Going on it’s fourth year, the Art Hunt is summer tradition in St. Michaels. Who wouldn’t do a little work for ice cream, especially when it’s fun?
For the uninitiated, the Art Hunt is a scavenger hunt for artwork “hidden” in various businesses throughout town, beginning July 1st and ending July 31st. Paintings by St. Michaels Art League members are placed in stores, along with cards listing the paintings and the participating merchants. Visitors take the cards to the participating stores and have the merchant mark the card when a painting is spotted. Whenat least 12 of the 20 paintings listed are found, the card can be presented at Justine’s Ice Cream to receive a free cone.
This project fits in with the mission of the St. Michaels Art League (SMAL), a non-profit group of artists from St. Michaels and beyond. The purpose of the League is to promote visual arts through education, community service and exhibits.In the case of the Art Hunt, local art is showcased and the town benefits from the economic promotion that a lively arts scene engenders.
The Art Hunt started out with a small number of merchants but once others realized it’s a good way to get traffic in their stores, more jumped on board. They enjoy seeing the children delight in finding a painting. Stan and Marianne Stallsmith, owners of the Candleberry Shoppe on Talbot Street remarked that “the Art Hunt teaches kids about art in a fun way. What makes it fun is the gleam in their eyes when they come in and start looking and asking questions. We give hints and make it a fun game. It’s more than just ice cream.”
SMAL is grateful for the partnership of the St. Michaels merchants, and of course, Justine’s. This year the league presented a thank you painted by SMAL member Jo Merrill to Tyler Heim, Manager of Justine’s. Tyler said “It’s been an honor to work with SMAL and we look forward to doing so in the future. Promoting the arts is crucial, and Justine’s is proud to be part of it.”
This Program is funded in part by a grant from the Talbot County Arts Council with revenue provided by the Maryland State Arts Council.
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