Get ready, Eastern Shore—on Saturday, May 3, the Academy Art Museum is shaking things up with what promises to be the boldest gala of the year. This year’s celebration trades the traditional gala for an unexpected twist: a massive industrial warehouse just north of Easton. For one night only, the raw space will be transformed into a sleek, city-loft-style venue that’s all about modern edge and creative flair.

The inspiration? The razor-sharp realism of photorealist legend Richard Estes, whose exhibition Urban Landscapes, opens at the Academy on May 1. His intricate urban scenes spark a sense of connection and astonishing detail—setting the tone for a night that blurs the line between art and experience.

Setting the sonic mood is none other than local music legend Kentavius Jones, debuting an original soundscape composed exclusively for the event. Expect grooves that echo with the energy of city streets, crafted to perfectly complement Estes’ visual world.

It wouldn’t be a true Academy Art Museum night without incredible food. Gourmet by the Bay returns with a menu as bold and creative as the art on display—yes, you’ll want to Instagram it before you take a bite.

“We wanted this year’s gala to feel like a turning point—a moment that reflects the scale of our ambition and the energy of our community,” said Charlotte Potter Kasic, Director of the Academy Art Museum. “It’s not just a celebration of what we’ve done, but of everything we’re about to do. This is a party with purpose.”

More than a night of music, art, and conversation, this gala fuels the museum’s mission: supporting dynamic exhibitions, hands-on classes for all ages, and year-round programming—while keeping admission free for everyone.

So mark your calendar, put on something fabulous, and prepare for an evening that’s as visionary as the art that inspired it.

For information and to purchase tickets, visit here.

At the Academy Art Museum, art is not just something to passively observe—it’s something to actively make, fearlessly explore, and generously share. Tapestry: Art by AAM Instructors, on view from December 19, 2024, through March 16, 2025, highlights the work of over 20 AAM faculty members, the dedicated teaching artists who bring creativity to life in our studios and classrooms.

This exhibition offers a glimpse into the personal artistic practices of AAM’s instructors, showcasing the diverse range of styles, mediums, and perspectives they bring to both their own work and their teaching. Whether through painting, drawing, sculpture, or ceramics, Tapestry underscores the deep connections between making and mentoring. These are artists who do not simply teach technique—they model what it means to sustain an active creative practice, to experiment, and to evolve.

Curated by Bernard Dellario, AAM’s Education Coordinator, the exhibition reflects the creative strength of the museum’s teaching artists. In his role, Dellario helps cultivate and support AAM’s growing community of instructors while also being a dedicated teaching artist himself. An accomplished painter, instructor, and president of the Washington Society of Landscape Painters, Dellario exhibits widely across the Eastern Shore and Washington, D.C. regions. He saw Tapestry as an opportunity to celebrate the artists who shape AAM’s studio program and to invite the community to experience their work in a new way.

“Diversity was the catalyst,” he said. “I knew full well that a call for work to showcase their talents as artists and teachers would bring in their best work. I was not disappointed.”

AAM’s studio art instructors come from a range of backgrounds, each with their own specialty, approach, and artistic philosophy. Some are painters steeped in traditional techniques, refining their skills over decades, while others work in experimental media, pushing boundaries and embracing new ways of making. Many of them exhibit nationally and internationally, while others are deeply embedded in the fabric of the Eastern Shore arts community. What unites them is a shared dedication to teaching and an understanding that learning is a lifelong process, one that is reciprocal—teachers learn from students as much as students learn from teachers.

Although the exhibition brings together a wide range of artistic styles and mediums, Dellario noted how naturally the works exist alongside each other. “I didn’t see any common themes, but somehow, the variety of work goes very well together,” he reflected. This sense of cohesion speaks to the power of a shared creative environment, where different perspectives and aesthetics can exist in dialogue with one another.

For many visitors, Tapestry offers a deeper understanding of the instructors they may know primarily as teachers. Seeing their work in a museum setting reinforces that these instructors are not just educators but practicing artists, engaged in the same processes of exploration, experimentation, and refinement that they encourage in their students.

