Arts Council of Anne Arundel County

Watercolor for Beginners (4 week)
2026-03-03 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-02-24 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | ArtFarm Studios, 111 Chinquapin Round Rd. Suite 200, Annapolis, MD, 21401, United States
Completely new to watercolor or want to brush up on your brushwork? Whether you have painted with watercolor before or are a complete novice, you can feel comfortable and accomplished each week with this watercolor class.
ArtFarm instructor and painter, Cat Dolch, will demonstrate and integrate a variety of techniques into each week’s lesson. With a new subject each week, feel free to bring an inspiration reference photo (either printed out or on your phone) or we can provide some excellent references.
Challenge yourself and get creative with some traditional brushwork and techniques, color blending, and composition in this multi-week class.
All materials provided, but if you have your own paints or brushes you want to use, feel free to bring them along with you!

Maryland Hall Presents: An Evening with Branford Marsalis
2026-03-01 19:00 - 20:30 | Maryland Hall, 801 Chase St., Annapolis, MD, 21401, United States
Saxophonist Branford Marsalis is a legend in motion. An NEA Jazz Master, Grammy Award winner, and Tony and EMMY nominee, Marsalis has spent decades redefining the boundaries of jazz — from symphony stages to jam sessions with the Grateful Dead. But at the core of his world lies the Branford Marsalis Quartet: a powerhouse ensemble celebrated for its precision, depth, and daring musicality.
With over 30 years of synergy and nearly no lineup changes, the Quartet commands the stage with original compositions and masterful interpretations of jazz and pop classics. Their latest release, Belonging (Blue Note Records), reimagines Keith Jarrett’s iconic 1974 album with bold emotion and brilliance. As The New York Times praised, it’s “a performance that both honors and amplifies.”
Expect an evening that’s intimate, explosive, cerebral — and unforgettable.

Rent at Compass Rose Theater
2026-03-01 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-02-28 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-02-27 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-02-22 14:00 - 16:00 | Anne Arundel Community College – Humanities Hall, 101 College Parkway, Arnold, Maryland, 21012
RENT
By Jonathan Larson
This Tony Award– and Pulitzer Prize–winning rock musical, directed by Stephen Emery, with musical direction by Paige Rammelkamp, brings energy, grit, and hope as it follows a group of young artists in New York’s East Village.
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30, Sundays at 2
Humanities Building (Black Box Theater, Room 112)
Anne Arundel Community College
101 College Parkway
Arnold, MD 21012

Yoga in the Gallery
2026-03-01 09:30 - 10:30, 2026-02-22 09:30 - 10:30 | ArtFarm Annapolis, 111 Chinquapin Round Rd., Suite 200, Maryland, Annapolis
AND Relax… Yoga Series Sundays | 9:30 AM | AND Creative Gallery
Come as you are, leave inspired — AND Relax is your monthly gallery-inspired yoga series designed to move your body, spark your creativity, and recharge your mind. Each Sunday session blends mindful vinyasa, playful flows, and meditative stretches in the beautiful space of AND Creative Gallery, surrounded by art that inspires movement and imagination.
Once a month (last Sunday of each month), we turn up the volume on creativity with our themed flows:

AND Bend Ova – Afrobeat-inspired flow: let rhythm guide your body and loosen your edges.
AND Drop It Low – Hip-Hop / R&B flow: grounded, bold, and full of attitude.
AND Twist & Shout – Rock ‘n’ Roll yoga: energizing, dynamic, and full of power.
AND Stretch – R&B Slow It Down: deep stretch, meditative, and restorative.
AND Pop & (un)Lock – Pop music + movement yoga: playful, upbeat, and fun.
AND Chill Out – Lo-fi / Chill Hop restorative yoga: slow, restorative, and fully zen.

Whether you’re here for sweat, stretch, or stillness, AND Relax invites you to move at your own pace, explore your creativity, and connect with a community’s curious and playful minds.

