Art For Thought - Calligraphy Demonstration

MCFA is implementing a new program to bring the arts to our community.


Thursday May 20: Barb Peshkin - Calligraphy
Thursday June 17: John and Denise - Swing Dance
Thursday July 15: Lynda Beckwith - Printmaking
Thursday August 19: Ed Beard - Woodworking - Shaker Boxes
Thursday September 16: Laura Shindle - Watercolor
Thursday October 15: Kathy Diloretto - Stained Glass
Thursday November 18: Pat Beard - Hand Weaving
Thursday December 17: No Demonstration - Happy Holidays!

Details:
St. John's Lutheran Church Basement
8 Linden Avenue, Mercersburg
Parking and entrance around the back of the church.
7:00 p.m.
$2.00 per person
Students and members free

Art for Thought: Meet Barb Peshkin

Come watch one of the oldest known written art forms demonstrated on Thursday, May 20 at 7:00 p.m. at MCFA's Art For Thought.

Barb Peshkin will be demonstrating the art of Calligraphy, which literally means beautiful writing. Before the invention of the printing press some 500 years ago, it was the way books were made. Each copy was handwritten by a scribe, working in a scriptorium. The handwriting was done with quill and ink onto materials like vellum or parchment. The lettering style applied was one of the period book-hands like rustic, carolingian or blackletter. Today, there are three main types or styles of calligraphy: (1) Western or Roman, (2) Arabic, and (3) Chinese or Oriental.

You may know Barb Peshkin from her many years as the Art Instructor at JBHS. Today, Barb teaches for the Council for the Arts in Chambersburg as well as other sites in the area. She first learned calligraphy in college and has since developed a heightened interest in the craft through a medieval reenactment group that she has become involved with. Mrs. Peshkin received her Art Education degree from Edinboro University and has taken graduate courses from the University of San Diego, and Carnegie Mellon University.

Barb has been practicing Calligraphy for about 15 years. She describes the process, "Learning calligraphy takes much practice. After choosing a calligraphy style, it should be practiced until letterforms and spacing are worked out for what is to be lettered. There are several types of pens available from felt tip, to metal dip pens. Each has it's own characteristics. Lines should be ruled on the good paper in pencil, then the project is ready to be lettered." Barb warns, "There should be no distractions, such as children or pets or food nearby." Finished projects can be framed, or made into cards or many other display items.

Mrs. Peshkin offers lessons as the opportunity arises. Artwork by Barb, including paintings, can be purchased in Chambersburg or with the Cumberland Valley Craftsmen Guild. Join us this Thursday to watch this meticulous artist demonstrate her skill as a Calligrapher at 7:00 p.m. in the St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Basement, located at 8 Linden Avenue, Mercersburg.

The cost is $2.00 per person and free for students. Light refreshments will be served. Parking and entrance are around the back of the church. Reservations are not required, but are appreciated. RSVP to mcfainfo@gmail.com or by calling 328-4777.

Next Art For Thought Demonstration: Thursday, June 17 featuring Swing Dance

Mix It Up with MCFA!

Join the Mercersburg Council for the Arts on Tuesday, May 25, for our Third Annual "Mix it Up with MCFA" Silent Auction and Mixer.

This is our only fundraiser of the year and we need your help to continue to introduce new programs like; "Art for Thought," "Big Band Night at the Mercersburg Fair," "First Fridays" and "ArtOberfest." Your contributions have also helped us provide art camp opportunities for children and donations for our High School Music programs.

We have many more goals like these yet to be reached. So, please, come again this year to enjoy a great evening of live music, delicious food and wonderful local art.

Flannery’s Tavern on the Square
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 • 5:00 p.m.
Free and open to the public
Cash Bar, Appetizers, Limited Menu available for purchase

Schedule of events
5:00 p.m. Silent Auction Begins
5:00 p.m. "Mason Bailey"
6:00 p.m. "The Hello Strangers"
8:00 p.m. Silent Auction Results

Art for Thought: Meet Janine Davis, Moon Dog Pottery

Originally from the Washington, D.C. area, Janine Davis now operates Moon Dog Pottery from her home studio in Welsh Run, PA.

Janine studied painting, sculpture, design and printmaking formally at the School of Art in Washington, D.C., Maryland University, Utah State University and honed her skills in ceramics with Ben Culbertson at Hagerstown Community College. Over the years, she has continued to learn and study on her own.

Janine put art on the back burner while she raised three children. When she returned to being a full time artist, ceramics was the medium that intrigued her most. “It combines 3-D with the aspect of color.” Janine describes. “It is exciting to explore a medium that combines both those aspects. I enjoy creating an art form of function.”

