“We Are Talbot Arts,” the annual arts showcase organized by Talbot Arts, the county arts council, was held at the Academy Art Museum to celebrate the collective efforts of the arts community in providing enriching cultural opportunities throughout Talbot County. The event saw participation from artists, arts organizations, educators, students, and advocates.
During the evening, Donna Ewing, the recently retired band director from Easton Middle School, was honored as a Talbot Arts Champion for her remarkable 38 years of dedication to Talbot Schools. A video interview shared with the guests highlighted her teaching career and emphasized the significance of music in schools. It concluded with heartfelt comments and testimonials from past and present students, families, and community leaders, making it one of the evening’s highlights.
Donna was presented with a proclamation from Talbot County Council Vice-President Pete Lesher and Councilwoman Keisha Haythe in recognition of her outstanding commitment to the arts in Talbot County. She also received a special gift from Talbot Arts.
Upon arrival, guests walked the red carpet and were welcomed by musicians from Easton High School, under the direction of band director Lauren Rose. Inside, high-energy performances by students from Crashbox Musical Theatre program entertained the audience with lively dance and song, directed by Ricky and Amber Vitanovec, Julie Hawley, and Erinne Lewis.
Amy Steward, immediate past president of the Talbot Arts board, was acknowledged for her significant accomplishments during her two-year tenure, including the distribution of a record number of grants for arts organizations, programs, schools, and scholarships. To commemorate her service to the arts council, Amy received a custom-designed ceramic bowl featuring the Talbot Arts logo, created by ceramic artist Paul Aspell.
The event recognized high and middle school student scholarship recipients in fine arts, music, creative writing, and drama supported by the Willard A. Lockwood Memorial Summer Arts Scholarships, the Easton Choral Student Scholarships, and the Allegro Academy. In addition to these groups, Talbot Arts supports scholarship opportunities with Delmarva Review Youth Writing Scholarship, the Cherry Tree Young Writers program and the Academy Art Museum Student Internship Program.
At the close of the evening, guests were serenaded by members of the Bay Country Chorus, led by music director Ms. Lesley Aaron.
“Talbot Arts is proud to support a vibrant arts culture,” said Executive Director Joan Levy. “Our Board looks forward to our annual arts gathering as it truly celebrates our partnership with the arts community. Our Arts Showcase is our chance to highlight the incredible multigenerational, multicultural programs that flourish in Talbot County and how they champion creative expression, reflect the diversity of our community, and provide our citizens with access to the arts.”
Talbot Arts is committed to supporting the arts sector and distributing funds equitably through grants and services to enrich the quality of life and enhance the economic vitality of all citizens in Talbot County. This year, the arts council will distribute $ 185,000 in grants for arts organizations and those providing arts programs, classroom-based arts education, and middle and high school summer arts scholarships for gifted and talented students. Other services include producing “Arts in Action,” a weekly radio program on WHCP, to promote the arts in Talbot County and providing access to resources to help the arts community grow and thrive. The TRA Gallery is the arts council’s latest initiative to support the arts community by providing exhibit space for Talbot County artists to show their work.
For more information about Talbot Arts programs, contact [email protected].
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