Waynesboro’s transformation into a “work of art” continues August 9 – 11

Week four of “Destination ARTS!” features music from “Mountain Air,” the “Non-Violent Ferns,” “Unheard Of,” Missy Ecker, Danny Lawson, and Justin Streletz; children’s programs including Zumba with Kids, and NEW this week – readings from “The Royers of Renfrew” with Marie Beck and Maxine Beck!

Destination ARTS! continues to transform Waynesboro’s Main Street, and with plans for weekend number four, the event continues to be open every Friday from 5 – 8 pm, Saturday from 11 am – 6 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm – 4 pm  through October 27.

As part of this exciting new initiative, seven vacant buildings in downtown Waynesboro have been converted into full-fledged, curated art galleries, and art is also displayed in an additional nine storefronts. Nearly all of the art is for sale.

NEW THIS WEEK – BOOK READINGS

Saturday, August 10

• 12 pm – 3:00 pm, 30 West Main Street

Hear excerpts and ask questions about the Royer family of Renfrew from local authors Marie Beck and Maxine Beck, who penned two historical fiction books entitled The Royers of Renfrew – A Family Tapestry, Volume 1 and Threads of Change, Volume 2.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

Saturday, August 10

These activities are planned for 37 East Main Street. Pre-registration is not necessary, however, we would appreciate it if anyone interested would send an e-mail to [email protected], listing the subject, “CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS,” so that we can gauge how many children will participate.

• 12 – 1 pm – ZUMBA WITH KIDS – certified Zumba instructor Nicola Sussman will introduce children ages 7 – 11 to some fun Zumba dances!
• 3 – 4 pm – CREATE WITH DUCT TAPE – creative fun with recently retired teacher Kitty Monn, for ages 8 – 12.

SCHEDULE OF MUSIC

A variety of musical styles can be heard in Waynesboro this weekend. The list of performers includes the acoustic contemporary folk of  “Mountain Air,” classical pianist Danny Lawson, singer-guitarist Missy Ecker, and much more.

Locations for performers are all on Main Street and will be posted in the downtown area during the hours of “Destination ARTS!” (all performances are FREE unless otherwise noted):

Friday, August 9

• Non-Violent Ferns – Erin Regan (vocal, keyboard and guitar), Elise Stendal (percussion), Dani Kardisco (vocals), CONTEMPORARY FOLK – Center Square, 5 – 8 pm
• Justin Streletz (piano) –  CLASSICAL, SHOWTUNES, VARIETY – 50 West Main St., 5 – 8 pm
• Tommy Lancaster (vocals & guitar) – FOLK & BLUES – 6 – 9 pm, Christine’s Cafe
• “Old Tyme Jam” – BLUEGRASS – 7 – 10 pm, Beck & Benedict Hardware Music Theatre, 118 Walnut St. – $4

Saturday, August 10

• “Unheard Of” – Eric Wengert (ukelele) and Brian Wengert (bass),  2 – 5 pm, Center Square

• Missy Ecker (vocals & guitar) – 1 – 4 pm, 50 West Main St.
• Open Mic Night – 6 – 9 pm, Christine’s Cafe
• Baltimore Bluegrass Band  – 7 pm, Beck & Benedict Hardware Music Theatre, 118 Walnut St. – $14

Sunday, August 11

• “Mountain Air” – Bobbi Smith (guitar & vocals), Bob Murphy (upright bass), Lisa Donohoe (mandolin & vocals) – ACOUSTIC CONTEMPORARY FOLK & POP COUNTRY — 2 – 4 pm, Center Square

• Danny Lawson (piano) – CLASSICAL – 2 – 4 pm, 50 West Main St.
• “Unheard Of” – Eric Wengert (ukelele) and Brian Wengert (bass),  12 – 2 pm, 22 West Main St.
• Patric Schlee (flute & drums) – ECLECTIC –  – 4 pm, 2 East Main St.

ARTIST DEMONSTRATIONS

Saturday, August 10

Marjorie Tressler will be painting and demonstrating her craft throughout the day at the gallery located at 50 West Main St, gallery,  “Small Town Hosts Big City Art”.

Donna Bingaman will be painting and demonstrating her craft from 11:30 am – 2:00 pm at 37 West Main St, the “Homegrown Art” gallery in the Furniture Market Showroom

An initiative of the non-profit Arts Alliance of Greater Waynesboro (AAGW), Destination ARTS! is an ambitious attempt to revitalize a small town and stimulate economic development. Hundreds of volunteers are involved, working on everything from art selection and installation, building preparation, event programming, warehousing, and the coordination of “docents” to greet the public in each gallery during open hours. The event has united landlords, artists and arts organizations, businesses, local government and the general public in an effort to achieve a single goal — to bring vibrancy back to our downtown, and to share our enthusiasm for the natural beauty, history and talent of the area with others.

Some of the most highly respected fine artists in the Mid-Atlantic region are participating, including Benjamin Jones, David Buckley Good, Fritz Biggs, Brad Clever, Kevin Kutz and Steve Navada. There are also photographers such as Raymond Gehman, Janie Moltrup and Denny Bingaman, ceramic artists such as Hilda Eiber and Mike McIntyre, as well as many, many others. The exhibits feature paintings, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, photography, and fiber arts. Gallery exhibits will change every six weeks.

The gallery locations and themes are:

• 50 West Main St.  –  “Small Town Hosts Big City Art”  – Paintings by our most prominent and metropolitan artists
• 37 West Main St.  – Furniture Market Showroom –  “Homegrown Art” – Art by professional or amateur artists who grew up in the Waynesboro area
• 32 West Main St.  –  “A Taste of the Arts” – Sampling of Gallery Arts, note cards and prints, and all sales transactions
• 30 West Main St. –   “Palette to Canvas” – Paintings of all genres
• 22 West Main St.  –  “Through the Lens and Of the Earth” – Photography, digital arts, pottery and fiber arts
• 2 East Main St. –  “Scenes, Shapes and Surprises” – Paintings, sculptures and the unexpected
• 13 South Church St.  –  Special Features of the Ceramic Arts Center  – Diverse pottery and more in Waynesboro’s newest arts center

In addition, storefront art displays will be presented in both existing businesses and other vacant buildings, including:

• 24 East Main St.
• 30 East Main St.
• 33 East Main St.
• 35 East Main St.
• 37 East Main St.
• 43 East Main St.
• 81 West Main St.
• 96 West Main St.
• 106 West Main St.

More activities are continually being scheduled!  Check the website often for updates, or follow the Arts Alliance of Greater Waynesboro on Facebook for the most up-to-date information.

Waynesboro is surrounded by beautiful countryside and parks, and there are many other activities and events to offer visitors. Renfrew Museum and Park and Renfrew Institute offer a wide variety of cultural events and environmental programs. There are great hiking opportunities along the Appalachian Trail, apple and peach orchards, excellent restaurants and award-winning chocolate shops. Pen Mar Park, once a tourist destination that drew as many as 20,000 visitors a day to the area, is still majestic and offers stunning views and dancing on Sundays. The Arts Alliance of Greater Waynesboro looks forward to sharing the natural beauty and talent of the area with all who attend Destination ARTS!

For more information about Destination ARTS! visit www.artsalliancegw.org or email [email protected]