While it is true that every art organization in Maryland has experienced real financial and emotional hardship due to the COVID lockdown of 2020, there should be a special sympathy for the Dorchester Center for the Arts. Sadly, all of their plans to celebrate their 50th year of existence went down the coronavirus drain this year.
Art shows, films, concerts, theater, and lectures were all canceled after almost two years of planning, including sharing the oral history of original members from when the DCA opened its doors in 1970.
In our interview with Barbara Seece, the executive director of the DCA, she talks about this sad let down among other challenges that came with the Governor’s order in March. But she also highlights some of the good that came from her team as they quickly pivoted in their programming, including such out of the box ideas as working with Spanish-speaking art teachers from Miami via Zoom to continue to reach out to diverse communities in Dorchester County.Barb also talks about her roots on the Mid-Shore and how she came home after decades of living and working in Los Angeles.
This video is approximately seven minutes in length. For more information about the Dorchester Center for the Arts, please go here.
Pattie Logan says
In the art world each crisis we face professionally or personally we survive thru art. We are forced as artists to become more creative where if things weren’t what they are would we have stretched our minds further. Art is soothing to the soul and mind. I believe as an artist that every person has a gift of talent to share. I’m looking forward to get back to teaching in February at the Dorchester Center For The Arts. Love the fact that the center has grown and teaching virtually because there are people just in normal times that just can’t leave their home. For them to have virtual learning from the Art Center is huge. Great group of people to be partnered with the last 17 yrs of living in Dorchester County Maryland. Looking for to what in the Art World will be discovered! Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year in 2021. Life is what we make it!
Dave Wallace says
Good interview Barb, keep up the good work and happy holidays