As 2023 draws to a close, I want to say, “Thank you!” to the wonderful arts community here in St. Mary’s County. It’s been an exciting year, filled with learning, challenges, successes and connections. I look forward to continuing to make St. Mary’s County a destination for the arts.

Thank you for welcoming me so warmly. Happy Holidays to all and cheers to even more in 2024! ~Susie Glauner

Our December Spotlight shines brightly on Michele Steiger!

Michele captured First Prize for for the 2023 Art Walk Contest! She is a talented oil and pastel painter specializing in landscape, pet portraits, and much more.Click here for the full spotlight story. This series is in partnership with The Southern Maryland Chronicle. Find a list of our past and present featured artists on our website.

December First Friday

Various locations in Leonardtown

December 1 from 10 AM - 8 PM (times vary per business)

Shops, art galleries, and restaurants will be open for extended hours. Additional info will be announced on the First Friday Facebook page. Check out the Visit Leonardtown MD website as there will be many other events around town beyond those listed below!

SMC Arts Council Gallery - Holiday Open House

22660 Washington St, Leonardtown, MD

December 1 from 11 AM - 8 PM

We will be open for extended hours on First Friday! Meet our Gallery artists and staff during our Holiday Open House from 5 to 8 PM. Featured will be live music with Doc Lohn from 6 to 7:30 PM and free gift wrapping for all purchases! Click here for the Facebook event.

Old Jail Museum & Leonardtown Visitor Center

41625 Courthouse Dr, Leonardtown, MD

December 1 from 10 AM - 7 PM

Take a tour of this fascinating historical site and also the Visitor Center! Learn more here or call 240-925-3427. FREE admission!

37th Annual Holiday Show at the North End Gallery

41652 Fenwick St, Leonardtown, MD

Opening Reception December 1 from 5 - 8 PM

Shop from a wide variety of work by local artists at this fabulous annual show! The NEG will have extended hours for your shopping convenience. Learn more at the gallery's website and on Facebook.

Live Music at the Port of Leonardtown Winery

23190 Newtowne Neck Rd, Leonardtown, MD

December 1 from 5:30 - 8:30 PM

Enjoy live music with Joe Parsons and delicious dining from the Gato Tacos food truck at the Port of Leonardtown Winery! Visit the POL Facebook page and see their website event calendar for details.

View artwork by Tequiea Lopez the month of December as a collaborative exhibit between the Arts Council and winery!

The Yellow Line - Thrift Store Santa Party

22715 Washington St, Leonardtown, MD

December 1 from 6:30 - 8 PM

Join the annual party where you get to play hero and save Santa!  Click here to learn more about this fun event! $10 class fee.

U.S. District Court for the District of MD, Southern Division

6500 Cherrywood Lane, Greenbelt, MD

Opening Reception December 7 from 5 - 6:30 PM

Since1996, the U.S. District Court’s art program at the Greenbelt courthouse has contributed greatly to our region’s cultural environment. The current exhibit features local artists and runs for the months of Nov 2023 - Jan 2024. Additional info is available here.

Florencia En El Amazonas

44800 Oak Crest Rd, California, MD (Lexington Exchange Movies)

December 9 at 12:55 PM

Inspired by the magical realism of Gabriel García Márquez, Mexican composer Daniel Catán’s 1996 opera tells the enchanting story of a Brazilian opera diva who returns to her homeland to perform at the legendary opera house of Manaus and to search for her lost lover, who has vanished into the jungle. Click here to learn more about this production and here for theater information and ticket details.

Winter Daydreams

Nancy R. and Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center

December 9 at 3 PM

Join COSMIC Symphony at St. Mary's College of Maryland for an afternoon of whimsical selections including Waldteufel’s The Skater’s Waltz, Debussy’s Rêverie,and Tchaikovsky’s Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. This is a FREE concert (donations gratefully accepted). Learn more here. The concert is sponsored in part by SMC Arts Council.

Annual Holiday Concert

25390 Maddox Rd, Chaptico, MD

December 9 at 7 PM

Under the direction of Linda Aughe, Patuxent Voices performs formal concerts every winter. Be sure to join them for their special holiday event in St. Mary's County which will be held at the Christ Episcopal Church. Click here for full details.

Contra Dance and Ice Cream Social

37497 Zack Fowler Rd, Chaptico, MD

December 9 from 7 - 9:30 PM

The evening starts at 7 PM with a half hour beginner’s dance workshop followed by live music with the SOMD Open Band dancing. There will be a short Annual Meeting. Admission is FREE! Learn more here. Photo by Erin Jewell.

2023 Winter Concert

25550 Point Lookout Rd, Leonardtown, MD

December 11 from 7 - 9 PM



All are invited to enjoy a FREE holiday concert at First Saints Community Church! Donations will be gratefully accepted. Click here for details. Sponsored in part by St. Mary's County Arts Council.

Leonardtown Library Gallery

23630 Hayden Farm Ln, Leonardtown, MD

December 2023 & January 2024

Jami Faith of Elsewise Art is a multi-media artist specializing in bright and colorful Posca Pen paintings and more! Click here to view the library's open hours.This show is supported by SMC Arts Council.

Public Art Across Maryland Program

Public art can be work of any kind in any media, indoors or outdoors, temporary or permanent, free and accessible, that engages the community. Through commissions, grants, technical assistance, and professional development MSAC supports those planning, making, and caring for this art across the state. Click here to learn more.

Crafting Success: Business Planning Strategies For Artists

Explore the art of crafting personalized business plans, gain insights into Intellectual Property (IP), contract navigation, and legal structures. This is a FREE virtual class on 1/17/24 from 4-5 PM. Register here today!

Episode 8 - A Conversation w/ MOLLDYER

Check out Sound Check, a podcast hosted by SoMD Music Scene focusing on local artists! Their most recent release is an interview w/ MOLLDYER. Click here for the full list of episodes.

St. Mary's County Arts Council is funded by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, 

the St. Mary's County Government, and also through generous donations and memberships from individuals and coporations.