Tag Archives: Queen Anne’s County Arts Council

QAC Centre for the Arts Hosts Bus Trip to Brandywine River Museum – Jamie Wyeth Exhibit

JamieWyethAMurderofCrows_002QAC Centre for the Arts Hosts Bus Trip to Brandywine River Museum – Jamie Wyeth Exhibit 

The Queen Anne’s County Arts Council is offering a bus trip to the Brandywine River Museum on Monday, March 23rd to see the Jamie Wyeth exhibit. This is an exclusive opportunity to see a major retrospective of over 100 works by the son of Andrew Wyeth and grandson of the celebrated illustrator N.C. Wyeth. As stated on the museum’s website; “Jamie Wyeth examines six decades of the artist’s career and charts the evolution of his creative process from his earliest childhood drawings through recurring themes inspired by the people, places and objects that populate his world.”

Thomas Padon, director of the Brandywine River Museum of Art said “We are thrilled to present the largest and most comprehensive survey of Jamie Wyeth’s art ever to be assembled. Jamie Wyeth’s paintings find special resonance here–in the galleries amidst our collection of paintings by his highly talented family and in the location of his childhood home, his first studio and his most consistent muse, the Brandywine Valley. Wyeth’s creative vision is powerfully conveyed in the extraordinary works in this exhibition.”

Often called the “Wyeth Museum” for its extensive collection of works by the internationally acclaimed family of artists, the Brandywine River Museum is housed in a 19th-century grist mill on the banks of the Brandywine in Chadds Ford, Pa. The trip includes transportation, museum admission and a guided tour of the exhibit, with time for lunch on your own in the café and further visit of the collection. The bus will pick up in Stevensville at 8:30am and Centreville at 9:00am and return by 4:30pm. Tickets are $65($60 members). Advance purchase required as space is limited. 

Call 410-758-2520 to reserve ticketsReceive discounts on events & classes by signing up for a yearly membership now – $25 individual/$35 family. For more information on the Centre for the Art’s events and classes visit www.queenannescountyarts.com.

The Queen Anne’s County Arts Council, Inc., is a non-profit organization committed to promoting, expanding and sustaining the arts.  All donations are 100% tax deductible.

Queen Anne’s County Arts Council Awards Arts in Education Grants

stevensville-middle-school-grant matapeake-elementary-school-grantQueen Anne’s County Arts Council Awards Arts in Education Grants

The Queen Anne’s County Arts Council awarded Arts in Education Grants to Stevensville Middle and Matapeake Elementary Schools to further arts awareness programs for students. These grants are used to support school arts programs that range from art related assemblies and performances to artists in residencies. The Arts Council has been making grant awards since 1984.  Approximately one-half million dollars has been awarded to date.

Executive Director, Belinda Cook says of the program, “Supporting arts programming in our schools is crucial to sustaining the long term vibrancy of the arts community.   I am thrilled the Arts Council can play an important supportive role in ensuring that we have meaningful art experiences for students”.  “We have a renewed commitment at the Centre for the Arts to reach the next generation of artists.  In addition to grant awards, we have introduced a thriving after school program and have expanded our StART program”, Cook went on to say.

Arts in Education Grants are awarded each year to QAC County Schools.  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.

PHOTOS:

1.       Belinda Cook, Executive Director presents grant check to Stevensville Middle School Principal, Kevin Kintop and PTA President, Michelle O’Brien

2.       Belinda Cook, Executive Director presents grant check to Matapeake Elementary School Principal, Carol Camp and Cultural Arts Chair, Hillary Fulton

Queen Anne’s County Arts Council Welcomes New Board Members

barbie-bedell helfenbein turpinQueen Anne’s County Arts Council Welcomes New Board Members

The Queen Anne’s County Arts Council announced incoming Board Members at their recent Annual Retreat. “We are pleased to welcome Tom Helfenbein, Ann Turpin, Doris Pullman, Shari Smigo, Barbara Bedell and Ben Dize”, Board President Diana Saquella said.  “We strive for strength and diversity among our board; the addition of these talented individuals accomplishes just that”, Mrs. Saquella remarked.

Executive Director Belinda Cook is enthusiastic about the new members saying, “These new Board Members represent such a perfect cross-section of Queen Anne’s County; they will bring invaluable insight as we work to expand our visibility and community reach. I have known several of them since childhood; we are blessed to have the benefit of their talents and expertise as we move forward”.   “I congratulate our Board Officers who have been re-elected to second terms with no opposition: Diana Saquella, Chair, Audrey Scott, Vice Chair; Barbara Sharkey, Treasurer; and Anne Welsh, Secretary; with the addition of these new members, we have a great team!”, Cook went on to say.

