Arts Council Facebook page: BerkeleyArtsWV and on Instagram: @berkeleyartscouncil_wv. Follow us and share with your friends.
Arts Around the Region
Art Exhibits
September 2 – October 31
Project Linus of the Eastern Panhandle WV. The South Jefferson Public Library is pleased to announce our latest Art Exhibition by Project Linus of the Eastern Panhandle WV. It is the 99th show in the Art in the Library series hosted by the library to highlight the talents of local artists. A reception will be held on Sunday, September 10th, from 2PM to 4PM in the Library Meeting Room, to enable the public to meet the volunteers of Project Linus and hear about their mission. at 49 Church Street, Summit Point, WV. M – Th 9-6; Sat. 10-2; Sun 1-5; South Jefferson Public Library. free. 304-725-6227 www.sojeffersonlibrary.com or floyds (at) sojeffersonlibrary .com
Continuing through September 17
Landscapes & Legends of Norway: William Singer & His Contemporaries. Museum founder William Henry Singer, Jr. loved the Norwegian landscape and painted it in all seasons — from the cool greens of spring to the icy blues of glacial winters. This exhibition uses Singer’s work and that of his contemporaries in the museum collection to look at the impact of Norway on the imaginations of various artists. A series of watercolors depicting Norse legends (yes, Loki and Thor) by American artist Frank Morse Rummel are also a highlight of the exhibition. Organized by the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts from its permanent collection. Generous support for this exhibition has been provided by James & Melinda Marsden and Paul & Lotta Mellott. at Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, 401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown. Tues-Fri, 10-5; Sat 10-4, Sun 1-5; Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. Free . 301-739-5727 https://wcmfa.org/ or cschelle (at) wcmfa .org
September 22 – 24
Encaustics, Wet Felting, & Clocks. A show exhibiting a selection of pieces using unique artistic methods, the creative works of Anna Howard and Theresa Fitzpatrick decorate the walls of the Evolve gallery in forms of encaustics, wet felting, and mixed media clockmaking. The two artists present their imaginative work in methods not often seen in galleries. Love of nature, laughter, and celebration of spirit are major forces in this presentation. at Evolve – 106 W. German St. Shepherdstown, WV. Sept 22 & 23, 10-6 Sept 24 10-4; Anna Howard & Theresa Fitzpatrick. Free. 304-271-8872 https://www.evolveshepherdstown.com/
Continuing through October 22
Treasures of State: Maryland’s Art Collection. Over 90 American and European paintings, sculptures, works on paper, and decorative arts from 1750 to present. Treasures of State includes works of art from the collections of the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts and the State of Maryland, exploring their connections and broadening narratives about American identity, history, taste, and the evolution of each collection. Notable artists represented include the Peales, Jasper Cropsey, Thomas Wilmer Dewing, George Inness, Hugh Bolton Jones, Eastman Johnson, Giuseppe Ceracchi, and Giovanni Battista Piranesi at Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, 401 Museum Dr., Hagerstown, MD . Tues-Fri, 10-5, Sat 10-4, Sun, 1-5; Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. Free. 301-739-5727 https://wcmfa.org/ or cschelle (at) wcmfa .org.
Special Events
September 2: First Saturday Art Walk
Watch for the balloons! All locations in Downtown Martinsburg along Queen St., King St., Burke St., Martin St. and Race St.1st Saturday of Each Month – 11 AM to 4 PM; sponsored by “The Downtown Art Gang”. Free.
Continuing through September 8
Let’s Talk Art: Treasures of State: Maryland’s Art Collection. Agnita M. Stine Schreiber Curator Daniel Fulco will be joined by Sarah Wolfe, Collections Registrar & Exhibitions Coordinator, to discuss Treasures of State. They will discuss selected works in this special exhibition and provide behind-the-scenes insights about it. Free. Register for a link by contacting Donna Rastelli at 301-739-5727 or drastelli (at) wcmfa.org at Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. Th, 6-7pm; Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. Free. 301-739-5727 https://wcmfa.org/ or drastelli (at) wcmfa .org
September 16
Fall Arts Fest. Join us for this early autumn, outdoor event featuring talented WV artisans. Get a start on your holiday shopping or find that must-have item for yourself from a selection of functional pottery, jewelry, blown glass, baskets, woodwork, wool applique, stained glass, hand painted glassware, mandala art, powder horns, handmade soap, dog treats, and more. at Blue Goose Pottery, 7278 Hedgesville Rd., Hedgesville WV 25427. Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm; Blue Goose Pottery. FREE. bluegoosepottery.com or bluegoosepottery (at) gmail .com
September 30
Blue Ridge Arts & Crafts Festival. 8th Annual Blue Ridge Arts & Crafts Festival at Sam Michaels Park in Jefferson County, WV. 75 local artists, 7 food trucks, Live music, FREE swag bags to the first 50 people, FREE admission! Celebration of local arts and the Blue Ridge Mountains of Appalachia. at Sam Michaels Park: Harpers Ferry, WV. Sat. Sept. 30th 11am to 5pm; Blue Ridge Arts and Crafts festival. free. 2025256076 facebook: Blue Ridge Arts & Crafts Festival or wvblueridgefestival (at) gmail .com
