Connecting with the Arts – April 2022

Welcome back to the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County’s monthly blog series, Connecting with the Arts,  where we feature news and updates from the arts community in Anne Arundel County. Tune in the last Friday of each month to connect and learn more about the arts organizations that are making an impact locally.

Here’s a look into this month’s post:

• Check out MFA’s current exhibitions.
• Encore Creativity’s Spring 2022 Concert Schedule.
• Don’t miss two upcoming events presented by the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra.
• Banneker-Douglass Museum Hosts HONOR Exhibit Honoring the Expression of Six Black Maryland-Based Women Artists & Opening Reception for Mother’s Day Weekend.
• Take a look at some upcoming events coming up at the Hammond-Harwood House.
• Chesapeake Arts Center seeks candidates for Board of Directors and celebrates their 20th Anniversary with their first FREE CAC Open House.
• Classic Theatre of Maryland Presents Steve Dorff: The Hit Songs & the Stories Behind Them
• Happenings at Maryland Hall; new exhibition, growing partnership with AACPS, and this year’s annual fundraiser theme.

You can connect and learn more about these organizations by clicking their logos below. We hope you enjoy!

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Studio Tours
MFA Circle Gallery and Anne Arundel County
Apr 30 – May 1
MFA’s inaugural In-Person Studio Tours are taking place the weekend of Apr 31 – May 1. From 10 AM – 4 PM both days, select artists in Anne Arundel County will have the doors of their studios open to the public. Recognizing the incredible talent of artists in Anne Arundel County, as well as residents’ and visitors’ desire to meet artists, this program brings together actively working artists and potential collectors in the artists’ studio environments. Each artist on the tour will have two pieces on exhibition at Circle Gallery from Apr 14 – May 1. Visit mdfedart.com/studiotours/ to learn more about the artists and to get directions to check out their studios.

Spring Member Show
MFA Circle Gallery
May 5 – 28
A wide variety of wonderful and creative work will be on display in MFA’s Spring Member Show from May 5 – 28. Come see what MFA Members have been working on lately. Join us via Zoom on May 15 from 4 – 5 PM to hear which pieces won awards, as well as about the award-winning work from both juror Mark Thomas Anderson and the artists. There will be an in-person closing reception on May 28 from 4 – 6 PM at Circle Gallery. Visit mdfedart.com/portfolio/251/ to learn more.

Reflections
MFA Curve Gallery
Apr 15 – May 31
Reflections in shop windows, still ponds, or on faces in mirrors can surprise and delight. The physical nature of light reflecting changes appearances and reveals unexpected sensations. Reflections can also be internal – emotional, cerebral, or spiritual – and can evoke thoughts and memories that can change the world or just stay personal. In this 61 piece show, 58 artists show what Reflections means to them in this new show juried by Bruce Pollock, Professor of Painting at Drexel University. See the show online at mdfedart.com/portfolio/247/ from Apr 15 – May 31.

Tracy Barwick and Sandy Cohen at Paul’s
Apr 28 – end of July
MFA at Paul’s Homewood Café
Both self-taught artists, Tracy Barwick and Sandy Cohen have been very successful in their chosen media. Barwick is a multimedia artist, specializing in intricate beadwork and abstracts, with a simple artistic narrative: personifying emotions, beliefs, and social concepts through ethnic patterns, shadings, and mediums across the full spectrum of color. Cohen briefly learned to paint at an early age, and then decided to start drawing and painting portraits as a way to capture her grandchildren as they were growing up. She is now an accomplished portrait artist. Visit mdfedart.com/portfolio/restaurants to learn more about the artists and be sure to stop by Paul’s Homewood Café to check out their work from Apr 28 through the end of July.

Artwork Photos (top to bottom)
Elizabeth Kendall, “Within Reach”, ceramic sculpture, for Studio Tours at MFA Circle Gallery
David M. Wong, “untitled 3”, due sublimation on aluminum, for Reflections at MFA Curve Gallery

Encore Creativity Spring 2022 Concert Schedule

Encore Creativity is pleased to present a full schedule of Encore Chorale, Encore ROCKS, and Sentimental Journey Singers chorales for concerts for Spring 2022. The chorales and choruses listed to perform together are subject to change, based on stage and theater capacity. Please note that masks and vaccination cards are required for audience members for entry into all Encore Creativity concerts this season.

For more information visit the Homepage of Encore’s website: encorecreativity.org; or call 301-261-5747.

SEASON FINALE: TCHAIKOVSKY’S PIANO CONCERTO
May 6 & 7 at 8 pm at Maryland Hall
May 8 at 3 pm at Strathmore Music Center

The season ends with a bang; Our “Celebrate 60” season finale program begins with world premiere, anniversary commission by American Composer Jessica Hunt followed by Tchaikovsky’s sublime Piano Concerto No. 1 with soloist Olga Kern. As if that weren’t enough; Rachmaninoff rounds out the program with the unmatched sonic splendour of his Symphonic Dances.

