NEW! Have you heard about the auction featuring fairy & gnome home? CLICK here for info!
Enjoy a magical tour of Annmarie as your search for more than 70 handmade fairy and gnome homes scattered throughout the garden. Visit the Arts Building to borrow a costume and then start your journey!
2nd Annual Fairy & Gnome Home Festival & Tour - Saturday, June 30, 2012, 9am-2pm
The 3rd Annual Fairies in the Garden is held in memory of Pat Giardina Carpenter, 1943-2012.
Home Tweet Home: art for the birds
February 14-August 31, 2012*
Downloadable birdhouse guide Downloadable coloring pages
Home Tweet Home features twenty birdhouses of various shapes, sizes, and materials. One favorite, Big Bird House, built by Richard Preston of Hollywood, Maryland, is a bright yellow and gray house that stands over three feet tall and two feet wide. Another creation is a gray rocket ship with a dainty bird wearing goggles perched on top ready to rocket to the stars. The well-known southern Maryland artist couple, John Schaffner and J. Luray Schaffner, has created a spectacular house that is composed of ten different painted houses bolted together in a lovely geometric shape. Other houses include a flowered gourd, an ode to the Tiki Bar, Rapunzel’s castle, a seashell and driftwood house, and a set of five houses painted by a local mom’s group. Like much of what Annmarie does, Home Tweet Home embraces and celebrates a wide variety of artistic expression, from professional artists to youthful enthusiast. It seem that everyone, even the birds, have a home at Annmarie. Home Tweet Home continues through August 31, 2012 (unless a bird takes up long-term residence).
*unless a bird takes up residence!
Art Blooms Gala Reception for Treasured - Friday, Juy 13, 6-9pm; tickets required
Treasured reveals the beauty and vulnerability of the endangered and the threatened. From disappearing plant and animal species, to vanishing languages and cultures, to threatened ecosystems, the exhibit highlights the intricacies and fragility of precious and vanishing worlds.
Sasha Zhitneva Stephanie Garmey Riccardo Berlingeri
JURORS:
Dr. Joshua A. Bell, Curator of Globalization, Department of Anthropology,
National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Instituion
Lisa Scheer, Professor of Art, Department of Art & Art History, St. Mary's College of Maryland
Juror's Statement:
Nothing ever stays the same. From the moment-to-moment passing of time to the larger changes fueled by advances in knowledge, technology, and ever shifting global dynamics, change sometimes feels like the only constant we can count on. Loss of various dimensions always accompanies change; loss on the personal level as memories of past generations fade over time, loss on a cultural level as traditional customs are replaced with the new trends; loss on the environmental level as species disappear and ecosystems collapse.
The impulse to make art is, at its core, a way to fix things (or feelings) in time, to preserve that which is important, to capture something before it vanishes and to reach out through time to touch those that will come later. In this way, the theme of this exhibition might describe all artworks. But loss in our age isn’t simply a matter of change over time. It is accelerated by an array of contemporary conditions. Our ever-increasing demands on limited natural resources threaten the existence of certain species and habitats, while the forces of globalization push indigenous societies too often into assimilation. Our own immersion in technology endangers our direct relationship with the natural world and obscures the forces of changes that new technology embodies.
The artworks in this exhibition address, if not protest, some of these contemporary conditions. It is certainly no surprise that one of the most common subjects in this show is the natural world whether it be about threatened wildlife or simply the celebration of an unmediated experience of a natural environment. Our depletion of natural resources is explored in a number of works through their use of recycled materials and their subjects of global concern (deforestation and climate change) their local manifestations in the ecosystem and resources of the Chesapeake Bay. The personal, linguistic and cultural dimensions of loss are also explored. Some artists capture an image as a way to visually retain what is precious while others physically retain by making their artworks from the very things they want to preserve. All of these artworks, whether through their playfully recasting of collecting traditions from the 19th and 20th century or through more confrontational images, ask of us to consider our place in an ever-changing world and how we can learn to dwell in it more ethically. The artworks in this show are a testament to the power of art to make us pause, think about what it is we treasure, and how we might collectively work to be better stewards.
