September 2018
Perspectives

I never fail to appreciate the unique landscape of Maryland. Within minutes of leaving a major metropolitan area, the bustle is replaced by rolling hills, farmland, or the Chesapeake Bay. This shift of environment allows for a shift of perspective and much of my August was spent on the Eastern Shore where, as a friend once shared with me, "If you stand very still, you can hear the corn growing."

On the way to the Maryland Association of Counties Convention in Ocean City, MSAC Program Director Steven Skerritt-Davis and I joined Secretary Gill and Special Advisor Walker for a walking tour of Berlin's Arts and Entertainment District, starting at the Worcester County Arts Council. Mayor Gee Williams shared the history of the area and an overview of how the creative economy of area artists elevated Berlin to a major tourist destination. The current and planned activities are innovative and enticing. I highly recommend a day or overnight trip when you get the chance. And please stop in to say hello to Anna Mullis, the Worcester County Arts Council Executive Director.

Standing among the inspiring landscapes of Kevin Fitzgerald, and below the many works of the Art League of Ocean City's recent plein air festival, a robust conversation occurred between the local arts and tourism leaders about marketing the arts as a draw for visitors. Rich arts experiences are having a powerful impact on the lives of Maryland residents and visitors to our state. MSAC Program Director, Chad Buterbaugh, expanded the discussion to include an update on the National Folk Festival taking place in Salisbury from September 7-9. Mark your calendars now.

At this time of the summer it is all about the light... the light soaking into the last of the summer corn, the light inviting each of us to one last dive into the ocean, the light fading behind the silhouette of Annapolis viewed from the curve of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, the light found in the eyes of each artist who, through their work, inspires us to be better versions of ourselves. As we saunter into September, I invite you to soak up the light.
Ken Skrzesz, Executive Director, Maryland State Arts Council
National Folklife Festival
Maryland Traditions Folklife Area & Stage

The Maryland Traditions Folklife Area & Stage at the National Folklife Festival will shine a spotlight on the distinctive music, rituals, crafts, foodways, and other traditions at the heart of Maryland's cultural landscape. Themed "Chesapeake Traditions" the area will highlight the traditions that have flourished in the state's maritime, marsh and agricultural communities. Read more here.

The National Folklife Festival runs from Friday, September 7 through Sunday, September 9 and will feature over 350 musicians, dancers, puppeteers, storytellers and craftspeople, continuous performances on seven stages, along with regional and ethnic foods. Photo: Kermit Travers Skipjack Captain. Remsberg Photographs

Artist Resource Bulletin
Call for Artist Opportunities


The  MSAC Online Resource Bulletin , maintained by Maryland Art Place (MAP), is where you can find regional, national, and international exhibition opportunities, grants, fellowships, and residencies as well as information on available studio spaces in the area. Some current opportunities:

The Maryland Theatre Expansion Project - Decorative Lighting Fixture - The Maryland Theatre seeks an artist to create a permanent indoor light fixture to be installed on the top floor event space within the expansion of the historic theatre. Work should be completed or well underway by Winter 2019. The call is open to all artists living within a 100-mile radius of The Maryland Theatre. This artist call is presented in partnership with the Washington County Arts Council. Deadline: September 14. More information here .

2019 Bresler Resident Artists - In honor of VisArts patrons, Fleur and Charles Bresler, VisArts invites applications and proposals from local, national, and international artists for a four-month residency at VisArts at Rockville. This residency provides an opportunity for a dynamic individual artist or collaborative artist team to create a new body of work, evolve an existing body of work or develop a project in a stimulating, supportive environment. Deadline: September 28. More information here .

Howard County Arts Council Galleries - Artists wishing to be considered for an exhibit in the Howard County Arts Council galleries are invited to submit a general exhibit application. Artists, ages 18 and older, working in all media and styles including time-based and installation artists, can apply either individually or as a group. The Committee also welcomes proposals from curators and organizations. Deadline: September 30. More information here .

Email naomi@mdartplace.org with information you would like included in the Resource Bulletin.
Maryland Performing Artist Touring Roster Update
Renewals Due September 17. Full Applications Due October 8.

The Maryland State Arts Council is now accepting new artist/group application submissions to its Maryland Performing Artist Touring Roster, a list of Maryland-based artists who have a demonstrated history of successful, professional touring engagements. Benefits include opportunities to receive bookings/artist fees through the Maryland Touring Grant and promotion through the Roster on the Maryland State Arts Council website, e-newsletter, social media, and Maryland Presenters Network.

Application deadlines - submit via email to Steve Drapalski.
CURRENT ROSTER ARTISTS: September 17, 2018 at 5pm.
FULL APPLICATIONS: October 8, 2018 by 5pm.
More information can be found here.
Maryland Poetry Out Loud Registration
Register by October 5

Poetry Out Loud is a national poetry recitation competition for high school students co-created and cosponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and The Poetry Foundation. Poetry Out Loud encourages students to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. Teachers need to register on behalf of their school. Program Information/Teacher Resources * Register * Questions: POL Director Chris Stewart
New Day Campaign Awakening Hope and Healing
Invites Artists, Performers, and Writers’ Participation

The New Day Campaign, an initiative dedicated to using arts programming and public engagement to challenge stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness and substance use, is looking for artists of all disciplines to participate in a new statewide initiative, the Dusk & Dawn series. Starting with the current exhibit at the Maryland State Arts Council, the series is aimed at awakening hope and healing for those hurting from behavioral health challenges through events across Maryland. Join us for a gallery reception followed by a presentation on September 12th about how you can get involved. Register here
Creative Conversations Regional Institutes
Join The Conversation!
 