Tom Helfenbein has lived on the Eastern Shore since the early 1970’s and is recently retired as President & CEO of Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newman Funeral Homes. He gives tirelessly of his time to many area non-profits including Queen Anne’s Hospice, Chesapeake College, Kent Island Fire Department and has served on the boards of CNB and Farmer’s Bank.

Ann Turpin is a professional musician and long-time resident of Centreville. She is a valuable member of the arts community, having directed the Queen Anne’s Chorale, founded the Chesapeake Youth Choral, and served as Artistic Director of the Chester River Chorale.   Mrs. Turpin has been organist/director at several churches on the Eastern Shore.

Ben Dize is a well-respected member of the arts community as well, having lived on the Shore for many years.   Mr. Dize is an accomplished artist and the Director of the Arts Department at Gunston School.

Shari Smigo grew up in Queen Anne’s County and is the Owner/Director of The Midshore Dance Academy with studios in Easton and Centreville. In addition to her studio work, Mrs. Smigo is a member of the dance faculty at Queen Anne’s County High School for and has done the choreography for Centreville Middle School musical productions, assisted with aerial choreography for Peter Pan, and created liturgical dance for Our Mother of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church. She is on the Board of Directors of Maryland Council for Dance, as Secretary and Membership Chair, and taught at the 2008 Maryland State Dance Festival. Shari lives in Queen Anne’s County with her husband and four children.

Barbara Bedell is a thirty-year resident of Queen Anne’s County. She is the pharmacist at Denton Pharmacy and Gifts. She is a wonderful actress and costume designer and is actively involved in performing arts at both the Church Hill Theatre and the Garfield Center.   An integral member of the arts community, Bedell is an enthusiastic collector of eclectic art pieces for her home in Church Hill.

Doris Pullman has devoted her life to community service. She moved to Centreville after raising her family in Riverdale, where she was a tireless community volunteer for many organizations. She has carried that commitment to the Shore and is a member of many local non-profits including the QAC Heritage Society and a regular volunteer here at the Arts Council.

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.

Seeking Instructors for Arts Education

QACAC_Logo_small384256c8b9c7Seeking Instructors for Arts Education

The Queen Anne’s County Arts Council and Partnering  for Youth after school programs and are working together to offer arts education and enrichment to QA County public school students here at the Centre for the Arts.  The first offering for Centreville will include Kennard Elementary School grades 3-5 and Centreville Middle school grades 6-8, in a class called “Artventure”. The description going home to the students is:

“Artventure – Local artists will show you their techniques with materials they use. A unique opportunity awaits as you paint, draw, and sculpt with instruction and encouragement from professionals. Each artist work with you for 3-4 weeks. Offered in partnership with the QAC Arts Council. Accompanied by Mrs. Carter, Teacher”  Sessions will be Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon from 4:15-5:30.  (90 minutes class time.)   Limited to 15 students each day.

The Arts Council has already secured several instructors, but we are looking to fill a few 3-4 week slots.  Might you be interested in teaching this fall or winter/spring? Fall session runs Sept 24th thru Dec 12.

Please contact the Arts Council slyle@queenannescountyarts.com as soon as possible if you are interested in applying or know of a good candidate for this position.

Queen Anne’s County Arts Council Come get in Shape at one of our Fall Fitness Classes!

cecily DSC_0122Queen Anne’s County Arts Council Come get in Shape at one of our Fall Fitness Classes!

Try one of our fall fitness classes!   You can party yourself into shape with Zumba – forget the workout and just lose yourself in the music and find yourself in shape at the original dance-fitness party. Instructor Heather Efland is a power-house of energy who will inspire you to push yourself all the while having fun! Zumba classes feature exotic rhythms set to today’s hits and high energy Latin beats. Mondays at 5:30 pm – $5.00 per class; no pre-registration is necessary.

For our early risers~ come rise and shine and give Boot Camp & High Energy Interval Training a try! Come join us Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs from 5:30 – 6:30 am.   On Mondays and Wednesdays Pam Thaxton will put you thru the paces utilizing muscle confusion to achieve maximum toning and strengthening. Traditional calisthenics, interval and weight training, yoga, and Pilates exercises are included in this 1 hour workout for all fitness levels. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Brittney Boehm takes you thru a 60 minute class that mixes traditional calisthenics and body weight exercises with interval training, strength training, and floor work. This class is for all skill levels; offering a mix of high and low intensity movements with modifications for participants at any level. Designed to build endurance while going at your own pace; but pushing out of the comfort zone to achieve results. Pay by the month for the amount of days you want – you can do 3 days per week for $80 ($75 members) OR 4 days per week for $90 ($85 members).

