Candleberry Gallery is delighted to host a trio of accomplished local women painters during the month of November. Starting on November 4, come see an exclusive exhibit of paintings by Mary Ekroos, Barbara Jablin and Joyce Zeigler. These three women were part of the well-known group of painters known as “The Traveling Brushes,” a sextet of women, all professional artists, who, as well as having individual careers, often traveled, painted, and exhibited together. They were the subject of a documentary done by filmmaker Kim Sedmak of AARP which was shown on public television. They were also the subject of articles in “The Artist’s Magazine”, “Maryland” magazine, and other publications.
“The Traveling Brushes” began as a group in 1984 when watercolor artist Martha Hudson was offered a cottage on Smith Island for a week and chose five other women to share the place with her. The women felt such a sense of shared purpose while painting together that they decided to form a group and call themselves “The Traveling Brushes.” Over the years, well before “plein air” became so popular, the group took many painting trips together, going to places like Colorado, Mohegan Island, WV, and other places on the East Coast, including trips back to Smith Island.
Besides the above-mentioned three “Brushes” who will be exhibiting at Candleberry Gallery in November, the group also consisted of Elizabeth “Betty” Ruhl, who moved to Wyoming a number of years ago, and Roberta “Bobbie” Seger, who, while having a long and distinguished career as an artist, no longer paints or exhibits. Sadly, Martha Hudson, the originator of the group, died in 2014, but the remaining “Brushes” still gather for lunch, holiday celebrations, and discussions and friendly support. Three “Brushes” continue to paint and exhibit and have a wide following of collectors.
Also in November, talented local artist Deena Kilmon will be teaching a class on how to make gorgeous and simple beaded earrings. On Saturday, November 18, from 10 am to noon, learn how to make two pairs of fun and stylish seasonal earrings — one for you and one for a gift! Additional kits will be available for purchase to complete in your own time. The cost of $35 includes all materials. Please sign up in advance by calling the gallery at 410-745-2420.
Candleberry Gallery is located at 210 S. Talbot Street in St. Michaels, and has a wonderful variety of art and gifts as you begin to think about holiday shopping. During this month of our local Waterfowl Festival, they continue to support local youth by offering donated Art LaMay waterfowl prints for sale, with all proceeds going to the Tilghman Area Youth Association.
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