December & January Features – Pastels by Stan Sperlak & Studio Sweep Sale

At Bishop’s Stock pastels by Stan Sperlak will be featured in the front gallery with the annual Studio Sweep Sale set up in the back gallery space. On First Friday C.L Marshall will be in the gallery with his newly published book, Chesapeake Outdoor Tales: Hunting and Fishing by the Tides. Until the end of January 2020, the Studio Sweep Sale continues along with Stan Sperlak’s featured pastels.

Featured Wines for December

Marques de Caceres, Cava Brut, Catalonia, Spain$12

Marques de Caceres, Cava Brut, is a pale straw color revived by fine bubbles. There is a bouquet of citrus fruits with notes of brioche. It is charming and round in the mouth with a refreshing, balanced structure and a lively finish that highlights its fine bubbles. A festive toast! Alcohol: 12%

Caves Naveran Cava Brut Rose, Catalonia, Spain   $16

Caves Naveran, Cava Brut Rose has aromas of orange and vanilla that turn more burnt and smoky as this Pinot Noir-Parellada brut rosé opens up. The highly foamy mouthfeel carries rustic, spicy citrus flavors. This cava pairs well with salmon and other meaty fish. Alcohol: 12%

Featured Artist in November – C. Keith Whitelock

To start our 17th year Bishop’s Stock will feature the work of C. Keith Whitelock in November. As a native of Somerset County, Whitelock never tires of Eastern Shore landscapes and his commitment to preserving the area’s culture. Those who know his work know his favorite subjects are the weathered working boats and decaying derelicts that so often accent the surrounding marsh and harbors. Working in watercolors, oils, and occasionally acrylics, Whitelock’s attention to detail presents a realistic image of a rapidly disappearing lifestyle. His paintings always have a story that he enjoys sharing

Featured Wines for November

2017 Red Newt Cellars Circle Riesling, Finger Lakes, New York $13

Circle Riesling is meant to be a quintessential example of Finger Lakes Riesling with a touch of residual sugar to bring out the rich orchard fruit flavors without overwhelming the lemon zest and citrus that make it crisp and refreshing to drink. The overall wine is easy to drink. This is a great Thanksgiving choice. Alcohol: 12.5%

2017 Red Newt Cellars Cabernet Franc, Finger Lakes, New York $21

Red Newt Cellars Cabernet Franc has bright aromas of red raspberry and fresh herbs that show elegantly in a nose that is complex. Cranberry and red cassis flavors on the palate combine with overtones of smoke, producing a wine that is structured by delicate and well incorporated tannins. This is a fruit forward wine. Alcohol: 13.9%

New Work by 6 Gallery Artists

We welcome the fall season with a show of new work by 6 gallery artists – Scot Dolby, Lynne Lockhart, Kirk McBride, Barbara Mowery, Jim Rehak and Nancy West. Each of these artists have been very active in their studios, painting plein air or enjoying the stimulation of artists’ residencies over the summer. Their recent work reflects what they discover as challenging images or subjects that require changes in palette or technique. The opening reception is Friday, October 4 from 5 until 8.

October Featured Wines – 2018 Wapisa Sauvignon Blanc, Coastal Patagonia, Argentina & 2018 Verum Pinot Noir, Alto Valle del Rio Negro, Patagonia, Argentina

2018 Wapisa Sauvignon Blanc ($15) has distinctive, vivid aromas and zesty acidity, which express the complexity of the soil and the sea breezes of the Atlantic Patagonia region. Inviting whiffs of citrus and delicate white flowers have a touch of fresh ginger and sea-breeze. On the palate, flavors of pink grapefruit and kafir lime come together with tropical guava to create a refreshing and utterly unique wine. Alcohol: 12.5%

2018 Verum Pinot Noir ($18) is bright ruby red with orange tones. It has aromas of red fruit and roses. It opens up in the middle of the palate with elegant red fruit notes. It has round and silky tannins and is balanced and elegant. It is medium bodied and is very delicately oaked. This allows the subtle, spicy, fresh tobacco and raspberry notes to have free rein. It is considered one of Patagonia’s best. Alcohol: 13.9%