Back by popular demand, Stretch & Strengthen! Designed to limber you up through gentle flexion and stretches, this course demonstrates a routine of exercises and deep breathing to increase flexibility and strength, and improve balance while relaxing and reducing stress. Instructor Cecily Lyle is certified by the French Federation for Physical Education and Voluntary Gymnastics, a fitness practice focusing on well-being for all.   Mondays & Wednesdays September 29 – October 15. $65 ($55 members).   Register by 9/22.

Receive discounts on classes and sign up for a yearly membership now – $25 individual/$35 family. 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.

Queen Anne’s County Arts Council Offering Art Classes for All Ages

ric-connchesapeake-sea-life

sally Queen Anne’s County Arts Council Offering Art Classes for All Ages

We have a variety of Arts Classes available in our Fall Class schedule!  Our skilled instructors are offering classes designed to renew existing artistic interests and develop new skills.  Classes are limited in size to ensure quality individual instruction.

Explore the wonder of this older medium that provides a perfect match for painting birds. The journey begins with information on avian anatomy as an aide to understanding their characteristics.  Instructor Ric Conn will teach a variety of painting techniques with an emphasis on “Painting Birds in Gouache”. Classes will be held Tuesdays September 23 – October 21 from 10-noon.  $130($105 members) Register by 9/16.

Using images of fall for inspiration, “Fall Reflections” will explore various techniques and media while establishing compositions.  Pumpkins, gourds, bird nests, leaves and autumn landscape will serve as subjects. Media will include watercolor, colored pencil, pastels and India ink.  Instructor Sally Clark has been an art educator for over 30 years; she is a member of the Artist’s Gallery in Chestertown.  Classes will be held Wednesdays 9:30- 12 noon September 27 – October 29.  $147($126 members). Register by 9/24

For our younger students, instructor Amy Cummins will introduce children to techniques of drawing and painting in her “Exploring Art – A Journey for Young People” class. Color theory, quality of line, composition, perspective, contour, tone and balance are ideas we will explore as we look at examples of art history and learn to make rewarding projects. Instructor Amy Cummins has over 10 years of experience as an educator. Materials list will be provided to registered students.  Wednesdays 4:30-6:30 pm October 8-29.  $110($105 members) Register by 10/1.

Children learn through reading and being read to. “Kids Art through Literature” with instructor Maria Sage will teach art elements and techniques while connecting to children’s literature.  During these three 2-hour sessions, students will develop their creativity, self-expression and fine motor skills as they design their compositions during the art-making process. Instructor Maria Sage is an Early Elementary Art educator for QA County Schools. Saturdays 10-12noon November 1-15.  $130($120 members) plus $25 materials fee.  Register by 10/25

Receive discounts on events & classes by signing up for a yearly membership now – $25 individual/$35 family.  Visit www.queenannescountyarts.com for our full listing of classes and events.    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.

PHOTO  1:  Ric Conn’s Painting Birds in Gouache at the Centre for the Arts

PHOTO  2:  Maria Sage’s Student

PHOTO 3:  Sally Clark

Queen Anne’s County Arts Council Announces Fall Class Schedule

DSC_0101paintsallybjc-273Queen Anne’s County Arts Council Announces Fall Class Schedule

Looking for fun & creative activities the whole family can enjoy ~ Check out our fall class offerings! 

Students can learn to draw, dance, paint, make jewelry, design mosaics, get fit, and much more.  Talented artist instructors Maria Sage, Amy Cummins, Sally Clark, and Ric Conn are offering a variety of classes in painting for all ages and talent levels.   Candace Liccione is again offering a variety of one day workshops that will help you create one of a kind works of art to display and to wear.  We are pleased to welcome back Jay Fleming, known for his passionate photography of our Eastern Shore treasures, as he provides hands on instruction in an outdoor setting.

Challenge yourself with Brittney Boehm’s high intensity interval training and Pam Thaxton’s boot camp or come and get fit and have fun in our new Zumba class with popular instructor Heather Efland!  Limber up with Cecily Lyle as she takes you thru a series of stretching and strengthening exercises designed to increaseflexibility,rangeofmotion, muscular strength, &improvebalancewhilerelaxingandreducingstressCome and have fun with your preschooler and get fit at the same time with Meg Yoast’s Zumbini class on Thursday mornings.

You won’t want to miss our newest program – Paint Brush Party!  Joinusforaneveningofpaintingand refreshments asyoucreateyourown workofart!    Itsagreatopportunity tohavesomefun andisperfectfor ALLskilllevels.  

Visit www.queenancescountyarts.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.

