NORTH BEACH, Md. — Saturday, March 7, was a busy day for Artworks@7th, a cooperative gallery in North Beach operated by local artists. The gallery hosted a reception for a monthlong exhibition, “Feathers, Fins & Fur,” as well as a meet-and-greet with abstract artist Sara Hyder.
“Feathers, Fins & Fur is our member show,” said Katie Brinkley, one of the co-presidents of Artworks@7th. “We have 22 member artists of the co-op gallery here, and our member shows each month are where our member artists can contribute several pieces to collaborate and make the show. Each month we also have a guest artist, so this month is Sara Hyder with her abstract work.”
The constituent pieces of “Feathers, Fins & Fur” occupy two walls and a half dozen display stands in the gallery’s main room. The pieces, which range from paintings to drawings to pottery and jewelry, all feature familiar animals. Brinkley has a piece on display in this exhibition, and locals in and around North Beach may already be familiar with her murals. Brinkley’s art is featured at Appeal Landfill, Bayside History Museum and Wharf 38 restaurant in Deale.
“I’m a muralist and artist as well [as co-president],” Brinkley said. “I moved to Calvert County in January 2024 from Texas, and I’ve been doing murals since 2014. I’ve always been an artist my whole life, so I’ve definitely explored different mediums but really settled into a style that’s kind of a graphic feel.”
Brinkley said that the gallery is open Thursday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. As a co-op, the members take turns working in the gallery, setting up and tearing down exhibitions or cleaning the space. A few members have specialized roles like building maintenance or treasurer. Brinkley shares the title of co-president with her colleagues Corrita Myers and Elaine Strong.
“As a co-president I’m kind of just making sure everything stays organized,” Brinkley said. “I take care of more of the social media side of things as well.”
The guest artist wall is placed near the front window and displayed clearly for pedestrians who pass by. This month it hosts Hyder’s abstract paintings, which evoke the bright colors and vibrant energy of spring. This is a recent move away from her more static art like photography, she said.
“Way back when, I got a degree in fine and commercial arts — back in the ’90s. That’s where I started. I got a job in commercial photography,” Hyder said.
She always loved black-and-white photography but worked mostly in color with professional portrait photographers for years. In the meantime, she also enjoyed the expressiveness of watercolor. Hyder said that a little over a year ago, she was inspired by artists on Instagram to try abstract painting.
“It’s a surprise because this is not the way my art used to be, but I love it,” she said.
Earlier this year, Brinkley saw a trio of Hyder’s paintings at another exhibition. The two artists connected, and Brinkley invited Hyder to be the guest artist for the month of March. One of those paintings has since been sold, but the other two are now prominently displayed in the Artworks@7th gallery, Hyder said.
Hyder said her paintings are sometimes based on a concrete subject, but not always.
“Sometimes I’ll have a certain flower in mind, like this one is my neighbor’s flower garden, and she has these beautiful peonies,” she said while gesturing to a piece titled “Flower Garden.” “My original theme was fields of flowers. Some are more tropical, I will say. I definitely lean towards bright flowers. I guess that could be my theme. Bright. Delightful. Energetic. Some movement. Which is weird because what I used to do is just not like this.”
During the reception, Brinkley invited art lovers to follow Artworks@7th.
“Follow us on social media so you can know what shows are coming up. We share pictures and videos highlighting different artists’ work throughout the month as well, so people can follow and see different mediums, different artwork, and it’s all local artists.”
Artworks@7th has a website, Facebook page and Instagram profile. Brinkley also has a personal website, Facebook page and Instagram profile.
When asked if she had anything to say to folks who might visit the gallery and see her work, Hyder said, “I hope they find delight in my work. I hope it brings a little joy to their day.”
Hyder likewise has a website, Facebook page and Instagram profile.
Although the reception and meet-and-greet are over, visitors can still enjoy the art of Sara Hyder and the “Feathers, Fins & Fur” exhibition until March 29. Artworks@7th is located at 8905 Chesapeake Ave. in North Beach, Md. The gallery is open Thursday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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