May Morning by Stephen Vincent Benét

I lie stretched out upon the window-seat

And doze, and read a page or two, and doze,

And feel the air like water on me close,

Great waves of sunny air that lip and beat

With a small noise, monotonous and sweet,

Against the window — and the scent of cool,

Frail flowers by some brown and dew-drenched pool

Possesses me from drowsy head to feet.

This is the time of all-sufficing laughter

At idiotic things some one has done,

And there is neither past nor vague hereafter.

And all your body stretches in the sun

And drinks the light in like a liquid thing;

Filled with the divine languor of late spring.

Stephen Vincent Benét (1898–1943) was an American poet, novelist, short story writer, best known for the Pulitzer Prize-winning John Brown’s Body, a long narrative poem on the American Civil War.

Artistic Mindful Moment: Click the image below and listen to a classical spring musical experience.

Don't forget to renew your Arts Membership for 2024! Members get exclusive benefits and your membership with the Crisfield Arts & Entertainment District helps to support public art and events! Memberships start at $25 for artists and $35 for individuals. Pay online or in person at the Corbin Studio and Gallery. Support the arts in Crisfield, sign up at: crisfieldarts.org/membership.

Updates on all of the events are on our calendar at CrisfieldArts.org under Upcoming Events. Check back regularly :)

May Events

Sip and Paint with a Twist Workshop with Andrea

May 3, 5:30-7:30pm

Corbin Studio and Gallery

4 E. Main St.

Enjoy snacks and wine with friends as you paint while you create your own custom piece of dimensional art! Cost is $20/person with free scholarships upon request. Sign up at CrisfieldArts.org

Farmer’s Market and 3rd Saturday

May 4 & 18

Near City Dock Area (10th St. parking lot)

The Crisfield Farmer’s Market has begun for this year! Come see all there is to offer from our local vendors. Special activities and live music sponsored by the Crisfield A&E every 3rd Saturday (May 18)!  If you are an arts vendor who would like to participate every first and third Saturday of each month please contact Friends of Crisfield for more information at 443-783-2486 or email arts@crisfieldcityhall.com

Tawes Museum Season Opening

May 4, 10-2pm

3 9th Street

Old movies, old guns, and Old Island are on view at the seasonal grand opening of the Gov. J. Millard Tawes Museum. The re-designed, re-

stocked gift shop will also be open. Free to visit!  crisfieldheritage.org

“Phantom of the Auditorium” Goosebumps the Musical

May 10 & 11, 7pm

Gallery 413

413 W. Main St.

The Lower Shore Performance Art Company presents another wonderful musical for the whole family! Kids can win a prize if they guess who is the phantom!!!

Go to lowershorepac.org or call: 443-614-0830

Hangin’ Out Art Show

May 15-19

Reception May 17, 5-8pm

Corbin Studio and Gallery

4 E. Main St.

Come out to see what talent our Crisfield artists have! Everyone is welcome to enter this annual A&E show and YOU can benefit from viewing and buying their work during the exhibit or at the fantastic reception! A very fun show!

Go to CrisfieldArts.org to enter your art work or see more information.

MSAC Office Hours Visit for Artists/CAED Community Meeting

May 22, 4:00-7:00pm

Corbin Studio and Gallery

4 E. Main St.

Have a question about how the Maryland State Arts Council can help you with? Here’s your chance to meet one-on-one with a team member of MSAC. They’ll be covering a wide range of artist-related topics. Oh, and we’ll be serving up some Smith Island cake! Join us! Email msac.commerce@maryland.gov to book a 15-minute appointment with a MSAC staff member or just show up and take the first available appointment.

Poppy Fundraising

May 25, until noon

Crisfield A&E District

Each year members of The American Legion Family distribute poppies with a request that the person receiving the flower make a donation to support the future of veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families with medical and financial needs. Watch for the auxiliary at Gordon’s and other locations in the A&E. Go to www.facebook.com/crisfieldlegion/

Heart of Crisfield Festival

May 25, 12-4pm

Crisfield A&E District

Stroll or drive to multiple locations for music, art, vendors, entertainment, activities, food and drinks! This is a family and dog-friendly event organized by the Crisfield A&E. Go to facebook.com/artsandentertainmentcrisfield/  for updates and to be part of this event or just drive down and visit us on Memorial Day weekend!

