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June 21, 2025

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6 Arts Notes

Academy Art Museum Announces New Exhibitions

July 21, 2023 by Academy Art Museum

The Academy Art Museum is pleased to announce three new exhibitions: Spatial Reckoning: Morandi, Picasso and Villon, 2023 Artist in Residence Laura Letinsky, and Amy Boone-McCreesh: Visual Currency. An opening reception for all three exhibitions and an artist talk with Letinksy will be held on Thursday, August 3 at 5:30 pm.

“Our latest slate of exhibitions—thoughtfully conceived and organized by curator Mehves Lelic—showcase diverse forms of creative expression, from the quiet still life paintings of modernist master Giorgio Morandi to the maximalist mixed media works of contemporary artist Amy Boone-McCreesh. At any given time at the Museum, we want our visitors to experience a wide range of artworks across art history, get inspired, and encounter new ideas—the new shows deliver on our goal,” commented Director Sarah Jesse.

“Our Artist-in-Residence Program is now in its fifth year, and it has given us incredible opportunities to bring artists here to the Eastern Shore to produce work at the Museum and engage with our community. Laura Letinsky’s seminal work questions what a photograph is through intricate yet quiet still lifes. This question resonates deeply with many of us due to the ubiquity of images and cameras in today’s world. We are looking forward to our visitors reflecting on this question through Letinsky’s moving work,” notes Curator Mehves Lelic.

“Letinsky will also produce a limited-edition print for our Emerging Collectors Circle members,” Lelic continues. “This group of art appreciators come together throughout the year for studio visits and fair trips, and their dues support free public programming at the Museum. I am excited to see the piece Letinsky will make here in her studio at the Museum!”

Spatial Reckoning: Morandi, Picasso and Villon
August 1 – October 22, 2023

This exhibition charts the myriad ways in which three prolific European artists used space and perspective as gateways to modern abstraction in the 20th century. Building on—and later breaking canonical rules of—perspective, spatial composition, and ratio, Jacques Villon (French, 1875 – 1963), Giorgio Morandi (Italian, 1890 – 1964), and Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881 – 1973), created works that evoked spirituality and emotion and slowly frayed the knot between reality and artistic representation. The resulting depictions of figures and still lifes helped define these artists as pioneers of a trailblazing aesthetic and inspired new frontiers in art, from Modernism and Cubism to Expressionism.

AAM is grateful to the Cincinnati Art Museum, National Gallery of Art, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Christian Keesee Art Collection, and Conrad Graeber Fine Art for their generous loans of artwork.

Giorgio Morandi (Italian, 1890-1964), Still Life, c. 1955, oil on canvas, National Gallery of Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Lenart in honor of Rusty and Nancy Powell, 1997.112.1

2023 Artist in Residence Laura Letinsky
August 1 – October 22, 2023

Laura Letinsky (Canadian, b. 1962, lives and works in Chicago) is a lens-based artist whose still lifes have transformed the medium in the 20th century. Inserting the aftermath and the human presence into her layered, symbolically-charged still lifes, Letinsky interrogates both the meaning of domestic space and women’s role in it, and the indexical and representational power of photographs. Letinsky is a Guggenheim Fellow, and her work is held in the collections of the Guggenheim Museum; the Getty Museum; the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago; and the Winnipeg Art Gallery, and has been exhibited internationally.

Letinsky will present a masterclass during her residency in August 2023 on how the camera shapes our understanding of the world.

The Artist in Residence program is generously supported by Mary Ann Schindler.

