AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler
Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi
and Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services
Finding the last parking spot open at Cafe Mezzanotte was not easy but what could be more inviting for music and art lovers than the picture-perfect setting of the restaurant’s courtyard and gardens for the 3rd Annual Art In The Park. The mild breezes, pulsing beat of live music and tantalizing aromas rising from outdoor grills hinted at what lay ahead for attendees.
This year’s event was produced by the Severna Park Voice and was held as a benefit for Providence of Maryland with tickets just $25 per person. There was much to see and do. Art from local shops and galleries stretched out along the sidewalks on three sides of the courtyard.
On the fourth side, a Wine Garden and Courtyard Bar were busy throughout the afternoon and served as popular gathering places. Dress for Art In The Park was warm weather casual. Now and then, however, you’d see a woman wearing a picnic-pretty sundress for a touch of class or a gent wearing a traditional straw boater hat.
The Courtyard Bar and adjacent tables overlooked the cafe’s lovely garden and also offered a closeup view of the band shell where popular local bands Lower Case Blues and Sweet Lida performed.
The soulful music and steady beat of Lower Case Blues brought out some really fine dancers too.
On our way past the bountiful flower and vegetable gardens, we ran into Greater Severna & Arnold Chamber CEO Liz League, Lonnie Lancione who, with wife Dianna Lancione publishes The Severna Park Voice, and Dawn Wilson, co-owner of Side Street Framers and Gift Gallery.
Wilson was participating in Art In The Park for the third year in a row with an extensive display of artworks and crafts.
“Art In The Park is much bigger this year with more artists, shops and galleries displaying their work,” she said. “I’ve heard it’s a sell-out with 280 people attending.”
We caught up with Wilson again, along with sister Donna Phillips and several of the local artists and crafters Side Street Framers and Gift Gallery represents. Shoppers loved having a chance to discuss the artists’ work with them.
With a booth of her own, designer Amy Dodson from Aerlume in Arnold brought a limited quantity of her handmade boho clothing, accessories, jewelry and home goods. For the moment, Dodson is showing off her line at local events and online. You can find Aerlume at Facebook.
Since the 2023 version of Art In The Park was a benefit for Providence of Maryland, it was only fitting that there would be some beautiful items for sale from the Providence Pottery & Arts Studio which is located at 40 Church Road in Arnold. The pottery represented was truly impressive and drew an amazing number of shoppers.
We met pottery studio manager Joan Brady and Gene Henschel, a professional ceramic artist who teaches some of the pottery classes. They said, in addition to pottery classes, there are Paint Your Own Pottery Parties and other activities to participate in. Check them out at Pottery Studio in Anne Arundel County | Providence of Maryland.
Nearby, we bumped into an entire table of folks from Providence of Maryland, some of whom we already knew. They included Karen Adams-Gilchrist, Providence’s President and CEO, Aimee Bullen, VP of Community Relations and Development, Jackie Harris-Harrell, VP of Human Resources, Robb Harrell (not facing camera), Shane George and Kristina George, the Director Quality Enhancement.
They all said they’d been surprised and delighted that Art In The Park had been designated a benefit for Providence of Maryland.
On the way to the opposite side of the courtyard, we could not possibly have missed the charming Courtyard Kitchen being run by Cafe Mezzanotte owner Tommie Koukoulis and his marvelous cadre of chefs, kitchen staff, and waiters.
They were doing gangbuster business and there was always a line. Koukoulis, himself, was taking orders and the grills, large and small, were working overtime.
A number of vendors on the far side of the courtyard seemed to be banded together in one group comprised of different independent businesses. Glassware from Crazy Ray’s Little House of Big Ideas seemed to draw customer’s eyes as did soy candles from Art C. Sunhats, salsa, artwork and furnishings from other independents attracted attention all along the sidewalk.
We were pleased to be able to stay for a final tune by Lower Case Blues’ Jake Banaszak, B.J. Muntz and Ken Sigvardson that was received enthusiastically. They bid the crowd a’dieu and told them to stand by for the much-anticipated appearance of rock and soul band Sweet Lida.
Before that, however, they turned the microphone over to Karen Adams-Gilchrist from Providence of Maryland for a few comments.
Adams-Gilchrist explained a bit about how Providence of Maryland serves the community. She noted that Providence’s work begins with finding out what every single individual they serve would like for their lives. Providence tries to help them achieve that.
“It could be a job, a skill or a social activity. It could be all of that and even more,” she said.
We spoke with Amy Bullen before leaving who expressed the organization’s thanks.
“Our work would not be possible without community partners like Café Mezzanotte and the Severna Park Voice and we were so honored to be a beneficiary of this year’s Art in the Park event,” she said.
Adams-Gilchrist, Bullen and the Providence staff are looking forward to holding their 9th Annual Harvest Fest this Saturday, October 14th at 7 pm. For information, visit Providence of Maryland | Home.
SHOPTOBERFEST with a Trick or Treat Twist on Saturday, October 21
SHOPTOBERFEST, a Shop Local extravaganza with a trick or treat theme will be held at a new location this year. The fun event will take place on Saturday, October 21 at the parking lot of the Severna Park Racquetball & Fitness Club at 8514 Veterans Highway in Millersville from 11 am until 3 pm.
Organized by the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber of Commerce, the event will have Trick or Treating with lots of goodies at each vendor booth – possibly served up by characters like last year’s Serve Pro witch.
There will be shopping, games, music and entertainment, a costume contest and a photo booth. For information, visit Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce (gspacc.com).
The Around The Park Again column is brought to you this week by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi at 1195 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. – For over two decades providing martial arts training that improves cardio-vascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress. Jing Ying is now offering a homeschool Kung Fu class and is again bringing Tai Chi to the Severna Park Community Center.)
and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services at 815 Ritchie Hwy., Suite 206 – When you need someone to lean on, Lean On Dee. Their experienced team of personal care management specialists and friendly companions provide high quality consistent care.