Crab and Cruise

May 25, 4:30-9:30pm

The Crab Place

504 Maryland Ave

“The Baddest Crab Party On The Bay” in the Crab Capital of the World - home of the world-famous Crab & Cruise®. Attendees come from all over the country every year to experience the ultimate day of crab feasting and/or cruising with popular themes! All in the A&E District! Book your tickets now since they sell out fast: www.crabandcruise.com

32nd Annual Soft Shell and Waterman's Festival

May 26, 12:00-4:00pm

City Dock Area

If you love crab and the watermen who catch them, this festival is for you! There will be live music by the Going Coastal Band (sponsored by the A&E), drink specials and of course–amazing crab to eat! All part of the Memorial Day festivities in Crisfield! See our facebook page for more information facebook.com/artsandentertainmentcrisfield/ 

Always more events pop up! Bookmark the calendar to keep updated for things to do in the Arts and Entertainment District and the Crisfield community! Go to: CrisfieldArts.org

Visit ALL three Art Galleries in Crisfield and receive an exclusive and collectable photo print card from local artist, Brian Sutherland! ($5 value)

Here's how it works:

1. Visit any of the three art galleries or the Visitor's Center in Crisfield and pick up a sign-up card.
2. Get the card signed by each gallery as you enjoy the beautiful art.
3. Once you've visited all three galleries, hand your card in to your last gallery and receive your personal photo print of Brian Sutherland's, Tranquil Breeze

Looking for some exercise? Bicycle your way around to visit all 3 galleries--from the Corbin Studio bike rack to the City Dock bike rack/ West Main Street Gallery, with Gallery 413 in the middle!

Bicycle Route Map for All 3 Art Galleries

There is FUN for the WHOLE family in the Crisfield Arts and Entertainment District!

Whether it's one of our annual festivals, monthly art exhibits or a special day's workshop, there is always something for the family to do here in the A&E!

Go to CrisfieldArts.org to see our monthly calendar of events to keep yourself updated for a planned visit or a spur-of -the-moment adventure!

Mark Your Calendars!

Heart of Crisfield Festival

Memorial Day Weekend, May 25: 12-4pm

Stroll or drive to multiple locations for music, art, entertainment, activities, food and drinks! This is a family and dog-friendly event. See facebook.com/artsandentertainmentcrisfield/ for updates and to be part of this event or just drive down and visit us on Memorial Day weekend!

Soft Shell and Waterman's Festival: Memorial Day Weekend, May 26: 12-4pm

FREE annual event for the whole family with music, drinks, amazing seafood and fun at the City Dock area!

Blue Grass and Sunset Festival: June 15

Annual music festival with lots of fantastic entertainment, food and vendors on Jersey Island at Somers Cove Marina! Tickets required. http://crisfieldbluegrass.com

Stars and Stripes Fest: July 5-6

Annual patriotic festival with family friendly activities at our Sandcastle and Sea Glass Event on July 5 where you can watch and build your own sandcastle, shop sea glass art and then top it off on July 6 with live music, food and FIREWORKS on the waterfront. Events are at Somers Cove Marina and the City Dock area. FREE for all!

Wheels on the Waterfront: July 27, 4-8pm

Annual car, truck and motorcycle show hosted by Wheels That Heal Car Club! Bring the whole family to check out over 300 of Delmarva's hottest collection of vehicles. Free event! https://wowcruisein.com

Little BIG Townfest featuring the World's Largest (TBA)...Aug. 9-11

Annual "DUCK" festival that include the world's largest (TBA)! Live music, local food, drinks and vendors! Details to be announced!

National Hard Crab Derby: Labor Day Weekend

Aug. 30-Sept. 1

This annual event is a must! So many different events happening you have to check out the website: nationalhardcrabderby.com

J. Millard Tawes Crab and Clambake

Sept. 25

A see-and-be-seen event you don't want to miss! AYCE SEAFOOD--crab, clams, beer, politics! Go to facebook.com/TawesCrabAndClamBake

Information for Artists

Maryland State Arts Council staff members are coming to Somerset County to answer questions about grants and other resources for artists, arts and culture administrators, and anyone whose work involves the arts sector!