Laura Letinsky (Canadian, b. 1962), Untitled #9a (diptych), from the series To Say It Isn’t So, 2006, chromogenic print, courtesy of the Artist and Yancey Richardson Gallery

Amy Boone-McCreesh: Visual Currency
July 28 – November 5, 2023

Baltimore-based artist Amy Boone-McCreesh works in sculpture, collage, and mixed media to present colorful, maximalist takes on luxury and access. Critiquing preconceived notions of adornment and decoration, especially as they relate to interior space, and reconstructing imagined interiors in a brightly colored and explosive manner, Boone-McCreesh points to the arbitrariness of taste and opens a door to imagining how else our collective understanding of exclusivity and poshness might manifest. Her brand of luxury speaks the language of abundance and is derived from distinctly unrarefied materials: wall paint, acrylic, paper, and beads are just some examples. The result is a blossoming world of excitement that flaunts the language of high fashion and design of our time.

Boone-McCreesh received her MFA from Towson University in Maryland and shortly thereafter was awarded a two-year Hamiltonian Artist Fellowship in Washington, DC. Her work has been included in exhibitions across the country and she is a two-time recipient of the Maryland State Arts Council Individual Artist Award.

Amy Boone-McCreesh (American, b. 1985), Access to Beauty II, 2021, mixed media and collage on paper, courtesy of the Artist

About the Academy Art Museum

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.

Location: 106 South Street, Easton, Maryland
Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Thursday-Friday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturday-Sunday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Closed Mondays and Federal holidays.
Admission: Free

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Filed Under: 6 Arts Notes Tagged With: Academy Art Museum, Arts, local news

Authors & Oysters: Norman E. Donoghue II

July 20, 2023 by Spy Desk

The Bookplate is continuing their Authors & Oysters event series at The Retriever Bar on Wednesday, July 26th at 6pm. All are invited to The Retriever to welcome author Ned Donoghue as he discusses his book, Prisoners of Congress.

In 1777, Congress labeled Quakers who would not take up arms in support of the War of Independence as “the most Dangerous Enemies America knows” and ordered Pennsylvania and Delaware to apprehend them. In response, Keystone State officials sent twenty men—seventeen of whom were Quakers—into exile, banishing them to Virginia, where they were held for a year.

Prisoners of Congress reconstructs this moment in American history through the experiences of four families: the Drinkers, the Fishers, the Pembertons, and the Gilpins. Identifying them as the new nation’s first political prisoners, Norman E. Donoghue II relates how the Quakers, once the preeminent power in Pennsylvania and an integral constituency of the colonies and early republic, came to be reviled by patriots who saw refusal to fight the English as borderline sedition.

Surprising, vital, and vividly told, this narrative of political and literal warfare waged by the United States against a pacifist religious group during the Revolutionary War era sheds new light on an essential aspect of American history. It will appeal to anyone interested in learning more about the nation’s founding.

“Norman Donoghue’s Prisoners of Congress brings to life one of the most important and compelling events of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. It is an untold story of national significance.”

—Patrick Spero, author of Frontier Rebels: The Fight for Independence in the American West, 1765–1776

Norman E. Donoghue II is an independent scholar and historian whose research focuses on pacifism in the mid-Atlantic during the American Revolution. A practicing probate and trust lawyer for more than thirty-four years, twenty-five of them as a partner at Dechert LLP, he served as chair in 2002 of the Probate and Trust Law Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association. He was also elected to membership in the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. On the civic side, he served as a founding board member and officer of Fund for Philadelphia and We The People 200, Inc., Philadelphia’s national celebration of the Bicentennial of the United State Constitution in 1987. He co-founded Philadelphia Volunteers Lawyers for the Arts and served as a board member and officer for more than 40 years of the Princess Grace Foundation-USA, a non-profit organization dedicated to sustaining emerging talent in theater, dance, and film in the United States in tribute to Princess Grace of Monaco (1927-1982). He also was recruited to serve as a development officer of The Philadelphia Orchestra Association during its Endowment Campaign 2004-08. Ned rejoiced in dedicating the book to his wife of 34 years, Peggy O’Donnell, who proudly accompanies him and has helped him encourage the sale of 500 books in the first month.  

For more event details contact The Bookplate at 410-778-4167 or [email protected]. This event is free and open to the public and reservations are not required. The next Authors & Oysters event is scheduled for 8/23 with author Cynthia Miller-Idriss. All events are held in the back room of The Retriever, located at 337 ½ High Street in Chestertown, Maryland. 

