Chestertown RiverArts is thrilled to announce that Ann Farley will be the new Director of the ArtsAlive! Community Education Center.

Ann is a business consultant, educator, and environmental advocate, as well as a non-profit leader and an artist. She has been a RiverArts Gift Shop and Holiday Show artist since 2015. Now, she brings her enormous enthusiasm, energy, and creative ideas to strengthen and grow ArtsAlive! programming and activities. Recently, Ann was the Executive Director of the Tilghman Area Youth Association, and was on the board of the Talbot County Arts Council. She holds a BS in biology from Duke University, and an MBA from Florida State University.

With a gift for seeing unexpected ways for individuals, groups, and ideas to fit together, Ann encourages collaborations to leverage resources and add to the richness of the experiences available in our communities. Since moving to Chestertown from St. Michaels last year, Ann has been “incredibly impressed with the variety, quality, and professionalism of the RiverArts programs and events.” She shares the ArtsAlive! vision for fostering creativity and diversity, and looks forward to being a part of Chestertown’s vibrant arts community.

Ann’s background is in science and business, but she has always been an artist at heart. She believes in the transformative power of arts experiences, and is a strong advocate for diversity and sustainability. She will be an invaluable addition to the RiverArts team as we undertake the new initiatives and adventures that await us in 2020 and beyond.

Ann can be reached at AnnFarley@ChestertownRiverArts.org.

Great things await at ArtsAlive!

RiverArts galleries and main office are at 315 High Street, Suite 106, Chestertown, MD  21620 – (in the breezeway). Gallery hours are Tuesday – Friday, 11 AM to 5:30 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 5:30PM, Sunday 11 AM – 3 PM, First Fridays until 8 PM.

Chestertown RiverArts is seeking a Program Coordinator/Lead Teacher for the winter 2020 session of our After School Enrichment Program. The After School Program serves children in grades 1 through 5 and is a key component of RiverArts’ KidSPOT activities. The program runs four days each week for 8 weeks in the winter/spring of the school year, with a one week break halfway through the session.

The After School Enrichment Program Coordinator plans and organizes the program in advance of the session, and serves as Lead Teacher on program days. Tasks and responsibilities include:
• Lesson and snack planning, and ordering of supplies
• Working with RiverArts staff on scheduling, marketing, and promotion
• Coordinating with Elementary School staff on logistics and the awarding of need-based financial aid
• Scheduling and supervising volunteers and guest teachers
• Keeping and reporting records of attendance, volunteer and paid hours, program expenses, and other data

KidSPOT’s core belief is that encouraging creativity in children sparks dialogue and problem solving, and empowers young people to engage as valued members of our diverse community. Daily and weekly after school activities support this belief and incorporate STEAM concepts, open-ended exploration, problem-solving, and imaginative creativity.

Classroom teaching experience is required, along with flexibility, logistical and organizational skills, creativity, enthusiasm, excellent written and verbal communication skills, comfort with all modes of communication technology (telephone, email, text, and messenger services), and a commitment to supporting and promoting

RiverArts galleries and main office are at 315 High Street, Suite 106, Chestertown, MD 21620 – (in the breezeway). Gallery hours are Tuesday – Friday, 11 AM to 5:30 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 5:30PM, Sunday 11 AM – 3 PM, First Fridays until 8 PM.

The 2019 Chestertown RiverArts Annual Studio Tour is now in its twentieth year.  This free, self-guided tour started out with visitors paying a fee to meet with 15 artists. Plan now to choose from more than 60 artists participating on this year’s tour which will take place over two weekends, October 19 and 20, and 26 to 27, rain or shine, 10:00-5:00.

A good number of artists on the tour are nationally recognized. This is a reflection of how Kent and upper Queen Anne’s Counties continue to attract artists who appreciate being part of a creative community as well as the scenery and lifestyle of the area. This is a wonderful opportunity to take a sneak peek inside their creative spaces, talk with artists, see demonstrations while also providing the opportunity to buy original artwork at studio prices.