SIGNATURE SERIES IV: Echoes of Heritage
2026-02-28 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-02-27 19:30 - 21:30 | Maryland Hall, 801 Chase St., Annapolis, MD, 21401, United States
Echoes of Heritage with Olga Kern, piano
Friday, February 27, 2026
Saturday, February 28, 2026
7:30 PM at Maryland Hall
Sunday, March 1, 2026
3:00 PM at The Music Center at Strathmore
Tickets for the Maryland Hall performance are available on our website.
Tickets for the performance at the Music Center at Strathmore must be purchased on the Strathmore website.
Silvestre Revueltas: Janitzio
Sergei Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18, Olga Kern, piano
William Dawson: Negro Folk Symphony
MUSIC PROGRAM
Rachmaninoff’s unforgettable melodies, emotional depth, technical brilliance, and rich orchestral textures are instantly recognizable and stay with the listener long after the music ends. His Second Piano Concerto expresses a wide range of emotions, from passionate intensity to melancholic longing, often reflecting the composer’s own personal experiences. The melody in the second movement inspired Eric Carmen’s bestselling tune “All By Myself.”
Olga Kern, renowned for her technical skill and musicality, returns to the ASO on stage at Maryland Hall in Annapolis and at Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda to perform one of the greatest and most beloved works in the piano repertoire. Kern’s artistry embodies the technical brilliance, bold expression, and emotional depth that define Rachmaninoff’s style.
The evening begins with Silvestre Revueltas’ Janitzio, an energetic and colorful orchestral piece inspired by the rhythms and folk traditions of Mexico. Evoking the lively spirit of the island town for which it is named, Janitzio is a vibrant celebration of culture and movement.
Closing the program is William Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony, a powerful and richly orchestrated work that draws on African American spirituals and folk melodies. Dawson’s symphony masterfully weaves traditional themes into a sweeping, symphonic form, offering a profound and moving reflection on heritage and resilience.
Olga Kern photo credit: Chris Lee
Sponsored by The Peter Evans Group. We thank you for your support.

American Roots Music
2026-02-28 19:30 - 21:30 | 49 West Cafe and Gallery, 49 West Street, Annapolis, Annapolis, 21401
Enjoy an evening of acoustic American roots music with Gary Wright (guitar, vocals), Leah Weiss (fiddle, guitar, vocals), and Jimmy Jacobs (piano) in the back listening room at 49 West Coffeehouse. Show starts at 7:30 pm. Cover is $15 and reservations are recommended: 410-626-9796.

Digital Explorations Closing Reception
2026-02-28 16:00 - 18:00 | Circle Gallery, 18 State Circle, Annapolis, MD, 21401, United States
Join us as we celebrate all the incredible work featured in our 2026 Digital Explorations Show.

A Real Bluegrass Jam with the Black-Eyed Suzies (Music Class)
2026-02-28 13:00 - 15:00 | Maryland Hall, 801 Chase St., Annapolis, MD, 21401, United States
All Ages! Ready to take your playing out of the practice room and into the jam? The Black-Eyed Suzies will show you how to jump in with confidence, contribute to the sound, and connect with fellow musicians. Learn the skills, etiquette, and musical mindset that turns any circle into a celebration. One year of minimum experience on your instrument. Please bring your instrument to both sessions.
Session is for two dates, February 21st and February 28th, 1:00-3:00pm
For registration questions, contact lzetterlucas@marylandhall.org. Register now at Marylandhall.org/exploreclasses

Registration for Theater Classes Now Open - All Ages
2026-02-28, 2026-02-27 | Compass Rose Theater at Maryland Hall, 801 Chase St., Third Floor, Annapolis, MD, 21401, United States
All classes are taught by accredited teachers with a B.A. or Master’s degree in theater (and/or music) who have teaching experience and work in the professional theater world. To enroll in the best acting classes (for adults, teens, and kids) in Annapolis, sign up today! We’re the only professional theater in Annapolis, MD, where young actors get an opportunity to be taught by and act alongside seasoned, professional actors.

Friday Night Kids Club: Pizza, Art, Games & Movies (Ages 6-10)
2026-02-27 05:30 - 20:30 | ArtFarm Annapolis, 111 Chinquapin Round Rd., Suite 200, Maryland, Annapolis
🎉 The Not Slumber Party: The Ultimate Friday Night Kid-Free Escape! 🎉
Looking for a fun, safe, and hassle-free way to enjoy a date night or mom’s night out? Look no further! The Not Slumber Party is back again this month – the perfect solution for parents who want to enjoy a Friday night out while their kids have a blast with friends.
✨ Details:

Ages: 6-10 years old
Max Kids: 12 (so your child gets plenty of attention!)

What’s Included:

🍕 Pizza, juice boxes, and snacks to fuel all the fun
🎲 A game activity table to keep little hands busy
🎨 An art station to get those creative juices flowing
🍿 A cozy movie & wind-down time to end the night just right

What to Bring:

💧 Water bottle (stay hydrated!)
Favorite games to share (Optional)
🧘‍♀️ Yoga mat, blanket, or sleeping bag to snuggle up during the movie (Optional)

✅ Drop them off in their PJs, and enjoy your night out while we handle the fun!

