The artists of the Eastern Shore are eagerly awaiting the opening of the 48th Annual art competition at the Kent Island Federation of Arts in Historic Stevensville. The show opens on Wednesday, May 4th and runs through the month, closing on June 4th, 2011. “This is one of our largest shows of the year and we’re thrilled to show off the best work of our local community artists” said Peg Papa, KIFA’s May Show Committee Chair. The May Show is a display of mixed mediums, including but not limited to oil, acrylic, pastel, pencil, and sculpture.
Ms. Papa also proudly announced that professional artist Tilghman Hemsley will be this year’s judge. Mr. Hemsley graduated from Maryland Institute College of Art in 1983. His paintings and sculptures are sensitive depictions of everyday life on the Chesapeake Bay. In addition to his art career, Hemsley has worked on the waters of the Chesapeake for 30 years. He has a successful charter fishing business and a newly – christened boat that will run tours around the Chesapeake region, as well as feature art classes onboard. He considers his most valuable asset as an artist to be his ability to design, execute, and install any art piece in any location with the highest integrity to the space, with a low amount of pretension.
Cash awards will be distributed for Best in Show, Jurors Awards of Excellence 1st and 2nd, Honorable Mention 1st and 2nd, Amateur 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, and the Amateur Silver Heron Award. All artists are invited to enter. The entry form can be downloaded at www.KIFA.US and mailed to 405 Main St, Stevensville, MD 21666 by the postmark deadline of April 25.
Again this year, the multi-talented Kent Island Garden Club will be interpreting various works of the exhibit in creative floral arrangements which are not to be missed. A gallery reception, which is free and open to the public, will be held at KIFA, at 405 Main Street in Stevensville, on Thursday, May 12 from 5 – 7 pm.
KIFA, a non-profit (501c3) volunteer organization, seeks to develop and allocate resources to provide gallery and studio space, instruction, art shows and events for our members and the greater community.