Connecting with the Arts – July 2021

Welcome back to the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County’s monthly blog series, Connecting with the Arts,  where we feature news and updates from the arts community in Anne Arundel County. Tune in the last Friday of each month to connect and learn more about the arts organizations that are making an impact locally.

This month we are bringing you a post that is packed full of arts happenings around the County! There is still plenty to do before the summer comes to an end. Ready to plan for the fall? Then start marking your calendars for some highly anticipated 2021-2022 season announcements.

Here’s a look into this months post:

  • The Annapolis Symphony Academy introduces an immersive, fun learning experience for 4 to 7-year-old children.
  • A steady stream of enthusiastic visitors attended the Opening of the Captain Avery Museum in Shady Side, Maryland.
  • Historic Annapolis welcomes the Bristol County Fifes & Drums to Annapolis!
  • Be a part of the artist conversation with The AngelWing Project and get ready for their exciting new play coming your way this October.
  • SoCo Arts Lab introduces Clay on the Bay and other upcoming classes and events!
  • Don’t miss August events happening at the Hammond-Harwood House.
  • Lose yourself in your art at Chesapeake Arts Center in Brooklyn Park, MD.
  • Annapolis Opera announces their 2021-2022 season!
  • After our long pause, Classic Theatre of Maryland is thrilled to be back producing live performances
  • The Londontowne Symphony Orchestra, our community orchestra, returns to the stage.
  • Don’t miss out on your chance to save on tickets for The Ballet Theatre of Maryland 2021-2022 Season.
  • Escape the August heat at the Annapolis Maritime Museum!
  • You’re invited to celebrate Lee Boynton’s lasting legacy with this special release event featuring a new series of giclee prints and originals.

You can connect and learn more about these organizations by clicking their logos below. We hope you enjoy!

*****

Introducing the brand new Discovery: Early Childhood Music Classes

The Annapolis Symphony Academy introduces an immersive, fun learning experience for 4 to 7-year-old children. Students explore rhythms, melodies, and various instruments in a group setting lead by experienced instructors.

Research indicates a significant boost in brain development in children who take music classes, helping with language skills, academic achievements, leadership abilities, as well as long-term health benefits.

Classes take place on Thursdays at 5 pm or 6 pm at Temple Beth Shalom in Arnold, MD

Apply today to take advantage of this unique opportunity for your child to explore music with us!


Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Julia Howes, SCCC; Norman Gross, Artist; Patrick Marnell, Captain Avery Museum Board Chairman; Deborah Gangloff, Captain Avery Museum Executive Director, and Carol Benson, Four Rivers Heritage Area Executive Director.

A steady stream of enthusiastic visitors attended the Opening of the Captain Avery Museum in Shady Side, Maryland.

The waterfront grounds and renovated museum on the West River celebrates Three Centuries of Chesapeake History with all new displays that tell the story of the Avery family in the late 1800s as well as the modern history of the local bayfront community.

Also on exhibit is the fascinating art of Shady Side artist, Norman Gross, which tells the story of generations of his family of watermen. Museum and Art Show Open Sundays 12-4.

The Board and staff of the museum thank the generosity of the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, the Maryland Historic Trust, and Four Rivers Heritage Area, as well as their many members and sponsors for supporting the reimagined Captain Avery Museum.

Visit us at www.CaptainAveryMuseum.Org
Like Us on Facebook

 


Photo credit: The Bristol County Fifes & Drums

Historic Annapolis welcomes the Bristol County Fifes & Drums to Annapolis!

Dedicated to the preservation of historic music, this Revolutionary War-period fife and drum corps from Bristol, Rhode Island offers a spirited program of colonial music and marches.

On Tuesday, August 3, catch the 25 fully-uniformed fifes and drummers as they march their way down Pinkney Street to City Dock, where they will present a FREE half-hour performance of historic music at Susan B. Campbell Park at 8 pm (the march will begin at approximately 7:30 pm).

On Thursday, August 5, the group will present a longer program of patriotic favorites along with Irish jigs and reels in the William Paca Garden. Bring your family and a blanket to enjoy the marches and music of the fifes and drummers. This event has an admission charge, but is free for HA Members, children 17 and under, and Blue Star military families.

Visit www.annapolis.org/historic/events for more info and to register for August 5.


Artists’ Evolution Virtual Roundtable
Topic: Artists’ Evolution: Before, During, and After the Pandemic

Streamed on Facebook and YouTube
August 21, 2021
6 PM

The “Artist Evolution” Roundtable is a conversation with creative artists who have developed innovative ways to work and present their artistry during the pandemic. When businesses and shows were shut down, how did they reinvent themselves and find opportunities? We will hear insights and testimonies from local artists who will share how their creativity and artistry have changed, been strengthened, or expanded and how they plan to move forward post-pandemic.

Limited seats: if you are interested in being a part of the discussion, contact us at [email protected] or [email protected]

For more information, visit,theangelwingproject.org/events-1

Coming October 23rd and 24th to the Chesapeake Arts Center – The AngelWing Project presents an original play, Clay’s Place: Inside My Blue Mind

Chesapeake Arts Center, Studio 194
194 Hammonds Lane
Brooklyn Park, MD 21225

Set against the backdrop of the renown and popular downtown Beale Street; the Soul of Memphis, complete with its black-owned shops, stores and carnival atmosphere coupled with an indulgent nightlife that seduced many to engage in their clandestine vices. Clay Carter and Turner Davis are first cousins. Born in the lower Mississippi Delta, as teens, they hopped a train aiming to leave the deceptive, one-sided sharecropping system in search of a better life. Chicago was the goal but 240 miles from Greenville, MS was as far as they made it. Memphis, Shelby County, TN.

You don’t want to miss this talented and dynamic cast tell this passionate and dramatic story of hardship, tragedy, and most of all hope. Tickets go on Sale September 1, 2021

For more information, visit,theangelwingproject.org/events-1


SoCo Arts Lab introduces Clay on the Bay and other upcoming classes and events!

SoCo Arts Lab is excited to announce that Clay on the Bay, a ceramics program and community within the Arts Lab, is now accepting members. Clay on the Bay is committed to providing a friendly, supportive, and creative environment. We are looking for creative, collaborative ceramic makers who are able to work independently on their art and are willing to work together to build our studio, our clay community, and the broader community of artists and art lovers in Southern Anne Arundel County.

