Summer in the Bel Air Arts & Entertainment District
by angela robertson, economic development coordinator, town of bel air
Summer is finally here and with the changing of the seasons, schedules are often more relaxed, giving our residents more time to enjoy all that Bel Air has to offer. The Bel Air Arts & Entertainment (A&E) District is filled with fun activities for you and your family all summer long!
The Town of Bel Air is home to a growing number of public art pieces which contribute to making Bel Air a unique community. The A&E District recently launched a self-guided Art Walk that features nineteen pieces of public art in a two mile walk through downtown. Maps of the Art Walk are available at the Visitor’s Center in Harford Artists Gallery at Armory Marketplace (37 North Main Street) or a printable version is available on the Bel Air A&E District website at www.
The Art Walk takes you through Shamrock Park which is also home to the Summer Concert Series. In partnership with the Bel Air Recreation Committee and with help of volunteers from the Bel Air Community Band, the Town of Bel Air has a long-standing tradition of offering great outdoor musical entertainment in the A&E District. The Summer Concert Series, which takes place in Shamrock Park on Sundays in June, July and August and also on Wednesdays in July, provides opportunities to get friends together for an evening of fabulous live music. Concerts start at 7pm and feature a variety of performers from blues to classical to patriotic. It’s a great opportunity to have dinner at one of our many fabulous downtown restaurants and then walk to the park for the concert. Bring a folding chair and maybe a picnic supper as well.
Have you visited Harford Artists Gallery lately? Located in Armory Marketplace just off of Main Street, the gallery is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to promoting the visual arts in Harford County. The Harford Artists Gallery boasts an ever-changing collection of original paintings, photographs, pottery, jewelry and unique gifts all created by local artists. This summer, they will be hosting an artist reception featuring Barbara Kirchner on June 8 from 1-4pm. Barbara has worked in all painting mediums including mixed media collages and she actively displays her paintings and greeting cards at the gallery. She also enjoys teaching and sharing her expertise with her students.
Hosting exhibits throughout the year, Harford Artists Gallery has become a go-to arts destination in Harford County. Their July and August exhibit is “Picnic in the Park” and a reception will be held on Saturday, July 13 from 1-4pm where you can meet some of the artists and view the new exhibit to get inspired for summer. Don’t forget about the workshops that the gallery offers to the community too. A full listing may be found on their website at www.artinharford.org.
Harford Artists Gallery is just one of many places in Bel Air to find local artists’ work. The Town of Bel Air has almost twenty boutiques and restaurants that support our local artists by making their work available for sale. It’s a win:win for the business owners and for the artists.
It’s clear there is always something fun to do in Bel Air! Many more events are available throughout the summer in the A&E District. For a full listing, check out the online calendar at www.belairartsandentertainment.org
