Main Street Gallery is very excited to be exhibiting guest artist David Harp’s photographs for its September/October show. Dave’s work in this show focuses on the landscapes, people, and flora and fauna of the Chesapeake Bay region.  A renowned, award-winning photographer and filmmaker, who is a lifelong Marylander, Dave lives and maintains a studio in Cambridge and has been photographing the Chesapeake Bay’s “delights and dilemmas,” as he puts it, for over four decades. 

He explains that he often finds inspiration for his photographs in the marshy areas in and around the Bay, where the land and the water meet. This is where the above-water life he is looking for is so apparent, he says. He also seeks the edges of the days to work, from first light to sunrise and from late afternoon into dusk, when he finds his subjects “bathed in warm light and with long, revealing shadows.”

A graduate of Ohio University with a degree in English, Dave was staff photographer for the Hagerstown Morning Herald and photographer for the Baltimore Sun Magazine for nearly a decade. His magazine work took him to       far-flung locations such as the tropical rain forests of Panama, the coast of Normandy for a story on the 40th anniversary of D-Day, and to Australia to photograph the America’s Cup. His photographs have also appeared in The New York Times Magazine, The Smithsonian, Sierra, and Coastal Living Magazine, among others. In 1990 he left the Baltimore Sun Magazine and started his own editorial photography business in Cambridge. His highly acclaimed photographs have been published locally and around the world, and his photography and film depicting the Chesapeake were exhibited for two years at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, MD.

Dave has also produced several books with essays by longtime friend and collaborator Tom Horton. These are: Water’s Way: Life Along the Chesapeake published in 2000, The Great Marsh: An Intimate Journey into a Chesapeake Wetland, published in 2002, and The Nanticoke: A Portrait of a Chesapeake River, published in 2015. In 2011 Snowfall: Journey of the Tundra Swans, also created with Tom Horton, was republished. In addition to his books, Dave has produced eight films about the Chesapeake Bay with co-producers Tom Horton and Sandy Cannon-Brown. In 2004 Dave was awarded the Andrew White Medal by Loyola College for his Chesapeake Bay photography. He was also appointed to the Maryland State Arts Council by former Governor Martin O’Malley.

In addition to showing works by David Harp and the Main Street Gallery coop members, the Gallery is excited to have its first pop-up exhibit, featuring the paintings of Maureen Farrell. Maureen is an award-winning contemporary water media artist who lives and maintains her studio in Cambridge. A native of New York, she found her passion for creating art after she remarried, retired and “reevaluated my whole purpose in life,” she says.  Maureen’s current focus is on the human figure. 

Where Land and Water Meet will open at the Gallery at 518 Poplar St. in Cambridge on September 5 and will run through October 26.

There will be two artist receptions on Second Saturdays, September 13 and October 11, from 5-8 p.m. Dave will speak about his work at the September reception. The receptions are free and all are invited. Light refreshments will be served.

Main Street Gallery is open Fridays through Sundays from 11-5, and online shopping is always available at mainstgallery.net. The Gallery, located in Cambridge’s thriving arts and entertainment district, is the City’s only artist owned and operated cooperative and has been downtown for 14 years. Main Street Gallery is currently reviewing work by prospective members and guest artists. Please contact the Gallery through its website or by calling 410-330-4659 if you are interested in being part of this vibrant artist community.

On Saturday, August 16, The Mainstay in Rock Hall, Maryland welcomes the James Fernando Jazz Trio to its stage. Based in Philadelphia, the James Fernando Trio masterfully presents a refreshing take on the piano trio format. It delivers fresh interpretations of jazz standards music in the tradition of jazz legends such as Duke Ellington, Oscar Peterson, and Thelonious Monk, alongside compelling original compositions. With a balance of playfulness and technical mastery, the trio brings the jazz genre into the present day through inventive improvisation, clever arrangements, captivating rhythms, and “downright fun.”

James Fernando has been hailed by World Music Report as a “prodigiously gifted composer and virtuoso pianist,” by Jazz Sensibilities as “limitless in his ability to articulate his ideas,” and by Contemporary Fusion Reviews as “creating one of the most amazing musical experiences you’ve ever had.” The trio also features Eliot Seppa on bass and Kyon Williams on drums.