Music
September 7
Shepherd Salon Series—Faculty Jazz Ensemble. Kick off this season’s Salon Series with a dynamic set of original music from the Shepherd University Jazz Faculty, featuring Kurtis Adams on saxophone, Peter Heiss on guitar, Bob Sykes on piano, Kevin Pace on bass, and Kelton Norris on drums. The performance will be recorded live in W.H. Shipley Recital Hall. at W. H. Shipley Recital Hall. Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Jefferson Security Bank. Free. 304-876-5555 https://www.shepherd.edu/music/calendar-of-concerts or music (at) shepherd .edu
September 9
Sounds of Landscape: Concert with Hiroya Tsukamoto. Composer and innovative acoustic guitarist Tsukamoto will take the crowd on a musical journey inspired by landscapes, forests, and cultures. $15 museum members, $20 general public. Register in advance by contacting Donna Rastelli at 301-739-5727 or drastelli (at) wcmfa.org. at Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, 401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown. Sat 4-6 pm; Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. $15 museum members, $20 general public. 301-739-5727 https://wcmfa.org/ or drastelli (at) wcmfa .org
September 19
Berkeley Community Chorus Auditions
Auditions for the 2023-24 season will be Tuesday, September 19 from 7-9 pm at St. John’s Lutheran Church in downtown Martinsburg. An audition lasts approximately 10 minutes and consists of vocalization to determine your range and voice quality, and tonal memory/pitch matching exercises. A prepared solo is optional but would be sung unaccompanied. Ability to read music is strongly recommended, but not required. Auditions must be scheduled in advance by email to jpoland47 (at) gmail .com. Facebook messenger/berkeleycommunitychorus, or call 540-431-8422. See https://www.berkcommchorus.org/ for more information.
September 23
90’s ROCKFEST. The 90’s featured some of the greatest music of the past 50 years, and 90’s Rockfest brings you back to the moment where it all happened. Guitars and Grittiness ruled the radio and MTV, and live shows were an energy filled experience that you just had to be a part of. 90’s Rockfest will transport you back to a time when Rock reigned supreme, and bands brought it live and loud on stage. Lounge Fly is the premier tribute to Stone Temple Pilots. Best of Foo is a NJ based tribute to The Foo Fighters. Hashpipe is the band that plays all of the hits from a band that helped shape the sound of the 90’s. At The Apollo – 128 East Martin Street, Martinsburg. Saturday 7:30pm; The Apollo Civic Theatre. $25.00. 304-263-6766 apollocivictheatre.org or act (at) apollocivictheatre .org
Theatre
September 8 – 17
Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple. Neil Simon’s classic comedy about two men, separated from their wives, trying to live together (one is a clean freak and the other a slob), without killing one another. at Old Opera House Theatre – Charles Town, WV. 8:00pm Fridays & Saturdays; 2:30pm Sundays; $22 Adult, $19 Seniors, $15 students . (304) 725-4420 www.oldoperahouse.org or ooh (at) oldoperahouse .org
September 21 – October 1
“Sweeney Todd –the Demon Barber of Fleet Street”. An infamous tale, Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber, returns to nineteenth century London, seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop, above which, he opens a new barber practice. Mrs. Lovett’s luck sharply shifts when Todd’s thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining up… and the carnage has only just begun! at The Apollo – 128 East Martin Street, Martinsburg. Thursday 7:30pm, Friday and Saturday’s 8PM, Sunday at 2:30pm; the Apollo Civic Theatre. $17 – $22. 304-263-6766; apollocivictheatre.org or act (at) apollocivictheatre .org
Artist Opportunities
September 1-October 3, 2023
Meritus Healthcare Foundation’s Crystal Ball. CALL FOR ARTISTS – The Meritus Healthcare Foundation (Hagerstown, MD) is featuring a juried ART GALLERY at this year’s “Crystal Ball” at Fountain Head Country Club on November 4, 2023. Proceeds will benefit the proposed Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine. There are two options to submit art: Premiere ($75 entry fee), and Standard (no fee). Paintings will be juried, and those accepted offered for sale at the Crystal Ball with a 30% commission to the Meritus Foundation. All pieces should be 2D works of art, minimum size 11×14, maximum 48×48. To be considered, submit by 10/3/23 clear, unedited photos of unframed pieces to artscommittee (at) meritushealth.com. Provide the following information: artist’s name, dimensions, title, medium and price for each piece. Fliers with more information are available at Berkeley Art Works or contact the Elaine Cooper at 240 513 5191. at Fountain Head Country Club, Hagerstown, MD. Daily from 9/1/23 to 10/3/23 ; Meritus Healthcare (Hagerstown, MD). $0 to $75. 240 513 5191 Meritushealth.com or Artscommittee (at) meritushealth .com
Call for Entries