“Throughout the exhibit, I’ve heard students talking about the work, stepping out of their classes to take a closer look,” Dellario said. “On occasion, I’ve even taken students into the gallery to point out specific techniques or how an artist handles certain things. It’s been very informative to all.” This connection between the classroom and the exhibition space creates a dynamic learning environment where art is not just something discussed in theory but actively practiced and examined.

Certain works stood out to Dellario for their craftsmanship and unique perspectives. “Naomi Clark-Turner’s painting of farm equipment in a shed caught my attention for its strong value contrast and composition. It’s one of those paintings that engages you from across the room despite its small size,” he said. “I also really appreciate Loretta Lohman’s pottery boxes—the surface texture is so tactile and beautiful, and the piece invites curiosity about its meaning.” These pieces exemplify the attention to detail and creative problem-solving that AAM instructors bring to their students.

This exhibition is not just an opportunity to admire art—it’s an invitation to participate in the culture of making that defines the Academy Art Museum. Tapestry highlights the incredible talent of AAM’s teaching artists, and it also serves as a reminder that anyone can take part in the creative process. The Academy offers a wide variety of classes for all skill levels, from painting and drawing to ceramics and printmaking, allowing visitors to learn directly from the artists featured in this show.

Taking a class at AAM is more than just learning a technique; it is about becoming part of a community. The museum’s teaching artists are mentors who guide students through the creative process, helping them to find their own artistic voices. Many students return year after year, building relationships with their instructors and with each other, forming a network of support and shared inspiration. Whether someone is picking up a paintbrush for the first time or refining their skills after years of practice, AAM provides an environment where growth is encouraged, and curiosity is rewarded.

Visitors are encouraged to explore Tapestry during museum hours and take the next step in their own artistic journey. The Academy Art Museum is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is always free.

For more information on Tapestry: Art by AAM Instructors and upcoming studio art classes, visit www.academyartmuseum.org or stop by the museum. Creativity is waiting—you just have to step inside.

Shore Lit and the Academy Art Museum invite you to a book talk with acclaimed poet Edgar Kunz, author of the celebrated collection Fixer (Ecco/Harper Collins, 2023). 

“My great subject, my first and most lasting obsession, is money. What we have to do to get it, how both having and not having twists us up,” writes Kunz. 

Fixer explores labor and art, precarity and stability, productivity and pleasure. A New York Times Editors’ Choice and an Electric Lit best poetry collection of the year, it’s a keen examination of what it costs to build a life that sustains. You can read the poem “Piano” from the collection in the New Yorker. 

Kunz will read from Fixer and discuss his work with Shore Lit Founder Kerry Folan at 6:00 pm on Friday, February 21. This event is free and open to the public, though reservations are required through the Shore Lit website.

Edgar Kunz is the author of two books: Fixer (Ecco/HarperCollins, 2023), a New York Times Editors’ Choice Book, and Tap Out (Ecco/HarperCollins, 2019). He has been an NEA Fellow, a MacDowell Fellow, and a Wallace Stegner Fellow at Stanford University. Recent poems appear in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and The Washington Post. He lives in Baltimore and teaches at Goucher College.

Shore Lit is based in Easton, Maryland, and aims to enhance local cultural offerings with free author events open to the public. Our programs are designed to explore relevant ideas, foster literary conversation, and build inclusive community. For updates, sign up for our monthly newsletter at shorelit.org. 

The Academy Art Museum’s mission is to promote the knowledge, practice, and appreciation of the arts and to enhance cultural life on the Eastern Shore by making the Museum’s expanding collection, exhibitions, and broad spectrum of arts programs available to everyone. Museum admission is free and open to the public.

