The Kent Island Federation of Arts in Stevensville will build on the phenomenal success of its Garden Tour last year by holding a second annual Garden Tour on the weekend of June 11th and 12th.  This year’s tour will be held in conjunction with “The Artist’s Garden” – a show at the KIFA galleries inspired by all things related to the garden.  This show will be held from June 8th to July 1st.  The themed show is open to both members and non-members and all media will be accepted including paintings, sculpture, photography, mixed media, fiber art, pastels, colored pencil, collage and fine crafts (such as glass and jewelry).  Artists may enter up to three works that must follow show guidelines.  Guidelines and all other information for the show are available at www.kifa.us or by calling KIFA at 410-643-7424.

There will also be a “garden themed” boutique as part of the overall project that will be held for a limited time from Wednesday, June 8th to June 12th just prior to and during the actual garden tour.  In addition, leading up to these festivities, KIFA is holding several classes and workshops around the flower theme.  One is a 3 session workshop titled “Flower Painting in Watercolors” given by renowned local artist Sally Clark, a partner in The Artist’s Gallery” on High Street in Chestertown. The workshop will be conducted over 3 days May 4th, May 18th, and May 25th from 9:30 a.m. to 12 Noon.  The fee for this workshop is $105 for KIFA members, and $125 for non-members.  Also, on Saturday, May 14th from 10:30 to 2 p.m. well known artist and member of the famed Travelling Brushes, Barbara Jablin, will be conducting a one day workshop entitled “The Flowers That Bloom in the Spring”.  Barbara’s paintings are exhibited in numerous public and private collections.

Last year’s garden tour was a big success with people coming from as far away as Virginia Beach.  This year’s tour promises to be even better with new gardens and more activities.  A very special feature of the tour will be actual artists painting “en plein air” (in the open air) in some of the gardens.

Garden Tour tickets are good for both days of the Tour– $20, and $25 if purchased day of the tour.   To purchase tickets, call KIFA at 410-643-7424.   Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks about the tour.    405 Main St, Stevensville     www.KIFA.us