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January 7, 2026

Centreville Spy

Nonpartisan and Education-based News for Centreville

6 Arts Notes

Working Artists Forum Announces September Guest

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Working Artists Forum is proud to present a talk on “Intuition & Its Role In Creative Invention Of All Sort” by Rebecca Hoffberger.  This talk will be held on Tuesday, September 10, from 10:30 – noon at the Academy Art Museum in Easton, MD.  The event is free and open to the public.

Rebecca Alban Hoffberger is the Founder and Director Emeritus of the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM). Her extraordinary vision for the museum was promptly recognized in 1998 by The Urban Land Institute, with its coveted National Award for Excellence, making AVAM the first museum ever to be so recognized by the organization. Her election to the Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce in 1999 followed this award. She was inducted into the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame and awarded the President’s Award of the Maryland YWCA in 2006.

She holds Honorary Doctorates from the Maryland Institute College of Art, Stevenson University, McDaniel College, and the Pennsylvania College of Art, as well as Loyola College’s highest civic honor, the Andrew White Award.
Before becoming AVAM’s founder and director, Hoffberger was a published author and development consultant for 28 years. The title of “Dame” was bestowed upon her for her work on behalf of establishing medical field hospitals in Nigeria. She has received numerous mental health advocacy and equal opportunity awards, has served as a director of Jewish education, and has been on the Board of the Elisabeth Kubler-Ross Center.
At age 16, she became the first American to apprentice with famed mime Marcel Marceau in Paris.
Her more recent honors include the prestigious Visionary Award from the American Folk Art Museum in 2017, the 2019 Images and Voices of Hope Journalism Award, induction into the Baltimore Jewish Hall of Fame, and the 2019 Roger D. Redden Award from the Baltimore Architecture Foundation for her “significant role and many accomplishments in advancing Baltimore’s built environment and cultural community through the American Visionary Art Museum.” The Maryland Daily Record bestowed Rebecca with a 2020 Icon Award, and Visit Baltimore presented her with the 2021 William Donald Schaefer Visionary Tourism
Award.
In March of 2022 the Baltimore Sun inducted Rebecca into its Business and Civic Hall of Fame, and in September of 2022, Stavros Lambrinidis — Ambassador of the European Union to the United States — presented her with the new Keys to the European Union Award.

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Working Artists Forum Sponsor Painting Demonstrations

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The Working Artists Forum is pleased to sponsor painting demonstrations at their monthly meetings which are free and open to the public. The demo artist for the March meeting is Stacey Sass, a well-regarded local watercolor artist. The demo will take place on Tuesday March 12th at 10:30am at the Academy Art Museum in Easton.

Stacey Sass will demonstrate the process of creating watercolor monotypes using a simple plexiglass plate. This one-off printing process is a hybrid medium that can produce delightful randomness that is hard to achieve with traditional watercolor techniques. A seafood still life will be used for the subject matter.

Stacey earned an MFA degree from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 1988. After a career as an art teacher, she is now taking time to paint for herself. She is a plein air addict and often paints from her boat. Her subject matter includes not only water and boat themes but also landscape and still life. She is involved in local art organizations and continues to be engaged in private and group watercolor lessons.

For more information visit www.workingartistsforum,com.

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Working Artists Forum’s Local Color Art Show Submission Deadline Set for March 12

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The Working Artists Forum (WAF) is thrilled to announce the release of its Local Color Art Show & Sale prospectus, now available on the WAF website here, https://workingartistsforum.com/local-color/local-color-registration/. Under the umbrella of the annual Plein Air Easton Competition and Arts Festival, the Working Artists Forum presents this esteemed juried and judged art exhibit each year, aptly titled “Local Color”.

Local Color showcases outstanding two-dimensional artworks across various painting mediums. Eligibility for participation extends to any artist residing on the Delmarva Peninsula in MD, DE, or VA, as well as members of the WAF. Notably, artists who have previously been juried into the 2024 Plein Air Easton Competition are ineligible to apply. The deadline to enter the jurying process is March 12th. All pertinent information regarding this four-day event, including the prospectus and application form, can be found online.

About the Exhibit:

Location: Christ Church (South and Harrison Sts.) Easton, Maryland.

Dates: July 18 through July 21, 2024.