A series of evenings for artists, arts organizations, arts leaders and arts supporters to gather for collaborative discussion and professional development. Complete details and how to register can be found here.

Interested in Funding from the Maryland State Arts Council? 

Do you know an arts organization or arts program interested in receiving funding from the Maryland State Arts Council? To find out if you are eligible for funding, follow this Chart on our website! 

If you are a new eligible applicant (or did not receive funding for Fiscal Year 2019), you must complete an " FY20 Intent to Apply" to begin the funding process. Please note that forms submitted after the deadline will not be considered. More information here.

Want to know more about Grants for Organizations? Then consider attending one of our upcoming Creative Conversations Regional Institutes mentioned above!. 
We Are Listening Fall Sessions
Public Art * Maryland Traditions * Presenting and Touring

The Maryland State Arts Council is conducting three new "We Are Listening" sessions to gather information about our programs. All sessions will be from 6:00 - 8:00 pm and held at the Maryland State Arts Council office. You will also have the option to call-in via video conference. To register, click on the following links:
Call for Artists! Art On The Fly
Maryland State Arts Council Art Gallery Fall 2018

A new art exhibition is coming to the Arts Council entitled "From The Mountains, To The Ocean - Maryland Landscapes Inspired by Countryside, City and Sea." Maryland has a rich and diverse tradition of capturing and expressing the physical and cultural fabric of its state and people from plein air painting, to urban photography, writing and poetry. Two-dimensional work of any media can be submitted for consideration to be included in the exhibit.Complete information can be found here. DEADLINE to apply is September 21, 2018. Apply here. The exhibition offers the option for artists to sell their work. Image: 'Elliott Creek' by Jan Elmy, Collection of the Maryland State Archives
Public Art Sculpture Dedication
University of Maryland Baltimore

The Maryland State Arts Council will dedicate its second project Stochastic Interactions, by Eric Peltzer, at the new Health Sciences Facility III building at the University of Maryland at 670 W. Baltimore Street in Baltimore on Friday, September 14 at Noon. All are welcome to attend. For more information about the Maryland Public Art Initiative click here.
International Edgar Allan Poe Festival and Awards
Two Days of Books, Arts and Music - October 6 & 7

The first annual two-day outdoor event will be held on the anniversary of Edgar Allan Poe’s death and feature Poe-themed performances, art, vendors and food, celebrating his influence on the arts. The festival site will be at the newly built Center/West development across the street from Poe House at  203 N. Amity Street  in Baltimore. Admission is free. Read more here .
Artist Insight - Maryland Traditions Grant Recipient 
Tyrome Elliott and Ryan Elliott Sensational Royal Lights - Gospel Quartet

Tyrome Elliott began singing gospel quartet at a very young age. His grandfather began the tradition in the 1920's and now Tyrome's son, Ryan, has joined in the family tradition. You will be able to hear the sounds of the Sensational Royal Lights at the National Folk Festival in Salisbury on Saturday September 8 on the Avery Hall Maryland Traditions Stage. Complete schedule can be found here. Read more about the Sensational Royal Lights story here.
Mid-Atlantic Teaching Artist Retreat
Maryland State Arts Council Joins Fellow State Arts Agencies

The Maryland State Arts Council joined its fellow State Arts Agencies in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia to present the Mid-Atlantic Teaching Artist Retreat August 13-14, 2018. Through this gathering, Teaching Artists become more knowledgeable in their field by convening as a network of peers to share best practices and emerging trends in arts learning. Read more here.
Arts Educators Professional Development Opportunity
The Maryland Masterclass Series

The Fine Arts Office of the Maryland State Department of Education presents its newest professional development offering: The Maryland Masterclass Series, which provides curated experiences with world-class, visionary Master Artists for Maryland arts educators. The October 2018 Choral Workshop is a two-day gospel choir music intensive and culminating concert. All activities will be led by international gospel artist Donald Lawrence. The workshop is open to Maryland’s music educators and community music leaders. Events will be held in Baltimore on October 12-13. Register at MDMasterclass.org.
Charles County Public Schools In Search of Arts Teachers
Charles County Public Schools is seeking candidates for full time art positions. If interested apply here. Once the application is completed, please contact Timothy Bodamer, Content Specialist for Fine and Performing Arts, Charles County Public Schools, 301-934-7409 or 240-320-5876.
MSAC Council News The Maryland State Arts Council welcomes two new board members - Jacqueline Copeland and Timothy L. App . The Board meets bi-monthly except in the summer. Listed meetings are open for public observation. Please contact MSAC prior to attending as meeting dates, times, and locations are subject to change.
Arts Out & About -  Events Calendar
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Maryland State Arts Council | 410 767 6555 | 175 W. Ostend Street, Baltimore 21230 msac.commerce@maryland.gov | msac.org