For more information about Clay on the Bay membership and upcoming ceramics classes please visit www.socoartslab.org/clay-on-the-bay

The Lab is also reopening our doors for in-person activities and classes. Upcoming classes include beginning drawing, botanical drawing, and printmaking. For more information about in-person activities and classes visit www.socoartslab.org/classes

Upcoming free events open to the public include:

  • August 7: 11-4 pm: Open Studios on the first Saturday of the month. Come meet our members, and see art up close, in person, and in-process
  • August 13: 5-6:30 pm: Art Talks via Zoom on the second Friday of the month at which we invite you to talk and hear about art that inspires or challenges you.
  • August 22 from 2-4 pm: Salon Sundays, which are an opportunity for artists to share their ideas and experiences with members of the community, will be held on the third Sunday of the month. Terese Schlachter, our writer in residence will guide us in “Crafting your artist/personal statement.”

We look forward to seeing you at the Lab! Find out more by visiting www.socoartslab.org/


Two Great Houses Architecture Tour
Saturday, August 14 at 10:00 am
Admission: $20
The Hammond-Harwood House Museum and Chase Home invite guests to a two-hour-long tour that explores two architectural treasures in downtown Annapolis. The tour will cover the interior of the Hammond-Harwood House and the gardens of the Chase Home. Guests will learn about the architectural details and the longstanding social history that connects these two great houses on Maryland Avenue. Get tickets here

Jane Austen Tour
Wednesday, August 18 from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Admission: $12 | HHH Members: Free
Tour of the Hammond-Harwood House that compares the customs and social graces of the Loockerman family, who lived in the Hammond-Harwood House in the early 19th century, with those of characters in Jane Austen novels. Register and learn more here

Free Summer Storytime Series for Children
Digging up the Past at Hammond-Harwood House
Wednesday, August 25, 10:00 am to 11:00 am – Offered for a maximum number of 10 children.
Free thanks to the Winifred Gordon Art & Wellness Series: Kids’ Edition.
Did you know that Hammond-Harwood House has a connection to one of the earliest prehistoric excavations in America?
Charles Willson Peale (1741-1827) was a famous painter who grew up in Annapolis, and many of his paintings are in the Hammond-Harwood House. Peale was more than just a painter, he was also an early scientist who excavated mastodon bones from the Hudson Valley in New York. Peale later displayed the mastodon model in his own natural history museum in Philadelphia.The program will start by looking at a painting of a parrot by Peale, and talk about his natural history museum. Children will make a dinosaur model made from black paper and Q-tips to take home. Register and learn more here

Decadent Dining: Imported Food and Drink in Early Annapolis
Free Virtual! Thursday, August 26 from 2 p.m to 3 p.m
Presentation by Joyce White, Food Historian and Hammond-Harwood House Trustee.
Part of the Cathleen H. Far Lecture Series.

This lecture takes participants on a virtual shopping spree through the streets of colonial Annapolis to discover the assorted spices, condiments, sugars, cheeses, teas, coffees, chocolate, spirits, wines, and beer, among many other items.
This lecture coordinates with the current Hammond-Harwood House museum exhibition, Decadent Décor: Global Imports in an Early American Port City.
Enhance the experience with a tasting box! Tasting Box includes examples of several of these shelf-stable items such as tea, spices, and 18th c. style chocolate among other goods for $6 each. To obtain one of these limited in number tastings boxes, packed exclusively with shelf-stable items, please reserve in advance. Register and learn more here


Lose yourself in your art at Chesapeake Arts Center in Brooklyn Park, MD.

With classes for children & adults ranging from pottery, to woodworking, to cosplay, dance, STEAM, and so much more. We have the perfect workshops ready for you to dive into your creativity all year long. This month we have featured a Sip & Paint night for those of us who are 21+ and for the kiddos, get them excited about woodworking with our Birdhouse Workshop.

Birdhouse Workshop| Aug. 18th | 4p-6p | ages: 7-15
Sip & Paint | Aug. 26th | 6p-8p | ages: 21+

Check us out on the web, and follow us on Instagram, because we just might be the best-kept secret in Maryland.
Instagram
Website


Announcing Annapolis Opera’s 2021-2022 season!

Welcoming you back to live music – this highly-anticipated 49th season is not to be missed! Opening with our co-commissioned world premiere of Sunder: A New Work Reading; followed by our company premiere of Rossini’s comic fairytale – Cinderella, and a new production of Puccini’s beloved classic, La bohéme. Rounding out our main productions in this year’s colorful season is Stephen Sondheim’s mesmerizing tale, Into the Woods. Be sure to join us for the return of our popular Songs of Love and Voices of Our Time concerts (which showcase the best and brightest classical artists of today), the Children’s Opera (Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel), and the 33rd Annual Vocal Competition. Read the full press release here.

Many free events are also available throughout the year. All these and more can be found at our website www.annapolisopera.org


After our long pause, Classic Theatre of Maryland is thrilled to be back producing live performances – with a new name and logo, a newly designed Cabaret room, and a full, new 2021/2022 season in our revitalized performance venues.

We are excited to announce our new 2021/22 season which has a fabulous line-up of original productions, including musicals, comedies, and reinterpretations of classic plays. We’ll be back at Reynold’s Tavern in the late spring of 2022. Our schedule also includes monthly Cabaret performances, featuring a new theme and guest Broadway singers each month.

Also new this year, our annual Epic Outdoor Shakespeare event has a new permanent venue at the lovely Gresham Estate, which offers ample space for parking and picnicking, and a pavilion bar.

Check out all that is happening at Classic Theatre of Maryland on our website www.classictheatremaryland.org


The LSO Announces 2021-2022 Season

The Londontowne Symphony Orchestra, our community orchestra, returns to the stage after the Covid break to begin its 2021-2022 season on September 18 at Maryland Hall at 7:30 pm. The music in the first half of The LSO Is Back concert will have a Latin flavor, and the second half will feature the ever-popular Symphony No. 4 by Tchaikovsky. The Maryland Cultural and Conference Center will also be celebrated at the concert.
Other exciting concerts will follow. The Halloween Spooktacular on October 17 featured music from the dark side and kids, parents, and orchestra members in costumes. Local Rotary Clubs will be celebrated for what they bring to our communities.

A Salute to Our Veterans will be on January 15 with music with a military theme and participating military organizations.

The March 26 concert, All Together Now, will feature the three high school winners of the LSO’s Statewide competition and will highlight the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) with music written by African Americans and African American singers.

The season will close with Celebrating Annapolis Green, a concert to celebrate our environment and the Chesapeake Bay.

All concerts will be at Maryland Hall, and students are always free at LSO concerts. For more information visit www.lso-music.org


The Ballet Theatre of Maryland 2021-2022 Season Subscription – Subscribe & Save!

Last season we were grateful to have the opportunity to perform safely through outdoor venues and online streaming. This season we are so excited to announce that we will be returning to the theater!

Our 2021/2022 season will feature 4 main stage productions including “Giselle” in October, “The Nutcracker” in December, “Momentum” in February, and “Coppélia” in April.

