Winter Woods, a collage by Ann Crane Harlan

Some families boast the random creative relative who is a writer or perhaps a photographer, but Ann Herron Crane Harlan of Centreville, an accomplished artist, is steeped in generations of creativity. The Herron-Crane Family will travel from all parts of the United States to share their art in a special month-long exhibition at the Queen Anne’s County Centre for the Arts at 206 S. Commerce St., Centreville.

The Herron-Crane Family Heritage Show opens Saturday, March 30th from 6 to 9 p.m. with a special free reception. The exhibition runs through Tuesday, April 30th, at the Centre for the Arts on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.   

The show features a diverse display of artwork, nature photography, music, literature, yoga, and other creative expressions from more than 20 family members spanning seven generations. Curated by Harlan, the show features work that showcases her family’s artistic journey from past to present. “This show is a long time in the making… well over a century,” Harlan says. “This year the timing just seemed right. We look forward to not only seeing the collective creative but also sharing everything with the local art community.” 

Well-known Centreville artist 

Harlan made Centreville her home in 2000 after living in Crofton, Maryland. She is now a well-known watercolor and collage artist and prominent figure in Queen Anne’s County, serving as a member of the Kent Island Federation of Art, River Arts in Chestertown, and the Queen Anne’s County Centre for the Arts. 

She creates her art in her home studio, where many have known her and her husband for more than 24 years cultivating heritage varieties of peaches, apples, plums, pears, and Christmas trees over 16 acres at their White Marsh Orchard.

Harlan, whose maiden name is Herron, has two brothers—James who is a talented actor, narrator, voiceover artist, and jazz performer living in Cleveland, Ohio, and Tom, a photographer, writer, well-respected speaker and campaign consultant, and poet with a 40-year career in advertising living in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. 

Tom created the invitation for the exhibition’s private reception. James will play drums in the Dick Durham Trio, a jazz ensemble performing at the opening reception. “The last time I performed on the Eastern Shore with the Trio was for Dick’s 75th birthday at the Mainstay a few years back,” says Herron. “There’s no place really on earth that is more interesting, beautiful, and historic than the Eastern Shore,” he says. “I look forward to being with my family and especially in the Shore’s beautiful spaces where water and agriculture combine.”

Harlan’s children, grandchildren, and their family members are the ‘Cranes.’ Among the artists whose works are represented in the exhibition include her son, her daughter, her ex-brother-in-law David Crane, and her ex-husband Richard Crane, Sr., who creates beautiful scrimshaw. 

Rich heritage in the Arts

The arts and writing have always been in the Herron family. Her great uncle was one of the top writers for the Cleveland Press during the ’20s and ’30s, with his life serving as an inspiration for the radio show, novel, and 1945 Billy Wilder-directed film, The Lost Weekend. Now, she says, everyone including her grandchildren engages in the arts in some form or medium. 

A photograph of a marsh in Hilton Head by Tom Herron

“The Herron family’s roots are in Ireland and England, with ancestors in the Revolutionary War,” said Harlan. “The Crane family is from Baltimore and Indiana – with Richard growing up in Severna Park and our children spending several summers there along with boating out on the water.” 

The Crane family is represented in the exhibition by her son, daughter, ex-brother-in-law David Crane, and ex-husband Richard Crane, Sr., each bringing a blend of artistic talents, including Richard’s beautiful scrimshaw.

Appreciating arts and humanity

The exhibition begins with the past and continues toward contemporary generations, including James’ daughter, Elizabeth Herron, talented oil on canvas painter and winemaker in Oregon. Elizabeth will also be contributing wine from her vineyard, Johan Vineyards, for the March 30 reception.

Beauty in the Tree Tops, a collage by Ann Crane Harlan

Harlan, who recently celebrated her octogenarian milestone, initiated the exhibition planning a year ago, bringing together family members from various generations and locations. A private reception on the afternoon of March 30 and a big Easter brunch will provide opportunities for the family to gather.