She first learned to create pottery on the pottery wheel in 1970 when she was in the 10th grade. Janine became a full-time potter in 1999.

Janine begins each project with an inspiration. She elaborates, “The ideas come from everywhere. The wee hours of the morning are a peak time for imagination and inspiration. If I happen to wake up with an idea I take it to the drawing pad or right to the Studio.”

She brings her ideas to form on the wheel. The pots are left to dry and then moved to the kiln for 8 hours of firing. After firing, she glazes the pots. They are dipped, painted or sprayed and put back into the kiln for the second firing at a higher temperature for about 6 hours. The kiln is then left to cool for about 24 hours, and at that time the pottery is ready for display and purchase in her gallery.

In addition to selling her pottery, Janine offers adult classes at her studio and Summer art camps for children ages 6 - 15.

You can see Janine demonstrate her craft on April 22, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Basement, located at 8 Linden Avenue, Mercersburg.

The cost is $2.00 per person and free for students. Light refreshments will be served. Parking and entrance are around the back of the church. Reservations are not required, but are appreciated. RSVP to mcfainfo@gmail.com or by calling 328-4777.

Next Art For Thought Demonstration:

Thursday, May 20 featuring Calligraphy by Barb Peshkin.

For more information about our organization, visit our website at www.mcfapa.org or fan us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MercersburgCouncilfortheArts

Tuscarora Area Chamber of Commerce and FreeMind seeking artist participation in new community event

Beginning on Friday May 7, Mercersburg will host a monthly event, "First Friday's - Main Street Mercersburg." The event will showcase storefronts in Mercersburg as well as live music on the square. They are looking for artists to participate in this new community event. Some of you participate in similar events in Greencastle and Chambersburg, and have found great success. The Mercersburg event will open yet another avenue of commerce for you as an artist. We encourage you to participate in all First Friday events by rotating to different communities. Please forward this onto to any artist friends in neighboring communities and ask them to do the same!

Details:
First Friday of every Month, beginning May 7, 2010
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Set up is at 3:00 p.m.
No fee to participate
Artists are responsible for their own tables/displays, set up and tear down - tear down is no later than 7:30 p.m.
You will be contacted to confirm placement closer to the date of the event.

Would you like to participate?

Please email MCFA or download the interest form below.

First Friday's Participation Form »

Please help MCFA make this a successful event for Mercersburg!

MCFA Seeking Art Donations for Mix It Up Silent Auction

We will be holding our 3rd Mix it Up Silent Auction at Flannery's Tavern on the Square later this Spring. Each year our donations have increased and become more diverse. Help us exceed last year's showing by donating a piece to our event. All mediums are accepted and can be given directly to an MCFA representative or can be dropped off at either the 4/22 or 5/20 Art For Thought Artist Demonstration.

If you would like to submit a piece, click here.

We thank you in advance for your participation!

America Through the Eyes of the Artist

Local photographer, Ryan Smith, will be exhibiting photographs at the Chambersburg Council for the Arts Kaleidoscope Gallery. Details are below.

“America Through the Eyes of the Artist” will be on display at the Kaleidoscope Gallery from January 15th through February 20th at 159 South Main Street, Chambersburg. The exhibit will feature photography by Stacey Ferree of Waynesboro, Staci Grimes of Shippensburg and Ryan Smith of Mercersburg. The opening reception will be held on Friday January 15th from 4:30-6:30 PM and will be an opportunity for Gallery patrons to meet the artists.

For more info: http://www.councilforthearts.net
Ryan Smith Photography: http://www.ryansmithphoto.com

MCFA to hold Arts Forum

The Mercersburg Council for the Arts would like to invite you to an Arts Forum on December the 10th. We will open the floor to our guests to discuss the direction of MCFA in 2010. We have had a successful first year as a non-profit, and continue to hatch plans and ideas for our little town. Now, we'd like your input. Some topics for discussion will be a membership plan - what would you like to gain out of a membership to MCFA? New events. We've had great fun at our Mix it Up and Artoberfest events - can we improve them? How can we serve you better?
We hope you can join us for a lively evening of discussion.

MCFA Arts Forum
Thursday, December 10, 2009
6:30 p.m.
St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church Basement
Linden Avenue, Mercersburg PA
Light refreshments will be served.

RSVP to MCFA by 12/8/09 by clicking here

Halloween Weekend in Mercersburg - Live Music Galore!

It's going to be a big weekend in Mercersburg this Halloween! Come out and support live music!