Join them at the Corbin Studio and Gallery, 4 E. Main St., Crisfield, from 4 to 7 p.m., as part of an arts and culture gathering organized by the Crisfield Arts and Entertainment District. Staff will be available from 4-6pm and then will be addressing City Council.

Bring any question, general or specific, including technical inquiries about MSAC's online grants platform, SmartSimple. Register to receive details prior to the event. Walk-ins are also welcome!

Staff expected to attend office hours in Somerset County include Steven Skerritt-Davis, Chad Buterbaugh, and Emily Sollenberger, as well as Robert Forloney and Emily Ross, who will be on hand to answer questions about funding and other resources at Maryland Humanities, the statewide organization inspiring learning and promoting dialogue about Maryland's heritage and culture.

REGISTER HERE!

or Email msac.commerce@maryland.gov to request a 15-minute appointment with a particular staff member, or show up and take the first available appointment.



Buy Your Tickets Now!

Blue Grass and Sunset Festival

June 15, 11:00-10:00pm

3rd Annual Bluegrass and Sunset

Festival located in Crisfield, Md at 

Somers Cove Marina on beautiful 

Jersey Island right on the water. 

National bands, incredible food and 

drink, crafts and musical instrument 

vendors. 

2024 lineup: Asleep at the Wheel 

Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, Po' 

Ramblin Boys, Roy Book Binder, Timand Savannah Finch with The 

Eastman String Band, Dunlap and

Mabe, Blue Crab Crossing.

For more information and tickets:

https://crisfieldbluegrass.ticketspice.com/crisfield-bluegrass-and-sunset-festival

The Crisfield Arts and Entertainment District is helping to support our local Farmer's Market every 3rd Saturday!

Come see all there is to offer from our local vendors. Special activities and live music on May 18th!  

If you are an arts vendor who would like to participate every first and third Saturday of each month please contact Friends of Crisfield for more information at 443-783-2486 or email arts@crisfieldcityhall.com to sign up for 3rd Saturday activities you'd like to bring!

Don't forget Mother's Day in the A&E...

Find a local shop to buy that special gift for mom and treat her to a meal at a restaurant serving up scrumptious dishes (ExploreCrisfield.com) or come and catch your own meal to celebrate the wonderful mother in your life!

Here are some things you should know about crabbing in the A&E (you can fish and crab for FREE at the City Dock and Somers Cove Marina):

Chesapeake Blue Crab Regulations and Tips

"In honor of those who fought for our freedom until their dying breath, we remember and thank them on this Memorial Day"

God Bless.

Youth Art Contest for America's 250th--Submit by May 17th

In 2026, the United States will mark our Semiquincentennial or the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Today’s young people are the leaders, innovators, and thinkers who will shape the next 250 years — and it’s important their voices are heard as we commemorate this historic milestone.

"America’s Field Trip" is a new contest that invites students across the country in grades 3–12 to be part of America’s 250th anniversary by sharing their perspectives on what America means to them — and earning the opportunity to participate in unforgettable field trip experiences at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.

Students may submit artwork, videos, or essays in response to the contest’s prompt: “What does America mean to you?”

For more information go to: ART CONTEST 250th

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Interested in doing something new for this summer's road trip? START and END at the Crisfield A&E to complete the Chesapeake Bay Loop! See the link for travel guides: https://www.visitmaryland.org/great-chesapeake-bay-loop



Email us and let us know your plans! arts@crisfieldcityhall.com

Somerset County Library Programs

Lots of free programs for all ages! Check out somelibrary.org/ and sign up today.

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Have something to add to this event list? Email arts@crisfieldcityhall.com

About the Crisfield Arts & Entertainment District

The non-profit Crisfield Arts & Entertainment District (CAED) is the State recognized entity for the management of the Crisfield Arts & Entertainment District. Maryland’s Arts & Entertainment (A&E) Districts help develop and promote community involvement, tourism, and revitalization through tax-related incentives that attract artists, arts organizations, and other creative enterprises to towns and cities across the state.

Our Mission Statement

The mission of the Crisfield Arts and Entertainment District Project is to foster the economic vitality of Mainstreet by building partnerships to develop, support and promote diverse artistic, entertainment and cultural endeavors that preserve a sense of place, appreciate the unique historic character of the district and build community pride.

Thank you MSAC! To discover more about the Maryland State Arts Council and how they impact Maryland, visit msac.org