In-person and virtual subscriptions are available and offer you a discounted rate on tickets! Don’t miss out on your chance to save on tickets. Subscription sales end October 7th at 12:00 am.

Click here to purchase a season subscription today!

Photo Credits: Joanne Marie Photography
Special thank you to Hammond-Harwood House


Escape the August heat at the Annapolis Maritime Museum! Come and visit our newly renovated Museum and learn about Annapolis’s rich maritime history.

Learn, play, and explore the maritime history and ecology of the Chesapeake Bay with our hands-on interactive exhibit. Visitors can step up to a large-scale, four player digital game, interact with a life-like hologram of a Bay waterman, or board one of three boats to experience the Bay in a virtual reality setting.

Or come check out our Then & Now Aquarium, which includes a live fish cam! Our aquarium demonstrates the change in water quality for the Chesapeake Bay over time. Our Then (blue) aquarium shows a recreation of a 17th century Bay while our Now (black) aquarium mirrors water quality in the Bay today. Discover how and why our Chesapeake Bay has evolved this way during your visit!

The Annapolis Maritime Museum is located at 723 Second Street, Annapolis, MD 21403
Open Tuesday- Sunday from 10 am-3 pm
Tickets are FREE for Members, $7 for Adults, and $5 for Children (3-12 yrs)

To buy tickets visit our website at amaritime.org


“Winter Remembered”

Lee Boynton: Celebrating the Chesapeake

You’re invited to celebrate Lee Boynton’s lasting legacy with this special release event featuring a new series of giclee prints and originals. A live auction to benefit our host, The Chesapeake Yacht Club, and 50% of all print sales will be donated to our family’s conservation efforts at our historic property in Annapolis, MD. Visit our website www.leeboyntonlegacy.com

Join us for Lee Boynton: Celebrating the Chesapeake at the Chesapeake Yacht Club in Shady Side Maryland. 4943 Hine Drive, Shady Side, MD 20764

Receptions: Saturday, September 4, 4-6 pm and Saturday, September 25, 4-6 pm
RSVP is required for this by invitation only event, Please contact Martha Boynton at [email protected]

The show will be on display through the month of September. Please make an appointment to visit by calling CYC 410-867-1500.

For more updates, follow Lee Boynton Art on Facebook 

Who will you Nominate?!

Do you know an Artist, Author, Performer, or Arts Advocate who deserves recognition?

This year will mark the 21st annual presentation of these prestigious arts awards honoring one member of the Anne Arundel County community in each of nine categories:

Arts Patron, Arts Educator, Literary Arts, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Historic Arts, Excellence in Arts Leadership, Lifetime Achievement in the Arts, and Arts Maverick.

Nominations will be accepted from any member of the Anne Arundel County community through August 15, 2021.

Please read through the guidelines HERE before beginning your nomination form.

CLICK HERE to get your nominations in today!


Have questions? Check out the recording below to learn more about our 2021 Annie Award selection process. We provide a brief overview of the application and answer questions. If you still have questions, contact us at [email protected]

Discover Local Foodways

Cooking on the Chesapeake: The Carr’s and Sparrow’s Beach Heritage Preservation Project

Vince Leggett, “Admiral of the Chesapeake” and founder of the Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation discusses historical accounts and memories of the famous beach venues owned and operated by Elizabeth Carr Smith and her sister Florence Carr Sparrow during the 1930s-1970s. Leggett highlights the culinary aspects of these extremely popular African American retreats situated on the Chesapeake Bay, south of Annapolis. Participants actively involved in this engaging program helped to answer the following questions: What types of foods were grown on these beach properties? What types of food were sold at restaurants, lounges, and concessions located there? Who were the famous cooks, chefs, and caterers who supplied the needs of beach goers? What items were in picnic baskets?

This Annual Black History Program event was held at the Galesville Community Center on February 29, 2020 for Black History Month. It is the first program in a three-part Culinary series sponsored by the Galesville Community Center Organization, Inc., Lost Towns Project, Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, Preservation Maryland, Maryland Historical Trust, Maryland Humanities, and Anne Arundel County Trust for Preservation.

Reimagining Margaret Crowner’s Cook Shop

This interactive presentation reimagines Margaret Crowner’s Cook Shop, a two-room structure built in 1941 that was a central gathering place in Galesville, Maryland during segregation and afterward. As part of this educational program, genealogist and oral historian Lyndra Marshall (née Pratt) interviews members of the Crowner family, including LTC. Samuel “Rodney” Hull, grandson of Margaret and Benjamin Crowner and son of Harriet Crowner Hull and Oliver Hull, as well as granddaughter Sylvia Crowner Butler and great-niece Henrietta Crowner Stevenson. Also featured is an engaging cooking demonstration by Gertrude Makell [a well-known cook in the community and president of the Galesville Community Center Organization, Inc. (GCCO)] along with the community center cooking team, followed by a sampling of the types of food served at the Cook Shop. Doris Sellman Foote, native of Galesville, a Crowner family member, and another well-known cook in the community, prepared the desserts or baked the desserts.

This event was filmed at the Galesville Community Center in Galesville, Maryland, and livestreamed on GCCO Facebook on November 21, 2020. It is the second program in a three-part Culinary series sponsored by the Galesville Community Center Organization, Inc., Lost Towns Project, Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, Preservation Maryland, Maryland Historical Trust, Maryland Humanities, and Anne Arundel County Trust for Preservation.

 

African American Farming, Foodways, and Truck Farming

Historical researcher Irving E. Gaither explores African American farming, truck farming, and foodways in Northern Anne Arundel County. Gaither belongs to an accomplished and highly respected family with early roots in agriculture. Seven generations of the Gaither worked successfully as farmers in the Severn area, cultivating a wide range of fruit and vegetables. The produce they grew and marketed not only sustained our local communities, but was transported by land and water to Baltimore and regions beyond. Gaither shares his in-depth research into the origins, cultural traditions, and socioeconomic aspects of local farming and truck farming, including the enslavement of Africans brought to colonial tobacco plantations, the talents and expertise they provided, and the considerable wealth their forced and exploited labor generated.

This video is a presentation of the Northern Arundel Cultural Preservation Society, Inc. (NACPS) and was livestreamed on December 26, 2020 on NACPS Facebook. It is the third and final program in a three-part Culinary series sponsored by the Northern Arundel Cultural Preservation Society, Lost Towns Project, Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, Preservation Maryland, Maryland Historical Trust, Maryland Humanities, and Anne Arundel County Trust for Preservation.