Friday at Flannery's Tavern on the Square: Boris Garcia, presented by FreeMind, 9 PM, $7 cover

Saturday at Colonel Murphy's: Halloween Party with Love Hate Thing, $7 with costume

Saturday across the street at Flannery's: Monster Mash with Pale Barn Ghosts and The Hello Strangers, FREE, 9 PM

Hope to see you out!

MCFA's ArtOberfest 2009

MCFA's ArtOberfest 2009
Autumn is in the air, and Art is on our mind! MCFA is pleased to announce it's Second Annual ArtOberfest. Local fine arts vendors (including oil, watercolor, printmaking, jewelery, acrylic and digital characitures) will display and sell their wares outside on the Mercersburg square while 6 bands show off their performing talents in a rotating schedule at local establishments, Flannery's Tavern on the Square and the newly remodeled and reopened Colonel Murphy's.

We will be selling Event T-Shirts - 1 for $10.00 or 2 for $18.00. See you there!

When:
Saturday, October 17, 2009
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. - Artist vendors outside on the square
5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. - Live Music!

Performance Lineup:
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Brian Stoner - Flannery's
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Sean Clever - Colonel Murphy's
7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Logan Chace - Flannery's
8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Lady - Colonel Murphy's
9:00 p.m. - Midnight Kevin Shannon - Flannery's
And Headlining at Colonel Murphy's:
10:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. Toy Soldiers (Philadelphia, PA recording artists)

Where:
The Mercersburg Square - Colonel Murphy's and Flannery's Tavern on the Square.

Other Details:
Free Admission and no cover charges. Come out to support our home-grown talent and enjoy some outstanding original music. Cosponsored by FreeMind, Mercersburg Academy and Flannery's Tavern on the Square. Special thanks to Fast Ink for help with production of our T-shirts!

Mercersburg Area Chamber of Commerce Mercersburg Townfest Art Show

MCFA is pleased to announce it's Second Annual Townfest Art Show. This is a non-juried show, and is open to all ages. This year's art theme is "All things Bright and Beautiful." If you are an artist who would like to submit a piece for display in the art show, please download a pdf form here. Completed forms can be mailed to MCFA, P.O. Box 27, Mercersburg, PA 17236.

When:
Saturday, September 26, 2009
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Where:
Presbyterian Church
34 West Seminary Street
Mercersburg, PA

Other Details:
Art may be dropped off at the Presbyterian Church, Thursday 9/24, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. If you cannot drop off your art during this time, please contact Allison Zeger at 328-4777 to schedule another option. All art must be picked up at the conclusion of TownFest.

Videos: Big Band Meets Big Fun

This year MCFA sponsored an evening of entertainment at the Mercersburg Lions Club Fair. Spectrum performed a variety of big band tunes while the Lindy Hop Dancers gave free swing and foxtrot dance lessons.

It was an evening of great music and dancing. Take a look at the photos and videos to see all the dancing action!

Local Potter achieves National Recognition

Janine Davis, of MoonDog Pottery in Welsh Run, Pa, has had one of her ceramic pieces selected as part of the 17th Annual Strictly Functional Pottery National.

This is a juried exhibit of functional ceramics. There were 1,252 pieces entered from 46 states and DC and only 108 selected.

The exhibit runs Saturday, September 26 to Sunday, October 25, 2009
560 South Prince Street
Lancaster, PA
www.strictlyfunctionalpotterynational.net

MCFA congratulates Janine on her accomplishment!

Big Band Meets Big Fun at the Mercersburg Lions Club Fair

Please plan to join MCFA for an evening of nostalgic music and dance at the Mercersburg Lions Club Fair. On August 12, The Big Band Era will come alive, as MCFA cosponsors an evening concert complete with dance floor and swing dance lesson session.

When:
Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Where:
Mercersburg Lions Club Park
315 South Park Avenue
Mercersburg, PA

Time:
7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Music by Spectrum
Performances and FREE Swing or Foxtrot Lessons by Lindy Hop Dancers.

Cost:
FREE

Calling All Artists: Nancy Horton Heefner Memorial Art Show

The Mercersburg Historical Society is sponsoring the Nancy Horton Heefner Memorial Art Show from September 13th through September 27th. Artists interested in submitting work for this non-juried show should contact Joan McCulloh at 717-328-2248. Entry forms are due by Monday, August 17th.

This is a great opportunity for local artists so please spread the word!

Calling All Musicians and Artists!