How to Enter: Submit your entries online here.

Accepted Mediums: We invite submissions of your finest original two-dimensional works, whether Studio or Plein Air Paintings, in the mediums of acrylic, watercolor, oil, and pastels.

Notification of Acceptance – no later than March 28, 2024.

The Local Color Judge for 2024 will be Charles Newman, the Grand Prize Recipient of Plein Air Easton 2023. Serving as the Local Color Juror this year is Tim Beall, the Second Place Award Recipient of Plein Air Easton 2023.

Awards and Opening: Awards totaling $1800 will be announced at 12 noon, with a reception following on July 18th at the exhibit in Christ Church Fellowship Hall.

Exhibit Hours:

Thursday, July 18: 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Friday, July 19: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Saturday, July 20: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Sunday, July 21: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

To learn more about The Working Artists Forum check out their website: http://www.workingartistsforum.com

QUESTIONS?  Email Local Color Chairpersons: Doris Glovier or Maryellyn Lynott at [email protected].

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Working Artist’s Forum will be Exhibiting in the 2023 Waterfowl Festival

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Forty members of the Working Artist’s Forum will be exhibiting in the 2023 Waterfowl Festival this year. The WAF exhibit will be located at the ‘Art at the Church’ venue, which can be found at Christ Church Fellowship Hall on Harrison St, Easton, Maryland. This Waterfowl Festival gallery will be open starting Nov. 9 for the ticketed VIP Premiere Night and continuing during the Festival from Friday through Sunday, Nov. 10-12.

Award winning plein air artist, Beth Brownlee Bathe will be the judge for the exhibit, selecting 4 ‘Judges Choice Awards’ for individual art works. Awards will be presented on Thursday, November 9th at 4:30pm.

2023 WAF participating artists are: Barbara Kern-Bush, Deborah Cole, Carol Cowie, Nancy Lee Davis, Nancy Fine, Mary Ford, Rhonda Ford, Carol Frost, Jill Glassman, Doris Glovier, Shirley Hales, Anna Harding, Patti Lucas Hopkins, Laura Leigh Kapolchok, Jane Knighton, Kathleen Kopec, Marianne Kost, Patricia Lang, Maryellyn Lynott, Linda Luke, Mary Ellen Mabe, Carol McClees, Deborah McFarlin, Amanda Milliner, Kathleen Quinn, Jose Ramirez, Christine Rapa, Anne Reder, Kathie Rogers, Maggii Sarfaty, Stacey Sass, Nancy R. Thomas, Georgette Toews, Naomi Clark-Turner, Stephen Walker, Barbara Harr Watson, Judith Stevens Weaver, Maureen Wheatley, Lori Yates, Barbara Zuehlke

Founded in 1979 by a small group of artists, the Working Artists Forum – with over 100 members – is today a thriving arts organization with many vital connections within our local arts community. WAF members exhibit widely, win awards, teach classes and workshops, and actively participate in arts events throughout our region. Monthly member meetings promote camaraderie through discussion of upcoming exhibits, and provide demonstrations by well-known guest artists, which are free and open to the public.  For more information, please visit: www.workingartistsforum.com and https://waterfowlfestival.org/art-galleries/church/ or you may contact Co-Chairs, Lori Yates, [email protected], or Stacey Sass, [email protected]
Painting attached by Maggii Sarfaty.

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Mid-Shore Arts: WAF Local Color Art Show Winners

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Pictured are front row Left to right Anne Reder, co-chair, Carol McClees, chairman of Local Color, Barbara Zuehlke, Anne Singer, Barbara Kern-Bush, Deborah Wolfe, Kathleen Harvey, and in the back row Left to right, Charlie Hunter, judge, Freeman Dodsworth, Deborah McFarlin.

This year’s Local Color Art Show and Sale, by the Working Artist Forum with the support of Plein Air Easton Competition and Arts Festival, was held on July 20th through July 23rd.  The public was invited to attend the opening ceremony and award presentation at Christ Church at Noon on July 20th.  The opening was very well attended.  Judging had taken place prior to the opening by Charlie Hunter, 2022 Grand Prize winner at Plein Air. Easton.  Hunter’s work can be seen at https://www.hunter-studio.com.

