History

Overview

In 1991, Francis and Ann M. Koenig donated this property to Calvert County with the intention that it be developed into a sculpture garden. Over the next decade, their dream took shape as six works of art were installed on the thirty-acre property. These diverse pieces are fully integrated into the natural setting of the Garden and provide the opportunity to develop an appreciation for the seasonal changes inherent in outdoor art. In addition to the sculpture, walking paths were created, and the alleys, or hallways, were cleared. The lovely alleys allow visitors to look across Annmarie and have created areas for the installation of sculpture.

In 2003, Annmarie became a member of the Smithsonian Institution’s Affiliations Program. This program has allowed the Garden to borrow more than twenty-five pieces of sculpture from the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden. In 2008, the Arts Building and the Studio School opened, allowing Annmarie to dramatically expand its programs and activities.

Investment & Land Donation

In 1960, as an investment, Francis and Annmarie Koenig purchased 30 acres of land in Solomons, Maryland. After thirty-two years, and despite numerous offers from developers, Fran realized that the land represented a unique opportunity to give something back to the community he loved.

In 1991, the Koenig family donated this property to Calvert County with the intention of developing it into a sculpture park. The park was named “Annmarie” after Fran’s wife, Ann Marie Koenig. Over the next decade, six permanent works of art were installed, marking the beginning of Annmarie Sculpture Garden.

Although Francis and Ann both passed away in the 1990s, their dream lives on through Annmarie Garden. Today, the garden stands as a testament to their gratitude for the years they spent at their beach home on the Chesapeake Bay. Their generous gift offers a unique space in Calvert County where visitors can experience the fusion of art and nature.

The Koenigs

Francis and Ann Marie Koenig first came to Calvert County in 1955 seeking a retreat from Fran’s career as an architect, builder, and developer in Washington, DC. They quickly fell in love with the area, and in 1956, they built a beach house in Long Beach. Soon after, they became avid sailors, often seen heading out from Flag Harbor Marina on their sailboat, “Annmarie.” They shared their love for the area with their family, taking their grandchildren on walks through the American Chestnut Land Trust on Parker’s Creek.

Born in Chicago in 1910, Francis was the first of seven children. While his early years were spent in Chicago, he grew up on a farm in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. His interest in drafting began by designing and building chicken houses, leading him to build his first board and T-square. At the age of sixteen, he worked as a carpenter’s helper, which inspired him to pursue a career in architecture.

Due to the increasing demands of the farm, Francis completed only the seventh grade. He continued studying architecture through correspondence courses and, by the age of eighteen, was designing plans for houses, churches, store remodelings, and even “hunting boxes.” His ability to see his designs through to completion made him stand out, as he was intimately involved in the execution of his ideas. As he often stated, “I was blessed a thousand-fold through participation.”

In 1935, Francis moved to Washington, DC, where he worked as a designer for Kennedy-Chamberlain and later as a drafter for Harvey Warwick, chief architect for Gustave Ring. By 1940, he had become vice president of Ring Engineering Company, designing and overseeing projects like Colonial Village (2nd phase) in Arlington, Virginia, and the Dorcester House in Washington, DC. After serving as a captain in the Army Corps of Engineers during World War II, Francis began designing and developing on his own, working on subdivisions, office buildings, churches, and his own home in Arlington, Virginia.

In 1955, Francis discovered a plot of land overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. The area, known as Long Beach, became the Koenig’s escape from city life. In 1956, he built the “beach house” at 234 Overlook Drive, where he and Ann enjoyed breathtaking views of the Bay. Despite extensive travel across Europe and the Caribbean, they both agreed that the view from their kitchen table was the best in the world.

In 1965, Francis and Ann purchased their first sailboat, which they named “Annmarie.” They enjoyed sailing the Bay with their dachshund, Hansel, and often took overnight trips to Solomon’s Island and the Choptank and Little Choptank Rivers.