Hello friends of MCFA and fellow artists,

Mercersburg Council for the Arts is putting a call out for the following:

• We need musicians for our database! We are often asked to refer musicians for events (our events and those organized by others), and have very few on our list. If you are a musician or know of any, please email us or have them email us at this email (mcfainfo@gmail.com). Specifically, the Mercersburg Farmer's Market is looking for musical entertainment every month until October. Please let us know if you or someone you know might be interested in this fun opportunity!
• We also are in need of artists who would be interested in taking part in our Art Donation Program. Several businesses in Mercersburg have agreed to feature rotating artists' work, which they can sell and/or display. If you wish to be featured at a business, please let us know. Artists featured at the Fendrick Library are asked to donate a portion of their proceeds to the Library Building Fund.
  

Please let us know if you, or anyone you know, wish to take part in any of these great opportunities!

In arts,
MCFA

The Unity Music Festival 2009

2nd Annual Unity Music Festival
at the Farm of Peace
The Unity Music Festival was founded to promote peace, hope and acceptance through great music, great surroundings, and tantalizing natural foods, enjoyed in the setting of the beautiful Appalachian Mountains at the Farm of Peace.

Attractions include: a main stage, speakers, local and regional artist exhibit and some of the best vendors in the region. Take in some of our speakers and workshops. Bring the kids for a family friendly environment. Bring your lawn chair, pack a lunch and spend the day at the Farm of Peace until the stars come out!

Visit the website for more information, and to purchase tickets. www.theunitymusicfestival.com

When:
June 13, 2009 - Gates open at 10:00 a.m.

Where:
The Farm of Peace
1212 Haven Lane
Warfordsburg, PA 17267
All Ages

Performers:
The Unity Reggae Band, Cello Fourte, Kevin Neidig, Lindsay Mac, Alex & the Kaleidoscope Band, Steve Hickman & John Devine, Jackson Monsour, Mock Turtle Marionette Theater and Camela Widad Kraemer. Read more about the performers here.

Cost:
$20 Advance Price for Adult
$25 at the Gate
$5 for Children 10 and under
Children under 1 yr old & under admittance FREE
Remember to bring some extra money for art vendors!

*This is not an MCFA sponsored event. Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited from this event.

MCFA 2nd Annual Mixer - Video Recap

This year's silent art auction and mixer, held on June 2nd at Flannery's Tavern on the Square, was a huge success. The videos below should give you an idea of how much fun everyone had. Thanks to Flannery's, Blue Chair, The Hello Strangers, all of the MCFA volunteers and the Mercersburg community for supporting local art!

Mix it Up with MCFA

MCFA is pleased to announce it's Second Annual Fund Raiser; Mix It Up with MCFA. Just like last year, we'll have lots of great local art to bid on during the silent auction, live music and plenty of good vibes! If you are an artist who would like to donate a piece for auction, please click here.

When:
Tuesday June 2, 2009

Where:
Flannery's Tavern on the Square
Main Street, Mercersburg

Time:
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Cost:
Free and open to the public


Schedule of Events:

5:00 p.m.
Silent Auction Begins, meet and greet with MCFA and registration.

5:30 p.m.
Live Music by Blue Chair - Jazz

6:30 p.m.
Live Music by The Hello Strangers - Country/Indie/Rock

7:30 p.m.
Silent Auction Ends

Cash Bar • Butlered Hors d'oeuvres • Limited menu available for purchase

R.S.V.P.’s preferred by May 26, 2009 to mcfainfo@gmail.com

For more information about MCFA, please visit www.mcfapa.org

Rock 4 Drew Benefit Festival, May 30!

The Drew Michael Taylor Foundation, Ledbetter Heights and Rock Towne Apartments are pleased to announce The 3rd Annual “Rock 4 Drew” Benefit Festival to be held May 30th at Britton Park, 304 Britton RD, Shippensburg, PA 17257. “Rock 4 Drew” is being held in support of the Drew Michael Taylor Foundation by raising money to make a positive difference in the lives of children and youth in Drew’s memory.

Drew Michael Taylor, the son of Randy and Marcie Taylor, lost his life in a tragic traffic accident on June 13, 2006 in the Outer Banks, NC at the age of 3 and 1/2. Randy and Marcie created the Drew Michael Taylor foundation so that his memory would live on through the children and youth of our community. The foundation is committed to providing educational and recreational opportunities for children by funding established organizations and existing programs in need of assistance while looking to create new opportunities to enhance a child’s mind, body and soul.