Charlie explained how the nuances and character of a work can draw him to it and result in an award, but further stated that there were many works worthy of rewards. Charlie also commented on the quality of all the art in the show.

The Working Artist Forum congratulates the following artists who won awards: Anne Singer, first place, Barbara Kern-Bush, award of excellence, Deborah Wolfe, honorable mention, Kathleen Harvey, honorable mention, Freeman Dodsworth, honorable mention. Barbara Zuehlke, award of excellence, and Deborah McFarlin, award of excellence.

The photo of the winners was taken by Ted Mueller of Ted Mueller Photography, https://www.tedmuellerphotography.com, who took wonderful photos of the event.  The award winners pictured are as follows; front row Left to right Anne Reder, co-chair, Carol McClees, chairman of Local Color, Barbara Zuehlke, Anne Singer, Barbara Kern-Bush, Deborah Wolfe, Kathleen Harvey, and in the back row Left to right, Charlie Hunter, judge, Freeman Dodsworth, Deborah McFarlin.

The Working Artists Forum thanks Carol McClees for her amazing job as chairperson, and all her supporting members who volunteered in various ways to make this show a success.  WAF also wishes to thank the public for attending and buying so many wonderful works of art.  This show supports children in the arts by WAF donating a portion of the proceeds for the purchase of gift cards to give to local schools for art supplies.

Information on the Working Artists Forum and their upcoming events can be found at www.workingartistsforum.com.

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Image attached: Pictured are front row Left to right Anne Reder, co-chair, Carol McClees, chairman of Local Color, Barbara Zuehlke, Anne Singer, Barbara Kern-Bush, Deborah Wolfe, Kathleen Harvey, and in the  back row Left to right, Charlie Hunter, judge, Freeman Dodsworth, Deborah McFarlin.

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It’s Almost Time for Local Color 2023

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Leader Of The Pack by Carol McClees

Mark your calendar!!! This year’s dates for the popular Local Color Art Show and Sale AND Free Demonstrations are July 20 through July 23.  Working Artists Forum (WAF), with the patronage and support of Plein Air Easton (PAE) Competition and Arts Festival, is pleased to sponsor this well-known annual art exhibit during Plein Air Easton.   The public is invited to this free art show, opening reception and demonstrations.

The artists in this year’s show are Sandy Alanko, Jane Anderson, Leah Bell, Carol Cowie, Freeman Dodsworth, Carol Frost, Nancy Galvin, Jill Glassman, Doris Glovier, Shirley Hales, Kathleen Harvey, Patti Lucas Hopkins, Betty Huang, Roberta Ingram, Barbara Kern-Bush, Kathy Kopec, Pat Lang, Maryellyn Lynott, Mary Ellen Mabe, Carol McClees, Deborah McFarlin, Michael McSorley, Carol Meers, Karen Merkin, Amanda Milliner, Diane DuBois Mullaly, Betty Papson, David Pelligrini, Chris Rapa, Diane Rappisi, Jose Ramirez, Jim Rehak,  Lesley Schless, Annie Singer, Georgette Toews, Walter Urbanek,  Ronald Walker, Barbara Watson, Maureen Wheatley, Deborah Wolfe, Lori Yates, Barbara Zuehlke.

The juror for the show was Zufar Bikbov, second-place winner of Plein Air Easton 2022, a full-time artist and art teacher since 2017, who teaches painting in the studio and online at www.russera.com.  His art can be seen at https://www.zufar.com. WAF was very pleased to have Zufar jury this year’s Local Color artists.

This year’s judge is Charlie Hunter, 2022 Grand Prize winner at Plein Air.  Hunter’s work examines the pressures of modern urban and suburban culture upon small-town and agricultural communities. His work is in multiple collections and museums and can be seen at https://www.hunter-studio.com

Judging will take place prior to the opening on July 20th.  The public is invited to attend the show and the opening ceremony and award presentation held at Christ Church, 111 S. Harrison St., Easton.  The doors will open at Noon on July 20th with the reception.

HOURS FOR ART SHOW & SALE:

  • Thursday July 20, 12 – 6 pm
  • Friday July 21, 10 – 6 pm
  • Saturday July 22, 10 – 6 pm
  • Sunday July 23, 12 – 4 pm

There will be FREE demonstrations throughout the weekend.  All demonstrations will take place at Christ Church on the 2nd floor.

