Studio B Art Gallery is excited to announce the extension of its spring exhibit, “Flourish: a Celebration of Spring,” inviting art enthusiasts to revel in the beauty of the season for an extended period.

Following the overwhelming response to the vibrant energy and captivating artworks of “Flourish,” Studio B Art Gallery has decided to continue the celebration of springtime. The exhibit has captivated visitors with its diverse array of artworks capturing the essence of renewal, growth, and rejuvenation.

The extended exhibit will provide art enthusiasts with an opportunity to experience the season’s vibrancy and renewal through a diverse collection of artworks. The exhibit includes a special collaboration with six distinguished artists – Lani Browning, Christine Drewyer, Lynn Goldstein, Crystal Moll, Chris Rapa, and Jean Schwartz. These talented individuals, all esteemed members of the Washington Society of Landscape Painters, bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the exhibition.

“We are thrilled to extend the celebration of spring with our ‘Flourish’ exhibit,” remarked Betty Huang, owner of Studio B Art Gallery. “The response from our community has been overwhelmingly supportive and we are excited to continue showcasing our acclaimed guest artists.”

In addition to the extended exhibit, Studio B Art Gallery has exciting plans for this summer, including a special focus on water-themed artwork. As part of the gallery’s commitment to artistic enrichment, renowned artist Bernie Dellario will conduct a still-life demonstration in the gallery on Tuesday, July 16. Save the date with more information to come on that and other exclusive events scheduled at the gallery this summer.

“Flourish: a Celebration of Spring” will continue to enchant visitors at Studio B Art Gallery throughout the extended spring season. For more information about the exhibit and upcoming events, including the developing summer schedule, visit www.studiobartgallery.com, @studiobartgallery on Facebook and Instagram, or contact Betty Huang at [email protected].

Studio B Art Gallery is located at 7 B Goldsborough Street in historic downtown Easton, Maryland. The gallery represents nationally and internationally known painters Hiu Lai Chong, Bernard Dellario, Ken DeWaard, Betty Huang, Qiang Huang, Charles Newman, Daniel Robbins, Master Jove Wang, and sculptor Rick Casali.

High Plains Distance, 24 x 48, oil on canvas, by Kevin Fitzgerald.

Points of Departure II, a Troika Gallery exhibit featuring new oil landscape paintings by artist Kevin Fitzgerald opens on  June 7, 2024, during First Friday.  Meet the artist from 5 to 8 pm with an artist Q & A at 7 pm.

  Fitzgerald’s paintings are highly sought after and known for their timeless and ethereal quality. Kevin has a great reverence for the land and sea and fully expresses it in his tonalist paintings characterized by neutral hues, muted atmospheric tones, and mystery. “Be brief, use the least to say the most.  To gain the particular is to lose the infinite. Painting is a solitary communication and strives to go beyond words,” Fitzgerald comments.  

Inspired by French mid-19th-century romantic landscape painters, Fitzgerald’s paintings are evocative and spiritual.  His fields of color are both suggestions and subtle depictions.  

Kevin studied with Raoul Middleman at the Maryland Institute College of Art and pursued his M.F.A., under a full fellowship at George Washington University.  An educator and painter, his work is collected by a former president, known celebrities, and private collectors both here and abroad.  

Art by all of the Troika Artists is on display with new work constantly refreshing the gallery’s exhibition spaces. Bronzes, oils, pastels, ceramics, porcelain, watercolors, pencil drawings, and commissioned portraits are a hallmark of Troika Gallery which features The Finest of Fine Art.
Troika Gallery, 9 South Harrison Street, is open  Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday,11 am to 6 pm, or by appointment. For more information, visit troikagallery.com  Kevin Fitzgerald, Points of Departure II  runs through July 29, 2024.        

Eliza Doolittle, center, (Reanna Sherman), a flower girl in Covent Garden, sings Wouldn’t It Be Loverly with the Cockney Quartet: first row, Cecil (Oric Geist), and Jamie (Mark Wiening) along with second row, Harry (JW Ruth) and Bart (Robin Wood) in Church Hill Theatre’s production of My Fair Lady, opening on Friday, June 7, 2024.

