Queen Anne’s County Arts Council and Centre for the Arts will hold a public reception for a judged art exhibit “Animals, Wild and Domestic” on Friday, February 5 from 5:30-7:30.

The artwork on display depicts creatures of the land, sea and air– from the simple love of a domesticated pet to the awe inspired by a fierce wild animal. Artists’ work reflects the love one feels for a pet, the amazing diversity of animal life on our planet and the concern for protecting all creatures large and small from extinction. The art ranges in style from realism to abstraction and painting, ceramics, woodcarving, batik and many other media are represented. A cash prize will be awarded to overall best in show at the exhibit opening as well as three other prizes. The Judge for the show is Robert Koenke. Robert J. Koenke is a member of the American Society of Appraisers and has extensive experience in the art world.

His specialty is sporting, western, wildlife and American art.

The show continues through March 16. For more information please contact the Arts Council office during regular hours Tues.-Fri., 10 am–4 pm 410-758-2520.

Looking for that perfect one of a kind gift?  The QAC Centre for the Arts has it  – and you don’t even have to leave the Shore!  Professional artists and artisans will come to Centreville for a one-day unique holiday shopping opportunity.  On December 5th, the Centre for the Arts will be transformed into an indoor artisan’s bazaar with jewelry, original artwork, carved gourds, soaps and fragrances, pottery, wood carvings, quilts, clothing and accessories, books, household accessories and much more.  Find those perfect “somethings” as you enjoy a cup of hot chili or nibble on delectable home baked sweets.   Doors open at 9:00 am.  Plan to arrive early; you won’t want to miss the opportunity to purchase one of the Arts Council’s handcrafted holiday wreaths.

In addition to the hand-crafted offerings at the Centre and St. Paul’s Church, there will be special discounts at participating businesses that include An Eastridge Garden, Serendipidee, Centreville Liquors, Western Auto, and more.  You will also be able to get a free picture with Santa at Edwards Pharmacy and The Commerce Street Creamery will be offering lunch specials.  The QAC Free Library will have a local author book signing as well.

“We are always looking for opportunities to showcase all our county has to offer, so we have partnered with Centreville merchants and community groups to promote this shop local event.  Centreville will be the place to be onDecember 5^th”, Executive Director Belinda Cook stated.

Many thanks to this year’s “Heck with the Malls!” sponsors; The Commerce Street Creamery and Freestate Insurance.  Visit the QAC Centre for the Arts at 206 S. Commerce St. and St. Paul’s Church on Church Lane in Centreville Saturday, December 5th from 9 am to 3 pm.  For more information please call 410-758-2520.

Front image: Board Members Barbara Sharkey and Kathy Kowalski and local Artist Sally Clark enjoy 2014 “Heck with the Malls!”

 

The Queen Anne’s County Arts Council has awarded Community Arts Development Grants to several local organizations to support their efforts to provide art experiences in the Mid Shore region.  Grants were awarded to the Mid Shore Symphony, Partners for Youth, Chesapeake College Todd Performing Arts Theatre, QAC Free Library, Queen Anne’s Chorale, QAC Office of Tourism, and the Kent Island Federation of Arts.  The Arts Council has been making grant awards since 1984 that support art programming, performances, and operational expenses to community organizations.  Approximately one-half million dollars has been awarded to date.

Executive Director, Belinda Cook says of the program, “Providing financial support to community organizations for arts related activities broadens opportunities for meaningful experiences.  These organizations are a vital link in establishing a vibrant arts community.   I am thrilled the Arts Council can play an important supportive role”.  “We look for opportunities to partner with these and other groups to reach a greater audience.  Finding ways to combine efforts is always a win for the community”, Cook went on to say.

Community Arts Development Grants are awarded each year to local community organizations to support performances, art programs, and operational expenses.  Applications are reviewed and recommended by an independent grant panel that includes members of the Arts Council’s Board of Directors and members of the arts community. Programming, outreach, and artistic excellence are all considerations for determining awards. The grant program is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council and the Queen Anne’s County Commissioners.

Become a supporter of the arts and sign up for a yearly membership now – $25 individual/$35 family.  Visit www.queenannescountyarts.com for more information about our classes, events, and offerings.

Front image: Tom Helfenbein (right) presents grant award to QAC Library Executive Director – John Walden(left)

 

Gospel and Folk musicians and performers from the area descended on the Queen Anne’s County Centre for the Arts for a concert that drew attendees of all ages and backgrounds. Produced by local artist Littleton “Sunny” Fassett, the evening intertwined the sounds of gospel, blues, and folk and featured well-known local acts and soloists who all donated their time to perform at the event. Concert goers were treated to rotating performances by The Pam Ortiz Band, Andre Sisco, God’s Wealth, Serenity, The New Gospelites, The Trio of Rebecca Pitre, Mary Simmons, & Debbie Campbell, and T’Niya Dozier.

“We are happy to be able to create opportunities for our citizens to experience unique performances like these; and we are thrilled with the attendance. It confirms our commitment to make these free performances a regular occurrence here at the Centre”, Belinda Cook, Executive Director stated. “My heartfelt thanks go out to Sunny Fasset, our talented sound man- Steve Payne, and the performers who donated their time to make this night possible”, Cook went on to say.

The highlight of the evening was without a doubt the final selection of the evening when all the performers returned to the stage for a moving rendition of Amazing Grace.

Become a supporter of the arts and sign up for a yearly membership now – $25 individual/$35 family. Visit www.queenannescountyarts.com for more information about our classes, events, and offerings.