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Filed Under: 6 Arts Notes Tagged With: Arts, The Bookplate

A Conversation with Plein Air Easton 2022 Grand Prize Winner Charlie Hunter

July 18, 2023 by Spy Desk

Charlie Hunter has had a remarkable run at Plein Air Easton – debuting in 2012 as “Best New Artist,” in 2022 he won the Timothy Dills Grand Prize. Charlie will stop by the gallery for a conversation about storytelling – why we paint what we paint; what moves us about a particular scene, why we feel a need to share it with others. He will also talk about the important role composition, values and edges play in his work, and why he chooses to predominately paint monochromatically from life. For serious painters, aspiring artists, and those who just enjoy viewing art, this will be a fascinating glimpse into the thought process and decision making that goes into the work of one of the most respected representationalists working today.

Charlie Hunter is a nationally recognized painter of the post-pastoral American landscape. His distinctive, low-chroma work, heavily reliant on a mastery of values, edges and composition, utilizes a variety of moderately unorthodox techniques. His work has been featured in numerous art and lifestyle publications, is in multiple collections and museums, and was the recent subject of a one-man show, SEMAPHORE, curated by fellow artist Eric Aho. In 2022 Hunter scored a trifecta of sorts, winning the Grand Prize at Plein Air Easton, First Place at Door County Plein Air, and Best Body of Work (Artists’ Choice Award) at Smoky Mountains Plein Air. With painter and designer Larry Moore, Hunter created the En Train Air painting train, and Hunter’s weekly live stream, REASONABLY FINE ART TALKS, has a fervent following.

Growing up in rural New England, the son of a small-town printer, Charlie Hunter’s work examines the pressures of modern urban and suburban culture upon small-town and agricultural community. Initially a graphic designer of tour posters for musicians such as the Jerry Garcia Band, Bob Dylan, The Clash, Eurythmics and REM, Hunter became a music manager and event producer, before turning to painting full time in the 2000’s.

Please join Charlie at The Trippe Gallery Friday July 21 at 11am. The Trippe Gallery is located at 23 N Harrison St. in Easton. For mroe information, please call 410-310-8727.

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Filed Under: 6 Arts Notes Tagged With: Arts, local news

Allegro Academy Choral Festival Performance

July 18, 2023 by Spy Desk

Allegro Academy invites the public to attend its 5th Summer Sing Choir Festival performance to take place July 29 at Temple B’Nai Israel, 7199 Tristan Drive, Easton.  The free performance will begin at 7pm and follow a pre-concert talk at 6:30pm.

This season’s program will feature music from Alice Parker’s Melodious Accord, a collection of early American Hymns accompanied by brass quartet and harp.  The program also includes selections from Aaron Copland’s Old American Songs and The Promise of Living, both with piano accompaniment.

The Summer Sing is an intergenerational community choral festival that invites area singers to perform a major work with professional soloists and instrumentalists. Previous seasons have attracted standing-room-only audiences and singers from Annapolis to Delaware and points in between. There are no required auditions as experienced singers, both professional and amateur, gather for the sheer joy of singing and creating a glorious community celebration of choral harmony.

Thanks to generous gifts from members of our community, Talbot Arts, and Maryland State Arts Council the Summer Sing Choral Festival is offered to participants and audiences without charge.  For more information about the performance, participation, or supporting this program, please contact Artistic Director Amy Morgan at 410-603-8361 or [email protected].

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Filed Under: 6 Arts Notes Tagged With: Allegro Academy, Arts, local news

Chesapeake Film Festival Events at Academy Art Museum

July 16, 2023 by Chesapeake Film Festival

Chesapeake Film Festival (CFF) and Academy Art Museum (AAM) join forces to bring you a thrilling collaboration at this year’s CFF. Marking the 16th year of this beloved regional film festival, CFF will offer free and VIP special events at AAM in Easton from September 30 to October 1. Festival director Cid Collins Walker expresses excitement about this partnership, stating, “The CFF is overjoyed to be collaborating once again with the prestigious Academy Art Museum and their staff on an event that we expect will be well-attended and well-received by the community.”