PHOTO 1:  Jay Fleming Photography Workshop

PHOTO 2:  Paint Brush Party

PHOTO  3:  Sally Clark Water Color Class

PHOTO 4:  Zumbini with Meg Yoast

PAINTBRUSH PARTIES COME TO CENTREVILLE

QACAC_Logo_small384256c8b9c7PAINTBRUSH PARTIES COME TO CENTREVILLE 

Queen Anne’s County Arts Council and Centre for the Arts brings the popular paint party trend to Centreville. These gatherings offer participants a fun and easy way to uncork their inner artist.  You don’t have to know how to paint to release the artist inside you—just enjoy a stress free evening as you are guided to make your very own work of art. A Paintbrush Party is a way to relax with friends, meet new people or enjoy a creative date night. At each event, an instructor guides participants step by step through recreating the featured painting – one that requires no art experience and can be completed within two hours with frequent breaks – all while enjoying music and sipping art-inspiring wine. “I just want people to have a good time and not be afraid to be artistic,” said Sarah Lyle, one of the instructors. “This isn’t an art lesson; it’s really more for entertainment and pleasure, although you’ll be surprised at what you can accomplish.”

Paintbrush Party goers are provided with all the materials needed to complete a painting to take home: a 16×20 canvas, apron, paints, paintbrushes and palette. Although wine and other refreshments are provided, attendees are welcome to bring their favorite bottle of wine. In addition to the regular parties, Queen Anne’s County Centre for the Arts can arrange for private events, including birthday parties, Girl’s Night Out, Fundraisers, etc.

The next event is July 18, 6-9 pm at Queen Anne’s County Centre for the Arts, 206 S. Commerce St., Centreville, MD. $45.00/ person ($40 members). Space is limited. Register by July 15.For additional information please contact: 410-758-2520 or exhibit@arts4u.info

Summer Free Concert Series Welcomes The Chris Sacks Band

f972c191-45f4-4523-8d57-c4cf2f2172d7Summer Free Concert Series Welcomes The Chris Sacks Band

Get your best flip flops on & join us at 7 pm, Thursday June 26th for our next Summer Free Concert at the Kent Island Yacht Club! Come ready for our 2nd Annual Flip Flop Contest! Only $1 to enter and win 1/2 the cash ~ get creative!

We welcome a local favorite – The Chris Sacks Band, for an evening of laid back fun! Chris will bring a creative blend of breezy Country Beach Rock, Americana and folk with influences of Jimmy Buffett, The Rolling Stones & Bob Marley. This coupled with the setting will be sure to put you in an Island state of mind!

Bring blankets or chairs ~ pack a picnic basket!  The series is presented by the Queen Anne’s County Arts Council and sponsored by the Queen Anne’s County Tourism Office, Priceless Industries, and the Maryland State Arts Council. Concerts will be held rain or shine. Contact the Arts Council in the event of extreme weather conditions or alerts. More information on the summer concert schedule and the artists is available online at www.queenannescountyarts.com or call 410-758-2520

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

July 10 ~ Chesapeake Community Band ~ Court House Square

July 24 ~ 21 Horses ~ Kent Island Yacht Club

August 7 ~ Milkshake ~ Chesapeake Heritage & Tourism Center

August 21 ~ Bobby and the Believers ~ Matapeake Amphitheatre

QA County Arts Council Free Concert Series Starts June 12

 

QACAC_Logo_small384256c8b9c7Free Concert Series Starts June 12

Thursdays in the Park, the Queen Anne’s County Arts Council’s free concert series begins June 12 at Centreville’s  Millstream Park with acoustic guitarist Keri Glorioso.  Pack a picnic basket and enjoy a unique evening of  acoustic blues, soul, and rock.  With her soaring vocals and rock-solid guitar skills, Keri is a favorite at area night spots.  Millstream Park is located in Centreville Maryland.  – See more at: http://www.queenannescountyarts.com/summer-free-concert-series.html#sthash.SE9DXM7J.

 June 26th Get your flip flops on and experience the Chris Sacks Band at the Kent Island Yacht Club.  Come and enjoy a creative blend of breezy Country Beach Rock, Americana and folk with influences such as Jimmy Buffett, The Rolling Stones, and Bob Marley.  The Kent Island Yacht Club is located in Kent Narrows, Chester Maryland.  Food and beverages will be available for sale.

July 10 ~ Chesapeake Community Band ~ Court House Square

July 24 ~ 21 Horses ~ Kent Island Yacht Club

August 7 ~ Milkshake ~ Chesapeake Heritage & Tourism Center

August 21 ~ Bobby and the Believers ~ Kent Island Yacht Club –

Concerts begin at 7 pm. The series is presented by the Queen Anne’s County Arts Council and sponsored by the Queen Anne’s County Tourism Office, Priceless Industries, and the Maryland State Arts Council. Bring blankets or chairs; picnicking is encouraged. Concerts will be held rain or shine. Contact the Arts Council in the event of extreme weather conditions or alerts. The summer concert schedule is available online at www.queenannescountyarts.como or call 410-758-2520