“I hope people will appreciate how we all love beauty and nature and humanity,” Harlan said. “We all express art in different ways and with different mediums and want to share our arts heritage with the public in this special way.”

“The exhibition includes the work of 21 multigenerational artists of varying disciplines, each one very accomplished, in what they do,” says Queen Anne’s County Centre for the Arts Executive Director Rick Strittmater. “Inventors, designers, musicians, sculptures, painters, and more, this is quite possibly a once-in-a-lifetime event. The work is spectacular. We are privileged to have this collection of artists at the Centre for the Arts.”

The March 30th opening reception is free. Light refreshments will be provided. Walk-ins are welcome. Free on-the-street parking and overflow parking is available at Wye Upper River School, 316 S. Commerce St., and at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 301 S. Liberty Street. To RSVP, contact Allison Moffatt at Queen Anne’s County Centre for the Arts at (410) 758-2520 or [email protected].  

 Get ready for an evening of laughter and spontaneity as Improv Easton returns to the stage at the Oxford Community Center on Friday, April 12^th at 7PM. Tickets are on sale now, and after their standing-room-only show at the same venue last year, they’re sure to go fast!

Improv Easton is a local troupe dedicated to providing opportunities for creative connection in the community through the art of improv comedy. Using audience suggestions, they create scenes and characters on the spot, making each show a unique and unforgettable experience.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Improv Easton back to the Oxford Community Center,” says Liza Ledford, Executive Director. “Their last show was a success, and we can’t wait to see what they come up with next. Improv comedy is a fantastic way to unite people and create a positive and uplifting atmosphere.”

Improv Easton is more than just entertainment; it’s a community. Their weekly practice sessions are filled with games, exercises, and laughter, fostering teamwork and creativity. Troupe members say that improv is a great way to challenge yourself and step outside your comfort zone, all while having a lot of fun.

Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the laughter! Tickets for Improv Easton’s show at the Oxford Community Center are available online or at the door, and refreshments will be available for purchase. For more information and to reserve your space, please visit the Oxford Community Center’s website at www.oxfordcc.org or contact the center at 410-226-5904.

American Ramble: A Walk of Memory and Renewal

Neil King, Jr.

The Bookplate is continuing its 2024 season of author lectures on Thursday, April 4th, with Neil King, Jr. for a 6 pm event at The Kitchen and Pub at The Imperial Hotel.

Neil King Jr.’s desire to walk from Washington, D.C., to New York City began as a whim and soon became an obsession. By the spring of 2021, events had intervened that gave his desire greater urgency. His neighborhood still reeled from the January 6th insurrection. Covid lockdowns and a rancorous election had deepened America’s divides. Neil himself bore the imprints of a long battle with cancer.

Determined to rediscover what matters in life and to see our national story with new eyes, Neil turned north with a small satchel on his back and one mission in mind: To pay close attention to the land he crossed and the people he met.

What followed is an extraordinary 26-day journey through historic battlefields and cemeteries, over the Mason-Dixon line, past Quaker and Amish farms, along Valley Forge stream beds, atop a New Jersey trash mound, across New York Harbor, and finally, to his ultimate destination: the Ramble, where a tangle of pathways converges in Central Park. The journey travels deep into America’s past and present, uncovering forgotten pockets and overlooked people. At a time of mounting disunity, the trip reveals the profound power of our shared ground.

By turns amusing, inspiring, and sublime, American Ramble offers an exquisite account of personal and national renewal — an indelible study of our country as we’ve never seen it before. 

“This is a near perfect book, an exquisitely seen and felt memoir of an American journey; it’s not just a geographic journey, full of keen observations and thoughtful insights, but a spiritual one, finding in our complex and sometimes contradictory landscape a mirror in which King’s own inner life awakens as he wanders. Amazing.”

— Ken Burns

“American Ramble is a dazzling mixture of travelogue, memoir, and history. At times profound, funny, and heartbreaking, this is the story of a traveler intoxicated by life. I couldn’t put it down.”