With Peter Bradley

Don’t miss the free preview event at AAM on August 17 at 5:30 pm. Join us for a screening of the film With Peter Bradley, featuring intimate conversations with the renowned 80-year-old abstract painter, Peter Bradley. Director Alex Rappoport takes you on a journey through Bradley’s artistic development, fame, and unique approach to creating artwork. The evening will include a guest speaker, AAM Director Sarah Jesse, and a Zoom chat with director Alex Rappoport, moderated by CFF board member Kimberly Skyrme. Limited space is available for this free event.

A Passion for Oysters

Experience the grandeur of the VIP Opening Night Reception on September 30 at 5:30 pm at AAM. As part of the celebration, indulge in freshly-shucked oysters while watching the world premiere of A Passion for Oysters, a captivating documentary that explores the enduring legacy of oysters in the Chesapeake Bay. Renowned local contributors Tom Horton, Dave Harp, Sandy Cannon-Brown, and Richard Tilghman generously provide the shucked oysters. Celebrity chef Jordan Lloyd of Hambleton House will cater the event. Access to this exclusive experience is available for $125 per ticket, covering the VIP reception and all films and events during the LIVE Festival. Tickets can be purchased online at chesapeakefilmfestival.com starting September 1.

Join us for the 2023 Chesapeake Film Festival, which has transformed downtown Easton into a film lover’s mecca for over 16 years. The LIVE Festival kicks off on September 30 at the historic Avalon Theatre, followed by a second day at the Ebeneezer Theatre on October 1. The festival will also feature a 7-day Virtual Festival from October 2 to October 8, showcasing over 50 outstanding documentaries, narrative films, animations, and engaging conversations with filmmakers. The Live Festival starts with the Maryland Premiere of Karen Carpenter: Starving for Perfection, a captivating documentary about the singer’s life and musical legacy. Don’t miss the chance to engage with the film team, including Executive Producer Andy Streitfeld and Associate Producer Jon Gann, who will be present for audience questions. The opening day includes blocks of documentary and narrative shorts, as well as the World Premiere of ICEMAN: Book One, directed by Harold Jackson, an award-winning director and CFF Board Member.

For more information on CFF’s film lineup and events, and to purchase tickets, please visit chesapeakefilmfestival.com. Advertising and sponsorship opportunities for the festival are still available. For more information, please contact [email protected].

About Academy Art Museum: Located at 106 South Street in Easton, Maryland, the Academy Art Museum is the premier art museum on the Eastern Shore. Offering high-quality exhibitions and art classes for all ages, the museum features works by renowned artists such as James Turrell, Robert Rauschenberg, Mark Rothko, Pat Steir, Richard Diebenkorn, and many more. With a focus on American and European artists, the permanent collection spans four centuries and includes recent acquisitions by Graciela Iturbide and Zanele Muholi. AAM also provides arts education to school children in the region and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Admission to the museum is now free, allowing barrier-free access to art for all. Visit the museum Tuesday through Sunday during the specified hours for a remarkable art experience.

Currently on view at the Academy Art Museum:

  • Mary Cassatt: Labor and Leisure
  • Labor and Leisure in the Permanent Collection
  • Earth Abides: Selections from the Permanent Collection
  • Fractured Modernities: Contemporary Art from Turkey
  • Hoesy Corona: Terrestrial Caravan

Tickets to attend the festival go on sale at on September 1 at chesapeakefilmfestival.com and can also be purchased at the door.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 6 Arts Notes Tagged With: Arts, Chesapeake Film Festival, local news

The Oxford Community Center August 2023 Events and Programs

July 16, 2023 by Oxford Community Center

Author Speaker Series Luncheon

The Mistress of Bhatia House

Author Sujata Massey

August 4th, 2023 at noon

Arrive at noon, chat, then eat. Indian-themed meal provided (vegetarian option also available). Please sign-up and purchase tickets online on the OCC website www.oxfordcc.org under Events.