Connecting with the Arts – June 2021

Welcome back to the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County’s monthly blog series, Connecting with the Arts,  where we feature news and updates from the arts community in Anne Arundel County. Tune in the last Friday of each month to connect and learn more about the arts organizations that are making an impact locally.

It’s time to get out of the house, soak up the sun, and enjoy the arts. Fortunately, summer art activities and celebrations are in full swing! And if you are already thinking of Fall, there are a couple of updates that give us a taste of what to look forward to in the next season.

Here’s a look into this months post:

  • Maryland Hall jumps into Summer with Outdoor Classes and their Front Stairs Series. They also were proud to host Senator Sarah Elfreth’s Annapolis Arts Charette meeting this month.
  • Muddy Creek Artists Guild announces their exciting new exhibit at Quiet Waters Park.
  • If you’re looking to get creative, ArtFarm Studios has us covered with their upcoming mosaic workshop and outdoor sketch night.
  • Live Arts Maryland opened its new performing venue – The Live Arts Studio. Join them in their new space for TWO concerts in July!
  • Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park welcomes the tall ships in celebration of the Fourth of July and grand re-opening of Annapolis.
  • Classic Theatre of Maryland-formerly Annapolis Shakespeare Company is proud to present “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” live on the lawn of the Gresham Estate!
  • The Hammond-Harwood House is offering a free Summer Storytime Series for children along with some exciting walking tours.
  • Encore Creativity for Older Adults welcomes a new staff member and announces registration is now open for their Fall programs.
  • Finally, the Ballet Theatre of Maryland presents the 2021/2022 Season with joy and thanks!

You can connect and learn more about these organizations by clicking their logos below. We hope you enjoy!

*****

Maryland Hall Jumps into Summer with Outdoor Classes, the Annapolis Arts Charette Meeting, and Front Stairs Series
Now that we are officially in Summer, the Maryland Hall Outreach team is excited to continue their arts workshops in the outdoor community classrooms created in HACA (Annapolis Housing Authority) owned communities, Robinwood and Eastport Terrace/Harbor House. Each week, teaching artists from the Maryland Hall team bring materials into the outdoor classroom spaces and provide hands-on arts experiences for youth in the communities. This program started last September and was born out of need during COVID, when youth were in virtual school from home. The in-person workshops connect to children in the communities while building relationships and allowing them to access the arts from their own backyards. Starting next month, teaching artists will also provide lessons during HACA sponsored summer camps at both the Robinwood and Eastport locations.
On-campus at Maryland Hall, the organization was proud to host Senator Sarah Elfreth’s Annapolis Arts Charette meetings bringing together arts organizations and artists in the City of Annapolis to collaborate and strategize how to continue public policy for the arts. Additionally, the Front Stairs Series continued with exciting performances at a Youth Artist Showcase, the Paul Reed Smith Band, and the return of Live Arts Maryland’s Annapolis Chorale.

Muddy Creek Artists Guild Presents “Southern Exposure,” July 7–August 22, 2021

The Muddy Creek Artists Guild (MCAG) is pleased to announce a new exhibition in partnership with the Friends of Quiet Waters opening this July. Featuring original works by 21 artists from the Muddy Creek Artists Guild across a variety of media, SOUTHERN EXPOSURE offers a unique opportunity to showcase the work of the Guild’s South County artists north of the South River at the Willow Gallery at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis.


SOUTHERN EXPOSURE
will be open to the public July 7–August 22, 2021, with an outdoor Artist Meet-and-Greet on Sunday, July 11 at 2pm.

Read full press release HERE.

For more information and a preview of the works on display, visit www.muddycreekartistsguild.org.


What’s Happening at ArtFarm Studios?!

Mosaic Tile Workshop: June 27th (10-1pm)

Decorate a rectangular tile using glass mosaic to make your own garden tile or house number! Learn how to arrange, and cut pieces to make an interesting design or pattern. Ages 16+ are welcome.

Click HERE for more information and to register.


Monthly Outdoor Sketch Night: July 9th (6:30-8pm)

A monthly outdoor gathering for ANYONE wanting to let loose for an evening of sketching and artistic community. Each month we will have a different model- it could range from a burlesque dancer to a professional life drawing model in costume. THIS IS NOT A DRAWING CLASS. This is set up to be a time to work on skills and just have some fun!

Click HERE for more information and to register.

 


On June 26th, Live Arts opened its new performing venue – The Live Arts Studio.

This new venue at the Westfield Annapolis Mall is a multi-use space for rehearsals, performances, and educational programs. In addition, we are also using this space for creating audio and video recordings that are being released periodically on our YouTube and SoundCloud channels. Over the past year or so we have released more than 100 recordings. Being able to have a space to prepare and create content will help us move forward as we come out of the pandemic.

We have two events at the STUDIO in July. On July 9 we have an intimate chamber concert with Con Brio featuring selections from Bizet’s “Carmen” along with music by Debussy. The second concert is a cabaret entitled “Unexpected Songs” with Broadway star Bernard Dotson. Tickets and more information about these concerts and other Live Arts activities can be found at liveartsmd.org or on our Facebook Page – Live Arts Maryland.


Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park Welcomes the Tall Ships!

The Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park (AMM) with support from the National Park Service (NPS)-Chesapeake Chapter and the City of Annapolis will bring the Tall Ships to Annapolis City Dock from Friday, July 2-Monday, July 5, 2021, in celebration of the Fourth of July and grand re-opening of Annapolis. On Friday, July 2nd at approximately 4:00 pm, Tall Ship Providence from Alexandria, Virginia, Pride of Baltimore II from Baltimore, Maryland, and the Skipjack Wilma Lee from Annapolis, MD will be arriving at the Annapolis Harbor for the July 4th weekend A public welcome party will start at 4:00 pm at Susan Campbell Park at City Dock, featuring an All-American Brass Band. Tickets for dockside tours of all three boats, daily cruises on each boat, and the dockside viewing of the Annapolis Harbor Fireworks on Sunday night will be available for purchase at Susan B. Campbell Park on Dock Street in Annapolis or by visiting amaritime.org/event/tall-ships/.

“Seeing the tall ships arriving in the harbor as we go into Independence Day weekend will be the beginning of a great celebration for our City,” Mayor Gavin Buckley said. “I look forward to their arrival and I encourage our residents and visitors to line the harbor to see them. It will be a magnificent sight! I thank the Annapolis Maritime Museum for coordinating the arrival and tours. Great work all around!”



Formerly Annapolis Shakespeare Company


Classic Theatre of Maryland-formerly Annapolis Shakespeare Company is proud to present
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” live on the lawn of the Gresham Estate!