The art is as diverse as the artists who create it, with styles ranging from traditional to avant-garde, expressed in a variety of media that include fine art, photography, sculpture, metal work, pottery, fiber, woodcraft, jewelry, furniture, glass, and more. The venues vary including independent studios in a small art complex, a clay studio, a multi-artist studio in a senior community, and many at the artists’ homes. Some artists participating do not have a studio that is suitable for touring and will be hosted in other artist studios or in a common venue.  Whether the artists are in their own studios or sharing one, expect to meet the artists and learn about their techniques and inspirations.

Chestertown has been designated by the state of Maryland as an Arts and Entertainment District and is recognized as a regional arts destination. In addition to the charm of Chestertown, everyone always enjoys the tranquility of the countryside, water views and the area’s other small, friendly towns.

It is recommended that visitors start their tour at the RiverArts Gallery, 315 High Street, in the breezeway, to view an exhibit of works by the artists on the tour. This month-long exhibit opens on First Friday, October 4. Each piece of work in the gallery exhibition will be identified by regional location and page number in the Studio Tour Brochure.  This will allow visitors to map their travel routes to the artists they find most interesting.  Brochures will be available at the RiverArts Gallery, Kent County Visitors Center in Chestertown, local businesses and art venues throughout Kent County and from participating artists.

The tour’s website, www.studiotour.chestertownriverarts.org, provides information on each artist by name, location, and medium. Interactive maps help to navigate the tour more easily. Handicap accessible venues and artist studios open year round are identified.

Combine your Studio Tour with the Olde Kent Quilters Guild’s “Shore Love Quilting Show and Market”, October 19, 10:00-4:00 and October 20, 11:00-3:00, at the Kent Center, 215 Scheeler Road in Chestertown. Visitors may feast their eyes on quilts in all sizes, colors and styles and find unique, handmade gifts. Admission is $8; ages 12 and under are free.

For more information on the tour call 410-778-6300, visit the website, or email info@chestertownriverarts.org. Regular gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday, 11:00-5:30 Saturday, 10:00-5:30, Sunday 11:00-3:00, First Friday, 11:00-8:00. During the tour Saturday and Sunday hours are 10:00-5:00.  For information on lodging, our new marina,  restaurants, and other attractions go to www.kentcounty.com or contact the Tourism Development Office at 410-778-0416.

Your child’s development and curiosity does not end at the school bell!  Enrichment activities help build communication skills, promote collaboration and foster self-confidence – and they’re fun!  Registration is now open for the fall session of RiverArts’ KidSPOT After School Enrichment, an 8-week program for children in grades 1-5, Monday – Thursdays from 4 to 6 pm.

The program is coordinated and led by experienced teacher, Elizabeth Healy, with additional instructors Hester Sachse, (theatre arts), and Marie Sneddon, games and dance. Children will participate in both open ended (exploratory) and directed activities with seasonal and community themes that incorporate aspects of the S.T.E.A.M (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) concepts through a variety of hands-on activities and field trips.

Children will also learn and play a variety of non- competitive games and explore movement with yoga and dance.  On Wednesdays, the focus will be on theatre arts, with improvisation, puppetry, and theatre games.

Pre-registration is required and limited to 10 students per session.  The program begins Monday, September 16; sessions run from 4 to 6 pm Monday through Thursday, with snacks provided. Minimum of two days per week. For more details please visit http://chestertownriverarts.net/after-school-enrichment-program/, or call RiverArts at 410 778 6300.

KidSPOT is a hands – on creative learning center for area children where they can look forward to interacting with a variety of stimulating activities that expand their horizons. Kids participate in activities that incorporate visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, music, science and technology.

RiverArts Galleries & Gift Shop 315 High Street, Suite 106, Chestertown, MD  21620 – (in the breezeway).  Tuesday – Friday, 11  to 5:30, Saturday 10 to 5:30, Sunday 11 – 3, First Fridays until 8 PM. Clay Studio, 204 High St. || ArtsAlive! Center, 200 High

Sunday, August 18 from 4:30 – 6:30pm at Chesapeake 5 Movies, RiverArts Film Society presents a discussion and screening with local filmmakers Adams and Maria Wood. The event will feature selections from Adams’ feature documentary On Coal River, the Greenpeace Pacific tuna fisheries campaign, and a sneak peek at select early footage from the work-in-progress Family Tides, a project currently in production about the urgent issue of sea level rise on the Eastern Shore and in South Florida.