— Nathaniel Philbrick, author of Travels with George and In the Heart of the Sea

“American Ramble takes the reader on a beguiling journey of forgotten history and unsuspected delights – and along the way, uncovers something even more precious in these rancorous times: our common ground.”

— David Axelrod, presidential adviser and author of Believer: My Forty Years in Politics

Neil King Jr. grew up in Colorado in a house with the Rocky Mountains out the back door and the flat plains out the front. He went to school in Chicago and then New York City, where he studied philosophy at Columbia University. He worked a multitude of jobs, from busboy and ranch hand to cab driver and private investigator, before settling into a career in journalism. He worked in Florida for the Tampa Tribune and later for the Prague Post in the newly born Czech Republic. For 20 years he traveled to more than 50 countries in all continents to write and report and poke around as a reporter for The Wall Street Journal. During his years in Washington, DC, he served as chief diplomatic correspondent, national political reporter and, at the end, the Journal’s global economics editor. He now travels and writes on his own. He is the founder and editor of Gotham Canoe, an online journal dedicated to life out of doors. American Ramble: A Walk of Memory and Renewal is his first book. He lives with his wife in Washington DC.

For more event details contact The Bookplate at 410-778-4167 or [email protected]. These events are free and open to the public. The Bookplate will continue their event series with an author lecture at The Kitchen on April 17th as local author Stan Salett will be discussing his book The Edge of Politics. The Kitchen at The Imperial is located at 208 High Street in Chestertown, Maryland.

Lynn Sanchez

On April 4th at 5:30pm, the Oxford Community Center will host local author Lynn Sanchez for an intimate evening discussing her book, Behind the Brussel Sprouts: Why YOU Have What It Takes to Be the Best Parent for Your Child.

In a living room-style chat, Sanchez will share personal stories and insightful advice from her over 50 years of experience as a parent and early childhood educator. Drawing from the lessons learned while raising her three sons, Sanchez offers a lighthearted and practical guide to help modern mothers and fathers (and grandparents) navigate the joys and challenges of parenting.

The 127-page book features 12 chapters covering innovative and collaborative solutions to difficult parenting situations. However, Sanchez is quick to note this is not a “how-to” guide but rather a collection of “what-if” scenarios for parents to reflect on.

A few highlighted topics include:

• The power of acknowledging rather than praising children
• Establishing logical consequences over discipline
• Fostering agreements versus threats and bribes

Woven throughout Behind the Brussel Sprouts are Sanchez’s real-life memories, inspirational quotes, and touching stories that underscore her central message – trust the journey and enjoy the detours.

While parenting advice books abound, Sanchez offers a fresh, lighthearted perspective from someone who has been in the trenches. She shares the pressure she put on herself as a “professional parent” and the lessons it took her years to learn.

“Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or caregivers we invite you to join us for a memorable evening with talented author and parenting expert Lynn Sanchez,” said Liza Ledford, Executive Director of the Oxford Community Center. “Her decades of parenting experience paired with practical advice makes for an engaging event not to miss.”

Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing at the event. Proceeds from Sanchez’s book will benefit the non-profit For All Seasons.

This event, presented in partnership with the Oxford Library, is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 5:30 pm. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Donations to support the Oxford Community Center’s ongoing programs and events will be gratefully accepted.

For more information and to reserve your space, please visit the Oxford Community Center’s website at www.oxfordcc.org or contact the center at 410-226-5904.

For information about Behind the Brussels Sprouts, contact Lynn Sanchez at [email protected].

Kent Island Yacht Club will host two prestigious events this year – the 8th annual Chesapeake Bay Motoring Festival on June 8-9, and the 17th annual St. Michaels Concours d’Elegance on Chesapeake Bay on September 27-29. Both events are presented by St. Michaels Concours d’Elegance on Chesapeake Bay.

The Chesapeake Bay Motoring Festival, presented by Bentley and in collaboration with the Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the Antique & Classic Boat Society, promises a spectacular showcase of antique, classic, hot rod, and sports cars alongside a collection of classic boats and yachts. The festival takes place on the yacht club’s picturesque waterfront lawn.