Shakespeare’s most popular romantic comedy is set in an enchanted forest where fairies control the fate of sparring lovers, and a group of amusing amateur actors put on a play. Join us under the stars for our 5th annual epic outdoor Shakespeare production in Classic Theatre of Maryland’s signature style. Featured at London town’s historic Gresham Estate, one of Anne Arundel County’s most delightful new outdoor venues.

This production will run July 8-25, 2021. You can purchase your tickets online at www.classictheatremaryland.org or by calling our box office at 410-415-3513.

Full press release HERE.

 


Free Summer Storytime Series for Children
Exploring Botanical Art in the Museum with Titian Peale
Wednesday, June 30, 10:00 am to 11:00 am – Offered for a maximum number of 10 children.
Free thanks to the Winifred Gordon Art & Wellness Series: Kids’ Edition.

Does the child in your life love nature? Then this could be the perfect program for your little explorer. In this hands-on program participants will visit one room in the Hammond-Harwood House mansion and pick out the plants and animals in I Spy fashion. Then they will go out to the garden to find examples of seeds and flowers. Finally, they will pick sage leaves from the herb garden and create a botanical sponge-painted leaf and a drawing of a butterfly to take home. Children will then have story time in the garden listening to Help for Mr. Peale by Barbara Morrow. The story is about artist Charles Willson Peale establishing one of the first natural history museums in Philadelphia in the 1790’s.
Register here Exploring Botanical Art in the Museum with Titian Peale | Hammond-Harwood House 

William Buckland Walking Tour
Saturday, July 10 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Admission $20 | HHH Members: $10
A walking tour of downtown Annapolis to learn about William Buckland’s life, see firsthand his designs, and explore the unique features he created. The tour meets in front of St. Mary’s Church (109 Duke of Gloucester St, Annapolis, MD 21401.)
Get tickets here William Buckland Walking Tour Tickets

Jane Austen Tour
Wednesday, July 21 from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Admission: $12 | HHH Members: Free
Tour of the Hammond-Harwood House that compares the customs and social graces of the Loockerman family, who lived in the Hammond-Harwood House in the early 19th century, with those of characters in Jane Austen novels.
Jane Austen Tour | Hammond-Harwood House

 


Registration Open for Fall Encore Creativity Programs

Annapolis, MD— June 22, 2021 — Encore Creativity for Older Adults is pleased to announce that registration is now open for all Encore Chorale, ROCKS, and Sentimental Journey Singers Fall 2021 programs. Encore is the nation’s largest choral organization for adults over the age of 55 and offers more than 20 choral group options throughout the region: including two Encore Chorales and one Encore ROCKS program in Anne Arundel County. Interested participants can enroll for Online-Only Rehearsals, In-Person Rehearsals, or both. The registration deadline is August 1, but early sign-up is encouraged. Fall Semester will begin on Tuesday, September 7th. Registration fees include 15 weeks of rehearsals and/or Encore University classes, sheet music, optional rehearsal CD, and participation in semester-end live concerts across the Baltimore-Washington metro area. To learn more and register, visit encorecreativity.org

Staff Update

Mickey Love has been named as the new Director of Business Operations and Development for the organization. She brings more than 25 years of nonprofit and for-profit business experience, encompassing program expansion, financial development, staff and volunteer oversight, public relations, and strategic planning. Prior to joining Encore, Love’s arts employment history included 10 years as the Executive Director for Dorchester Center for the Arts in Cambridge, Maryland. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Penn State University and a Master of Arts in Arts Administration from Savannah College of Art and Design.

Full press release HERE

 


The Ballet Theatre of Maryland presents the 2021/2022 Season with joy and thanks!

Last season we were grateful to have the opportunity to perform safely through outdoor venues and online streaming. This season we are so excited to announce that we will be returning to the theater!

Our 2021/2022 season will feature 4 main stage productions including “Giselle” in October, “The Nutcracker” in December, “Momentum” in February, and “Coppélia” in April.

2021/2022 season subscriptions will be available soon!

Photo Credits: Joanne Marie Photography
Special thank you to Hammond-Harwood House

GAP Grant Impact Stories

A Collective Voice for the Arts | Annapolis Arts Alliance

The Annapolis Arts Alliance began in 2003 when then-Mayor Ellen Moyer invited a diverse group of local artists and arts patrons to join forces. Since then, the AAA has attained nonprofit status, and continues to provide a forum for members to network, collaborate, polish creative skills, and showcase the rich artistic life of Greater Annapolis. The now 160-member AAA fulfills its mission by hosting annual juried art exhibitions, artist networking and information sharing events, and an annual sketch crawl; organizing seasonal “pop-up” retail stores to show and sell original work by local artists; showcasing member artists who participate in Plein Air events; and participating in various local and regional arts and music festivals.

In 2020, with all community events cancelled due to COVID-19, AAA needed to find new ways to support local artists throughout this unprecedented situation. They took a bold step and opened a year-round space at Gallery 57 West, to provide members with an opportunity to show and sell their work. In creating this opportunity, AAA established an e-commerce site and ensured that the space complied with public health guidelines. In this process, AAA incurred significant expenses. The number of artists allowed to exhibit in the space was reduced by 15%. Doors were kept open to maximize air circulation, increasing heating bills. Special air filters, PPE, and cleaning supplies. All this while sales revenue was greatly reduced due to cancelled or modified events, including Midnight Madness. There was no way AAA could pass on these increased costs to the artists renting space.

Fortunately, the Arts Alliance was able to offset these revenue shortfalls with the help of the Anne Arundel County GAP Grant. This funding also enabled the group to do what artists do best – innovate and create! AAA purchased audio and visual equipment and upgraded their website, enabling them to increase their virtual presence and keep in touch with the community through virtual information sessions. In each of these presentations, the artists demonstrate the creative process and discuss their artistic inspiration; sessions are shared via Facebook Live events and YouTube. Reception has been so positive that these sessions will continue through 2021, with two or three presentations scheduled each month.

GAP funding also enabled AAA to subsidize exhibit space for two very special groups of artists at Gallery 57 West. The first provides showcase opportunities for Anne Arundel County students aged 14-18. The second is for students from GiGi’s Playhouse, which offers foundational learning opportunities, at no cost, for individuals with Down Syndrome, their families, and the community. GiGi’s programming is informed by research that shows that individuals with Down syndrome tend to be “visual learners” and benefit from kinesthetic (movement) and auditory input (music, song) when learning. Elevating the work of these students, and that of all our local artists is the cornerstone of the Annapolis Arts Alliance’s mission – to provide one collective voice for anyone interested in or touched by arts.

To connect and learn more about Annapolis Arts Alliance, visit annapolis-arts-alliance.com

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Keep the Art Flowing | Jordan Sokel

If you enjoyed our gala ARTS virtually last month, then you were treated to a performance by local musician-songwriter Jordan Sokel. For the last seven years, Jordan has been the owner-operator of the business/musical band, Pressing Strings. He writes all of the music for the band, seeks out and books performances, runs the online sites, and maintains sole financial responsibility for the group.

