"The caged bird sings with a fearful trill,

of things unknown, but longed for still,

and his tune is heard on the distant hill,

for the caged bird sings of freedom.”

― Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings



Click the image below to watch and listen to some historical quotes from notable black figures (on YouTube)

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. 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 :)

February Events

African American History Month Art Exhibit

Feb. 1-29

Corbin Studio & Gallery

4 E. Main Street

Enjoy a collection of artwork for and by black artists on display throughout February in honor of African American History Month.  See CrisfieldArts.org 

Somerset County Arts Council Members’ Show

Exhibit: Feb. 2-March 22

Reception:  Feb. 2, 5-7pm

SCAC West Main Street Gallery

1100 W. Main Street

Open to the public!  Come enjoy light refreshments at the opening reception and see all the amazing pieces of art from Somerset County artists.  See socoarts.org for more information.

Listening Session for Residents, including artists

Feb. 7, 6-7:30

Library

100 Collins St.

Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake will be hosting a Listening Session to collect community voices, including artists, about how environmental issues are impacting residents and how residents would like to see/have seen them addressed. Findings from this Listening Session will be utilized to craft and influence state policies related to issues raised in the session. A $100 Linton's Seafood gift card will be raffled off to one attendee, and stipends can be provided for travel and lost wages due to attending. Sign up here: https://www.interfaithchesapeake.org/lls_crisfield_012024

Crocheting Valentines for Beginners with Kearstin

Feb. 9, 6-8pm

Corbin Studio & Gallery

4 E. Main Street

This workshop is a beginner-level crochet class for a wide range of people interested in learning a new skill. Participants will learn basic crochet stitches which they can use to make even more projects on their own. Participants will take home a crocheted Valentine’s heart.  Cost is $10.  Go to CrisfieldArts.org to sign up!

Re-kindling Joy Through Photo-Journaling with April Dawn 

Feb. 10, 1-2:30

Corbin Studio & Gallery

4 E. Main Street

A fun and creative workshop that teaches how nature photography using a cellphone can be used as a springboard for reflective journaling to increase joy in your life. Attendees will learn tips to improve their photos' artistic quality and also to create personal reflective journal entries connecting the images with their own insights and unique perspectives. Attendees must bring their own fully charged cell phones.  Cost is $15.  Go to CrisfieldArts.org to sign up!

Making Waves with Wood Creations by Randy

Feb. 12-13, 7:00pm

Corbin Studio & Gallery

4 E. Main Street

The event will include the safe use, mixing, and pouring of epoxy resin in different colors to create a unique wave effect on a cherry wood cutting board. The event allows for personal expression and creativity. Two consecutive nights are needed to allow the resin to cure.  Cost is $50/person.  Go to CrisfieldArts.org to sign up!

UMES Student Exhibit & Reception

Feb. 17, 3-6pm

Corbin Studio & Gallery

4 E. Main Street

See what our UMES students have brought to the Corbin in celebration of African American History Month! Open to the public with light refreshments. CrisfieldArts.org

Resin Snowflakes with Misty

Feb. 17, 4:00pm

SCAC West Main Street Gallery

1100 W. Main St.

You will create 5 resin snowflakes!  Cost is $20  Go to socoarts.org for tickets and more information.

Soul Food Sampling Event with It Takes A Village

Date and time TBA

Corbin Studio & Gallery

4 E. Main Street

Come celebrate the culinary traditions of Crisfield at the “Soul Food Sampling” event.  All the delicious food will be cooked to perfection and served with help from It Takes A Village, so come out and enjoy a fantastic evening with friends and family to honor African American History Month! Check back in the calendar at CrisfieldArts.org for date

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!

MSAC Information for Artists

Survey

MSAC is asking people to complete a Community Input survey: https://amspnr.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3NIErpWmqCpQL7U

MSAC Public Artist Roster

The Maryland Public Art Commission has approved the use of the Roster to select artists for Artwork Commission projects between $50,000 and $1,500,000. You may search the roster using the filters and search bar. Links to artists' websites and social media are included so that you can contact the artists directly. Roster applications opens up again in 2025.

https://msac.submittable.com/gallery/04001c8f-5a50-4262-86eb-83a23facbe79

Apply to be a Folk Panelist

The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) is seeking panelists for the Folklife Network program. The program funds organizations housing regional folklife centers, or continuing programmatic or educational efforts made in support of the traditional arts (defined as community-based living cultural traditions handed down by example or word of mouth).



MSAC relies on a wide array of experts from across the state to do the important work of evaluating applications. MSAC selects Folklife Network panelists with a focus on diversity of experiences, diversity of location, and expertise in the traditional arts. Panelists must be Maryland residents.

How do I apply to be a panelist?

• Submit an application via SmartSimple
• Click the Apply Now button below to log in or create a free account in SmartSimple (you will need to be registered as an Independent Artist to apply)
• Under Funding Opportunities, select "Public Call"
• Under the “Narrative” tab, select "Panelist Call" from the dropdown options
• Select “Maryland Folklife Network” from the “Grant Program” dropdown menu
• Click "Save Draft" to populate the application
• Complete the application, and click “Submit”

Applications due by Thursday, February 15, 2024



Mark Your Calendars!

Save the date and start planning your visit to Crisfield for these popular annual events:

Soft Shell and Waterman's Festival: Memorial Day Weekend, May 26

Blue Grass and Sunset Festival: June 15

Wheels on the Waterfront: July 27

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

National Hard Crab Derby: Labor Day Weekend,

Aug. 30-Sept. 1

Crisfield A&E Registered Artists:

The annual artist registry survey has been sent out to you. Please fill it out and return it as soon as possible (by Feb. 29). Here is the link if you did not receive it: https://form.jotform.com/240295453236153

Please email arts@crisfieldcityhall.com if you did not receive this annual survey and are a current registered artist.

If you are an artist who would like to be on our registry, please fill out the form at CrisfieldArts.org and send us a picture we can add to the artists page on our website to arts@crisfieldcityhall.com

Thank you!

Soul Food Sampler Event

Join us for another "Soul Food Sampler" event to celebrate Black HIstory Month here in Crisfield's A&E!

There will be ladies serving up delectable and specially selected dishes, which have a "soulful flair" for everyone to enjoy! Along with help from the children at It Takes a Village to Help Our Children it is bound to be a meaningful and absolutely wonderful event you do not want to miss!

Date and times are still being determined and will be announced soon! Watch for it on our FB page: A&E FB Page

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.

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