After building an impressive career with international performances, collaborations with GRAMMY Award-winning artists, and five album releases, James formed the trio in 2023. Despite being relatively new to the scene, the trio has already established itself as one of the finest jazz groups active today. They have been headliners nationwide at leading venues such as The Kennedy Center, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, and The Ravenscroft. 

Showtime for the live concert event is 8 pm. Tickets are $20 in advance of the show and can be purchased online at mainstayrockhall.org. Phone reservations are accepted by calling (410) 639-9133 (tickets reserved by phone are $25 when paid at the door). The Mainstay is located at 5753 N Main Street in Rock Hall, Maryland. Its regular calendar of local, regional, and nationally touring artists features a live performance every week of the year (February through December) in a variety of music genres.

The programs of the Mainstay are supported with funds from the Maryland State Arts Council and the Kent Cultural Alliance. The Mainstay’s 2025 jazz series is also supported with a generous donation from Dick and Bets Durham.

The Working Artist Forum is pleased to invite the public for a live talk and demonstration about Botanical Art and Nature Journaling on Monda, September 8 at 10:30 a.m. by Anna Harding and Diane DuBois Mullaly. 

Made possible with the help of Talbot Art, the location for this demonstration is the Academy Art Museum, Easton, Maryland. 

Harding is a skilled botanical artist and instructor, and leads the Botanical Art League of the Eastern Shore(BALES) which meets six times a year at Adkins Arboretum, Ridgely, Maryland. Mullaly is a fine artist who teaches Nature Journaling in the spring and fall at Adkins Arboretum. Both artists are certified as Maryland Master Naturalists and have undergone a year of specialized training conducted by the University of Maryland Extension Program, which teaches every aspect of the flora and fauna, geography and climate of the Coastal Plain of DelMarVa. Each year they must fulfill continuing education and volunteer requirements which, as citizen-scientists, engage them with the community through volunteering. More information is available here http://extension.umd.edu/programs/environmentnatural-resources/program-areas/master-naturalist-program/

Even though Harding and Mullaly are presenting together, their areas of expertise are quite different from each other. Botanical art is a precise, scientifically accurate and aesthetically pleasing rendering of a species from life or a photograph. Harding says, “Many times we have to rely on photographs when it would be very difficult to find a subject that we could bring into our studio.” Each piece of botanical art can take hours of fine illustrative work. There is a wide range of mediums that are used including watercolor, graphite, watercolor pencils, pen and ink and colored pencils. On the other hand, nature journaling is done outdoors in the field from life, creating a quick documentation of anything found in nature with sketches and notations in a bound journal. The usual mediums are ink and watercolor, and the information gathered can include the weather, the species, personal observations and feelings — even poetry. Mullaly muses, “I like to think of botanical art as representational painting from life in the studio, and nature journaling as quick plein air field studies done on the fly. Both are satisfying and almost meditative practices.” Both artists will bring examples of their work, and talk about opportunities to learn more about these two art forms. Mullaly will do a short nature jounaling demo with something from nature she has found outdoors that day.

The Academy Art Museum is located at 106 South Street, Easton, Maryland 21601. Please enter the museum via Harrison Street and go the Performing Arts Room

What do a trumpet, several percussion instruments, Johann Sebastian Bach, planets, and Baroque-era composer Jean Joseph Mouret all have in common? They all will be featured at The Mainstay in Rock Hall’s next classical music performance: “Brass and Percussion: The Classical Side”. This will be a specially scheduled concert on Wednesday, August 20th at 7 PM.

“Thanks to an anonymous donor this summertime classical concert was able to be added to this year’s schedule,” said Muphen R. Whitney, the Mainstay volunteer who organizes the venue’s classical concerts. “We are so grateful to have this opportunity to bring something truly special to those who are classical music lovers and those who are classical music curious. This concert will delight everyone.”