In normal times, Jordan makes his living through 1) musical performances/gigs, 2) online music sales/streaming fees, and 3) band merchandise, typically sold at live shows. All three of these revenue sources took a direct hit during the pandemic, between March and July 2020, every gig was cancelled. To immediately try to offset this loss, Jordan modified his approach and began to focus on live-streaming performances for donations. In July, when some places opened back up and began contracting live music again, it was for less pay due to attendance restrictions. Instead of playing four or five gigs a week, Pressing Strings was down to one to three, for less pay.

With winter looming and the gigs still not there, Jordan applied for and received an Anne Arundel County GAP Independent Artist grant to help make ends meet. It provided some much-needed assistance to cover his family’s basic financial needs including mortgage and bills. But after also invested some of this funding in-home recording software, to keep the art flowing despite restrictions. Jordan tells us the new equipment has opened doors for Pressing Strings, and, “Resulted directly in my band being signed to a booking agency. I use this same equipment to play shows for company Zoom calls/online gigs.”

To connect and learn more about Jordan Sokel, visit pressingstrings.com

Follow Jordan Sokel on social media!
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The COVID-19 Relief Grants for the Arts Program (GAP) funding made possible by County Executive Steuart Pittman and the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County. 

 

Click here for information regarding the Anne Arundel County GAP Grant for Independent Artists 

Click here for information regarding the Anne Arundel County GAP Grant for Arts Organizations

GAP Grant Impact Stories

It’s not about the notes | Kari Shea 

“I didn’t realize I led a privileged life until I was labeled ‘nonessential,’” said Kari Shea, a freelance Bassoonist and Contra Bassoonist who has performed and taught in Anne Arundel County and the surrounding areas for the past 20 years. After dedicating her life to music, Kari’s entire livelihood abruptly disappeared last spring.

“Having that taken away so quickly and so unquestioningly has been heartbreaking,” she said. “With the loss of all performance work, I spent the morning searching the job listings for a part-time job that would allow me to continue to teach music lessons and support my three children who were schooling from home.” She found a temporary position with the Census Bureau last summer, but when that was over there were still no performance opportunities on the horizon.

The GAP Grant Kari received from the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County last fall gave her the chance to breathe and not focus on financial concerns. It also gave her the time to reimagine music-making. “Unable to meet students and colleagues in person, I worked on different ways to effectively teach private music lessons online, experimenting with different platforms, lighting, and equipment.” She told us she, “Explored different ways to engage with other performers online and learned a lot about latency. The ability to connect to people all over the world has been exciting, improvising with a bassist from Germany and playing our annual Christmas concert from our individual living rooms. So now concerts are recitals over zoom with pre-recorded accompaniment tracks and chamber music is playing along with recordings of myself. My students and I have engaged in an in-depth study of Baroque performance practice- something we never had time for before. The truth in all of this is that music-making is not about the notes. It is about connecting to people through a shared performance or a shared listening experience and engaging in conversations and understanding of that experience.”

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Creating with Clay on the Bay | SoCo Arts Lab

SoCo Arts Lab is Southern Anne Arundel County’s newest hub for arts and culture. Igniting creativity and artistic expression, the Lab provides myriad opportunities for making and sharing art in all its forms. There is a center for the visual arts and individual and communal workspaces for artists to work in a variety of different media. The Lab offers a breadth of classes, as well as educational and cultural programs, public cultural performances and exhibits, presentations to groups, panel discussions, and public education programming.

The Lab is funded through memberships, tuition, events, jury fees, and fundraising, as well as rentals of studio and teaching space and equipment. When the pandemic hit last year, everyone one of those income sources went dry. Every artist felt the impacts. Some were forced by finances to relocate, including a member who was to manage the renovation and operation of a “Clay on the Bay” ceramics studio. With her departure, plans for the much-anticipated bright and modern ceramics studio had to be put on hold.

Before the pandemic, the Clay on the Bay program had been a big draw, and the Lab was building a steady income stream from in-person ceramics classes, held in its second-floor communal space. When COVID hit a small number of classes were held by relocating to the outdoors, but most had to be canceled. The current space, already inadequate, was not conducive to remote instruction.

For the SoCo Arts Lab, receiving the Anne Arundel County GAP grant last fall turned out to be a game-changer. The timely infusion of funding made it possible to complete the renovation during the pandemic restrictions and to begin offering online ceramics classes to the public. The renovation included laying new vinyl flooring over the unfinished concrete floor and closing in the open ceiling, which had exposed insulation, air ducts, and wiring, with drywall. Lighting was added, as well as dedicated infrastructure to support a second kiln. The resulting bright, clean, and safer work environment made it possible to teach remotely during the restrictions and is now ready for in-person classes.

The Lab used the remaining GAP funds to purchase a webcam and upgrade their technology, which enabled them to pivot to online classes and tutorials in 2021. Through innovation and creativity, they have continued engaging their members and the community through “Art Talks,” lively, informal, open-ended discussions on a wide range of topics.

To connect and learn more about SoCo Arts Lab, visit www.socoartslab.org

Follow SoCo Arts Lab on social media!
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The COVID-19 Relief Grants for the Arts Program (GAP) funding made possible by County Executive Steuart Pittman and the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County. 

 

Click here for information regarding the Anne Arundel County GAP Grant for Independent Artists 

Click here for information regarding the Anne Arundel County GAP Grant for Arts Organizations

Connecting with the Arts – May 2021

Welcome back to the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County’s monthly blog series, Connecting with the Arts,  where we feature news and updates from the arts community in Anne Arundel County. Tune in the last Friday of each month to connect and learn more about the arts organizations that are making an impact locally.

This summer is starting off with some great news and happenings!

  • First, join Londontowne Symphony Orchestra (virtually) for their final concert of the season.
  • Kick back with The Maryland Cultural & Conference Center and enjoy live performances this summer on their newly expanded stage.
  • Annapolis Shakespeare Company is rebranding and has some exciting performances to look forward to this summer.
  • This month the Maryland Hall campus came to life with one huge project…and one little!
  • Let’s join Ballet Theatre of Maryland as they congratulate local students from their Conservatory for their acceptance to prestigious dance programs.
  • Finally, Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park shares how they hosted Small Business Roundtable with a special guest!

You can connect and learn more about these organizations by clicking their logos below. We hope you enjoy!

