This is the last installment in our downtown art gallery series, and what better gallery to happily round out the discussion than McBride? This lovely white and evergreen building has been showcasing the prized works of local arts for over thirty years. Below, read what’s in store for McBride in the near future, what makes it such an integral part of downtown, and why you should visit in person soon.
Presently, the gallery is in-between showings. The previous exhibit, which ended on July 28, celebrated the works of Washington Society of Landscape Painters. As you can imagine, this show showed everything from seashores, creeks, farms, and our favorite, one of Pinkney Street by Barbara Nuss. The upcoming show is one that all of downtown participates in: the 23rd Annual Annapolis Art Walk, scheduled from August 15-31. McBride Gallery artist Hiu Lai Chong will make a special appearance on the first night of the show from 5 to 9 p.m. to demonstrate painting with oil. Chong’s works (see above), which are comprised of early morning landscapes to sailing at night, will be on display for the duration of Art Walk.
Aside from Nuss and Chong, McBride carries marvelous works by a range of other authors. For instance, the oil paintings by John Payne of people gathering on beaches, industrialization, and historic scenery hang in the gallery. Sherrill Cooper, another inspirational artist represented at McBride, paints colorful works with abrupt brush strokes. Master of whimsy Victor Nizovtsev (see mermaid picture at bottom) is a major artistic force to be enjoyed, specifically in his bold paintings of pigs flying, bubbles, and children’s fables. Bruce Handford paints Annapolis and tropical scenery with watercolors. There is a plethora of other artists at McBride–too many to reproduce here.
Not only is McBride one of the biggest galleries in Annapolis, but it is able to serve a big part of the art community. Aside from the artwork hanging on the walls, McBride provides custom framing services, art restoration, and workshops every so often, the most recent with watercolorist Bruce Handford. You can even rent the gallery space for get-togethers. At the start of a new exhibit, McBride features a reception that’s completely free and quite enlightening. Attending means you get a peak into inspiration of artists and a preview of the exhibit.
The gallery itself is nearly a piece of artwork: as guests move through the gallery, they wind through a series of rooms with different artists represented in each. At the gallery, guests can buy pieces off the walls or unframed pieces. Pottery is also for sale there.
So, whether you’re in the mood to peruse diverse artwork or to be surrounded by locals in the art community, carve out time to get to McBride on 215 Main Street. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. t 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5:30 p.m. Head to www.mcbridegallery.com to see more info.
Leave A Comment