AAM Board of Trustee Members. From Top Left: Don Wooters, Robert Fogarty, Ron Flohr, Christine Martin, Chuck Mangold, Jr., Chris Sadler, Shelton Hawkins, Denise Grant, Sue Bredekamp, Joanne Lukens, Elizabeth Spurry, Holly Townsend, Karen Shook, Jazmine Paxon, Brenda Fike, Deputy Director Jennifer Chrzanowski, Ann Scully, Board Chair Donna Alpi, and Director Charlotte Kasic. Not pictured: Sanford Cardin, Jim Harris, Elizabeth “Diz” Hormel, Victoria Gomez Lozano, Chris Walsh, Daniel Weiss

The Academy Art Museum has elected four new Trustees to serve on its Board. The Museum is thrilled to welcome Ron Flohr, Denise Grant, Victoria Gomez-Lozano and Holly Townsend. Board Chair Donna Alpi says, “We are delighted to have this talented group of Trustees join our Board and are grateful for their commitment to furthering the Academy Art Museum’s mission of making art available to everyone on the Eastern Shore.” These Trustees collectively bring a wealth of financial and business expertise and non-profit Board experience.

Ron Flohr has more than 20 years of experience in financial services. As a Certified Financial Planner, his professional focus is to work with individuals and businesses to identify their financial goals and customize investment and wealth management strategies to achieve them. An active community member, Ron has served as president of the Easton Waterfowl Festival, a past board member of the Easton Rotary Club, the Mid Shore Early Learning Center, a past board member and president of the Talbot Country Club and a past board member and commodore of the Chesapeake Bay Yacht Club.

Denise Grant is an accomplished executive with over 30 years of experience developing strategies and implementing solutions in the corporate, public and social impact sectors around the world. She is the founder and CEO of Overlook Strategies and serves as a Senior Advisor to Heidrick & Struggles, the leadership and organizational consulting firm. She has worked with boards and CEOs of some of the world’s most high-profile NGOs and social impact organizations on a wide range of matters. She has led broad organizational assessments and initiatives, counseled boards regarding governance and other matters, and conducted top leadership succession projects. Early in her career, Denise practiced law for nearly a decade, including as an attorney with Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP. Denise is a Presidentially appointed Trustee of the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board which governs the nearly $500 million global Fulbright cultural and educational diplomacy program. She has served as a Trustee at Transylvania University and on numerous Boards of Directors including the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, the Bryce Harlow Foundation, the Avalon Foundation and the East Tennessee State University Development Corporation.

Victoria Gomez Lozano was born and raised in Chihuahua, Mexico and has lived in the United States for 16 years. She is a graduate of Tecnologico Espiritu Santo, Guayaquil, with a Banking and Finance degree. During her career in the fields of banking and industry, she realized her desire to serve the people in her community as a leader, mentor and interpreter. Now in her sixth year as a member of the Chesapeake Multicultural Center’s administrative staff, she serves as their Hispanic Outreach Coordinator. Victoria has served on the board of Talbot County Public School’s Education Foundation Board, Talbot Mentors, and the East-End Neighborhood Association. She is currently the Board Chair of the Department of Social Services.

Holly Townsend is the founder of the Townsend Group, a company that provided a variety of services designed to increase non-dues revenues for associations and foundations. These services included sales, custom research, video production, cross-platform media programs, creative services and financial services. As its President and CEO for 35 years, she set the company vision, made all strategic decisions, and oversaw all business operations. Her clients included scores of national blue-chip associations and foundations in a wide range of industries and professions including housing, education, healthcare, the arts, design, architecture and urban planning, engineering, criminal justice, and law. Holly previously served on the Board of Trustees of the Avalon Foundation.

As the premier art museum on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, the Academy Art Museum presents high-quality exhibitions and a full range of art classes for visitors of all ages. Past exhibitions have featured artists such as James Turrell, Robert Rauschenberg, Mark Rothko, Pat Steir and Richard Diebenkorn. The permanent collection focuses on works on paper by American and European artists from four centuries including recent acquisitions by Graciela Iturbide and Zanele Muholi. Arts educational programs range from life drawing lessons to digital art instruction, and include lunchtime and cocktail hour concerts, lectures and special art events, as well as a Fall Craft Show celebrating 26 years. AAM also provides arts education to school children from the region and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. To continue the institutional movement of offering free public programming and to give barrier-free access to art, AAM eliminated admission fees in 2023.