The festival kicks off with a Cars and Coffee meet-up on Saturday, June 8, featuring car clubs, hot rods, muscle cars, and elegant motorcars from bygone days. The event concludes on Sunday afternoon with a delightful waterside awards ceremony, featuring unique categories such as “best car to take your momma to church” and “car most inclined to stop for gas.”

The Chesapeake Bay Motoring Festival’s People’s Choice award winner will be showcased at the St. Michaels Concours d’Elegance on Chesapeake Bay.

The 17th annual St. Michaels Concours d’Elegance of Chesapeake Bay will be presented by Bentley and sponsored by Cunningham Automotive. The event features a special invitational class of racing Corvettes sponsored by Cunningham Automotive to celebrate Corvette’s 71st anniversary, a do-over from last year’s event which was hindered by Tropical Storm Ophelia.

The Grand Marque of the show is the sleek and elegant Delahaye, with a spotlight on Chesapeake Bay yachting. Entrant registration is free, with an application process for Concours, both available online.

St. Michaels Concours d’Elegance Chair Luke L. Phipps expressed excitement about the Kent Island Yacht Club’s ideal location, making both events grand celebrations of motoring excellence on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Phipps highlighted the inclusion of locally sourced cuisine, craft libations, vendor tents, live music, and awards ceremonies throughout the weekend events.

Both events are open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to arrive by boat, with dockage available at the Kent Island Yacht Club and Hyatt Place Marina. Limited slips are available, and advanced reservations can be made by contacting [email protected].

Event sponsorships and entrant applications are currently being accepted online, with early-bird discounted tickets and more information about both events at www.chesapeakebaymotoringfestival.org or www.smcde.org.

Saturday, May 11 John Wesley Preservation Society Spring Soul Dance at Oxford Community Center from 7 – 10pm with live band, The Comfort Zone. Get tickets ASAP at johnwesleychurch.org. Tickets cost

$25 and include appetizers, desserts, iced tea and soda. Cash bar. Start the party early with the Oxford Museum’s Memories and Musings: Oxford Voices from the 1960s at St. Paul’s Church from 5 – 6:30 PM

Festival Open for Submissions through June 5 – Accepting shorts and features, documentary, narrative and animated films

 The Chesapeake Film Festival is proud to announce a significant milestone in its mission to promote environmental awareness and advocacy through the power of film.  The Shared Earth Foundation, has awarded a prestigious environmental grant to bolster programming for the upcoming September 27 – 29 Chesapeake Film Festival, which includes many inspiring films with environmental topics.  The grant represents not only a vital investment in the festival’s continued growth, but also is a testament to its unwavering commitment to fostering dialogue and action on pressing environmental issues.

The festival’s environmental programming this year will begin on Friday, September 27 at the beautiful Ebenezer Theater in downtown Easton, Maryland at 7PM.  Films will include a new short film directed by local filmmaker Dave Harp and written by Tom Horton called Chesapeake Rhythms.  The film is a magnificent celebration of the native trumpet swans who migrate to the marshes of the Eastern Shore.  Following this short documentary, we will present the inspiring feature-length Diary of an Orphan Elephant. This evocative film follows the rescue and rehabilitation of an orphaned albino baby elephant and introduces us to the history and vital operations of a unique elephant orphanage in Southern Africa that was created in response to a wildlife crisis caused by habitat encroachment and poaching.

In addition to our environmental films in the evening, our September 27 Opening Day will feature the documentary film Call Me Dancer directed by Leslie Shampaine.  The film tells the story of Manish, a young and talented street dancer from the City of Dreams, Mumbai. He struggles against his parents’ insistence that he follow a more traditional career path to support the family.  Ambitious and passionate, Manish is determined to succeed as a professional dancer, but the odds are stacked against him.  The director will be on hand for a live Q & A following the screening.