Luncheon $25

Luncheon and Book – $54.63 (tax included for book)

OCC Happy Hour Concert Series

Rosewood

OCC Happy Hour Concert

August 5th, 5-7p

Tickets $10

From Country to Blues to Contemporary Rock, Rosewood has their own unique approach and arrangements to the great standards from the 60’s to present! Come enjoy! Please sign-up and purchase tickets online on the OCC website www.oxfordcc.org under Events.

Rising Tide

OCC Happy Hour Concert

August 12th, 5-7p

Tickets $10

Playing an eclectic mix of folk, rock, country and Americana. Come enjoy! Please sign-up and purchase tickets online on the OCC website www.oxfordcc.org under Events.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 6 Arts Notes Tagged With: Arts, local news, Oxford Community Center

St. Michaels Art League Photography Show

July 14, 2023 by St. Michaels Art League

The St. Michaels Art League (SMAL) is pleased to announce a member’s Photography Exhibit at the rear gallery of the St. Michaels branch of the Talbot County Free Library during the month of August.

The show will be judged by Robert Sullivan, an award-winning documentary, landscape, and portrait photographer out of Cambridge, MD. His work is displayed in numerous galleries and museums. He also teaches, tutors, and runs workshops, including a popular series of night photography workshops as well as sunrise and sunset workshops at the Blackwater Wildlife Refuge. For more information visit workingimagephotography.com.

“Welcoming the Light” photograph by Sharon Davis Thorpe

Photography by SMAL members will be on display at the St. Michaels Library from August 1st through August 31st. The exhibit will include a range of photographic work from fine art to digital and computer enhanced photography. Works are available for sale through the artists. The library is located at 106 Fremont Street, St. Michaels. Library hours are Monday and Thursday 9am-8pm; Tuesday and Wednesday 9am-6pm; Friday and Saturday 9am-5pm.

This program is funded in part by a grant from the Talbot County Arts Council, with revenues provided by the Maryland State Arts Council. For more information visit smartleague.org.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 6 Arts Notes Tagged With: Arts, local news, The Talbot Spy

AAM Summer Series: Exchange: A Pop-up Art Show

July 12, 2023 by Academy Art Museum

The Academy Art Museum, in collaboration with Brea Soul, presents Exchange: A Pop-up Art Show. In its second year, Exchange will host ten artisans and creative entrepreneurs from around the region at the museum on Saturday, August 5 from 12-5 pm. The pop-up will include a variety of artworks, industry experts, a food truck, a community photo booth, youth giveaways, and adult beverages. From paintings and photography to fashion design and ceramics, there is plenty of art for the community to browse through and take home. Exchange celebrates artists, and takes on many characteristics associated with the idea of “community” – exchange of ideas, craft, and support!

RSVP for Exchange here.

Gentry Pack

Featured Artists

Returning as a Fan Favorite, Gentry Pack, (a.k.a G. Pack) is an artist, illustrator, animator, graphic designer and clothing designer for his company, For Glory. From Baltimore, MD, Pack received his BA in Studio Art & Design from the University of Maryland. With a strong influence from the early Venetian, Baroque, and Renaissance periods, G.Pack focuses on combines classical compositions and techniques with modern-day figures, and symbolism deriving from contemporary Black culture.

K.JEAN is a visual artist based in southern Maryland that specializes in drawing, painting, murals, fashion design, and accessories. Her painting style combines multiple art movements, such as abstract, surrealism, mixed-media, and expressionism. She uses unconventional materials and embraces non-binary identities in fashion, extending beyond traditional boundaries. She hopes to inspire others to do the same through her unique vision.