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Londontowne Symphony Ends Season — Virtually

Annapolis, Md. (May 27, 2021) — Livestreaming at 7:30pm on Friday, June 4, the LSO will end its abbreviated 2020-2021 season from Riva Trace Baptist Church in Davidsonville, MD. The concert will be livestreamed on both Facebook and YouTube. Because of continued COVID concerns the concert is not open to the general public.

The LSO, conducted by Anna Binneweg, will offer Dvořák’s String Seranade, Op. 22, Gounod’s Petite Symphonie for Wind Nonet, Op. 216, and Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks arranged for small brass ensemble.

The concert can be viewed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LSOmusic and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/channel/UCsTBwJJJGCEGMlcWWGdzNig/live or through the links provided on the LSO website at www.lso-music.org.

READ FULL PRESS RELEASE HERE


StageOne at The Maryland Cultural & Conference Center has expanded!

Our new 32’ by 26’ upgraded stage features a new sun sail to provide shade to performers, perfect for the upcoming summer months.

Utilizing our new and improved stage, MC3 is partnering with Bay Weekly to host The Beach Summer Concert Series featuring live music by Tony Spencer with The Sunset Band, Wheelhouse, Dublin 5, and Jimmy Kenny & The Pirate Beach Band. Grab your beach chairs, umbrellas, blankets and kick-back while enjoying LIVE outdoor performances again. Food and drinks from multiple on-site vendors will be available including the famous Annapolis Tiki bar!

Below is an outline of the series:
June 11, Doors 5:30 PM | Concert 6-8 PM: Tony Spencer with the Sunset Band (Traditional & contemporary jazz and r&b)
July 9, Doors 5:30 PM | Concert 6-9 PM: Wheelhouse (Feel good rock n roll)
August 11, Doors 5:30 PM | Concert 6-9 PM: Dublin 5 (Irish Rock)
September 10, Doors 5:30 PM | Concert 6-9 PM: Jimmy Kenny & The Pirate Beach Band
All proceeds will benefit MC3: The Maryland Cultural & Conference; a non-profit arts organization dedicated to providing equitable access to innovative and dynamic arts programming to the Greater Annapolis region.

For more information about the concert series, or for space rental inquiries, please visit mc3annapolis.org.

Interested in being a summer volunteer with MC3? Email [email protected].


Annapolis Shakespeare Company rebrands as “Classic Theatre of Maryland” on June 1st!

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – May 25, 2021 – PRLog — Starting June 1, We’re Changing our Name – to Classic Theatre of Maryland

This change reflects our Vision to be THE destination for the Classics in the State of Maryland.

AND We’re going LIVE this Summer in the theater with original cabarets and a fresh new Epic Outdoor Shakespeare production of A Midsummer’s Night Dream at an exciting new location.

Our new Name reflects our growth since 2013 – and our vision for the Future.
• We are now so much more than Shakespeare. Our 170+ productions a year include a wide range of classic plays, musical and cabarets.
• Our reach has expanded, and now draws patrons from all over the mid-Atlantic region.
• We have received strong financial support not only from the Annapolis arts community, but also from the Anne Arundel County and Maryland State Arts Councils.
• Our community programs have expanded to include Internships through AACPS, partnerships with local arts groups like the Unified Jazz Ensemble, work with area private and special needs schools, Historic Londontowne, Reynold’s Tavern, Ginger Cove and an on-going partnership with Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks.

READ FULL PRESS RELEASE HERE


This month the Maryland Hall campus came to life with one huge project…and one little!

First, a towering 16-foot environmental sculpture was installed by world-renowned sculptor Patrick Dougherty. With the help of 150 volunteers, Dougherty shaped 5 truckloads of fresh saplings into “The Old Home Place.” The ethereal installation is made up of sycamore, sweet gum, and willow saplings harvested from the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Each sapling was cut, not dug up, and will regrow. The sculpture will stand for approximately two years and is open for the public to visit and enjoy (no tickets required).

In littler news, Annapolis’ first Free Little Art Gallery was also installed on the MD Hall campus as a place to “Make Art; Take Art; Leave Art.” The project was initiated by two pottery students. A south county woodworker built the miniature building, benches, and easels using mostly reclaimed and donated materials. He delighted in designing the project based on photos of Seattle’s Free Little Art Gallery and Internet video of free little libraries. All types of media and creations are welcome, even experiments, as long as the artwork is tiny.


Ballet Theatre of Maryland congratulates local students from their Conservatory for their acceptance to prestigious dance programs for the summer of 2021.

Clara Atsinger, who was accepted to both American Ballet Theater and Boston Ballet’s intensives, will be attending Boston Ballet’s summer program. Markella Gatanas will be attending Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Samantha Boteler, who has been accepted to Ballet Austin and Texas Ballet Theater’s programs, has also been invited to attend Texas Ballet Theatre’s Pre-Professional Division in the fall. BTM Artistic Director and Conservatory Principal Nicole Kelsch sees attending summer programs as an important step in students’ growth as artists. “Going away for the summer is an opportunity to dance in a new environment with a more intensive schedule than during the school year. After the disappointment of summer programs going virtual or being canceled last summer, we are excited for our students to study away from home this year.”

In the meantime, BTM students are hard at work in their daily classes along with additional workshops. Conservatory students Noelle Shoenfelt, Shiloh Watts, and Lara Dugdale all participated in American Ballet Theatre’s ABT RISE, a free two-day virtual dance workshop for 2nd and 3rd graders. These young dancers had the opportunity to learn from current ABT dancers, faculty, and guest teaching artists from their own homes. As students of BTM spread their wings in both virtual and in-person intensives and workshops, Kelsch is preparing for a busy summer for the Conservatory, as well. In addition to BTM’s own Summer Intensive, the school will host weeknight classes for preschoolers through adults. To learn more about Ballet Theatre of Maryland’s Conservatory and its summer programs, visit www.balletmaryland.org.


Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, joined by Small Business Administrator Isabella Guzman, participates in a tour Tuesday, May 18, 2021, at the Annapolis Maritime Museum in Annapolis, Maryland. (Official White House Photo by Cameron Smith)

 

Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park hosts the Small Business Roundtable with the Second Gentleman of the United States, Douglas Emhoff!

Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park was proud to host the Small Business Roundtable on Tuesday, May 18th with the Second Gentleman of the United States, Douglas Emhoff. The panel discussed the PPP loans received by local businesses in Annapolis (including AMM) as well as post-pandemic recovery. Alice Estrada, President/CEO of AMM led a tour of our new exhibits for panelists, including Senator Ben Cardin, Delegate John Sarbanes, and Administrator of the US Small Business Administration, Isabel Guzman.

ARTS virtually 2nd Chance Auction!

If you missed our silent auction – you’re in luck!
Our ARTS virtually 2nd chance auction is now open until 10 PM on May 28th.

