May 1st marked the opening of the St. Michaels Art Trail on the Rails to Trails bike path. Between Boundary Lane and W. Chew Ave. are the five winning sculptures from an open competition held earlier in the year. The installations will remain up through October. Commissioner Chairman Roy Meyers, Town Manager Jean Weisman, and Maryland State Delegate Johnny Mautz joined a crowd of residents and tourists to walk the Art Trail and view the installations, meet the artists, and enjoy pizza donated by Ava’s.
The St. Michaels YMCA was the only local winner, with a team effort that encourages recycling. Other winners were Mario Tama (Easton), with Leah Bell and Nick Frock; Karen O’Dowd (Royal Oak); Parker Herron (Grasonville); and Cole Meyerhoff (Easton). Each winner received $500 prize money, and both amateurs and professionals were among the winners. At each end of the Art Trail is a box with information flyers.
Conceived and sponsored by local author and artist Ann Hymes, the Art Trail was enthusiastically received Monday as an exciting addition to the well-used St. Michaels bike path that runs almost 1.5 miles through town. The request for submissions, noted Hymes, asked for “‘work that is edgy, funky, teases the eye and delights the imagination.’ The other two judges, Suzanne Pittenger-Slear (President of Environmental Concern) and Sarah Abel (Planning and Zoning Officer for St. Michaels) and I were very pleased with the variety and creativity expressed in the proposals. I wanted to add some fun and surprise to the bike path.” The town commissioners agreed to a one-year trial.
Hymes spoke passionately to the crowd about the importance of art in public spaces. “I wish St. Michaels had a commitment to permanent outdoor sculpture,” Hymes concluded, “but I’ll settle for temporary.” Just then a man came up to her and said he would be submitting an idea next year. The St. Michaels Art Trail may have found its home.
michael estrella says
Yet another great Ann Hymes project. GREAT JOB by all those involved!