Showcase will feature traditional arts demos with Williams Blacksmithing

Now in its 42nd year, Showcase celebrates our creative community, and will be held this Sunday, from noon – 5 p.m. Rain or shine, and admission is free.

This outdoor art walk and street festival features fine art and crafts, music and dance, maritime heritage, and a variety of tasty treats and sweets along historic High Street from the Dorchester Center for the Arts to the waterfront at Long Wharf. Artisans exhibiting this year reflect a wide variety of art forms: original oil and acrylic paintings; framed and matted photography; locally sourced, all-natural sea glass jewelry, hand-felted Alpaca wool hats, scarves and purses; watercolor originals and prints; dichroic glass and natural stone jewelry; hand-painted driftwood; beaded and wire-wrapped jewelry; nautical signs; handmade doll clothing and accessories; fiber art; crocheted ba-by items; leather goods; glass yard art; hand-forged iron work and much, much more.

Community organizations will be on hand to share their good work and a raffle of original artisan works donated by vendors will be available throughout the afternoon. The Wednesday Morning Artists will feature a family-friendly arts activity – look for their booth across from DCA. The Skipjack Nathan of Dorchester will be docked at Long Wharf offering free one-hour public sails during the afternoon — a special opportunity to experience being out on the open water in a historic vessel. This year, a second skipjack, the Dee of St. Mary’s, based out of the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomon’s Island, will join the Nathan to also offer free rides to Showcase visitors. With 2 boats sails will be offered every half hour, beginning at 1 p.m., with the last sail at 3:30 pm.

Artful autumn at DCA

In addition to a full schedule of instructional classes and workshops, DCA hosts interest groups for artists to gather and enjoy, explore, and advance their art form in a casual and relaxed atmosphere without formal instruction. Drawing, painting, ceramics, fiber arts, writing, and photography groups all make their home at DCA. Visit online at dorchesterarts.org and download the fall schedule for details.

Next up in the Galleries

Attention photographers! There is still time to submit entries for the Community Photography and Digital Arts Exhibit and Competition Show and Sale Oct. 5 – Nov. 4. This annual show is open to the public; all ages, beginners to professionals. Visit DCA online at dor-chesterarts.org for the application form. Reception and Awards Ceremony will be held on Second Saturday Oct. 13, at 5 p.m. Cash Prizes will be awarded in each division: 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place.

Save the date: Open Mic Sept. 28

Through November, DCA will feature the Final Fridays Coffeehouse Open Mic from 7 – 9 p.m., hosted by Maris Wicker. Admission is free for both performers and audience. If you would like an on-stage slot, just call DCA at 410-228-7782 to be added to the lineup.

DCA offers a year-round schedule of activities in the visual, literary and performing arts. For more information on additional programs at DCA visit online at www.dorchesterarts.org, or stop by 321 High St. in Cambridge. Like us on Facebook! Programs at DCA are supported by the Maryland State Arts Council.

Editor’s note: Spectrum is the weekly column of the Dorchester Arts Center. It is written by Barbara J. Seese, executive director.