Donations Needed for the Tulagi Place Mural Project!
St. Mary’s County Arts Council (SMCAC), with the support of the Maryland State Arts Council, the Southern Maryland Folklife Center, and in conjunction with the St. Mary’s County Department of Recreation and Parks, will soon be announcing the artist selected to create a mural design using themes and ideas from community stakeholders. The call for artists ended December 15th.
The grant is to commemorate Tulagi Place - a historic landmark from the time Lexington Park, Maryland, was created to support the community associated with the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. Additional donations from our community members are very much appreciated to help support this project.
January Spotlight on the Arts!
Our Spotlight on the Arts for January 2024 shines brightly on local photographer Jeff Gagliano!
Gagliano has a longtime love of photography and a strong dedication to the Southern Maryland community. He has spent countless hours supporting various charities by sharing his time, talents, and thousands of images.
Click on the link below and "read more" at The Southern Maryland Chronicle!
Special Events at St. Mary’s County Arts Council!
Second Friday Social
January 12 from 1-2 PM
Join us on Second Fridays from 1 to 2 PM to meet our staff, other artists, friends of the Arts Council, and anyone else who would like to stop by and visit!
This is a wonderful opportunity for networking, making new friends, and learning about upcoming arts-related events in our community.
Bring one of your latest projects! We love seeing everyone’s artwork, be it completed or in progress.
Grab a cup of your favorite beverage on your way in. There are many coffeeshops and restaurants within an easy walking distance of our office.
Details are available here.
Call for Artists!
Join us for our next In-House Community Art Show in February 2024!
A portion of all sales will be donated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society 2024 Student Visionaries of the Year Campaign, led by Alyssa Hammett of Chopticon High School.
Wall art may be up to 36” in any direction and be framed. Canvas pieces may be unframed but must be painted on the sides. All wall pieces must be ready to hang by either wire or a saw-tooth hanger.
Pieces other than wall art (ceramics, jewelry, prints, etc.) will also be considered within size and space limitations.
Click HERE for additional details and to register your art piece. Registration closes on January 20th at 3 PM. We look forward to seeing your submission!
Questions? Email our Gallery Manager Caitlin Wakefield at: gallery@smcart.org
St. Mary’s County Arts Council Community Galleries
We are pleased to announce our partnerships with local community groups to showcase the work of our local artists! Our own Gallery & Gift Shop is a must-stop spot as well!
Port of Leonardtown Winery
Come see the work of realist painter John Petr during the month of January, 2024! This exhibit is a collaboration between local artists, the Port of Leonardtown Winery, and St. Mary’s County Arts Council.
St. Mary’s County Arts Council
The St. Mary’s County Gallery & Gift Shop is home to over 60 local artists! We feature a wide variety of paintings, prints, handcrafted pottery, jewelry, greeting cards, and much more! Photo by Drew Hyde.
U.S. District Court of MD, Southern Division
This show features the work of 18 local artists at the U.S. District Court located in Greenbelt, Maryland and runs from November, 2023, thru January, 2024. Click here to view photos from the opening reception!
U.S. District Courthouse Showcases Southern Maryland Artists
Thank you to all who joined us for the Opening Reception at the U. S. District Court (Southern Division) located in Greenbelt, Maryland. This exhibit runs from November 2023 thru January, 2024. We are very grateful to Judge Peter J. Messitte and staff for inviting us to be part of this amazing art exhibit! View additional photos and learn more here.
St. Mary’s County Library Shows - December 2023 & January 2024
Leonardtown Library
Jami Faith of Elsewise Art is a multi-media artist specializing in all things colorful and wonderfully whimsical. Her favorite media include posca pens on wood panels. Jami’s distinctive style is reflected in her amazing and detailed work, often portraying animals, portraits, robots, and much more!
Lexington Park Library
Jack Nutter of Nutter Photography is well-known around town for his live-action concert and festival photos. “Every image captured is less like a snap shot and more like a visual experience.” His portfolio also includes weddings, landscapes, portraits, and much more! (Photo by Jeff Gagliano).
Lexington Park Library
Lexington Park Library
Bert Hindman of Memories Photography is a multi-talented sports action and event photographer. His passion for photography was sparked many years ago through his love of baseball games. He can often be found at sports fields, concert pits, and at the Blue Crabs Stadium in Waldorf, Maryland!
Mancil Gray has been working alongside Jack and Bert at different venues and has nine images featured as a collaboration in this current exhibit. Mancil has a keen eye, natural talent, and a high interest in learning new skills. “Sharing moments with others is my favorite part of photography.”
Click here for general library info, addresses, and open hours for both the Leonardtown and Lexington Park Library galleries.
Join us for Maryland Arts Day!
Maryland Arts Day is the largest annual gathering of arts professionals in Maryland. With more than 500 participants, representing every county in the state and Baltimore City, this statewide arts advocacy event connects artists, educators, administrators, volunteers and trustees with lawmakers from every legislative district in Maryland.
Maryland Arts Day needs your participation to show strong support for the arts in Maryland and its impact on the economic and cultural vitality of the state.
What do I do at Maryland Arts Day?
You will spend the day networking with colleagues from around the state, all while learning about the arts advocacy process. After a networking breakfast, participants will gather for the morning session which includes greetings from lawmakers, presentation of the Sue Hess Legacy Arts Advocate of the Year Award, a keynote speech, and a state budget overview.
The next portion of the day will be meetings in your virtual county delegation rooms with your legislators. See the link below for additional details!
Opportunities for Artists
Explore MSAC grants and opportunities available to independent artists including: Creativity Grants for Projects, Emergency Grants, Folklife Apprenticeship, the Grants for Artists program (supporting the working and living expenses of Maryland artists), Heritage Award, Public Art Across Maryland, Professional Development Opportunity Grant, Maryland Performing Artist Touring Roster, and Teaching Artist Roster.
The Maryland State Arts Council advances the arts in our state by providing leadership that champions creative expression, diverse programming, equitable access, lifelong learning, and the arts as a celebrated contributor to the quality of life for all the people of Maryland.
We Appreciate Your Support!
The Arts play a fundamental role in shaping and strengthening our community's culture, education & economic development. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to help support our programs!
Our Valued Sponsors:
The St. Mary's County Arts Council is funded by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, (MSAC), an agency dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive.
The MSAC provides financial support and technical assistance of nonprofit organizations, units of government, colleges and universities for arts activities.
St. Mary’s County Arts Council is also sponsored in part by major sponsors:
Coles Family Foundation
Herbert M. & Naomi R. Leavitt Family Charitable Trust
*Plus memberships/donations from individuals and corporate sponsors!
Add your logo here! Contact us for sponsorship opportunities!