Church Hill Theatre’s splendid revival of My Fair Lady opens on June 7 for a three-week run. Consistently rated one of the very best musicals of all time, My Fair Lady has gorgeous music, clever dialogue, and an unlikely love story. It ran for a then-record 2,717 performances on Broadway.

Director Sylvia Maloney puts her own spin on the Lerner & Loewe classic, itself based on George Bernard Shaw’s novel Pygmalion.  The story matches the upper class linguist Henry Higgins against Eliza Doolittle, an ambitious Cockney flower seller. With elocution lessons, will he be able to pass her off as “a duchess at an embassy ball?”  Will she be able to teach him basic human decency?  Spoiler: both Eliza and Henry eventually bring out the best in each other.

The plot is compelling—but the music is downright addictive.  Just try to read these song titles aloud without singing, or at least humming.  “With A Little Bit of Luck,” “On the Street Where You Live,” “Get Me to the Church on Time,” “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face” and “I Could Have Danced All Night.”  This production has talented newcomers in the lead roles as well as a strong supporting cast and a live orchestra.

My Fair Lady opens on Friday, June 7 and will run through Sunday, June 23, with performances at 7:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 pm on Sundays.  Last year’s spring musical was sold out, so make your reservations early for CHT’s biggest production of the year.  Tickets are available online atwww.churchhilltheatre.org or by phone at (410) 556-6003.

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is delighted to announce the 2024 Legacy Award Recipients, honoring exceptional individuals who have significantly contributed to sustaining the Orchestra and providing resources to support their continued success and growth.

The first of the prestigious awards was presented to Mary Lou Tietz during the MSO’s Gala on Saturday, May 4th, at the Restaurant at Lighthouse Sound, just outside of Ocean City, Maryland. Mary Lou Tietz, who has dedicated 15 years to the MSO as a grant writer and fundraiser, was recognized for her unparalleled contributions to securing essential funding and organizing vital fundraising activities for the Orchestra. General Manager Dane Krich presented Mary Lou Tietz with the Legacy Award plaque, highlighting her critical role in sustaining the Orchestra’s mission and ensuring its continued excellence.

“Mary Lou Tietz’s unwavering commitment and expertise in fundraising have been instrumental in the MSO’s success. Her dedication has allowed us to continue bringing world-class music to our community,” said Dane Krich during the award presentation.

Following this, on Sunday, May 19th, after the Ensemble Series concert at the Academy Art Museum in Easton, Maryland, the MSO honored Jocelyn and George Eysymontt with the Legacy Award. The award recognized their generous and ongoing support of the MSO. The celebration included a special dinner in their honor at the Academy Art Museum, where the couple’s contributions to the Orchestra were warmly acknowledged.

“Jocelyn and George Eysymontt’s generosity and support have been and continue to be vital to the MSO. Myself and the entire board of directors, our staff, and the orchestra members are so very grateful for their unwavering commitment to classical music performance in our community,” expressed MSO Board President, Jeffrey Parker, during the event.

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra extends its heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Mary Lou Tietz and Jocelyn and George Eysymontt for their remarkable support and dedication. Their legacy is a testament to the power of community and the enduring impact of the arts.

ABOUT THE MID-ATLANTIC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra is the only professional symphony orchestra serving southern Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore with a full season of programs. The MSO is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council; the Talbot County Arts Council; the Worcester County Arts Council; the Sussex County, DE Council; and the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Inc.

Tidewater Camera Club July Meeting July 1, 7:00 pm

July 1, 7:00 pm Tidewater Camera Club Speaker meeting at the Unitarian Universalist Church, Easton Md.

David Blecman will speak on “10 Things to Strive for in Your Photography”. During this informative discussion, David will touch on what you should be striving to perfect in your photographic creations, including, but not limited to, great compositions, atmosphere, storytelling, humor, and much more. All are invited, this is an in-person meeting, and members may join with Zoom.