Yusuf Kazmi is a multi-medium artist specializing in cinematography, photography, and visual arts. Yusuf’s passion for visual arts is delivered through CCKASE, the artist’s brand approach to visual storytelling in producing captivating videos and designing unique clothing pieces.

Kait McNeil is an abstract painter from Canada and is now based in Maryland. Her creative process flows strongly through worship music and is inspired by nature, timeless designs, and architecture. McNeil desires to evoke inspiring and uplifting emotions and joy through her artistry with earthy tones, textures, and unique color palettes with soft, moody undertones.

Originally finding his voice through music, Kassim is a Nigerian-American self-taught digital artist from the DMV. Although known for his rap style and performances in the community, he began to teach himself digital art-making techniques using A.I. and code in 2023. Instead of fearing change and the unknown, he embraces it with the goal of pioneering the intersection of tech and hip-hop.

Black Squirrel Company

Featured Makers

Black Squirrel Company – Returns as a Fan Favorite! Based out of Washington, DC, Renata Philippe opened the doors of Black Squirrel Company as a creative outlet in 2014. Philippe creates improvisational sewn quilts and functional art (personal & home accessories). After earning a BS in Apparel Design from the University of Delaware, she worked as a commercial retail merchandiser/store planner and communications engineer for organizations including IKEA, Restoration Hardware, and the U.S. FDA.

Hilary Bruns is a ceramist and began taking pottery lessons in New York City in 1979. Her career as a TV news producer became all-consuming, so she returned to clay as a creative medium once retiring in Easton, MD, and discovering the Academy Art Museum in 2004. Burns has received awards and continues to showcase her artwork at local shows and from her home studio.

Nomen (which means “NAME”) –  Was founded in 2016 out of Tomisin’s (also known as “Tomiboxers”) profound desire to share and explore stories about culture and identity. The brand is a medium to express himself and create art centered on African culture, drawing inspiration from his Nigerian heritage. Being interested in fashion from a young age, Tomisin recognized a streetwear brand as the perfect outlet to amplify his artistic voice. Each Nomen piece and collection is grounded in shedding light on the past as we continue to live and create stories for the future.

Khadija Brand – Pulling from her South Asian roots, Khadija creates wearable, hand-painted art using traditional textile techniques.Giving a classic yet modern twist to textile arts, she started her brand to revive and introduce people to an ancient art form in the U.S. Khadija often collaborates with women artists from her native home country to continue passing this art form on to future generations.  Based in Northern Virginia, her work varies from different textures to different color schemes.

CreTAYtive Customs – Based in Easton, MD, Taylor Wheatly started CreaTAYtive Customs to provide creative solutions for her local community. Specializing in realism and expressionism, Taylor Wheatly’s mission is to grow the brand into an all-purpose creative service.

Brea Soul

About Organizer/Event Curator, Brea Soul

Brea Soul is a digital native who has been bringing visibility to arts and culture for over a decade. She received a B.A. in Fine Arts and an M.S. in Strategic Communications from the University of Maryland, College Park. Originally, from Trappe, MD, and now residing in Miami, FL, Brea serves as Perez Art Museum – Miami’s Marketing Manager. Through Soul Studios Gallery, Brea curates artful experiences dedicated to creating opportunities for emerging creatives and among communities with opportunity disparities.

About AAM Summer Series

The Academy Art Museum enlisted local creatives to design and execute summer programs at the museum from June through September. AAM’s Community Programmers include Kerry Folan, Francisco Salazar and Brea Soul.

Programs and Dates:
June 22, July 13, & August 10: Summer Book Club with Shore Lit
August 5: Exchange: A Pop-Up Art Show
September 22: 48-Hour Video Race

About the Academy Art Museum

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.

