Off Track gets on track with local artists By Missie Wilcox

Off Track gets on track with local artists By Missie Wilcox

Westminster Watch By Missie Wilcox Posted on www.explorecarroll.com 02/18/2009

More: Recent Missie Wilcox columns in Explore Carroll

Between winter's gray skies and dark news headlines, the world can seem pretty bleak these days.

However, a trip to Westminster reveals a veritable rainbow emerging in a small building just beyond the train tracks that criss-cross downtown.

Westminster, allow me to introduce you to Off Track Art and a world of color, texture and style.

The gallery is a cooperative of 20 immensely talented local artists who have joined together to bring an amazing array of mixed media and artwork to downtown.

The gallery is located at 11 Liberty St., at the corner of Main Street and Route 27.

As you might guess from its name, the gallery is just beside the train tracks. However, the name also describes the artists being a bit "off center" and eclectic.

The result of these varied styles and talents is a diverse display. From photography and collage to pottery and jewelry, the gallery has it. All work is handcrafted, beautifully finished and proudly displayed.

The gallery opened this past Friday the 13th, but the artists believe the superstitious date has brought them only the good kind of luck. It will be open six days a week, with a cooperative artist member being present at all times the gallery is open.

As a result, shoppers are guaranteed an interaction with an artist whose work is showcased.

"There is something really satisfying about knowing the person that made the object you just purchased," said Gail Elwell, one of the founding artists.

"If visitors stop by every time they come to Westminster, it's conceivable that they could meet a different artist each visit and be treated to a personal tour of that person's artwork," added Melinda Byrd, another local artist whose work is featured in the inaugural display.

The idea for an artist cooperative has been on the minds of several members for years, and the location and right mix of artists combine for a great time to launch the gallery.

"Several of us have wanted to open a gallery for some time," said Pam Zappardino, who serves as an adjunct lecturer in art at McDaniel College and Carroll Community College.

The artwork offered is as varied as the artists who have created it.
All work is original, and most artists are creating works that are exclusive to the gallery.

"The artwork will be that which no one has ever seen from me before," said Byrd.

The objective of the co-op is to sponsor the artwork of its members, and to provide support for the local arts community in Westminster.

"Downtown is a great place, and has the potential to be an even more wonderful destination with the arts as a centerpiece," said Zappardino. "I really hope that Off Track Art can play a part in making downtown Westminster a true arts and entertainment district."

The gallery is also an opportunity for art enthusiasts to "buy local."

"With our current nationwide economic meltdown, we believe there's nothing more important than community support for those who make and do in our neighborhoods," Elwell said.

Editor's Note: Due to an editing error, the print version of this story in the Westminster Eagle of Feb. 18 incorrectly referred to Pam Zappardino's role with Carroll Community College. It is corrected here. The Eagle regrets the error.
Off Track Art

The new Off Track Art Gallery is located at 11 Liberty St., Westminster. The gallery is open six days a week: Monday through Wednesday, noon to 6 p.m., Thursday and Friday noon to 7 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Artists include:

* Vestal Abbott, photography
* Sarah Abel-DeLuca, painting
* Melinda Byrd, painting and printmaking
* Christina Collins-Smith, photography and digital collage
* Kevin Dayhoff, painting, mixed media, digital collage
* Mary Decker, painting and mixed media
* Gail Elwell, sculpture and mixed media
* Judy Goodyear, jewelry
* Charlotte Laslo, jewelry
* Becki Maurio, photography
* Wasyl Palijczuk, sculpture, painting, drawing and photography
* Howard Riopelle, sculpture
* Cathy Sawdey, drawing
* Bob Sapora, sculpture
* Gordon Wickes, photography
* Vladimir Tzenov, painting and mixed media
* Linda van Hart, mixed media
* Robert Waddell, mixed media
* Susan Williamson, mixed media
* Pamela Zappardino, photography and mixed media

20090218 Off Track gets on track By Wilcox
http://explorecarroll.com/arts/2360/off-track-gets-track-with-local-artists/
Kevin Dayhoff www.kevindayhoff.net http://kevindayhoff.blogspot.com/