This event is an opportunity for local audiences to engage with this project and hear about the process of creating a documentary film from start to finish. Bring your questions, as there will be lots of opportunities for Q & A at this special Film Society event!

Reserve tickets online at www.chestertownriverarts.org or by phone at (410) 778-6300. Admission is free for RiverArts Film Society members, $10 for the general public.

RiverArts will offer art and pottery classes, popup galleries, new gallery exhibitions, and camps and drop-in art days for kids in July and August. Classes including painting, photography, and multiple pottery options, exhibits and pop-up galleries, and talks and events will give community members lots of opportunities to engage with the arts this summer!

Travel Photography Basics, offered by popular demand with accomplished photographer Bob Miller will run Tuesdays, July 9 – 30. Designed to help students take beautiful photos of people, places, and events whether at home or on the road, this class cover topics including planning a photographic trip, composition, tips for shooting natural and urban landscapes. In addition to techniques for photographing people, architecture, and festival or parade events, instruction will be given for low light photography such as one would find in an aquarium or museum, unusual situations (such as from a plane), and night photography. A trip is a journey of the mind and heart. Your photos can reflect how you felt, what you discovered and what you wish to show others. This class can help you be ready to do just that.

Lynne Lockhart, signature member of the Society of Animal Artists and a RiverArts favorite, will offer Cats, Big and Small on July 11 & 12, a natural follow-up to her dog portraiture class last February. Students will learn about basics anatomy, gesture, fur patterns, and more, gaining confidence whether adding a cat to a landscape, a still life, or doing a portrait. RiverArts is delighted to partner with the Kent County Humane Society, which will provide adoptable models for this class.

On July 24 – 26, Ben Dize will offer a three-day drypoint etching workshop in which students will learn about and practice one of the oldest forms of printmaking, invented in the 15th century by German author Housebrook Master. Drypoint etching does not involve the use of acid, but instead uses a hard, sharp-pointed needle to inscribe an image into the plate before inking and printing.

Finally, on July 26, Kris Kelley Majors will offer a locally-themed TGIF paint night: Blue Moon on the Chester River. This two hour session will provide painters of all skill levels (beginner to advanced) the chance to create a piece inspired by the Chester River. Instruction will include techniques for blending paint to create a beautiful night sky, using brushes to create silhouettes and textures, and painting water with reflections. A great alternative to a night out at the bar or an expensive dinner, TGIF nights at RiverArts provide a relaxing, fun start to the weekend. No experience is necessary, and all materials and instructions are provided to complete and take home a finished project. BYOB and snacks for a fun Friday night! Our friends at Chester River Wine & Cheese are happy to offer a 20% discount to TGIF class registrants for a bottle of wine and some noshes for the class. Just show them your registration confirmation.

First Friday, July 5, will see the opening reception of the RiverArts Gallery exhibit, Patterns of Eastern Shore Life, and at the ArtsAlive! Education Center, a pop-up gallery Photo Fest featuring work of RiverArts Photography Club members. Professional formal or holiday-themed portraits will be taken on the spot by Club members for a $10 suggested donation.

There is still some room in select Summer Camp sessions for Little Kids (ages 4-6) and Big Kids (ages 8 – 13) with themes including Dinosaurs, Fiber Arts, Construction and more. Visit the KidSpot page for more information:  http://chestertownriverarts.net/summer-camps/

There is more to come in August, with classes including Kiln Art Glass, Pattern, Rhythm, and Repetition in Your Art, Basic Drawing, more First Friday fun, a Judged Photography and Wood exhibition, and more!

To register or for more information visit www.chestertownriverarts.org/education-2 and click on Education, or call RiverArts at 410 778 6300.

RiverArts galleries and main office is located at 315 High Street, Suite 106, Chestertown, MD  21620 – (in the breezeway). Gallery hours are Tuesday – Friday, 11 AM to 5:30 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 5:30PM, Sunday 11 AM – 3 PM, First Fridays until 8 PM. Our Education Center is 200 High St., and the Clay Studio is 204 High St.

Chestertown RiverArts is a member-supported, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  Our mission is: “To be the place Where the Arts Meet the Community”