Location: 106 South Street, Easton, Maryland
Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Thursday-Friday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturday-Sunday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Closed Mondays and Federal holidays.
Admission: Free

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Filed Under: 6 Arts Notes Tagged With: Academy Art Museum, Arts, local news

Classic Rock and Roll at The Mainstay

July 11, 2023 by Spy Desk

On Sunday, July 30 at 6:30 pm, The Mainstay is excited to present the classic rock sounds of the Blake Thompson Band. Please note, this is a new showtime other than that which was originally planned and circulated. The show is scheduled for the Mainstay’s outdoor stage to the rear of the building, weather permitting.

Blake Thompson’s music ranges from classic rock and pop to blues, soul, and Rhythm & Blues. He hails from Kent County, MD and has toured and or performed with Macy Gray, Steve Miller Band, the Dave Matthews Band, David Crosby, and Little Feat, among others.

Kent County’s own Blake Thompson and his band on the Mainstay’s backyard stage.

He is best known for his powerful electric guitar rock leads and tasty blues chops. He credits his influences as The Beatles, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Alvin Lee. Blake will share the Mainstay stage with singer/songwriter/rock violinist Kate Russo (his wife) and the rest of his band. The group’s repertoire includes selections by Janis Joplin and The Doors.

Tickets are $15 in advance of the show and can be purchased online at mainstayrockhall.org. Phone reservations are accepted by calling (410) 639-9133 (tickets reserved by phone are $20 when paid at the door). The Mainstay is located at 5753 N Main Street in Rock Hall.

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Filed Under: 6 Arts Notes Tagged With: Arts, local news, The Mainstay

Cast Announced for Harvey at Church Hill Theatre

July 11, 2023 by Church Hill Theatre

Bonnie Hill, director of the upcoming production of Harvey at Church Hill Theatre, has assembled an outstanding cast for this iconic American play.  Harvey premiered on Broadway in late 1944, in the middle of World War II, bringing the nation a welcome dose of comedy and whimsy. Mary Chase’s play won the 1945 Pulitzer Prize and has been delighting audiences ever since.  Who knew that a six-foot-plus tall rabbit would become such a memorable presence in world culture?

Harvey is (mostly) visible only to Elwood P. Dowd, a carefree charmer who takes Harvey everywhere and introduces him to everyone.  This is so distressful to Dowd’s family and friends that they decide to institutionalize him. The sanitarium copes no better than the real world with an imaginary rabbit, but medical science does have methods to deal with Dowd.  Mary Chase’s solution of course allows Harvey to live on forever.

The ever-amiable Elwood P. Dowd is played by Frank St. Armour.  His frustrated sister Veta (Debra McGuire), niece Myrtle Mae (Karenna Foley) and Aunt Mrs. Chauvenet (Sheila Austrian) work with their lawyer, Judge Gaffney (John Kamp), to have him committed. The sanitarium staff then manage to botch things thoroughly by locking up Veta instead of Elwood. The psychiatrists Dr. Chumley (Brian McGunigle) and Dr. Sanderson (James Diggs), along with a clever nurse (Sharon Herz) and tough orderly (Michael Moore) do not bring order out of chaos.  Mrs. Chumley (Mary Ann McGunigle) and an irascible cab driver (Bob Chauncey) do help sort things out. And because Harvey is a pooka, he plays himself.

Harvey opens at Church Hill Theatre on Friday, September 8 and will run until September 24. Performances are on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and on Sundays at 2 pm.  Tickets are available on the CHT website: churchhilltheatre.org or through the box-office at 410-556-6003.

Cast of Harvey at a read through of the script and discussion of the set. In clockwise order: Brian McGunigle (Dr. Chumley), Frank St. Amour (Elwood P. Dowd), Debra McGuire (Veta Louise), Karenna Foley (Myrtle Mae), Sharon Herz (the Nurse), James Diggs (Dr. Sanderson), Michael Moore (Wilson), Sheila Austrian (Mrs. Chauvenet), Mary Ann McGunigle (Mrs. Chumley). Not pictured: Bob Chauncey (EJ Lofgren)

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Filed Under: 6 Arts Notes Tagged With: Arts, Church Hill Theatre, local news

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