March-April 3/1 - 4/28, 2019
Meet the Artists
Opening Reception Saturday, March 9, 4 - 7pm
More than Meats the Eye
Amber Maurer Farran & George Maurer
Amber Harte Maurer Farran
Beauty and Loss
I grew up at my father’s butcher shop and living on my grandfather & uncle’s dairy farm. I have always felt very passionate about local agriculture, its importance to American culture, and its survival for future generations. I draw and paint what I know, and what I think is important to our society. When I’m not at work as a graphic designer, drawing, painting, or taking photos, I enjoy taking ballet lessons and hanging out with my husband, family, and corgis.
I display the destruction of nature and agriculture and its importance to American culture. My art depicts both Mother Nature and the local agriculturalist, along with the difficulties both face competing with the corporate man. Destruction of nature is represented by the omission of the environment; farm and forest animals are rendered on a white abyss. Counter to the removal of naturally occurring art, the pieces focusing on agricultural skills and trades, specifically butchery, bring to light these disappearing artisans. This catalog of endangered Americana is my attempt to remind us that what we have may not always be if it is cast aside.
Off Track Art Gallery
A Fine Art and Gift Gallery in Westminster, Maryland owned and operated by the artists.
Gallery Hours:
Monday through Thursday
by Appointment*
Friday 12 - 4
Saturday 10 - 4
Sunday 12 - 4
Stop by to see our
gallery show,
“Carroll County Artists’ Studio Tour: 40th Anniversary of Regional Art!”
in March and April
*offtrackartgallery@gmail.com
443-821-7355
2020
Winter Wonder
Jan. 10 - 26
Come in out of the cold and beat the Winter Blues in our Gallery
January 31 - March 1, 2020
Meet the Artist
Opening Reception Saturday, Feb. 1, 4:00 - 6:00 pm
"Preserving the Past"
Ona C. Martin
Artist’s Bio: Ona developed her skills in the visual arts through private instruction with nationally recognized artists who themselves paint in realistic styles using the techniques of the Old Masters. She is a member of and participates in exhibits at the Carroll County (Maryland) and Howard County (Maryland) Arts Councils and has exhibited in juried shows at the Laurel Art Guild and Howard County Arts council. She maintains Hogpen Art Studio in a restored, weatherized, and comfortable hogpen/corncrib building on a former dairy farm dating from the 1880s. Hours are by appointment only.
Artist’s Statement: I use classical oil painting techniques in my landscape and still life paintings. I particularly enjoy and am inspired by almost anything “old”, especially when it retains its original function. This leads me to paint landscapes containing aged but enduring buildings and gardens, and my still lifes often contain old but functional kitchen and garden items warmed by their acquired patinas from years of use.
A special joy for me is to develop paintings designed to fit into thoughtfully complementary antique frames. I seek out these frames in unusual places-shops, barns, and attics-and restore them as needed so that they can be used for their original purpose and be admired for their beauty and longevity.
All of my paintings are originals, meaning that they are based on original ideas from my own experiences and photographs, and are not copies of published material. They are the original hand-painted canvas or board, and are not printed reproductions of my original.
Commissions are welcome! If you have ideas or photos that you would like to bring to life in a painting, I would be delighted to talk to you about your project and to quote price/terms and time frame.
May 22 - June 28th, 2020
Partners' Warmer Weather Fest:
"Spring Into Summer"
Celebrate the coming season!
The Partners and consignors have teamed up to create a themed special exhibit honoring the colors of Spring! Exhibit will be on display from Friday March 6th - Sunday March 29th.
Come in and see the art of our newest associate members.
AND MUCH MORE!
July 3 - August 23, 2020
Off Track Art Travels
Yearning to travel to see family and friends, to be someplace exotic? Just to go out of our homes in the last months of denial and sacrifice has been somewhat fearful. OFF TRACK ART TRAVELS will help satisfy that urge during July and August. Safely enjoy the travels of local artists who prevail and thrive creatively in their studios during these challenging times. We have all thought hard about our shopping, daily routines, and professional requirements during these last few months. If you need a gift, if you want something special, please come to Off Track Art. We have the best selection of unique cards, fine art and craft in Carroll County!
Off Track Art keeps ART at the Heart of downtown Westminster!
Masks are required, and social distancing is practiced.
August 27 - October 26
Practice what we Teach
As we prepare for the upcoming school year a group of current and former Carroll County Public School art teachers have gathered together to showcase their passion, hard work and talent beyond the classroom in a show titled “Practice what we Teach”. This is an amazing collection of works from our elementary, middle and high school art teachers. The exhibit will display works from over 20 local artists in a variety of subjects and mediums : pastel, painted glass, mixed media, watercolor, photography, sculpture and pottery. Please join Off Track Art Gallery in welcoming Mickey Brillhardt, Nicole Diem, Jen Girard, Cristina Gruss, Theresa Haak, Lisa Katz, Lauren Latane-Valis, Karen Peck, Frank Reaver, Lindsay Reaver, Steve Reigal,Andi Rowinski, Jeff Sharp, Amy Slagle, Amy Smith, Leah Spencer, Michelle Tangires, and Peter Towson in their new fall show which will be on view from 8/27 through 10/26. Off Track Art welcomes the public Friday 12-4, Saturday 11-4, and Sunday 12-4.
Off Track Art keeps ART at the Heart of downtown Westminster!
Masks are required, and social distancing is practiced.
TWO SPECIAL OTA EVENTS
November 13-15: The Evergreen Fest
Friday shop regular hours 12-4.
The Premier 4-8 PM is by appointment.
Saturday & Sunday open 10 AM-5 PM
Email us at offtrackartgallery@gmail.com or call 443-821-7355 (leave a message) to book a special time for you and your friends or family to shop safely in a small very clean environment.
We will have Gift Certificates and “Wish Lists” available to make shopping easy for those who hate to shop, but want to purchase the perfect gift for you and your loved ones. They can pop in later: partners can find and wrap the chosen gifts in a flash!
Special Attraction During the Evergreen Fest
Friday 4-5:30 with cd signing available on break and after
Saturday 12- 1:30
Sunday 1-3
Award-winning singer/songwriter Christopher James will be performing live at the Evergreen Fest held in the parking lot in front of Off Track Art Gallery James is a master of the acoustical and electric guitars and mandolin. He also plays a mean harmonica. His style is a folksy mix of blues and country and his message is one of hope and optimism. His performances are free and open to the public in conjunction with the Evergreen Fest. The Evergreen Fest is an outdoor mini-replacement for the popular Mistletoe Mart which has been canceled due to Covid-19. The Evergreen Fest will be an outdoor/indoor shopping experience for those who give hand-made gifts of distinction and artistic creativity.
James will be performing songs from his upcoming new CD release and will be available to sign CDs. Sign-ups for classes in guitar, mandolin and ukulele will also be available. His CDs will be available for purchase throughout the weekend.
December 4-6 Carroll County Studio Tour
(OTA is the hub for passing out tour brochures)
Friday shop regular hours 12-4.
The Premier 4-8 PM is by appointment.
Email us at offtrackartgallery@gmail.com or call 443-821-7355 (leave a message) to book a special time for you and your friends or family to shop safely in a small very clean environment.
We will have Gift Certificates and “Wish Lists” available to make shopping easy for those who hate to shop, but want to purchase the perfect gift for you and your loved ones. They can pop in later: partners can find and wrap the chosen gifts in a flash!
Saturday & Sunday open 10 AM-5 PM