A good idea deserves to be shared . . . and supported. That’s what a Chestertown resident believed 10 years ago, when she was introduced to a small non-profit organization called Saint Martin’s Ministries, located in Ridgely, Maryland that has been Fighting Poverty on the Shore for more than 30 years!
Aware of Kent and Queen Anne’s Counties’ wealth of artists of all disciplines . . . the question soon became: How do we combine all this wonderful talent, showcase it for the artists and raise funds for the work being done at Saint Martin’s? Good ideas inspire people and that’s what happened when a small group of Kent County women jumped into action, organizing the first Saint Martin’s Ministries Arts Event to ensure funding for Saint Martin’s Ministries’ work. The answer was to plan a luncheon, ask one of Chestertown’s noted artists to participate and invite the community to attend, spreading the word about Saint Martin’s. The first year, this artist was Susan Kerns of Chestertown. The luncheon was held at the Chester River Yacht and Country Club and Susan Kern’s work became the first to be featured in the event’s Live Auction, beginning a tradition which celebrates its Tenth Anniversary this October.
Like the Authors’ Luncheon, held annually on Kent Island for over 20 years by another dedicated group of women, the first years of the luncheon also featured speakers. Topics included sculpture, art and theater and guests enjoyed musical entertainment. The second year, a group of artists was invited to donate painted furniture to be auctioned off at the event with many artists having fun trying their hand at an unfamiliar art form. Local artist Susan Tessem was the featured artist the second year. The luncheon proved to be a successful venture and it began to look as if this small group of volunteers was on to something.
The event grew in popularity which meant moving to a larger venue and also changing from a luncheon to a dinner, now held at the Chesapeake Room in Rock Hall. Themes were introduced to add entertainment for the guests. Silent Auction items from area artists as well as community donors became a very popular part of the evening, and the event continued the tradition of highlighting an individual as the featured artist during the Live Auction. In addition to Kerns and Tessem, previously featured artists are Marcy Dunn Ramsey, Patricia Herlihy, Mary Pritchard, Berkeley Ake, Jayne Hurt Bellows, Kenneth Herlihy and Joyce Murrin.
Years later, the idea has sprouted wings and the event has become an anticipated evening of fun and fundraising among its many supporters. For nine years the Annual Arts Dinner and Auction has been bringing the story of Saint Martin’s Ministries to the public. Without the annual support of so many talented artists, the Arts Dinner and Auction would not have been nearly so successful. The entertainment and the auction items, all donated gratis, allow the Arts Committee to provide amazing financial support to Saint Martin’s, over a half million dollars raised in the last nine year!
This year, a very special Tenth Anniversary, the Arts Dinner and Auction is being held on Friday, October 9th, again in Rock Hall. The theme is Wild, Wild West . . . Rounding up the Arts and being featured is Chestertown’s Evie Baskin, a highly-respected Eastern Shore artist, known for her sensitive portraits of both people and animals. Silent Auction items include garden sculptures, paintings in oil, acrylic and pastel, pottery, jewelry, knitwear, cooking classes . . . too many items to list. Special surprises will carry out the evening’s theme, so grab your best Cowboy outfit and join your friends and neighbors for a celebration, ten years of supporting Saint Martin’s Ministries, and your local community of artists.
Check out the event website, www.smmartsevent.wordpress.com to learn about participating artists and see photos of auction items. For additional information and tickets, please contact [email protected]. Reserve a table with friends . . . Cowboy hats and boots encouraged, but park your spurs and side pistols at the door!
For more than 30 years Saint Martin’s Ministries has been fighting poverty on the Eastern Shore by helping low income families meet their basic needs of food, clothing and housing while respecting and affirming their dignity. Saint Martin’s House, a 2 year residential program, helps women and their children transition from homelessness to stability. Saint Martin’s receives funding through the United Way, Untied Fund, MD Charity Campaign and Combined Federal Campaign.
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