Cordovans have ample opportunities to support local arts this holiday season with various sales, events, and galleries around town.
The Copper River gallery in the Cordova Center is once again hosting a community holiday art show. The show has an open call to artists of all ages who wish to share their pieces. Pieces featured in the gallery are small and intended as gifts and stocking stuffers. Many items are priced under $50, with 30% of the proceeds benefiting the gallery.
This year’s galley showcases functional ceramics such as mugs and bowls, handmade ornaments, jewelry, and several paintings. The holiday-themed show opened on Nov. 30, one day prior to the town Christmas tree lighting and parade.
Caleb Horney often works behind the desk at the museum and gallery gift shop, and says that the turnout for opening weekend was a success. According to Horney, the two days brought a combined total of 85 people through the gallery. Purchases made at the Copper River Gallery are held for the remainder of the display, and are able to be picked up or shipped after the show closes.
In addition to the Copper River Gallery, the Youth Holiday Art Show can also be enjoyed inside the Reluctant Fisherman bar and restaurant. The show opened on Sunday, Dec. 10 with a reception at 5:30 p.m. in the main restaurant area. Attendees were able to partake in appetizers while enjoying a cheerful holiday atmosphere provided by the glowing electric stove and decorated tree.
The art show is this month’s HeART Wall feature, partial proceeds from which go to support the Cordova Covered Spaces Project. The HeART Wall is a permanent display space inside the restaurant which shares community talent with locals and visitors alike. Many of the rotating themes go to support additional causes and non-profits around town.
The Reluctant Fisherman restaurant will also host a live jazz performance on Dec. 23 from 5:30 p.m to 8 p.m. Young jazz musicians from Cordova High School hope to have as popular a turnout as last year’s event which turned to standing room only.
Last but not least, Current Rhythms Dance studio began the week with a special class offering on Monday. Visiting dance instructor Tori Backlund led a workshop to teach beginning belly dancing for participants ages 8 and up. The class was free of charge and had a full attendance. Current Rhythms also held their annual Winter Showcase performance on Wednesday in the North Star theater. The showcase highlights teen dancers as they perform original choreographed pieces.