David Blecman, a member of the Professional Photographers of America, started his photographic career back in 1978 fresh out of high school. He is now an award-winning, internationally recognized photographer and instructor, having taught on three continents and in over a dozen countries. His work covers a range of commercial, hospitality, and educational clients, as well as numerous political, musical, and acting celebrities. David teaches and mentors photographers, models, and makeup artists. His mentoring programs for photographers and commercial models continue to grow in popularity.

More information about the club is available on our website at www.tidewatercameraclub.org

Juneteenth Celebration
Saturday, June 22, Noon – 4 pm
Free and open to the public

FASHION

Black Squirrel Company: Renata Philippe is a Washington, DC-based textile designer and soft goods manufacturer. She graduated with honors from the University of Delaware in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Apparel Design. In 2023, Renata received well-deserved recognition for her company and her commitment to the Artists & Makers Community. She is currently in her second year as an Emerging Artist with the American Craft Council in Baltimore, MD. The DC Chamber of Commerce and the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development named her “DC Maker of the Year” in 2023. These accolades are a testament to the hard work and dedication of Renata and her team.

Buzz Arts: Bulsby “Buzz” Duncan was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and raised in Washington, DC. Buzz is a self-taught artist whose work can be described as abstract, with deep emotion and energy. Buzz traces his artistic influence to the great abstract expressionists and contemporary artists of the 20th century. He began painting and drawing as soon as he was able to pick up a paintbrush or a pencil. Buzz explains, “For me, art just felt very natural.” Buzz had always been encouraged by family and friends to pursue his passion for painting, but it wasn’t until he met a local artist whose love and appreciation for creating art inspired him to more intentionally step into his purpose that he began his artistic journey in earnest.

NOT A PHASE: Terae Warner is an Eastern Shore native located in Denton, MD. He is the CEO of NOT A PHASE (NAP) Clothing. NAP is a brand that specializes in streetwear and sportswear clothing.  The brand was launched in July 2018, and a brick-and-mortar store opened just one year later. Terae likes to view the storefront as a “one-stop shop.” Whether you are looking for a cool new pair of sneakers or a great new shirt, this is the place to visit. As the brand continues to grow, Terae’s goal is to have multiple locations and provide a wide variety of items for men, women, and kids: SHOP NAP!

Dinah Wilson is an Eastern Shore native who has always loved creating. She remembers making doll clothes with scraps of fabric that her mother had on hand and using tape or staples to hold them together. She reminisces, “Finally, I was old enough to use my mother’s sewing machine, and I’ve been sewing ever since.” Dinah has been designing clothing for 20+ years and has made award-winning gowns for weddings, pageants, and other special events. She is also well known for her custom tailoring for both men and women. Dinah declares, “There’s a big difference in what you have to do and what you love to do…and since I love what I do, I’ll do my very best for you.”

PERFORMANCE

Devon Beck, Juneteenth’s MC, is a leader, builder, and connector who has held leadership roles in education, community development, and the music business. After receiving his undergraduate degree from University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Devon began working in the school system, mentoring and leading young students with those very lessons. Currently, he is the Facilitator of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Talbot County Board of Education and guides leaders and organizations to remove barriers to inclusion. As co-Founder with Shelton Hawkins of Play In Color, an organization that uses basketball to build community, Beck continues to make strides to leave a positive impact on the region.

Ayla is a soulful, vibrant, seventeen-year-old who has the phenomenal gift of song. She has been selected to be a part of The Voice and currently working with Tena Clark. Ayla recently made a guest appearance for UNICEF and has also worked with R&B Singer Patti LaBelle for a JCPenny commercial. She is a local talent from Easton, MD who has been raised by a single mother who pushes her to use her gift. Look for Ayla’s performances in festivals and venues across the Eastern Shore.

Howard Barnett, Jr, professionally known in the business by the name DJ E-Shore, is a Talbot County native from St. Michaels, and longtime resident of Easton, MD. Howard has been working with music for more than half of his life. His love for music started when he convinced his parents to sign him up for drum lessons as an elementary student. Howard has always been enamored by the local DJs of his early adult years and marveled at their skill to mix, scratch and blend songs by way of vinyl records on the turntables. DJ E-Shore is also many things outside of being a DJ: he is a human resource professional for the United States Government with over 35 years of tenure, a loving husband and father of 2 sons.