This winter, the Academy Art Museum is pleased to offer an exceptional opportunity to explore the art of automobiles with two exclusive “Hoods Up Happy Hour” events, taking place on Monday, February 3 and Monday, March 3. Because the Museum is closed to the public on Mondays, this is a rare opportunity for guests to get a behind-the-scenes look and  immerse themselves in the world of Bugatti while enjoying curated tours, insightful commentary, and the chance to view some of the most iconic cars in history in an intimate, relaxed setting. 

The Museum’s highly anticipated exhibition, Bugatti: Reaching for Perfection (on view through April 13, 2025), celebrates the legacy of one of the most prestigious names in automotive history. Known for its fusion of cutting-edge engineering, exquisite design, and unparalleled craftsmanship, Bugatti has long represented the pinnacle of automotive perfection. The exhibition showcases a stunning collection of Bugatti automobiles and art designed and crafted by members of the Bugatti family. 

The tours will feature expert commentary from our curator and automotive specialists, offering valuable insights into the mechanics and engineering behind the cars, with particular focus on the unique features of each model. Guests will get a literal look under the hood, allowing them to appreciate the cars’ engineering and their artistry. This is the perfect opportunity to engage with experts, ask questions, and deepen your understanding of both the artistic and technical aspects of Bugatti’s legacy in an informal, yet enriching atmosphere. Whether you are a long-time automotive enthusiast or simply interested in learning more about the intersection of design and engineering, the evening will offer a fascinating perspective on a truly iconic brand.

Beyond the exhibition and expert-led tours, the “Hoods Up Happy Hour” offers a welcoming atmosphere for socializing and networking. Guests will enjoy a selection of light bites and beverages while mingling with fellow attendees in a beautiful, relaxed setting. With an elegant atmosphere and engaging conversation, these events offer the perfect balance of culture, entertainment, and relaxation in Easton’s premier art venue, and promise to be evenings to remember.

For more information and to register, please visit academyartmuseum.org.

Shore Lit and the Academy Art Museum invite you to a book talk with Henry Hoke, author of the acclaimed 2023 novel Open Throat—a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award, the Barnes & Noble Discover Prize, and the James Tait Black Prize for Fiction. One of the Washington Post‘s 50 Notable Works of Fiction in 2023, “Open Throat is what fiction should be,” writes The New York Times Book Review.

The surprising narrator of this slim novel is a queer mountain lion who roams the Hollywood Hills outside “ellay”—misunderstood, lonely, very hungry, and consistently bewildered by human behavior. Hoke introduces us to the strange and wonderful voice of a trenchant feline observer who is yearning to connect, yet wracked by limitations.

Hoke will discuss Open Throat with Shore Lit Founder Kerry Folan at 6:00 pm on Friday, November 15 at the Academy Art Museum. Local Actor Mike Sousa, who recently starred in Groove Theatre’s productions of Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Torch Song, will perform a monologue from the book.

This event is free and open to the public, though reservations are required through the Academy Art Museum website. 

Henry Hoke is the author of five books, most recently the memoir Sticker (Bloomsbury) and the novel Open Throat (FSG/Picador), finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award, the Barnes & Noble Discover Prize, and the James Tait Black Prize for Fiction. His work has appeared in Fence, Triangle House, Electric Literature, No Tokens, and the flash noir anthology Tiny Crimes. He co-created the performance series Enter>text in Los Angeles, and edits humor at The Offing.

Shore Lit is based in Easton, Maryland, and aims to enhance local cultural offerings with free author events open to the public. Our programs are designed to explore relevant ideas, foster literary conversation, and build inclusive community. Upcoming events include a book talk with novelist Henry Hoke, who will be in conversation with Shore Lit founder Kerry Folan about his award-winning novel Open Throat on November 15. The event will feature a monologue performance by actor Mike Sousa. For updates, sign up for our monthly newsletter at shorelit.org. 

The Academy Art Museum’s mission is to promote the knowledge, practice, and appreciation of the arts and to enhance cultural life on the Eastern Shore by making the Museum’s expanding collection, exhibitions, and broad spectrum of arts programs available to everyone. Museum admission is free.