About Art Blooms Gala Reception
A special reception for Treasured, called Art Blooms Gala Reception, will take place on Friday, July 13, 6-10pm. Art Blooms is a fund-raising event that we undertake with the Calvert Garden Club for which a floral designer is paired with a work of art from the exhibit. The floral designers create arrangements inspired by the works from the Treasured exhibit. The opening reception will include wine, light hors de’oeuvres, and live music. The sculpture garden will remain open with extended hours, taking full advantage of the exceptional venue.
William Allen Poe, The Last Tobacco Farmer, photograph, 2007
This exhibit is now on loan to the Banneker-Douglas Museum in Annapolis.
To learn more, CLICK HERE!
Annmarie After Hours Opening Reception, Friday, April 20, 2012, 6-9pm
As Calvert County's rural landscape began to change and the farming community was rapidly waning, I wanted to capture as many stories as possible from the local African-American families in an attempt to help preserve their culture.
In 2000, I began documenting my African-American community with photographs, video, and oral histories. In the decade that followed, I had the honor of capturing the stories of some of Calvert County's longtime residents and felt obligated to share their accounts.
-William Allen Poe, Photographer
About the Artist:
William Poe is a published writer of poems and essays. He is also a published documentary photographer. His book, African-Americans of Calvert County was awarded the Calvert County Public Education Award in 2009.
The creator of Voices of Calvert County, Poe hosts a local cable program featuring video vignettes of local African-American residents. He was also a part-time oral historian for Calvert County, helping to record stories of the local farming community. He has been a Maryland home-improvement contractor for 24 years.
Art Blooms is a three day show featuring the work of floral designers from across the region. Each floral designer is assigned a work of art in the Main Gallery or the Mezzanine Gallery and asked to create an arrangement inspired by the art. The results are surprising, beautiful, and provocative - and not to be missed. 2012 will mark the third year for Art Blooms, an event co-hosted by the Calvert Garden Club and Annmarie. Proceeds from the Friday night gala opening reception will benefit a project at Annmarie. Tickets for this year's event will go on sale later in the spring.
Art Blooms Gala Reception, Friday, July 13, 2012, 6-10pm; tickets required.
Tamar Assaf Tamar Assaf
Annmarie After Hours Reception, Friday, March 16, 6-9pm
As a complement to t he studio portion of The Living Gallery program, an exhibit of works by the eighteen Living Gallery artists will open March 2 and run through April 29 in the Main Gallery at Annmarie. Guests are invited to attend the Annmarie After Hours Reception for the exhibition and sale on Friday, March 16, 2012, from 6-9pm. The exhibit and sale will include works created during The Living Gallery, as well as works created in the artists private studios. The Living Gallery Exhibition & Sale is your opportunity to return to Annmarie to see the artists completed works and to purchase a work of art that you observed being created.
Candace Law Jacqui Crocetta
Carol Waite Carol Waite
Rachel Castle Herzer
David Berry Anna Showers Cruser Jimmy Cintron
About the Design and Installation of the Living Gallery Exhibition
The 2012 Living Gallery Exhibition was designed and installed by Annmarie Gallery Assistant, Allie Snyder. Allie participated in the Living Gallery program from January 30-February 5. She is a recent graduate of St. Mary's College of Maryland where she studied fine arts. She has worked at Annmarie since June of 2011 during which time she has helped teach summer camps, assisted the Curator of Exhibitions, helped maintain our new website, worked in the Gift Shop, and helped staff our new Superheroes of Recycling Field Trip program. In everything Allie does, she generously shares her creativity, talent, and gentle sprit.
Congratulations Allie for doing a beautiful job designing and installing this exhibit!
Allie painting during The Living Gallery 2012
Members of the Color & Light Society will host a spring show and sale featuring paintings, sculpture, watercolors, and more.