Program:
Jessica Hunt: ASO 60th Anniversary Commission
~ World Premiere
Tchaikovsky: Concerto for Piano No. 1
~ with Olga Kern, piano
Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances

About this concert:
ASO Chat is available on SYMPHONY+ Thursday, April 21, 2022 at 8:00 PM – FREE

ASO Masterworks @ Maryland Hall, Annapolis, MD
Friday, May 6, 2022 at 8:00 PM – Tickets through ASO
Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 8:00 PM – Tickets through ASO

Great Romantic Concertos @Strathmore Music Center, Bethesda, MD
Sunday, May 8, 2022 at 3:00 PM – Tickets from Strathmore

SYMPHONY+ Streaming ASO Encore Stream
Friday, May 20, 2022 at 8:00 PM – Stream Tickets through SYMPHONY+

*Please read our full COVID policy here.

FAMILY CONCERT: THE LISTENER
May 14 at 11am at Maryland Hall
Buy tickets HERE

“The Listener” introduces new audiences to the workings of a concert orchestra and explores the active relationship between the listening audience and the musician. The art of listening requires talent and training. “The Listener” establishes this important concept through fifty minutes of humor, drama, and dance; leaving the audience appreciating their own abilities as well as the orchestra’s. In the dramatic storyline, the conductor has prepared a program of music from the various artistic disciplines but finds his efforts complicated by the unexpected participation of two “audience” members. Musical challenges between bugle and trumpet and tap dancing to ballet music are just part of the action as these two characters and the audience learn about the orchestra, its music, and the art of listening.

The Magic Circle Mime Company’s “The Listener” introduces audiences to the workings of a concert orchestra and explores the relationships between the audience and musician. Families are encouraged to “Meet the Musicians” after the concert and learn about the different instruments.  Recommended for ages 4 and up.

*Vaccinations are highly encouraged for all audience members who can receive them and since some of our newest listeners won’t be vaccinated; masks will be required at this performance so everyone can safely listen for years to come.

Banneker-Douglass Museum Hosts HONOR Exhibit Honoring the Expression of Six Black Maryland-Based Women Artists & Opening Reception for Mother’s Day Weekend

Exhibit: April 19 – June 27, 2022
Opening Reception: Saturday, May 7, 2022, 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
This event is FREE to the public. Light refreshments will be provided.
Register for the opening reception by clicking here.

For centuries, art has been used as a way of expression. In this second installment, we honor the expression of six Black Maryland-based women artists with HONOR, an exhibition co-curated by Banneker-Douglass Museum and ArtFarm Studios. HONOR acknowledges and celebrates the joys and pains of Black women’s expression with storytelling and creativity.

Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend by joining us for the opening reception and enjoying a powerful women’s themed art exhibit at historic downtown Annapolis, MD.

Featured Artists:
● Abena Apatu
● Greta Chapin-McGill
● Bria Edwards
● Gina Marie Lewis
● Sasha-Loriene
● Kennedy Trusty

Special thanks to the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture, Banneker-Douglass Museum Foundation, Arts Council of Anne Arundel County, ArtFarm Studios, and Anthony Henry.

Read the full press release here. 

Back in Thyme
Saturday , MAY 7 at 10:00 am
Price: $30
Ticket Information Here

The Hammond-Harwood House is inviting you to a 60-minute special program in which you will investigate the colonial herb garden and learn the importance of herbs in medicine and cooking. Each participant will enjoy refreshments and create a beautiful basket and a lavender sachet to take home as a special gift.

Mansions and Merchants Tour
Saturday, May 14 at 10:30 am in front of the Hammond-Harwood House
Price: $15 | HHH Members: $10
Ticket Information Here

In 1811, Frances Loockerman moved into the Hammond-Harwood House with her husband and three children. Over the next 46 years, she saw the neighborhood transform. On this walking tour of Maryland Avenue, participants will visit places Frances would have known, note changes she would have been aware of, and fill in the streetscape she could not have imagined. Participants will also receive a half-price admission to the Hammond-Harwood House.

Jane Austen Tour
Saturday, May 28 from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Price: $12 | HHH Members: Free
Ticket Information Here

Secret Garden Tour
Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5 from noon to 5 p.m
Price: $30 | $35 the day of the tour
Ticket Information Here

The 2022 tour features private gardens in Spa View Heights, the area of Annapolis between Murray Hill and Spa Creek. Spa View Heights holds a beautiful collection of homes built in various periods and architectural styles. The community with its tree-lined streets and water views is the perfect setting for an afternoon of garden exploration. The gardens epitomize the goals of the home gardener: to have a beautiful space filled with flowers, trees, shrubs, grasses, and other garden elements, a space that is a pleasure to live in and inspirational to work in. All proceeds from this tour will benefit the 1774 Hammond-Harwood House.

