Like so many towns looking for excitement, Chestertown throws a collective party the first Friday night of every month. Businesses stay open late and put out wine and cheese. People gather on sidewalks. Streetlamps glow. That sort of thing. It’s a festive and cheerful affair. Which is to say, if you’ve ever considered taking a jaunt to our fair burgh, the first Friday of the month is a time to consider.

Should you happen to find yourself here for First Friday, say tomorrow night perhaps, we recommend that your wanderings around town include a visit to the studio of local artist and printmaker Stephanie Sommers.

Born and raised in Chestertown, Stephanie went off and got herself an MFA before returning home to set up shop. Here is her studio, located on Cannon Street, less than a block from the center of town.

Primarily a printmaker, Stephanie makes absolutely exquisite mezzotints, like this one.

And aquatints, like this one.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with these techniques, take it from me (who learned it from Robbi) that Stephanie creates images that shouldn’t be possible. The patience, skill, and vision required to execute such gorgeous prints is difficult to grasp. These photos don’t do justice to her incredible artistry. Come by to have a look and also to listen to Stephanie describe the process of rendering the images and producing the prints, which will make you appreciate the images all the more.

For those looking for a lower-priced (yet still exquisite) item, Stephanie makes handmade books using paper from the remainders of her prints.

Which is to say that the sheets are heavy and textured and lush. The books are beautifully bound, by hand, and should cost much more than they do.

So lovely.

They make us so happy.

Insider’s tip: Stephanie’s studio usually rocks a big bowl of guacamole for First Friday, so be sure to get there before I do, at which point it will be gone.

If you don’t make it to Stephanie’s studio Friday night, she will be at Fountain Park for the market on Saturday morning. Her table looks like this. Stop by and say hello. You will not be disappointed.

Unless you hate books, beauty, and skill, in which case, maybe you should just stay home.