Annmarie After Hours Reception - Friday, March 16, 2012, 6-9pm
Hydrangea by Carol Thieme Tobacco Barn by Elizabeth Bygler
Hats On! by Mary Blumberg
ABOUT THE COLOR & LIGHT SOCIETY
The Color & Light Society began as an informal group of artists taking an advanced oil painting classes with Elizabeth Bygler of Leonardtown, Maryland. The group developed a passion for painting fueled by the belief that exhibiting one's art encouraged learning, development, and pride of original work. They began exhibiting their work in the Annmarie Garden Community Gallery in the early 2000's. After formalizing their organization in 2004, many more art students and other local artists joined the group. Today, there are 24 active artist members. The group has exploded into an artists' haven, showing an impressive variety of oils, watercolors, sculpture, photography and more multi-media. They have exhibited their work at a variety of venues across the region and can often be found volunteering at Artsfest, Annmarie’s annual fine arts festival held every September.
Annmarie After Hours - Opening Reception, Friday, October 14, 6-9pm.
John Lennon's song "Imagine" expresses a shared passion of these artists. They too have a story to tell about a world where food is plenty, animals and their habitats are respected, where personal histories are art, and where people love the communities in which they live.
Mimi Little, intrigued by the traditions and culture of food, has produced paintings that tell the story of family traditions and community gatherings with the common thread being the cooking and partaking of food.
Abbey Griffin has a passion for preserving natural habitats and the creatures we love /or not (e.g. the turkey vulture). She also imagines a world with her father alive and sailing in the boats he built.
Suzanne Shelden is well known for her vivid depictions of local scenery, but plans, for this event, to see where her imagination might take her.
Color and narrative drive each artist to create series of work that are at once personal and universal. This is a show of stories they have to tell. Annmarie is a special place, a magical place. The artists are honored and grateful to the board and staff for all they do to give art a great place to thrive in Calvert County.
Located in the Mezzanine Gallery, the artists will be on site during the following events:
Annmarie After Hours - Opening Reception - Friday, October 14, 6-9pm
Sunday, November 6, from 1-4 pm. Mimi, Abbey and Suzanne will host a second reception for "imagine a..."
December (visit again for update on date and time) coinciding with Annmarie's award-winning "Garden In Lights"
Annmarie After Hours Reception for Living Gallery - Friday, March 16, 6-9pm
Annmarie's Main Gallery will be transformed into artist studio space from January 9 through February 25, 2012, during The Living Gallery. For the next seven weeks, eighteen artists, including painters, sculptors, ceramicists, and others, will set up their studios and work in the gallery. Guests are invited to observe the artistic process, and if desired, talk with the artists about their work. Questions about any aspect of the artistic process - techniques, tools, materials, subject, and inspiration – are highly encouraged.
As a complement to the studio portion of The Living Gallery program, an exhibit of works by the eighteen Living Gallery artists will open March 2 and run through April 29 in the Main Gallery at Annmarie. Guests are invited to attend the Annmarie After Hours Reception for the exhibition and sale on Friday, March 16, 2012, from 6-9pm. The exhibit and sale will include works created during The Living Gallery, as well as works created in the artists private studios. The Living Gallery Exhibition & Sale is your opportunity to return to Annmarie to see the artists completed works and to purchase a work of art that you observed being created.