In 1960, as an investment, Francis purchased 30 acres of land in Solomons Island, overlooking St. John’s Creek. Over time, Francis saw the potential to create something lasting and unique—a sculpture garden instead of a condominium complex or hotel. In gratitude for the years spent on the Bay and in Calvert County, he donated the land to become Annmarie Sculpture Garden, ensuring that it would remain a permanent gift to the community.

The Smithsonian Affiliation

In 2003, Annmarie joined the Smithsonian Affiliations program, connecting our community with one of the world’s most renowned museum institutions. Through this partnership, Annmarie has been able to bring exceptional works of art and valuable educational resources to visitors in Southern Maryland.

Please note the Smithsonian Institution does not manage or provide any funding to Annmarie.

John Dennis Murray Arts Building

The stunning Arts Building at Annmarie was designed by Richard Kleponis of Wheeler Goodman Masek Architecture + Interiors, Annapolis.  The 15,000 sq. ft. facility houses two floors of museum-grade exhibition space perfect for gallery shows, special events, programs, and private parties.    The building also includes a spacious patio, Gift Shop, Cafe, and catering kitchen.

Building Design Awards:
2009 Honor Award, Chesapeake Bay Chapter, American Institute of Architecture
2009 Building of the Year Finalist, Construction Magazine

Architects Design Narrative – Richard Kleponis
The simple, yet elegant design of the building was inspired by the nautical, agricultural, and ecological features of Calvert County.  The goal was to provide functional and flexible space for exhibitions and entertaining.  An abstract boat hull forming the Mezzanine Gallery is the dominating feature of the building.  The bow and stern of the “boat” extend out the east and west ends of the building.  Once inside, a visitor will experience the exhibitions, filtering through the two levels and continuing their journey outside to the sculpture garden. The sweeping curved glazed clerestory of the Mezzanine Gallery showers both levels with diffused natural light, conducive to viewing and creating art.  The open mezzanine also enables the visitor to view exhibits from above and below.  The south facing side of the building provides plenty of views to the sculpture garden outside while the large overhang protects the galleries from direct sunlight.

On the outside, the piercing metal and glass curved walls offer a contemporary juxtaposition to the traditional clapboard and board and batten siding covering the rest of the building.  The exterior colors give the building a contemporary feel, but the use of the red, gray, and silver pay homage to local agricultural and maritime buildings.  The interior is also a clean, modern environment, not competing with the exhibitions.

Capital Campaign – Major Donors
The State of Maryland
The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners
The Koenig Private Foundation, Inc.
Friends of Annmarie Garden, Inc.
Ann’s Circle, Inc.
Col. Caroline Van Mason In Honor of Col. Dan & Dr. Christine Boesz
Evelyn S. & Vincent C. Hungerford In Memory of Tony Hungerford & Julia Hungerford
Matthew J. Gambrill

Capital Campaign – Inner Circle Initiative
Duane W. Beckhorn
Barbara J. & Richard H. Beers
John & Judy Burroughs
John & Kim Dove
Mark R. Frazer, D.D.S.
Celeste & Pat Furey
Evelyn S. Hungerford
Beverly & Brooks Jackson
Joan & Elliot Kocen
Edward A. & Catherine Masek
Meng & Alpert, LLC
Don & Jean McDougall
Carolyn & Gene McHugh
PNC Bank
Gerry Van de Velde & Maureen Cunningham
Laurie & David Uherek
Karen & Leonard Zuza

Additional Capital Campaign Donors:
Louanne A. & Samuel M. Bailey
Dianna L. Brooks
Mr. & Mrs. Paul L. Berry
Joseph H. Bozick
John A & Mary Ada Candela
Abigail Francisco School of Classical Ballet
Rosemary DeRosa In Memory of Dee Hahn-Rollins
Lt. Col. Vernon W. & Doris Anne Garner
Abbey & Patrick Griffin
Paul & Katherine Kachurak
Frank B. & Pamela C. Meador In Memory of Dee Hahn-Rollins
Caren J. Pituck
Roanld J. Ross, Jr. & Faith A. Rickett-Ross
Tim Scheirer
William Sturgis
Susan Rork & John Zalusky
SMECO
Laurie & David Uherek In Memory of Dee Hahn-Rollins