The Queen Anne’s County Centre for the Arts will host a Halloween Costume Party and Parade on October 31^st.   The parade will step off at the conclusion of Centreville Day from the Centreville Courthouse Square and proceed down South Liberty Street led by the Chick Fil A Cow to the Centre for the Arts.

The Centre for the Arts will be transformed into a Halloween extravaganza for the children to enjoy from 3:30 – 5:00 pm.  Refreshments will be provided and partygoers will be treated to entertainment, activities, and giveaways.   Children up to 12 years of age who are dressed in costumes are welcome to participate!

The event is open to the public and admission is free; but donations are always welcome.  Visit www.queenannescountyarts.com for a full listing of events and classes.

 

Queen Anne’s County Centre for the Arts is offering a watercolor class with Steve Bleinberger November 3 through 24. “Creating a Better Watercolor” is designed to build on existing experience and pick up new skills, as well as to increase self-confidence. During this unique course taught by award-winning watercolor artist Steven Bleinberger, students will get to complete studies and small watercolors in class as well as view demonstrations. This 4 week class runs Tuesday November 3 through 24 from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and is open to ages 16 and up. The registration deadline is October 27. The cost is $125 for members of the Arts Council, and $140 for non-members. Registered students will receive a list of supplies.

Bleinberger will also lead two workshops at the Centre –“Dramatic Seas” on October 6 and a “Watercolor Paint along” October 27. These are guaranteed to be fun and instructive. Call the Centre to sign up.

Bleinberger’s artwork focuses largely on water scenes and boats of the Eastern Shore and is exhibited regionally and held in private collections. His work has won recent awards for Best in Show, Peoples’ Choice and more.

 Centre for the Arts classes are designed to renew existing artistic interests and develop new skills. Office hours at 206 South Commerce Street are Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday by appointment. For information on classes and to register, call 410-758-2520 or visit www.queenannescountyarts.com. The Centre receives support through a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.

The Queen Anne’s County Arts Council, Inc., is a non-profit organization committed to promoting, expanding and sustaining the arts. We connect artists to audiences and the community to the arts. Visit us on the web at queenannescountyarts.com.

 

The Centre for the Arts offers a wide variety of painting classes this fall.   Amy Cummins offers a small class with individualized step by step instruction to help you Paint What You Want to Paint with Acrylics, (Wednesdayevenings September 30 –November 18.)  Move at your own pace as you learn brush techniques, how to mix color and create tonal values while working from still life or photographs. All levels welcome.

In Kurt Plinke’s Painting Landscapes in Watercolor, (Thursday evenings, November 5 – December 17) participants will learn basic techniques to create realistic Eastern Shore landscapes in watercolor, and how to apply these practices in different settings. Plinke’s easy-going and fun style of teaching make this experience good for any level of watercolorist.  November 14, Plinke also will teach Painting a Winter Bird in Watercolor–perfect for adapting to a greeting card.

Award-winning watercolorist Steve Bleinberger shares personalized tips for Creating a Better Watercolor (4 Tuesdaymornings in November) an informal class loaded with demos. Build on existing experience or pick up new skills to increase self-confidence in the medium. Two one-day workshops, Dramatic Seas in Watercolor on October 6, and aWatercolor Paint-along on October 27 are sure to be both instructive and fun.

Two classes in Painting Birds in Gouache will be taught by Ric Conn starting November 10. Gouache paint, similar to watercolor, is modified to make it opaque. Dating back to the fourteenth century, it possesses depth and character and is a perfect medium for painting birds. A beginner and advanced course are scheduled.

If you haven’t attended a Paintbrush Party, you should, the next one is October 23^rd and will feature an Eastern Shore landscape.  Private on and offsite parties including birthday parties for ages 8 and up are offered as well.

Visit www.queenannescountyarts.com for our full class listing.    You can register on our website or call the Arts Council at 410-758-2520.   Classes are held at the Queen Anne’s County Centre for the Arts, 206 S. Commerce Street, Centreville, MD  21617 unless otherwise noted.

 

Front image: Paint What You Want Instructor Amy Cummins

 

The Centre for the Arts is offering new fun & creative activities the whole family can enjoy. Students can learn to draw, dance, paint,make jewelry, design mosaics, get fit, and much more.  Visual art classes include “Drawing Made Easy” with Sally Clark, watercolor and acrylic painting classes, painting birds in gouache and a special workshop in collage. Candace Liccione is again offering a variety ofone day workshops that will help you create unique works of art to display and to wear.  Professionalphotographer Jay Fleming is back just in time for those gorgeous fall sunsets.  Known for his passionate photography of our Eastern Shore treasures, Jay will providehands on instruction in an outdoor setting.

Challenge your mind and body!  Get fit and have fun every Thursday with Country Line Dancing or Zumba class with Zoe Golt Ferrin!  Miss Meg is back after a summer off with Zumbini for little ones up to age 5.

If you haven’t attended a Paintbrush Party, you should, the next one is October 23^rd and will feature an Eastern Shore landscape.  Private on and offsite parties including birthday parties for ages 8 and up are offered as well.

Visit www.queenannescountyarts.com for our full class listing.    You can register on our website or call the Arts Council at 410-758-2520.   Classes are held at the Queen Anne’s County Centre for the Arts, 206 S. Commerce Street, Centreville, MD  21617 unless otherwise noted.

Front image:   October 23^rd Paintbrush Party Eastern Shore Landscape in progress by Instructor Sarah Lyle