Fourth Fridays Changes Its Name, Location, and Scope


A message from Chris Davis, director of Fourth Fridays in Columbia (now ARTA):

Fourth Fridays in Columbia has upgraded its non profit status to become a 501(c)3 tax exempt non profit.  With the upgrade, we have created a new title for the venture, as we have embraced our two sister river towns: Marietta and Wrightsville.

The non-profit umbrella is titled: A.R.T.A.
Artistic River Towns Alliance
doing business as:
Fourth Fridays in Columbia
Fourth Fridays in Marietta
Fourth Fridays in Wrightsville

Our new main office will be located at 461 Locust Street in Columbia.  This is a sizable location that will offer a welcome center for the Fourth Friday event, house an art gallery, offer artist studio space, children’s & adult art classes, presentations and much more.

In 2007, Melissa Glenn, the acting director of the Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce (SVCC), started what was called “Fabulous Fourth Fridays.” This event included all three river towns – Columbia, Marietta and Wrightsville – and ran for a three month period.  Melissa passed away on the morning of her well-known and well-received Bridge Bust, on October 3, 2009.  Following her death, I asked for the blessing of Melissa’s husband and children to try to bring the Fourth Fridays concept alive, because I liked what she was attempting to do.  My goal was to try and pull Marietta and Wrightsville into the event within three years, just as Melissa had originally attempted.  We have now accomplished this.  

We plan to have a grand opening and dedication ceremony at the A.R.T.A. building during the June Fourth Friday event on Friday, June 22nd.  We are dedicating the in-house art gallery to the honor of Melissa Glenn.  “The Glenn Gallery” will feature the works of Columbia, Marietta, and Wrightsville based artists for the grand opening, as well as the works of Melissa’s brother Robert Haldeman.  

We are all very excited and pleased to see this venture fall into place.  Bringing awareness to what the three river towns have to offer is a priority to so many folks.  There is a lot of passion, vision and dedication from multiple forms, individuals, and venues in all three towns.  I think people will sense this and be intrigued.

It is hard to believe that nearly three years has passed since we held the first Fourth Fridays in Columbia. 

Artist Scott Gore at Jonal Gallery – You're Invited

        You’re invited to “A Night At The Gallery with Scott Gore”
                                     At: Jonal Gallery
                                      653 Locust Street
                                    Columbia, Pa. 17512
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Q/A:
Q: What is “A Night At The Gallery” anyway?
A: “A Night At The Gallery” is a forum that was established by the proprietors of Jonal Gallery, Dale Weibley and John Novak, to give friends and patrons the opportunity to meet the exhibiting artist(s) in a casual, intimate and relaxed atmosphere. This venue allows patrons to learn more about the exhibiting artist(s), everything from learning where their passion comes from to their love of art, their inspirations, techniques and choice of medium. It also provides an opportunity to ask those “prying on your mind” questions you always wanted to ask, but never had the opportunity!
Q: So, I’ve never attended one before, what happens during “A Night At The Gallery”?
A: The Gallery opens at 7pm giving attendees time to walk through the Gallery and the Alverta Arts Shop to review the offerings of the exhibiting artist(s) and resident artist Dale Weibley. Don’t forget to visit the Alverta Arts Shop to see exciting three dimensional offerings of local artisans and textiles by D. W. Designs. While waiting for the presentation to begin at 7:30, relax and socialize with old friends and meet new ones. Enjoy some light refreshments and prepared to be entertained!   “Q&A” time is provided at the end of the artist’s program, but because this is a casual forum, feel free to ask your questions and offer comments during their presentation. Many artist will use visual aides during their presentation, such as power-point, to enhance your experience. After the artist’s program has completed feel free to mingle again, enjoy some more light refreshments and make a more educated decision on the pieces you would like to purchase. We accept Master Card and Visa for your convenience.
Q: It all sounds great! What do I need to do to attend?
A: It’s so easy … “A Night At The Gallery” artist talks are always free. Advanced reservations are recommended, due to limited seating and easy to secure. You can reserve your seat by calling the Gallery (717.681.9400) or visit us on-line: www.jonalgallery.com and click on “contact us” and secure your reservation. Please leave us your name, the number of seats and program you are requesting and a contact phone number, should we need to reach you. See you at the Gallery!
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Thank you for supporting Jonal Gallery/Alverta Arts Shop.
See you at the Gallery, 
John and Dale