Ruby Fisher is a sophomore at Saint Michaels High School. Fisher has had seven years of voice lessons and four years of choir and has performed in many musicals.

Mid Shore Voices United is a group of enthusiastic singers from several different religious denominations who cover an enormous amount of territory throughout MD, DE, and PA. The choir was founded in November 2023 when the Covenant Gospel Choir, Friends for Christ, and the Second Generation Community Chorus of Federalsburg, MD, came together to participate in a benefit for a local cause. This group brings together singers from St. Michaels, Wittman, Neavitt, Royal Oak, Bellevue, Easton, Federalsburg, Hurlock, Preston, Denton, Salisbury, and Cambridge, MD; Dover, Middletown, Milford, Millsboro, Seaford, Laurel, and Wilmington, DE; and Philadelphia, PA. The combined choir is under the joint direction of Leroy Potter (Covenant Gospel Choir), who is currently a music teacher in the Caroline County Public School System and Ambia Hooper (Second Generation Community Choir), who is a retired music teacher from The Talbot County School System.

ART

In the exhibition HEIRLOOMS, Darlene R. Taylor (b. 1960) affirms the resonance of memory in material culture as she imagines portraits of Black women obscured in historical archives. History is a muse that guides Taylor to know the past from the women who lived it. HEIRLOOMS examines the presence of Black women in Maryland’s Talbot County communities and Taylor’s own ancestry and follows the artist’s experience researching and interpreting photographs found in archives and family albums. Taylor employs mixed-media collage using vintage linens, laces, cottons, and buttons collected and handed down from mother to daughter, friend to friend. Her use of women’s personal effects also draws inspiration in part from artifacts unearthed during two excavations commissioned by the Museum at the former home of Henny and James Freeman, one of the earliest- documented free Black landowning families who lived on the Hill Community site from 1787-1828.

The works on paper on view in HEIRLOOMS engage mid-19th century forms, including silhouette, dressmaking, and quilting. Weaving the language of prose and poetry in the collages, Taylor inscribes public records with reimaginings that reveal the interior longings of generations of Black women, terrain so often distorted or absent in archives. This hybrid form of history-mapping in poetic verse and fabrics once held by ancestors assembles an archive that remembers untold stories so that more can be known of what Taylor refers to as “the love, labor, and thriving of Black life and family.”

FOOD AND VENDORS

Juneteenth fan favorites such as Spanky’s Soul Food and Danielle’s Pit Stop will be back to serve their delicious food again this year. Juneteenth food vendors will be located on the corner of Harrison and South Streets.

The celebration will also include local vendors with handmade goods for sale as well as non-profit booths.

About the Academy Art Museum: As the premier art museum on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, the Academy Art Museum presents high-quality exhibitions and a full range of art classes for visitors of all ages. Past exhibitions have featured artists such as James Turrell, Robert Rauschenberg, Mark Rothko, Pat Steir and Richard Diebenkorn. The permanent collection focuses on works on paper by American and European artists from four centuries including recent acquisitions by Graciela Iturbide and Zanele Muholi. Arts educational programs range from life drawing lessons to digital art instruction, and include lunchtime and cocktail hour concerts, lectures and special art events, as well as a free block-party style Juneteenth Celebration and a Fall Craft Show celebrating 27 years. AAM also provides arts education to school children from the region and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. To continue the institutional movement of offering free public programming and to give barrier-free access to art, AAM eliminated admission fees in 2023.

Location: 106 South Street, Easton, Maryland
Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Thursday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Closed Mondays and Federal holidays.
Admission: Free

Currently on view at the Academy Art Museum: Remnants of Childhood: Selections from the Permanent Collection by AAM’s Teen Interns, Darlene R. Taylor: HEIRLOOMS, Albrecht Dürer: Master Prints, Light: Paintings by Philip Koch, and Marty Two Bulls, Jr: Dominion.