The St. Mary’s County Arts Council provides scholarships up to $1,000 each to support high school seniors who desire to continue with their studies in the arts following graduation. Categories include: Visual Arts, Performing Arts, & Theater Arts. Details here.

Enjoy a variety of workshops including: stuffed ham making, Umfundalai/African Dance, piñata making, batik art, and much more! Details are available at: www.somdfolklife.org. Workshops range in price from $7.50 to $15. Scholarships are available! Sponsored in part by St. Mary's County Arts Council.

Our May Spotlight is shining brightly on Culinary Artist and small business owner Kelly Davin! Kelly has recently opened the Kneaded Bakery in downtown Leonardtown. Her dream of over 20 years has been to open a brick-and-mortar shop! Click here for the full story in partnership with The Southern Maryland Chronicle.

Find a list of all past/present featured artists on our website.

Shops/art galleries/restaurants will be open for extended hours. Additional info will be announced on the First Friday Facebook page!

The St. Mary's County Library will host a free bilingual story time from 4 to 4:30 PM. From 4:30 to 5 PM there will be a children's dance class w/ Teresa Woolford. We will also have free egg shakers & chalk! Just added: face painting from 5 to 7 PM w/ Megan Lee! Email: info@smcart.org w/ any questions.

Our seasonal Drum Circle returns! All ages and skill levels welcome, bring an instrument or borrow one of ours! Details here. The drum circle will be followed by a drumline performance from 5:30 to 6 PM.

Our new in-house community art exhibit will run for the month of May and features works by local artists! Click here for event details.

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

Clay Extravaganza! features the work of the gallery’s five

ceramic artists, collecting a joyful ruckus of pottery, sculpture, and tile art. Learn more at the NEG website and also on Facebook.

Live music w/ Monkey Business! View the POL Calendar for details. See artwork by Jami Faith as part of a new collaboration between the Arts Council and the winery!

The Yellow Line - Monoprinting w/ Gel Plates

Learn how to use everyday items like earrings and jars found around the house to create beautiful artwork! For details about this and other fun classes click here. Class fee is only $10.

47855 College Dr, St. Mary's City (St. Mary's College of MD)

Join COSMIC Symphony as they perform music from “Carmen,” “Turandot”, and “West Side Story” along w/ award-winning tenor David W. Cook and directed by Will Esterling. This is a free concert, donations are gratefully accepted. Learn more here. Additional performance on May 7 in Prince Frederick. Sponsored in part by SMC Arts Council.

"Join us as we leave our grownup cares behind, and fly to Neverland, in this whimsically adventurous story ballet that is sure to delight children and adults alike!" Click here for full details. Performances are June 9 &10 at 6:30 PM.

The evening starts at 7 pm w/ a half hour beginner’s dance workshop followed by live music performed by the SOMD Open Band and dancing! Learn more here. Photo by Erin Jewell.

Tony Award-winning director Ivo van Hove makes a major Met debut with a new take on Mozart's tragicomedy. The run time is 2 hours and 55 minutes. Click here for showtime info and here for movie details.

All active and retired military can enjoy FREE admission to both St. Clement's Island Museum and Piney Point Lighthouse Museum. Details available on Facebook or call 301-769-2222.

Sound Check by SoMD Music Scene - Episode 2

Episode 2 features a conversation with GōSt, the brain behind The Pink Dream! The podcast also includes performances of three songs. Check it out on YouTube! Photo credit: SoMD Music Scene

The Artistic Director position for the two St. Maries Choral Arts choirs is open! Click here for additional details and the full job description. The application period closes on July 1, 2023.

This program for youth ages 7-14 includes outdoor activities, arts & crafts, ecosystem awareness, and much more! Click here for details and scheduled session dates for July and August, 2023.

Come see the work of the Pax River Quilters Guild at this special in-house library exhibit. Visit our website for additional information.

The Poet Laureate of MD is an honorary position established by the Maryland General Assembly. A citizen poet is selected and serves at the discretion of the Governor for up to a four-year term renewable by the Governor’s consent. Read more here about nomination requirements.

Students in grades 5 to 12 from St. Mary’s County (including home school students) are invited to submit designs for the 2023 catalog cover contest. Click here for the press release. Email John Richards at: jlloydrichards@gmail.com for further questions and inquiries.

The Main Gallery will be transformed into temporary artist studios, providing a serene retreat and workspace for artists to create. Learn more here.

The St. Mary's County Arts Council is funded by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Business & Economic Development,

and also in part by the St. Mary's County Government.