"The Message is in the Music - Songs of Peace and Love" with Silopanna Band
2026-02-26 18:30 - 19:30 | Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library, 1410 West St., Annapolis, Maryland
Free concert: “The Message is in the Music – Songs of Peace and Love” with Silopanna Band.
6:30-7:30 pm at Michael E. Busch Library, 1410 West Street, Annapolis.
Sponsored by Chesapeake Children’s Museum.

Gallery Reception for The Power Within:Honoring Black History Month Exhibit
2026-02-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Chesapeake Arts Center, 194 Hammonds Lane, Studio 194, Brooklyn Park, MD, MD, 21225, United States
The Power Within: Honoring Black History Month group exhibition is a vibrant tribute to the spirit and legacy of Black and African American artists. Inspired by this year’s Black History Month theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” the exhibition weaves a century of remembrance through bold, visionary artworks. Each piece reflects the strength, creativity, and collective memory shaping each artist, inviting audiences to see art as both a vessel of history and a force for transformation.
This exhibit is on view in our Hal Gomer Gallery from January 22 to March 1, 2026.

Gallery Reception for The Power Within: Honoring Black History Month Exhibition
2026-02-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Chesapeake Arts Center, 194 Hammonds Lane, Studio 194, Brooklyn Park, MD, MD, 21225, United States
The Power Within: Honoring Black History Month group exhibition is a vibrant tribute to the spirit and legacy of Black and African American artists. Inspired by this year’s Black History Month theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” the exhibition weaves a century of remembrance through bold, visionary artworks. Each piece reflects the strength, creativity, and collective memory shaping each artist, inviting audiences to see art as both a vessel of history and a force for transformation.
Deadline for applications – Sunday, December 7, 2025. For more information and how to apply, please visit our application here –https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf_DcTO7f5kCXm6aihEvthG8dUD2Eed6nysnU9YktsjRYR_SQ/viewform
This exhibition is on view in Chesapeake Arts Center’s Hal Gomer Gallery from January 22 – March 1, 2026.

Daily Life for the Enslaved at Hammond-Harwood House
2026-02-26 15:00 - 17:00 | 19 Maryland Avenue, Annapolis, 19 Maryland Avenue, Annapolis, MD, 21401, United States
Join Julie Rose, director of Marietta House, and Joyce White, food historian, for a special tour that focuses on what daily life at Hammond-Harwood House was like for the enslaved women and children in the early 19th century.
Through the lens of foodways, the tour will take you through the house showing the roles of the enslaved women and children. Mary and Matilda Matthews, Juliet, and Harry – all enslaved by the Loockermans — were tasked with cooking, cleaning, childcare, gardening, and keeping the hearth fires burning.

First Exposure
2026-02-25 18:00 - 20:00 | ArtFarm Annapolis, 111 Chinquapin Round Rd., Suite 200, Maryland, Annapolis
Have a digital camera you don’t know how to use? Want to brush up on your photography skills? Join photographer Kaitlyn McQuaid for “First Exposure,” a 4-week digital photography workshop covering the foundations of photography. This workshop will run for 2 hours each week, and we’ll cover one element of photography in-depth, including Aperture, ISO, Shutter Speed, Lighting, and Composition. We’ll practice with in-class, hands-on exercises, and tips for capturing moments on your own outside of class.
Notes

You will receive an email 1 week before class starts with additional information.

Class Requirements

A digital DSLR camera is strongly recommended but if you only have a sophisticated point and shoot, we are happy to have you as well. Just be mindful that some of the point and shoots do not always let you adjust as many settings. With this in mind, please check in with us if you have something different so our Instructor can see what kind of digital camera you have before the workshop starts.

Meet the Author: Nancy Murray at AACPL
2026-02-25 18:00 - 19:00 | AACPL- Deale Branch, 5940 Deale-Churchton Road, Deale, MD, 20751, United States
Meet the Author: Nancy Murray
Join Anne Arundel County Public Library at the Deale Library for a Meet the Author program with Nancy Murray on her most recent book, No Experience Necessary!
Nancy Murray is a local author of Southern Anne Arundel County, and her book is an extraordinary account of what it means to work.

Intermediate Watercolor Workshop (4 weeks)
2026-02-24 18:30 - 20:30 | ArtFarm Studios, 111 Chinquapin Round Rd. Suite 200, Annapolis, MD, 21401, United States
Have you taken our Beginner Watercolor Workshop or are ready to build on your current skills?
Learn new techniques, and collaborate with other watercolorists in a studio environment.
ArtFarm instructor and painter, Cat Dolch, will lead the class in developing techniques, including sketching and composition, adding value, depth, and texture, traditional brushwork and techniques, color blending, and more.
All materials are provided, but if you have your own brushes and paints that you like to use, feel free to bring them along!