The concert features trumpeter Luis Engelke and percussionist Dane Krich who have put together a program that is an exciting exploration of what their instruments have contributed in the past – and continue to contribute – to classical music.

 “Our instruments are featured in many ways that may be new to the audience,” Engelke said recently. “Dane and I have collaborated in various capacities for more than 20 years, and I am thrilled to share the stage with him at this concert. I also am thrilled to share some of my own music.”

Engelke composed Lacrimosa (Song of Sorrow) et Sanctus (Hymn of Victory) in 2020. The music is accompanied by photographs projected on a screen. 

Engelke and Krich both are accomplished and sought-after musicians. Each is the Principal for his respective instrument with orchestras in the Mid-Atlantic area. Both also perform regularly as guest artists and soloists.

In addition to their activities as performers, Engelke and Krich are dedicated music teachers. Engelke is Professor of Trumpet at Towson University; Krich is currently the director of percussion studies at Morgan State University, and he teaches at Music and Arts in Timonium.

 

Concert Information

Location: The Mainstay, 5753 North Main Street, Rock Hall, Maryland.
Date and Time: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 7 PM.
Tickets are $15.00 (plus $1.30 fee) in advance at mainstayrockhall.org.
Tickets ($20 each) may be available on the day of the performance. Call (410) 639-9133.
A cash bar is available for cocktails, wine, beer, soft drinks, and snacks before the performance and at Intermission. Only cash is accepted.
This concert is sponsored by an anonymous supporter of The Mainstay.

 

Allegro Academy, Easton’s only non-profit conservatory, brings music to Talbot County and beyond by providing exceptional music education and performance experiences and by making these offerings affordable to all.  Advancing its mission, The Academy is pleased to announce its private lesson scholarship program for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Private lesson scholarships will be awarded to 6 students who qualify for financial support and demonstrate musical skill and commitment to artistic study and growth. Selected students will receive a weekly 30-minute lesson in the area of voice, piano, strings, guitar, brass, or woodwind instrument over the course of nine months, a value of $1400.

Allegro Academy students have received numerous accolades, joined distinguished ensembles, and some pursued higher education in music as a result of its welcoming and motivating environment. “Allegro Academy is more than just a place to have music lessons, it is a community of teachers and students that love what they do and go above and beyond to support one another. Not only have we grown as musicians, we have made lifelong friends through our experience with Allegro Academy.”

Student Scholarship interviews will take place on August 12, beginning at 10am, and August 13, beginning at 5pm at Allegro Academy, 114 N. Washington St, Easton. To schedule an interview please contact Education Coordinator, [email protected]. 

Student Scholarships are funded by the Mid-Shore Community Foundation, Talbot Arts, the Women and Girls Fund, and by generous contributions from community members.  For more information please call 410-603-8361 or visit www.allegroacademyeaston.com. 

Studio B Art Gallery invites the public to experience “Brushstrokes Abroad,” a new exhibition opening on Friday, August 1, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. during Easton’s First Friday Gallery Walk. The exhibit features captivating new works by the gallery’s featured artists, with a special look at Bernard Dellario and Betty Huang art inspired by their recent painting journeys through Europe.

“Brushstrokes Abroad” offers an intimate glimpse into artists’ travels and impressions of the European landscape. From sunlit fields in Umbria to the harbor of Rovinj, the charming donkeys of Hydra, Greece, and the enchanting allure of Sintra, Portugal, this exhibition is a vibrant exploration of culture, scenery, and light.

“As artists, travel inspires us to see the world with fresh eyes,” said Betty Huang, owner of Studio B Art Gallery. “This show is a celebration of the beauty we discovered abroad and the joy of capturing it on canvas.”

Guests attending the opening on August 1st will have the opportunity to meet the artists, hear the stories behind the paintings, and connect with fellow art enthusiasts. The exhibition will remain on view throughout the month of August at Studio B Art Gallery, located at 7B Goldsborough Street in historic downtown Easton.

For more information about Studio B Art Gallery, visit us online at www.studiobartgallery.com, on Facebook and Instagram @studiobartgallery, or contact Betty Huang at [email protected].online at www.studiobartgallery.com, on Facebook and Instagram @studiobartgallery, or contact Betty Huang at [email protected].