The Free Painting Demonstration Schedule is:

Thursday – 7/20/23 – Charlie Hunter 1:00 – 3:00, Christ Church, PAE ‘22 Grand Prize winner

Thursday – 7/20/23 – Zufar Bikbov 3:30 – 5:30, Christ Church, Second Place PAE ’22 winner

Friday – 7/21/23 – Mick McAndrews 1:00 – 3:00, Christ Church, Third Place PAE ’22 winner

Friday – 7/21/23 – Neal Hughes 3:30 -5:30, Christ Church, Artist’s Choice PAE ’22 winner

For more information on Local Color and the Working Artists Forum, visit www.WorkingArtistsForum.com; and for PAE Information, visit  www.pleinaireaston.com

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

It’s Time for Local Color

by Leave a Comment

Each year the Working Artists Forum (WAF), under the auspices of the annual Plein Air Easton (PAE) Competition and Arts Festival, sponsors the well-known annual art exhibit and sale Local Color during Plein Air Easton.

This year’s dates for this beautiful, well-attended show are July 20 through July 23, 2023, when participating artists will be offering their original two-dimensional art for sale.

Painting by Carol McClees

Zufar Bikbov, juror, was the second-place winner of Plein Air Easton 2022. He became a full-time artist and art teacher in 2017, and teaches painting in the studio and online at www.russera.com.  His art can be seen at https://www.zufar.com. WAF was very pleased to have Zufar jury this year’s Local Color artists.

The artists, who are either members of WAF or reside in the Delmarva area, in this year’s show are Sandy Alanko, Jane Anderson, Leah Bell, Carol Cowie, Freeman Dodsworth, Carol Frost, Nancy Galvin, Jill Glassman, Shirley Hales, Kathleen Harvey, Patti Lucas Hopkins, Betty Huang, Roberta Ingram, Barbara Kern-Bush, Kathy Kopec, Pat Lang, Mary Ellen Lynott, Mary Ellen Mabe, Carol McClees, Deborah McFarlin, Michael McSorley, Carol Meers, Karen Merkin, Amanda Milliner,  Diane DuBois Mullaly, Betty Papson, David Pelligrini, Chris Rapa, Diane Rappisi, Anne Reder,  Jose Ramirez, Jim Rehak,  Lesley Schless, Annie Singer, Georgette Toews, Walter Urbanek,  Ronald Walker, Barbara Watson, Maureen Wheatley, Deborah Wolfe, Lori Yates, Barbara Zuehlke.

Judging will take place prior to the opening on July 20th.  The judge for this year’s Local Color show is Charlie Hunter, 2022 Grand Prize winner at Plein Air.  Hunter’s work examines the pressures of modern urban and suburban culture upon small-town and agricultural communities. His work is in multiple collections and museums and can be seen at https://www.hunter-studio.com

The public is invited to attend the show and the opening ceremony and award presentation held at Christ Church, 111 S. Harrison St., Easton.  The doors open at Noon on July 20th.  There will be FREE demonstrations throughout the weekend.

HOURS FOR ART SHOW & SALE:

  • Thursday July 20, 12 – 6 pm
  • Friday July 21, 10 – 6 pm
  • Saturday July 22, 10 – 6 pm
  • Sunday July 23, 12 – 4 pm

Free Painting Demonstration Schedule

The Working Artists Forum is again offering four, free to the public, painting demonstrations during their annual Local Color Art Show & Sale.

All demonstrations will take place at Christ Church, 2nd floor:

Thursday – 7/20/23 – Charlie Hunter 1:00 – 3:00, Christ Church, PAE ‘22 Grand Prize winner

Thursday – 7/20/23 – Zufar Bikbov 3:30 – 5:30, Christ Church, Second Place PAE ’22 winner

Friday – 7/21/23 – Mick McAndrews 1:00 – 3:00, Christ Church, Third Place PAE ’22 winner

Friday – 7/21/23 – Neal Hughes 3:30 -5:30, Christ Church, Artist’s Choice PAE ’22 winner

For more information on Local Color and the Working Artists Forum, visit www.WorkingArtistsForum.com; and for PAE Information, visit  www.pleinaireaston.com

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.