Rain or Shine 11AM-6PM “Rock 4 Drew,” This festival style event, is ideal for all ages and will be hosted by Ledbetter Heights. Tony Diehl, Co-Chair of R4D Committee and Manager of Ledbetter Heights; says “This is a multi-band show to include: Ledbetter Heights, Dana Alexandra, Mightychondria, The Hello Strangers, Nancy and Jody, Brightside and more to be announced. Admission is free and everyone is invited to be a part of this benefit concert. There will be food, fun and music for all ages so bring your lawn chairs. All proceeds will go directly to the Drew Michael Taylor Foundation.”

The purpose of this event is to raise money for the DMT Foundation. This year’s goal is to raise $10,000; businesses are encouraged to help us achieve this goal. Nathan Serino, R4D Co-Chairman, is excited about the current commitments. “We feel this goal is achievable with the help of businesses through corporate donations as well as individual community support”, he said. “We’re encouraged by the community support that we’ve received to date.” “To get this year’s event off to a great start, Rock Towne Apartments has stepped up as this year’s anchor sponsor.” The DMT Foundation has committed its mission to the community and specifically to enriching the lives of our young people, and for one day we would like to show our appreciation to that wonderful cause.”

Volunteers are key to making the 09 R4D event a success if you would like to make a donation or volunteer in celebration of God’s gift of life that still flows through Drew, please contact Nathan Serino, Rock4Drew Committee Co-Chair at 888-323-8884 ext2 or email: tpd.sales@comcast.net. All donations are tax deductible and should be made out directly to the Drew Michael Taylor Foundation c/o R4D.

For the most current event information about “Rock 4 Drew” visit www.LedbetterHeights.com and for more info on the Drew Michael Taylor Foundation please visit www.DrewMichaelTaylor.org

- The Rock4Drew 2009 Committee

Register now for Summer Art Camp at Moon Dog Pottery

Register your child for Moon Dog Pottery's Summer Art Camp. The children will do pottery,wheel throwing, hand building, weaving, drawing, painting, sculpture, mask making, stain glass, and much more. Call Janine Davis or e-mail for more information or to register 717-328-9993.

All classes will be held at
Moon Dog Pottery
Welsh Run, PA

June 15-19, 22-26
July 6-10, 13-17,27-31
August 3-7, 10-14

Daily 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

The cost for 5 days is $175.

MCFA at the Mercersburg Home and Garden Festival

Children braved the windy day to create paper flowers in various colors and patterns.

Visitors at the Mercersburg Home and Garden Festival paint the MCFA Community Canvas. The finished canvas will be given to the Town of Mercersburg as an anniversary gift.

Carol Hall helps her granddaughter, Sophia Stoner, to make a paper flower at the MCFA tent.


MCFA Volunteer Maggie Goff demonstrates how to make a paper carnation.

May 9th First Annual Mercersburg Home & Garden Festival

Mercersburg Home and Garden Festival
Featuring a Historic District Home & Garden Tour • Art, Craft, Jewelry, and Home & Garden Vendors • Music on the Square • Conococheague Institute Frontier Encampment • Mercersburg Women's Club 100th Anniversary Celebration • MCFA Community art projects. For more information visit festivals.mercersburg.org.

Attention Volunteers!
MCFA will be manning a table at this event. We will have a paper-flower project for kids, as well as a large board for the community to paint their favorite items from nature. The finished board will be presented to the Town of Mercersburg as a 225th anniversary gift. We need volunteers to help with this project. If you are interested in helping to man the table or demonstrate flower making, please email MCFA, or call Allison Zeger at 717-816-7102. If you have extra tissue paper from birthdays or holidays - MCFA wants it! We can use your leftovers - any color, any pattern for our paper flower project. If you can make it to our Open Meeting, you can bring the paper at that time.

Where:
Downtown Mercersburg

Date:
Saturday, May 9

Time:
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Lancaster Artist Shows Work at Mercersburg Academy Burgin Center

Paintings by Lancaster artist, Jeff Kromer, are now in the Niche Gallery of the Burgin Center for the Arts on the Mercersburg Academy campus, Mercersburg PA, until
May 24.

Opening reception for the artist is Friday, May 8 @ 7:00 PM.
Free and open to the public!

Moon Dog Pottery to Host Pottery Classes in Welsh Run

What:
Moon Dog Pottery is hosting Pottery Classes for beginners and experienced potters. The classes will run for 6 weeks and cover wheel throwing, hand building and glaze techniques.

When:
6 week class sessions begin Monday, April 27 or Wednesday, April 29

Time:
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Cost:
$189.00 - All materials are provided.

Contact Janine Davis at 717-328-9993 for more information, or to register.