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Studio B Art Gallery is located at 7B Goldsborough Street in historic downtown Easton, Maryland. The gallery represents nationally and internationally known painters Lani Browning, Hiu Lai Chong, Bernard Dellario, Ken DeWaard, Diz Hormel, Betty Huang, Qiang Huang, Charles Newman, Richard Sneary, Robert J. Simone, Master Jove Wang, and sculptor Rick Casali.

Plein Air Easton concluded its 21st annual festival with Small Painting Sunday and a celebrated Judges Talk, wrapping up a week charged with vibrant energy and extraordinary momentum. Sales surpassed all previous records by over $100,000, a milestone that exceeded even the most ambitious hopes. Fueled by the unwavering enthusiasm of collectors, artists, and the broader community, this year’s festival marked a thrilling new chapter in the legacy of the nation’s premier outdoor painting event.

This extraordinary success is rooted in what Plein Air Easton represents: a celebration of plein air art, community, and place.

Plein Air Easton is the nation’s premier outdoor painting festival, drawing thousands of visitors each summer to celebrate the beauty of plein air art and the Eastern Shore’s rich cultural landscape. At its heart is a spirited competition featuring 58 artists—52 of whom are juried in—vying for thousands of dollars in prizes. Six top award-winners from this year’s event—Grand Prize, 2nd Place, 3rd Place, Artist Choice, Quick Draw, and Eastern Shore Land Conservancy—have earned invitations to return for the 2026 competition, further elevating the caliber and continuity of Plein Air Easton’s celebrated tradition. More than just a contest, Plein Air Easton is a vibrant tribute to art, community, and place, made possible by the generous support of Friends of Plein Air Easton, dedicated award sponsors, over 200 volunteers, the tireless efforts of the Avalon Foundation staff, and the wholehearted backing of the local community.

Plein Air Easton Hall of Fame

Plein Air Easton’s 2025 Hall of Fame inductees reflect the heart and history of the festival—visionaries, patrons, and artists whose contributions have shaped its legacy. Diane DuBois Mullaly, a juried artist ten times over, has championed the event since its inception, co-chairing the very first Quick Draw and quietly supporting its growth year after year—including designing the awards certificates that honor her fellow artists. Hali and Scott Asplundh, captivated by the festival from the moment they discovered it, have been steadfast supporters through generous donations and award sponsorships, most notably the Artist Choice Award, which they hold dear. Troika Gallery, founded by Laura Era, Dorothy Newland, and Jennifer Heyd Wharton, played an instrumental role in Plein Air Easton’s founding—hosting early judges, coordinating awards, and offering unwavering support that helped establish the festival’s credibility. David Grafton, remembered fondly by peers and protégés, transformed his Dover Street studio into a welcoming hub of camaraderie and critique. His national reputation and generous spirit lent gravitas to the festival’s early days, and his influence continues to echo through the community he helped build. Hall and Mary Kellogg, founders of the Tilghman Watermen’s Museum, helped bring the vanishing landscapes of Tilghman Island into the spotlight—hosting early paint-outs, funding the Paint Tilghman! Artist’s Choice Award, and creating a warm, welcoming event that has captivated locals and visitors alike. And the Working Artists Forum, creators and stewards of the Local Color exhibit since 2004, have championed regional artists and community engagement for over two decades. Their twice-daily public demos, juried exhibitions, and generous support of local art education have made Local Color a beloved and enduring part of the Plein Air Easton experience—proof that grassroots leadership and artistic excellence go hand in hand.

A Week of Artistic Engagement

The week unfolded with a vibrant rhythm, beginning July 12 at the Meet the Artists party at Chlora’s Point, where painters captured the shifting skies and expansive views of the Choptank River. On July 13, the juried artists spent the day in Oxford capturing the serene beauty of this historic maritime town. Towards the evening, the spotlight shifted to the Oxford Community Center for a lively 90-minute exhibit and sale, where first-time competitor James Sampsel earned the Paint Oxford Artists’ Choice award. The energy continued the following day in Tilghman, where artists remain captivated by this working watermen’s town. Artist Palden Hamilton received the Paint Tilghman Artists’ Choice at the comfortably chic Tilghman Island Inn where guests were treated to a spectacular art exhibit and exceptional hospitality in celebration of this working waterfront.