Podcasting 101 (adults)
2026-02-24 18:00 - 20:30 | ArtFarm Annapolis, 111 Chinquapin Round Rd., Suite 200, Maryland, Annapolis
Step into the host chair of your very own podcast!
Our 4-week Podcasting Class is designed to introduce you to the essentials of podcast creation. Led by John Wist, co-host and producer of his own podcast, this hands-on course will guide you through every step of the process—from developing your concept and honing your storytelling skills to mastering interview techniques, gear setup, audio engineering, and video production.
By the end of the class, you’ll produce a polished episode of your own podcast while collaborating and exchanging ideas with fellow participants. Whether you’re looking to launch a personal project or refine your content creation skills, this class will give you the tools and confidence to hit record and share your voice with the world!
Note: our podcast studio is available to rent after your class, so you can jump right into recording your own podcast in the same space you learned how to do it! To find out more: https://www.andcreativestudio.com/podcast-studio

Watercolor Pop Up Workshops (Monthly)
2026-02-23 18:00 - 20:30 | ArtFarm Annapolis, 111 Chinquapin Round Rd., Suite 200, Maryland, Annapolis
A Pop-Up Experience for Beginners and Those that want to Keep Painting
Teens and Adults are welcome!
Watercolor – 4th Mondays 6-8/8:30 pm
Discover the joy of watercolor painting in our welcoming, laid-back studio! This beginner-friendly workshop is the perfect opportunity to explore a new creative outlet with no pressure or prior experience needed, and those with experience are welcome to join us and just paint!
Each monthly pop-up workshop will focus on a different theme.
Taught by:
Lindsay: https://www.lbocraft.com/
Cat: https://justeh.com/
Em: Emilyteachesart.com
What to expect:

Demonstration and guided practice to learn essential techniques
Open studio time to experiment and create your own piece
Line drawn designs to use as guides for those of us that don’t feel comfortable drawing on our own. Please let us know if you’d like this!
Personalized support from our instructor whenever you need it – just ask!
All materials provided
A relaxed, judgment-free environment to unleash your creativity
Feel free to bring your own sips to enjoy!

Whether you want to complete a finished piece or simply play with colors and techniques, this workshop offers the freedom to explore watercolor painting at your own pace. Our experienced instructor will be available throughout to offer tips, tricks, and guidance whenever you hit a snag or want to dive deeper.

Voices of the Enslaved- Charles Ball
2026-02-23 14:00 - 15:30 | 19 Maryland Avenue, Annapolis, 19 Maryland Avenue, Annapolis, MD, 21401, United States
Black History Month lecture by Hammond-Harwood House director Barbara Goyette focusing on first-person accounts of life under slavery, daring escapes, and perseverance in the search for freedom.
Let’s learn about Charles Ball. His slave narrative recounts how he was enslaved in Calvert County, fought in the War of 1812, was sold numerous times and separated from family, suffered a tortuous march to South Carolina in chains, and escaped from a cotton plantation.
This is a virtual event. Zoom link will be provided to participants after registration.

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION
2026-02-22 15:00 - 17:00 | St. John’s College, 60 College Ave, Annapolis, MD, 21401, United States
The Lunar New Year Celebration will be held at Key Auditorium at St. John’s College, Annapolis, Maryland, on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 3 PM. The celebration will include orchestra, choir, martial arts, acrobatics, and dance by the renowned Art Troupe of Renmin University in Beijing, and will feature students ages 13-17 who excel in both artistic talent and academics. The students come from China’s most influential youth orchestra and choir.
The celebration is on a first come first serve basis.
The experience is presented through World Artists Experiences, a local non-profit bridging people and cultures, and is free of charge. Further information, email wae@comcast.net.

New Work Reading: The Alchemists
2026-02-22 15:00 - 17:00 | Unitarian Universalist Church
Experience the magic of a new opera coming to life before your eyes! The Alchemists is part of a series titled The 7 Deadly Sins and their Virtuous Companions, representing Diligence as a counterpoint to Sloth. This production unites two legendary periods in the American story—the Gold Rush and the Dust Bowl—to unearth the struggles and triumphs of charging headlong into the unknown in search of glory, and the myths, legends, and unfortunate truths that emerge along the journey.

Be part of the reading of this uniquely American opera. Discover the creative process, hear the voices behind the vision, and join a post-performance discussion with the artists.

Meet 3 New Artists Reception at Gallery 57 West
2026-02-22 13:00 - 15:00 | Gallery 57 West, 57 West Street, Annapolis, Maryland
Meet 3 new artists reception – February 22nd 1-3 pm
