Are you an artist or an art lover, but are not actively involved in an art organization that holds meetings during the day because you work full-time? Have you always wanted to try your hand at art, but not sure where to start? The St. Michaels Art League (SMAL) is offering an opportunity for you to attend an evening meeting – open to the public – on Monday April 9 from 6-8:30pm at Christ Church Parish Hall, 103 Willow St., St. Michaels, MD.
The meeting will feature a presentation by Julia Rogers. She is an oil painter, primarily of African Wildlife Species and landscapes featuring the Eastern Shore. She was the featured artist at the 2017 Waterfowl Festival in Easton.
The St. Michaels Art League has a lot to offer. In a casual, friendly and supportive atmosphere, you can enjoy a variety of monthly demonstrations by award winning artists in oil, pastel, sculpture, watercolor, colored pencil, ink wash, etc., geared toward improving the technical skills of its members. The league offers classes and workshops with regional and nationally acclaimed artists, and the opportunity to display and sell artwork at open and juried galleries in Talbot County. Members have the option to participate in the annual “Under the Tent Labor Day Show”. This premier event is an opportunity to display and sell your work, and draws many residents and tourists every year.
The League is an integral part of the community and collaborates with St. Michaels businesses through such programs as the Summer Art Hunt in July. The Art Hunt draws tourists and residents into the stores of participating merchants on a scavenger hunt to find paintings by members with a free ice cream at Justine’s Ice Cream Parlor as the prize. SMAL is also partnered with the Academy Art Museum, Candleberry Gallery, Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, Choptank Electric Cooperative, Christ Church, A.M. Gravely Gallery, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, and the town of St. Michaels.
In September, “Children’s Art Day” invites children from all over the mid-shore for a plein air painting experience with the guidance of league artists on the lawn of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. SMAL members also create the “Celebrate St. Michaels” banners depicting local scenes that are displayed on the town utility poles from April to November. These are some, but not all, of the events and activities of the league!
Despite their name, the SMAL includes members from all over the Mid-Shore and beyond. Members represent a variety of mediums including, but not limited to, painting, pastels, photography, fiber art, pottery and more.
Curious? Please join SMAL for this special evening event, watch the demo, and learn more about the League. Refreshments will be available. For more information, go to smartleague.org, or contact Beth Wright at 410-886-1100; or send an email to info@smartleague.org. These programs are funded, in part, by a grant from the Talbot County Arts Council, with revenues provided by the Maryland State Arts Council.
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~ St Michaels’ Art League