From July 14–16, Plein Air Easton Headquarters hosted two live art demonstrations each day, consistently drawing enthusiastic crowds and sparking lively conversation around technique, style, and artistic process. Adding an extra spark to the week, Event Coordinator Marie Nuthall led the Fresh Paint Showcase—a lighthearted and engaging Q&A featuring Charlotte Kasic and Matt Moore of the Academy Art Museum. Their thoughtful reflections on selected works from the exhibit offered fresh perspective and delighted a live audience.

On July 15, the Paint-In welcomed artists of all levels to sketch costumed models from The Factory, further enriching the week with community participation and spontaneous creativity.

In addition to the informative programming and well-attended demonstrations offered throughout the week, artists were actively completing new paintings as they explored Talbot County —both as part of the official competition and to build a broader inventory for collectors. This growing exhibit evolved daily at headquarters, offering fresh works for viewing and purchase.

Eastern Shore Land Conservancy Collaboration

Thirteen artists were invited to participate in the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy’s “Forever for Everyone” invitational paint-out which opened with a reception on July 16. Now in its second year, this collaboration between Plein Air Easton and the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy continues to spotlight landscapes preserved through conservation—each one publicly accessible and open for everyone to experience. This shared vision not only highlights the natural beauty of our region, but also reinforces the importance of protecting spaces that serve both ecological and community well-being. Each artist captured the spirit of these cherished places, reinforcing the exhibit’s central theme—that preservation benefits everyone. Vermont-based Cynthia Rosen, who traveled specifically to attend the opening, was so moved by the experience, she pledged 20% of her commission from the sale of her work back to ESLC. Awards for submitted artworks were presented to Nancy Tankersley (1st Place), Neal Hughes (2nd Place), and Jason Sacran (3rd Place) for their outstanding contributions.

Collectors Preview & Competitive Awards

At the July 18 Collectors Preview Party, awards judge Peter Trippi announced an impressive slate of honors as 104 paintings found new homes in a whirlwind of enthusiastic sales. Among the highlights were three Judge’s Choice Awards: Patrick Lee’s Oxford Coda #2, Carla Bosch’s Surprising, and Jill Basham’s Green Day. Each of these awards was generously sponsored by Margaret Wrightson and David Bellis, and further enriched by an anonymous $500 supplement in celebration of Doris Nielsen—a beloved long-time supporter and champion of Plein Air Easton. Additional awards recognized outstanding artistic achievement across multiple categories, culminating in the Grand Prize, the Timothy Dills Memorial Award, sponsored by Ellen Vatne, which was presented to Martin Geiger for Pinwheel House. As part of their award package, Geiger, along with 2nd Place winner Murray Taylor (Watching St. Michaels), 3rd Place winner Joshua Hoffman (Youth), and Artist’s Choice recipient Tim Beall (Dogwood Evening), will be extended invitations to compete in Plein Air Easton 2026—continuing the tradition of excellence and camaraderie that defines the festival. For the full list of award winners and competition images, visit PleinAirEaston.com Quick Draw Competition The Quick Draw on July 19 launched with a burst of rain just as the new 9–11 a.m. painting window began, prompting a brief 15-minute grace period as the skies began to clear. True to its name, everything about Quick Draw is fast-paced: 185 artists dashed into action, completing and framing their works in two hours flat. Immediately after judging, the exhibit was cleared away, no extended exhibit—just fresh art, swift sales, and smiling winners. Lyudmila Tomova Clark earned 1st place in the main competition (every registered participant is eligible to win) and an invitation to return for PAE 2026, while Vasily Vasilenko claimed top honors in the non-competition (every registered artist who is not juried into this year’s competition) division.