Chesapeake Arts Center’s Spring Open House and 20th Anniversary Party!

Come celebrate our 20th Anniversary with our first FREE CAC Open House as we open our doors for a day of fun and creative activities for the whole family.

Explore the arts in every room at CAC – join in or watch dance demonstrations; see artists throw pots on the wheel; create hands-on projects in our arts classrooms; tour the exhibits in our galleries; meet some cute animals; see performances in our Black Box theater; check out our MakerSpace and so much more!

Saturday, May 14, 2022
10:00am-1:00pm
Location: 194 Hammonds Lane, Brooklyn Park, MD
Free Admission

Chesapeake Arts Center seeks candidates for Board of Directors

Chesapeake Arts Center (CAC) is seeking nominations for qualified individuals to join its volunteer Board of Directors. The Board is responsible for the organization’s mission and strategic direction. Directors serve a three-year term and can serve one additional term.  Interested candidates should have previous experience on a nonprofit board and/or past involvement in the arts. CAC is seeking candidates who reflect the diverse community CAC serves. Interested candidates are encouraged to self-nominate or nominate others for consideration. Please send a brief email and resume outlining interest by May 10 to [email protected].  For more information, go to www.chesapeakearts.org

Keep up with the Chesapeake Arts Center: Website|Facebook|Instagram

Classic Theatre of Maryland Presents Steve Dorff: The Hit Songs & the Stories Behind Them
May 20 – 21, 2022
Tickets information here

Inducted into the prestigious Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in New York in 2018, Steve Dorff’s career as a songwriter spans five decades and includes more than forty BMI awards, more than twenty Top 10 hits, twelve No. 1 hits, and an American Music Award. The Grammy and Emmy-nominated songwriter and composer has had songs recorded by more than four hundred artists from all genres of music, as well as twenty-eight movie scores and countless theme songs and placements on TV series. He has had #1 Records across 4 decades.

Steve’s songs have been recorded by iconic artists such as Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Kenny Rogers, Anne Murray, George Strait, Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Dusty Springfield, Blake Shelton, Keb Mo and countless others. A few chart hits include Rogers’ “Through the Years,” Murray’s “I Just Fall in Love Again,” Strait’s “I Cross My Heart,” and Eddie Rabbitt’s “Every Which Way But Loose”—the title track from Clint Eastwood’s 1978 film.

Dorff has composed TV music for shows such as Murphy Brown, Growing Pains, Murder She Wrote, Columbo, Reba, Spenser: For Hire, Just the Ten of Us, and The Singing Bee. His film contributions include songs and scores for Pure Country, Bronco Billy, Rocky IV, Tin Cup and Honky Tonk Man. Branching into stage productions, he wrote the music for the theatre production, Josephine.

Steve published his critically acclaimed 2017 memoir, I Wrote That One Too…A Life in Songwriting from Willie to Whitney, and enjoys performing his best-loved songs at venues across the country.

2022 finds him continuing his streak of landing major cuts with not only established artists but also some the most talked about newcomers as well as scoring for major film and television projects.

A stunning new exhibition featuring the work of First Lady Yumi Hogan and Greek artist Mina Papatheodorou Valyrakis opened at Maryland Hall this month. Come visit “Women In the Arts – A Dialogue between Nature & Environment” in the Chaney and Martino Galleries now through June 24, 2022. The opening was celebrated on April 28. Governor Larry Hogan issued a special Governor’s Citation to Valyraki in honor of the exhibition making its way to the USA. The first installation of the show took place in Greece in 2019. Looking at the works of Yumi Hogan and Mina Papatheodorou-Valyraki, we can understand and delight in the different ways in which these two women have embodied and defined nature through art. The exhibition was produced in partnership with AND Creative.

On the outreach front, Maryland Hall continues to grow its partnership with Anne Arundel County Public Schools. The new Hood2Good (H2G) Step Club launched at Eastport Elementary in April. High school aged students in the H2G program, a part of MD Hall’s outreach, are teaching the elementary schoolers the power of stepping with the goal of taking the program to other schools in the future.

Looking ahead, Maryland Hall’s Board of Directors are excited to announce Arts Alive Global! as the theme for this year’s annual fundraiser. “Come Sail the World” on September 9, 2022. Maryland Hall will transform into a mini-globe and provide trips around the world through entertainment, décor, art, food, and cocktails. This memorable night is the not-to-be-missed party of the year launching the area’s social and arts season. Sponsorship opportunities are now available.