LIVING GALLERY - Studio Schedule:
|
Dates |
Media |
Artist |
Home Town |
|
January 9-22 |
Painting |
Suzanne Shelden |
Prince Frederick, MD |
|
January 16-22 |
Painting |
Rachel Castle Herzer |
Portland, ME |
|
January 16-22 |
Painting |
Inja Cho |
Kalamazoo, MI |
|
January 19-22 |
Fiber, Recycled Rag Rugs |
Beverly Jackson |
California, MD |
|
January 20-27 |
Oriental Brush Painting |
Carol Waite |
Fredericksburg, VA |
|
January 22-27 |
Mixed Media |
Norma LeVally |
Lusby, MD |
|
January 23-29 |
Ceramics |
Tamar Assaf |
Cupertino, CA |
|
Jan. 30-Feb.5 |
Painting |
Allie Snyder |
Leonardtown, MD |
|
Jan. 30-Feb.12 |
Beadwork, Polymer Clay |
Liz Printz |
Lusby, MD |
|
February 1-12 |
Painting |
David Berry |
Morgantown, WV |
|
February 6-12 |
Painting, Sculpture |
Jacqui Crocetta |
Rockville, MD |
|
February 10-18 |
Equine Sculpture |
Colleen Lochausen |
Hollywood, MD |
| February 13-18 | Watercolors | Mary Blumberg | |
|
February 16-25 |
Encaustic w/mixed media |
Candace Law |
Berkley, MI |
|
February 19-25 |
Painting |
Anna Showers Cruser |
Baltimore, MD |
| February 19-25 | Jewelry | Jimmy Cintron | |
|
February 19-25 |
Fiber |
Kay Collins |
Lusby, MD |
|
February 19-25 |
Life Mask Collaboration |
Mickey Kunkle |
Solomons, MD |
|
|
|
Diana Manchak |
Solomons< MD |
|
|
|
Ann Crain |
Solomons, MD |
Juror: Andrew Wodzianski, Professor of Art, College of Southern Maryland
Annmarie After Hours Opening - Friday, Oct. 14, 6-9pm
We all hold fond memories of beloved toys that yielded hours of entertainment and joy, toys that we treasured and kept years beyond our childhood. For these reasons and more, toys can be a powerful art medium, conjuring up a myriad of memories of childhood, past friendships, and other recollections. From the utterly outrageous to the sappy and sentimental, the exhibit includes works that are created from toys, inspired by toys, or are toys themselves. With the holidays in mind, Annmarie invites guests of all ages to immerse themselves in the playful spirit that these artists have evoked!
To DOWNLOAD a copy of Juror Statement & Price List, CLICK here!
Eve Hoyt, Toys I Loved Merri Ellen Kase, Tomato, Tomatto - Potato, Potatto
Juror Statement - Andrew Wodzianski
The artists in this exhibit are breathing time machines. While their chronological age may be mature, their artworks’ envelopment of toy iconography suggests an age much younger. Yet, these toy images are not immature. Instead, they reflect the skill set of an artist, the imagination of a child, and the perspective of a time traveler. This ability to shift time in particular is nothing short of kung-fu grip awesome.
Experiences in childhood leave lasting impressions. While many early experiences are traumatic, others are resplendent with joy. Happiness associated with familial nurture, delight revealed with confectionaries, and specifically for this group – enchantment discovered with toys. Adult access to these memories can often be challenging. The grown-up world of responsibility can quickly obscure recollections of play. But these artists adeptly preserve that journey from youth. For them, it is not a one way path. While pulling from a reservoir of nostalgia, they also embrace their present. Powerful and fantastic toy images of gender, sport, warfare, or the future influence their practice. But these bits of plastic, metal and wood once marketed as tools for socialization, role modeling, or stewardship are now totems for metaphor and allegory. The results are sometimes provocative, sometimes challenging, and sometimes just pure whimsy.
This exhibit cradles an adults’ mastery of craftsmanship with a child’s sensibility of play. They keep one foot in the studio, and the other in the sandbox. Meanwhile, they’ve left their watch on the kitchen counter and mom keeps calling them for dinner. Pablo Picasso said, ““Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” These artists have uniquely answered his query.
Richard Moore, Carnival Pull Toy Matthew Olson, Whirl-Y-Bird
Evelyn Davis, Real Estate Housing Market Jennifer Hecker, Mother Barbie 2
Friday,Apr4th,2025
Wednesday,Apr9th,2025
Saturday,Apr12th,2025
Sunday,Apr20th,2025
Sunday,Apr27th,2025
Sunday,May4th,2025
Friday,May9th,2025
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