Small Painting Sunday & Judges Talk

Small Painting Sunday, sponsored by the September First Partners brought the 21st annual Plein Air Easton festival to a celebratory close, transforming the exhibit space into a vibrant and intimate showcase of 58 brand-new works—each just 6×8 inches in size. Collectors and guests sipped mimosas and Bloody Marys while enjoying brunch fare and the enchanting live sounds of Gypsie Reverie from the balcony, creating a relaxed yet spirited atmosphere to match the art on display.

The energy and enthusiasm carried through the morning, with buyers arriving early to claim their favorites, ultimately resulting in the sale of an additional 107 paintings. Awards judge Peter Trippi announced the winners of the Small Painting Sunday exhibit: 1st Place (presented in honor of long time supporter Doris Nielsen, who passed away in 2025) went to Debra Huse, 2nd to Crista Pisano, and 3rd to Christine Lashley, with Honorable Mentions awarded to Olena Babak and Palden Hamilton.

Following the awards, Trippi delivered a thoughtful and engaging Judges Talk, offering insight into his selections for the main competition and providing guests with a deeper appreciation of the artistry and vision behind this year’s standout works. The event captured everything Plein Air Easton stands for—community, celebration, and a profound love of art in all its forms.

Looking Forward

This remarkable achievement was made possible by an extraordinary collective effort. As Plein Air Easton 2025 draws to a close, the Avalon Foundation—the producing organization behind the festival—extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who played a role in its success. From the juried, alumni, and invited artists who filled the week with enthusiasm, beauty and inspiration, to the hundreds of volunteers, generous sponsors and donors, and the Easton community whose hospitality and spirit continue to define the event—each contribution elevated this celebration of creativity, place, and shared purpose. The 22nd Plein Air Easton Competition and Festival will take place July 10–19, 2026, with artist applications opening December 1, 2025.

For more information about Plein Air Easton—including artist opportunities, event highlights, and upcoming announcements—please visit pleinaireaston.com or contact the Avalon Foundation team directly at [email protected].

RiverArts is thrilled to announce we will be holding our annual Reimagined Runway fashion show and fundraising gala on Saturday, August 2nd, 2025, at the Garfield Center for the Arts. Come and marvel at the beautiful and unique designs of our talented participants. Each design is crafted from recycled or repurposed materials to showcase the connection between artistic expression and sustainability. This year’s theme is Dress to Impress, Roaring Twenties Style. A panel of judges will award a trophy for best design, and the audience can vote for a “best in show” audience favorite.

In addition to the fashion show, the event will feature a festive dinner by Happy Chicken, celebrity guest bartender Jeff Maguire serving our “BeeKnees” signature cocktail, and more, as well as a curated silent auction of art and experiences. Guests are encouraged to channel their inner Gatsby and dress up in speakeasy apparel.

Tickets are available for a range of prices: $50 for a balcony seat, $150 for table seating, or $250 for premium table seating right next to the runway. Table seating includes buffet dinner and one drink ticket. All tickets include hors d’oeuvres and access to the cash bar. Doors open at 5:00 pm for table seating and 6:00 pm for balcony seating. The fashion show will start at 7:00 pm.

Tickets can be purchased at https://www.ctownra.org/reimagined-runway.

If you’re a local business interested in being a gala sponsor, program advertiser, or donating a silent auction item, please contact us at info@ctownra.org, 410-778-6300.

We look forward to welcoming you to this exciting, immersive event that celebrates eye-catching fashion, creativity, community, and connection!

On Saturday August 2nd Selkie Bookstore on Route 20 in Rock Hall will be hosting a reception from 1 to 4 pm for Artist  Anne Leone.

Ms. Leone has a new collection of pastels featuring scenes of the Chesapeake and its shore.

The artist has been painting most of her life and has worked in watercolor, oil, acrylics and pastels. Recently she has specialized in pastels.

For the last several years she has printed a calendar with samples of her work. The 2026 calendar, which will be available at the reception, is composed of many of the animals and wildlife that she has painted.

Seilkie Bookstore is located at 6202 Rock Hall Road (Rte. 20)

For information contact [email protected]