SAVE THE DATE FOR FREE FESTIVAL PREVIEW EVENT – AUGUST 15

On Thursday, Aug 15 join us for a special screening at the Academy Art Museum  This free preview event  features the film WYETH — about the life and work of artist Andrew Wyeth — and includes Q & A with the director Glenn Holsten following the screening.  WYETH is a documentary film telling the story of one of America’s most popular, but least understood artists.  While Andrew Wyeth’s exhibitions routinely broke attendance records, art world critics continually assaulted his work. Through unprecedented access to Wyeth family members, archival materials, and his work, WYETH presents the most complete portrait of the artist ever – bearing witness to a legacy just at the moment it is evolving. This event is free to the public. Join us to learn more about what will be happening during the three-day festival in September. Light refreshments will be served.

FESTIVAL KEY DATES

• June 5 – deadline for submissions.  Submit at filmfreeway.com/chesapeakefilmfestival
• August 15, 6 to 7:30PM  — Free Preview Event, WYETH documentary screening – August 15, Academy Art Museum, Easton, MD
• September 27, 5:30 pm – VIP Reception, Ebenezer Theater, Easton, catered by Bluepoint Hospitality
• September 27-29 — Chesapeake Film Festival –Ebenezer Theater, Easton, MD

Early Bird Tickets for all events available soon. For more information about the Chesapeake Film Festival – attendance, donation and sponsorship — please visit chesapeakefilmfestival.com.

Founded in 2008, it is the mission of the Chesapeake Film Festival to entertain, empower, educate and inspire diverse audiences of all ages by presenting exceptional independent films and events. We offer outstanding filmmakers, experienced and emerging, a forum to showcase and discuss stories of compelling interest to our local and global community.  Because of our location on the Chesapeake Bay and our diverse population, we prioritize films that focus on the environment, women’s achievement, student initiatives and social justice issues.

 The Chesapeake Film Festival is generously supported by the Mr. and Mrs. Paul Prager on behalf of Bluepoint Hospitality, The Nature Conservancy, Shared Earth Foundation, Maryland Humanities, Maryland State Arts Council, Mid-Shore Community Foundation & Artistic Insight’s Fund, Talbot Arts, the Maryland Film Office, Choptank Electric Trust, Shore United Bank, Talbot County Department of Tourism, Richard and Beverly Tilghman, U.S. Small Business Administration and Easton Utilities.

The MD Humanities Grant has been financed in part with State Funds from the Maryland Historical Trust, an agency of the Maryland Department of Planning which is part of the State of Maryland.

For more information, please contact Cid Collins Walker, Executive Director, Chesapeake Film Festival [email protected] , (410) 822-3500 or visit www.chesapeakefilmfestival.com

June is right around the corner and it’s time to nail down plans for summer activities. Church Hill Theatre’s Green Room Gang (GRG) offers the perfect opportunity for developing artistic skills, making friends, building confidence and teamwork—and just plain FUN.

Because Church Hill Theatre wants to share this program with as many students as possible, generous scholarship funds are available to prospective students who need financial assistance. No previous theater experience is needed to join Green Room Gang, just the desire to participate. Students entering grades 1 through 12 are eligible, and all are welcome. Camp begins on June 17 and culminates in two musical theater productions, open to the public, on July 18, 19, and 20.

Students entering grades 6 – 12 attend GRG, Sr., which starts on Monday, June 17 at 9:00 am. The camp day ends at 3:00 pm. This group produces a junior version of a Broadway show.  The scheduled 2024 production is Anastasia, Youth Edition. The cost for GRG, Sr. is $600.

Students entering grades 1 – 5 start on June 18, with a shorter 9:00 am – 12:00 pm camp day. They put together a Broadway Junior Kids musical and then join the senior students for the finale. The cost is $370. The show scheduled for GRG, Jr. this year is Seussical Kids.

The scholarship application process is easy. The student writes a short essay (with adult help as necessary), and the parent or guardian includes a statement. The summer camp fills up quickly, so contact CHT immediately if you think a full or partial scholarship would benefit your child. Full information can be found at www.churchhilltheatre.org, or by calling the CHT office at 410-556-6003. The office is open Tuesday through Friday from 11:00 to 4:30.