ShenArtsFest–September 9 – 10. The Shenandoah Arts Council (ShenArts) is proud to present a 2-day, juried, fine art festival, showcasing the work of artists from all over our region. Located along the pedestrian-friendly walking mall from Piccadilly St. to Cork St., visitors will have the opportunity to discover handmade-in-the-USA, original works of art across every medium, along with music and see a special flash mob event. A careful vetting process ensures the finest and most diverse offerings of sculpture, pottery, jewelry, photography, mixed-media, painting and more to suit every artistic taste and budget. Showcase takes place on Loudon St., rain or shine. Saturday and Sunday 11 am – 6 pm. free. 301-807-5466; www.shenartsfest.com or fisher (at) shenarts .org
Classes and Workshops
September 8
Paint and Sip. Learn how to create traditional Norwegian Rosemaling with Lise Lorentzen. Lise will lead guests in painting a wooden heart-shaped project in the Hallingdal style of Rosemaling. Inspired by Landscapes & Legends. All supplies will be provided. $70 museum members; $80 for general public. Register in advance by contacting Donna Rastelli at 301-739-5727 or drastelli (at) wcmfa.org at Washington County Museum of Fine Arts . Fri,5-7:30pm; Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. $70 museum members; $80 for general public. 301-739-5727; https://wcmfa.org/ or drastelli (at) wcmfa .org
September 8
Paint and Sip . Learn how to create traditional Norwegian Rosemaling with Lise Lorentzen. Lise will lead guests in painting a wooden heart-shaped project in the Hallingdal style of Rosemaling. Inspired by Landscapes & Legends. All supplies will be provided. $70 museum members; $80 for general public. Register in advance by contacting Donna Rastelli at 301-739-5727 or drastelli (at) wcmfa.org at Washington County Museum of Fine Arts . Fri, 5-7:30pm; Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. $70 museum members; $80 for general public. 301-739-5727; https://wcmfa.org/ or drastelli (at) wcmfa .org
September 8
Everyday Art for Adults: Creativity in Ink. See your world like an artist! An introduction to art techniques in ink using everyday supplies. Learn how playful exercises can become a regular creative practice, fitting easily into your schedule, while benefiting memory, health, longevity and joy. All materials are provided. Class is free but registration is REQUIRED! Call 304-754-3949 to reserve a spot. at Hedgesville Public Library, 207 North Mary Street, Hedgesville, WV 25419. Friday 1-3; Martinsburg-Berkeley County Public Libraries. no fee. wvhorsetrainer (at) gmail .com
September 12
Everyday Art for Adults: Creativity in Ink. See your world like an artist! An introduction to art techniques in ink using everyday supplies. Learn how playful exercises can become a regular creative practice, fitting easily into your schedule, while benefiting memory, health, longevity and joy. All materials are provided. Class is free but registration is REQUIRED! Call 304-267-8933 ext. 4020 to reserve a spot. at Martinsburg Public Library, 101 West King Street, Martinsburg, WV 25401. Tuesday 1-3; Martinsburg-Berkeley County Public Libraries. no fee. wvhorsetrainer (at) gmail .com
September 14
The Hidden History of Claire McCardell: Modern Design and the Birth of American Fashion. Author Elizabeth Evitts Dickinson discusses fashion icon, designer, and Frederick native McCardell who made revolutionary designs that helped women live independent lives. From the 1930s through the 1950s, McCardell pioneered ingenious new designs that remain staples of our wardrobes today. Dickinson is currently writing a book about McCardell. $8 museum members $10 general public. Register in advance by contacting Donna Rastelli at 301-739-5727 or drastelli (at) wcmfa.org at Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, 401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown . Th 5:30-6:30 pm; Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. $8 museum members $10 general public. 301-739-5727; https://wcmfa.org/ or drastelli (at) wcmfa .org
October 12 – November 16
Everyday Art in Line, Wash and Collage. Create a regular arts practice while exploring the elements and principles of art that underlie all visual expression. Learn techniques of line, watercolor wash, and collage, through structured exercises and creative exploration. Cultivate an artist’s eye and a storyteller’s sensibilities. Celebrate your artwork in a final group exhibition. All supplies provided. Register 304-267-8933 x4020. At Martinsburg Public Library, 101 West King Street, Martinsburg, WV 25401. Thursdays 10:30-12:30;. no fee. 304-267-8933 ext. 4020 or wvhorsetrainer (at) gmail .com
Partners and Supporters
  
 
 
How to Submit an Arts Event: Each participant in The Berkeley Arts Bulletin helps spread the news about the wealth of arts events in Berkeley County and the surrounding region. By combining forces each organization becomes stronger. Here’s what you need to do:
Submit details about your arts event by using the online form at www.berkeleyartswv.org/bab/
The page includes instructions.
Deadline: the 20th of the month prior to the event. You may submit events up to two months in advance. The editors reserve the right to condense information to allow listing the maximum number of events.
The Berkeley Arts Bulletin is a service of The Berkeley Arts Council, Inc.
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 is on the Web at https://www.berkeleyartswv.org
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