Banners celebrating the charm of St. Michaels will fly from Talbot Street poles, beginning this April. Each year, the banners are produced through a collaboration of St. Michaels Art League members, Talbot County advocates, and local merchants. The St. Michaels Art League members offer their talents with art work designed to “Celebrate St. Michaels.”
Prior to the installation of the banners, by Choptank Electric Cooperative, an exhibit of the original banner artwork hangs throughout the month of March at the St. Michaels branch of the Talbot County Free Library, 106 Fremont Street. The Talbot County Free Library has been a partner of the St. Michaels Art League, lending exhibit space throughout many years of advocacy.
On March 21st, Gerald Early, Executive Director of Talbot County Arts Council, who has continued to encourage the League’s art endeavors with funding support, and Shauna Beulah, Manager of the St. Michaels Branch of the Talbot County Free Library, joined league members for their monthly meeting followed by a visit to the library to view the banner exhibit.
As a reward for their effort, the artists gain commercial opportunity. Kevin Snelling, a local merchant, singles out banner artwork and produces posters of winning images, which are offered for sale at Creative Xpressions, on Talbot Street. This year, he is joined by Alice Marie Gravely, who will show posters at her gallery, A.M. Gravely, opening this Spring in St. Michaels. Other merchants are encouraged to participate, as well.
An additional opportunity to purchase original banner paintings will be available during the League’s Labor Day weekend art show on the grounds of St. Luke’s Church on Talbot Street. The outdoor banners made from these paintings can be purchased directly from the artists in December, when they are taken down from the street poles.
St. Michaels Art League membership is open to artists and art enthusiasts. Information on events, meetings, and membership can be found at www.smartleague.org. Sincere appreciation is extended to the Talbot County Arts Council, St. Michaels’s Branch of the Talbot County Free Library, Choptank Electric Cooperative, and local merchants for their continued support.
Wilson Wyatt says
Three cheers to the St. Michaels Art League, St. Michaels Branch Library, the Talbot County Arts Council, and participating businesses for the banner program…supporting a festive touch of color and artistic creativity to line Talbot Street later this month. Great spirit!