You’ll find an array of 15+ amazing items donated by local artists and organizations.

30 Second Commercials produced by FILMSTERS
Circle Creatives’ PRISM – Five-Hour Venue Rental in Annapolis’s Arts District
$1000 Honeywood Event + Tent Gift Certificate
Two-Hour Custom Photography Lesson with Sheila Guevin
One-Hour Private Guitar Lesson with Stefan Heuer + T-shirt
$100 Towards the Art Class of your Choice from SoCo ARTS LAB
Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland – Hotel Package
“Ada’s Violin” Signed by Illustrator Sally Wern Comport and Archival Print of Cover Artwork
“Explore” Mixed Media on Canvas by Carole Falke
Still Life in Oils by Olin Yoder
ArtFarm Package Including $150 Class Gift Certificate
Art Party for 10 at Artsy Partsy!
$100 Towards the Artwork of your Choice from SoCo ARTS LAB
Historic Annapolis Spring Gift Basket
Books and Greeting Cards by Local Celebrity Cartoonist Scott Clarke
Vinyl Albums, CDs, and More! From Alexander Peters Music
Four One-Hour Music Lessons with Jessica Deskin
Certificate for Child’s Pastel Portrait by Andrée Tullier

CLICK HERE TO START BIDDING! 

*Scroll down to ‘2nd Chance Silent Auction’ tab to see the list of items*

What’s Up? Media – “Unity” Art Exhibit Voting

The Votes are in and the Winner for What’s Up? Media’s 12th Art Exhibit named “Unity” is Artist Rick Brady who won First place for his piece named Blue Angels (left photo below) and who also won Second place for his art piece named America (right photo below).

       

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS AND THEIR WORK:

Rick Brady – “Untitled”, “Red 2”, “Rescue Me”, “America”, “Blue Angels”

Mike Clemens – “The Gathering”

Kay Fuller – “Kindred Spirits I”, “Kindred Spirits II”, “Kindred Spirits III”

Merrilyne Hendrickson – “Together As One”, “Emerging”, “Shadow Dance”

Lucretia Krick – “Better Together”

Richard Niewerth – “Intersection”, “Capital Sunset, Annapolis”

Angie O’Neal – “The Gathering” (featured image above), “Unity Backstage”, “Juneteenth”, “Reflection”

Betty Pethel – “Hong Kong Protest”, “Grandmother’s Love”, “Walking”, “An Outing”

Laurie Putscher – “(dis)UNITY: Alienate the Allies, March in Factional Lockstep, Backbite, Segregate the Other”

 

    

GAP Grant Impact Stories

One Young Voice | All Children’s Chorus of Annapolis (ACCA)

In-person rehearsals and performances for the All Children’s Chorus of Annapolis (ACCA) ground to a halt on Friday, March 13, 2020. Thinking this was a short-term situation, ACCA staff swiftly adjusted to hosting virtual rehearsals via Zoom in an effort to prepare for the end-of-year concert. Unfortunately, that performance was cancelled, as was the July 4th concert which was to be part of a naturalization ceremony at the William Paca House. ACCA was also forced to back out of a trip to New Orleans in June for the Crescent City Choral Festival, losing the non-refundable deposit on airfare.

Despite challenges, the organization continued programming, albeit in new and innovative ways. A free summer program, made available to all interested children, kept the choral community connected. For six weeks, artistic staff-led rehearsals that included vocal technique, music literacy, and team building activities, as well as virtual performance preparation. In lieu of a final concert, singers submitted individual video recordings, which staff turned into a video for students to enjoy and share.

As pandemic restrictions continued into the fall, ACCA made the health and safety of the community their highest priority and remained virtual, despite mounting logistical and financial challenges. Enrollment dropped by 23%. Sponsorships and donations dropped. The Artistic Director and Business Manager took significant, voluntary pay cuts. Not being able to host in-person concerts meant no ticket revenue. Technology glitches, different internet speeds, poor sound quality, and not being able to sing and hear each other during rehearsal required changes in approach.

The GAP grant, provided by the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, gave ACCA the boost they needed to overcome these challenges. ACCA was able to pay its employees, who in turn provided critical one-on-one and small group additional training to support its members. The GAP funding made possible scholarships for students in need. It also allowed ACCA to partner with Maryland composer and conductor Chris Fox, leading to a commissioned work “One Young Voice” written specifically for All Children’s Chorus of Annapolis. Singers submitted recordings of themselves singing songs learned in rehearsals, which are being compiled into a virtual choir video by a professional audio/video engineer. Later in May, ACCA singers will host a world premiere of this song in May at the end of season virtual concert. This unique opportunity will provide lasting memories for ACCA singers and their families, and all made possible by GAP funding from the Arts Council.

To connect and learn more about All Children’s Chorus of Annapolis, visit allcca.org

Follow All Children’s Chorus of Annapolis on social media!
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Fill the Streets with Music and Color | Kristi Allen

If you attended ARTS virtually last week, you met local singer/songwriter Kristi Allen. Kristi has lived and performed in the Annapolis area for the past four years. She started playing music out in Charleston, South Carolina almost 20 years ago and has played many hundreds of gigs in restaurants, bars, street fairs, and salty marinas up and down the east coast. She blends folk, country, and a dash of emotive grit, writing songs that speak to everyday struggles and hopes. She also performs a mix of 70s folk-rock, country, and alt-country cover songs that she refers to as, “Songs that people forgot they liked.”

Kristi tells us, “Crazy times make for creative innovations and for heart and soul-searching art. These COVID times have pushed us to the brink of sanity and back. I am no exception. Adversity stirs the pot of the artist’s collective mind and bends us to create something before we break in two.”

Kristi describes her time during COVID when, for the first time in her life, she had time on her hands and sat down to write the next chapters of her musical story. There were frustrations, including writer’s block, new technology to learn, and physical limitations, but gratitude ultimately won out. “I had time to be frustrated and then get back to the creation of music. And I am truly grateful for that,” she said. The time and resources to create one’s art is the greatest gift to a creative soul. Part of what makes me grateful is my art community, supportive friends, and art collectives in the area. The GAP grant provided to me because I am an Annapolis artist makes me feel part of a community that cares I exist. You care that my fellow artists and I can continue to do our part to make our town vibrantly expressive, unique, and creative…to continue to fill the streets with music and color.”

To connect and learn more about Kristi Allen, visit kristiallenmusic.com/

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The COVID-19 Relief Grants for the Arts Program (GAP) funding made possible by County Executive Steuart Pittman and the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County. 

 

Click here for information regarding the Anne Arundel County GAP Grant for Independent Artists 

Click here for information regarding the Anne Arundel County GAP Grant for Arts Organizations

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