MINI
FEATURE DOWNTOWN DWELLER
SPRING/SUMMER 2020
BRIGHT PATTERNS AND BOLD IDEAS AMBER WIESBERG CALLS DOWNTOWN YORK HOME AS THE ARTIST IN RESIDENCE Story by: Katie Mahoney, Vice President Marketing & Communications, York County Economic Alliance Photography by: Catherine Roque, Marketing Manager, York County Economic Alliance
Big, bright colors and patterns. Bubbly and with a happy feeling. These words are what Amber Wiesberg uses to describe her art. After touring her studio, we can say she doesn’t disappoint her guests!
hierarchy; we are all working together. If one succeeds, we all do.” She’s noticed the strong community bonds and the benefit of networking. “Ophelia [Chambliss] knows everybody! It’s cool to know people in the field. I don’t think I would’ve gotten that otherwise, living outside of downtown.”
Wiesberg is the Appell Arts Fellow and Artist in Residence of York College of Pennsylvania. Residing on the third floor of Marketview Arts and having studio space on the second floor, Wiesberg lives and breathes the arts community of Downtown York. “The fellowship is supposed to be a jump start to prepare artists,” she explained, “how to market yourself, how to be present in the community, work with other artists and figure out who you are as an artist and who you want to be.”
In the heart of Downtown York, Wiesberg’s favorite event is the First Friday series. “We get a ton of foot traffic at Marketview. People come into the gallery space, and all the studios, and talk with the students. The guests ask questions that other people don’t ask, which is really neat,” she shared. “It’s a good professional practice.”
Originally from New Windsor, Maryland, she has taught at an Ellicott City camp for This professional practice will come in handy when she completes the arts. Now, she’s set her sights high. “A late, late goal is to be a full-time studio her fellowship and residency this summer. The experience artist — have my job be to make art and show galleries.” of the Appell Arts Fellowship, she said, remains invaluable to her. “You have to work while As she works toward that goal, she’s securing workshop gigs and teaching her you’re here. You have to run your craft. “With this fellowship, I now know what jobs to look for. I’ve learned how to own projects and make the work make myself present as someone who can be commissioned, create art for other for yourself. It’s a lot of selfpeople and offer what they can be happy with. It’s really a great opportunity. I’m discipline to make it what you want.” thankful for it, like, forever.” She’s also thankful for the opportunity to reside downtown, in the hub of the supportive arts community. “I love finding new little places to go to,” she shared. “There are so many little places to find yourself that you wouldn’t know without living in downtown.” Her favorites include Mudhook Brewing Co., Artemis Vintage and OMG Studios. “Royal Square is booming right now!” she adds. Wiesberg has also established her connections in the arts community downtown. “I definitely feel supported here, as an artist. Everyone here cares more about building each other up rather than tearing down. It feels like there’s no
A Q&A with Amber Wiesberg Q: WHAT’S THE MOST VALUABLE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO ASPIRING ARTISTS? A : “Go with your gut with your art. You know what you want to do and what you’re passionate about. If you hate drawing a figure, don’t say that’s what you want to do. You have to do it because you want to, not just because you can.” Q: WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE ARTIST OR WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PIECE OF ART IN YORK? A : “Anita Williams. I saw her at 100 under $100 at Creative York. I’m pumped to see her work in person, then see it every day come May when it [her exhibition] opens at Marketview Arts.”
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