Eddie and Rob from Mesa Glow.
Even with the dreary, dismal weather this past weekend, the greater North Penn area was still the spot to be for unique arts and entertainment. The first ever Deck The Walls Holiday Art Show was a booming success at the Lansdale Underground by Round Guys Brewery. With drinks flowing all afternoon and into the evening Saturday, the area's most dedicated artists shared a few hours together to support each other and the local arts community.
Visual stimulation lined each wall and every table was covered in everything from Lansdale-centric shirts to hand-made jewelry. Tattoo flash art, framed pictures, pottery and wood cuts made for quite the site walking around the Underground. The atmosphere flowed between crowded, busy and chaotic. The mood never changed though, as smiles and happy conversation dominated the vibes for the day, well into the night. With the nearest working ATM being down the street at the Wells Fargo, the trek down main street to get cash was just about the only thing that did not elicit laughter and positivity for all.
Organized by local artists Amy Rims, Kynn Peterkin and Dana Riley, the show was destined for success from its inception. The contributions to the art community amongst these three are insurmountable. The ease at which artists were able to sign up and participate was indicative of organization that favors the artist, not exploits them. With the exception of a computer/projector issue not allowing the films of Brandon Lord Ross to be played, the show remained thorough and ideal throughout. Raincheck on Brandon's films for next show though, so no worries!
Area musicians Tim Balch, Andy Pappasergi, Jason Heffner and members of the beloved Mesa Glow accounted for the audible art of the day. Playing a mix of originals and holiday favorites, these musicians cheerfully laid the soundtrack for the day. The acoustic chords sung through with familiar melodies. The reminiscent conversations and friendly banter of our area's art patrons offering a soft background noise to the musician's offerings. Quite literally, this was a holiday party for people that spend their lives making art for not only themselves, but their neighbors and friends alike.
With the art show winding down in the evening, many made their way down Main Street (past the Wells Fargo ATM we already walked to) for the punk and metal show at the American Legion afterwards. Lansdale's own L.M.I. played their release show for their new EP to a packed house. Other area bands played, as well as Healer, all the way from Buffalo, NY.
Perhaps nights like this can serve as a template for our area in the future. Homegrown artists supporting each other on our own turf, hopping between the various events of the day and night. With ideal venues like The Underground by Round Guys and dedicated artists that actually want to help and promote each other, it is both exciting and heart-warming.
The arts in the North Penn community shall be a force to be reckoned with (or at least appreciated) in the New Year. You can take that to the bank. Just not the Wells Fargo on Main, I walked by that too many times this weekend already.
See also:
Lansdale's Underground Decks the Walls With Holiday Art
Charity Punk Show Raises Nearly 100 Toys for Kids
Comedian Buddy Harris to Write Column for North Penn Now
Punk Rock Toy Drive to be Held at North Penn Social Club
Local Comedian Overwhelmed by Support Following Cancer Diagnosis