September Featured Artists – Christie Taylor & Fred Sprock

Christie Taylor and Fred Sprock, natives of North Carolina, discovered the Eastern Shore through friends. In 2012 the marshes overlooking Chincoteague Bay drew them to a new home which provides inspiration for both of their artistic talents. At that time Christie was still the managing partner of a Charlotte consulting firm specializing in promoting original art in the workplace. After setting her retirement for 2018, Christie wanted to expand her artistic experiences as a Fellow at Ballinglen Arts Foundation in Ballycastle, Ireland. In 2017 and returning in 2018 she spent 5 weeks each visit being drawn by the Irish landscape which parallels her fascination with Eastern Shore marshes. Her work in the show reflects how the rocky coast of Ireland serves as a vehicle to explore her interest in line and shape. Christie calls this Rock Scissors on Paper.

After Fred retired from a marketing career he studied with artists he admired accepting the challenge to become an artist, not just a painter. His move to Maryland gave him a renewed focus on having his work become a personal statement about his artistic exploration. His imagery, either a landscape with simple structures or an element in a natural setting, is painted with translucent quality diffusing light so the subjects and setting work together. His subjects are based on his attraction to simple architecture, nature’s simplicity and simple bucolic settings. Inspiration comes from exploring the Eastern Shore and the many places he travels.

September Featured Wines – Cantina Del Taburno, 2017 Greco & 2015 Fidelis, Campania, Italy

2017 Cantina del Taburno, Greco $16

This is a very concentrated wine. The aroma is complex, with dry apricot, citrus peel and honey notes. It is elegant with fruity, dry apricot, citrus peel and honey tones.This is full, fruity, warm, fresh and quite supple. This is a great pairing for risotto, pastas with cream sauces, chicken and salmon. Alcohol: 13%

2015 Cantina del Taburno, Sannio Aglianico Fidelis $15

Fidelis is 95% Sangiovese and 5% Merlot. It is a savory deep red with ruby reflections. It has an intense aroma with red fruit, tobacco and black pepper notes. In the mouth it is supple with well blended tannins that finishes with spicy notes. This pairs well with traditional Italian dishes with red sauce. Alcohol: 13.5%

August Featured Artist – Beverly Perdue AWS TWSA

Our featured artist for August is Beverly Perdue AWS, TWSA, a native of Salisbury who now lives in suburban Richmond, Virginia . Over the years Beverly has been a regular visitor to Bishop’s Stock while her mother, Madeline Perdue was still alive. Mrs. Perdue grew up on a farm outside of Snow Hill and was a contemporary of many in the Snow Hill area. She liked to “catch up” by visiting the gallery. These visits were always enjoyable but they also made me aware of Beverly’s artistic talent. She has shown with us before but now as our featured artist we will see a cross section of her work in watercolor and oil. Beverly is a signature member of the American Watercolor Society and the Transparent Watercolor Society of America and she now works in oil to expand her growth as an artist. In this show titled Oil and Water Beverly will debut a recent oil painting she created of her Grandmother, Pearl Perdue standing in front of a chicken house she helped build in 1920. This iconic scene, created from an old photograph, represents the beginning of Perdue Farms and will be installed in the Franklin Perdue Museum at the Perdue School of Business at Salisbury University in 2020.

Beverly Perdue AWS TWSA
Beverly Perdue AWS TWSA

August Featured Wines – 2016 Hamilton Creek, Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California & 2016 Gen5 Ancestral Red, Lodi, California

2016 Hamilton Creek, Chardonnay Napa Valley is classic California Chardonnay in style. Hamilton bursts out of the glass with powerful aromas of vanilla, ripe citrus, golden apple, custard, honeysuckle, tropical fruit and oak, with more of the same in the mouth. It is buttery but not too much. Enjoy with grilled chicken, pork, scallops and salmon. Alcohol: 13.5%

2016 Gen5 Ancestral Red, Lodi California is a soft but full-bodied wine. It is comforting and inviting with its rich dark fruit flavors, creamy texture, and velvety finish.The grape varietals are 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Zinfandel, 5.5% Malbec, 4.5% Petite Sirah, 3% Merlot, 5% other varietals  which make this great with grilled steaks. Alcohol: 14.5%