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Journeys Imagined, Paintings by John Moran, on View Through February at Adkins Arboretum

John Moran’s paintings are like stories in the process of unfolding. On view at the Adkins Arboretum Visitor’s Center through Feb. 26, Journeys Imagined, his exhibit of watercolor, oil and acrylic paintings, brims with rich, glowing color and animated trees, hills, clouds and abstract forms. There will be a reception to meet the artist on Sat., Feb. 19 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Although his paintings almost always suggest landscapes, they hover strangely between representation and abstraction. Colorful, inviting and often playful, they are full of the dreamlike, half-formed shapes you might glimpse in your imagination.

There’s a curved, cream-colored shape in “Nearing the Distance” that seems like a boat afloat in a sea of purple and violet water with islands and dark hills beyond. But none of it is distinct. The “boat” might just be a reflection of a pale cloud in the upper left or a shimmer of moonlight across the water.

Moran’s paintings are evocative of many things, but you can never be quite sure of what, and it’s this uncertainty that makes them so appealing. With no idea how a painting will turn out, Moran begins with some washes of color, then he paints in more colors and shapes, alters them, scrapes some paint away and paints some more. It’s a process of continual change as he experiments with how colors and shapes react to one another.

“It’s never planned,” he said. “I’m working on a painting now that’s all blue, but yesterday or the day before it was all red.”

Now living in Chester, Moran grew up in Washington, D.C., and began taking art classes in his late twenties at the American Academy of Art in Chicago. For 25 years, he lived in West Virginia and continued to paint, mostly creating plein air watercolor landscapes, while raising his family, farming and working at a government job. After his retirement in 1997, he chose to concentrate on art and in 2006 earned an MFA from the Hoffberger School of Painting at the Maryland Institute College of Art.

Over the years, Moran has developed his own very distinctive style, though occasionally there’s a nod to Arshile Gorky, Joan Miro, Salvador Dali or some other artist. Because he is so fascinated with the process of painting, he relishes the work of many different kinds of painters, listing Francis Bacon, David Hockney and Wayne Thiebaud as some of his favorites.

For Moran, the process of painting is almost more important than the finished work, and he enjoys the unexpected accidents that happen along the way. Dripping paint might turn into tree trunks or a coal-black mass might suggest a rocky seacoast, while a band of sooty red and luminous scarlet shapes below it call to mind molten lava churning deep in the earth.

There is much that is unpredictable and even slightly mystical in his paintings. Moran likes to think of them as visual poetry, never static and always open to new interpretations.

“I don’t know why these are what they are, and I can’t explain it,” he said. “I think it’s another language. Painting expresses something that can’t be said in words.”

Journeys Imagined is part of Adkins Arboretum’s ongoing exhibition series of work on natural themes by regional artists. It is on view through Feb. 26 at the Arboretum Visitor’s Center located at 12610 Eveland Road near Tuckahoe State Park in Ridgely. Contact the Arboretum at 410–634–2847, ext. 0 or info@adkinsarboretum.org for gallery hours.

Maryland Heritage Areas Authority FY23 Grant Round Now Open

Do you have a heritage tourism related project in mind for your organization? Perhaps you are planning to restore a historic building, create a new museum exhibit, build a visitor center, develop a walking tour mobile application, or undertake some other project that showcases Maryland’s unique historical, cultural, or natural resources. Will the project take place in a certified heritage area?

A Maryland Heritage Areas project grant may be the funding source for you! The Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) is pleased to announce that MHAA is now seeking applications for its FY 2023 grants cycle.

The deadlines are as follows:

Intent to Apply Deadline: January 28th, 2022

Application Deadline: March 1st, 2022

Webinars and Virtual “Office Hours”

Learn more about the opportunity by attending a live webinar, watching a recording of a webinar, or calling into MHAA staff’s virtual “office hours” to talk with about your project!

Click here to register for the upcoming webinars and virtual office hours.

January 12th – 11am: Questions and Answers
January 20th – 6pm:  Questions and Answers
January 26th – 4:30pm: Questions and Answers

MHAA Grant Program Basics

MHAA provides dollar-for-dollar matching grants for capital and non-capital projects located within Maryland’s 13 certified heritage areas. Non-profit organizations, local jurisdictions, state agencies, and federal agencies are all eligible to apply.

Non-capital MHAA grants are awarded for up to $50,000 per project, while capital MHAA grants are awarded for up to $100,000 per project.

Projects seeking less than $5,000 in grant funding are not eligible for MHAA project grants. MHAA requires that both capital and non-capital projects support heritage tourism related activities or infrastructure.

Match Policy

Applicants may propose any combination of cash and in-kind match. This means a project might be matched entirely by volunteer time spent on the project if that makes sense for the application budget. Read more about this and the entire application process in MHAA’s FY 2023 Guidelines.

The first step in the application process–aside from attending one of the highly-encouraged webinars and/or office hour sessions–is to submit a simple online questionnaire called an “Intent to Apply” form. This form is due no later than 11:59 pm on January 28, 2022To begin a new Intent to Apply form, please click here. 

Full applications in the Stories of the Chesapeake are due online March 11, 2022. Grant awards will be announced in July 2022.

Questions?

For more information about the application process, please refer to the webinars and to MHAA’s FY 2023 GuidelinesThese guidelines are updated each year to reflect policy changes.

 

For projects in the Stories of the Chesapeake Heritage Area, please contact:

Gail Owings, Executive Director
Stories of the Chesapeake Heritage Area
410-778-1460  | info@storiesofthechesapeake.org

Festive Fun in Caroline County: December 7th – 14th

Make your days merry and bright! Here are a few festive and fun ways to celebrate the holidays in Caroline County, Maryland this week!

    • Santa and his elves will be at Linchester Mill in Preston spreading holiday cheer on December 11th from 10am – 4pm! Children can visit with Santa and have their pictures taken. The Red Shef and Preston Coffee Company will be serving up yummy food and coffee, and hot chocolate, and Friends of Linchester will have hot cider and baked goods for sale. This event will also feature a variety of vendors and carolers. Find out more here.
    • The Preston Lions invite you to their annual Christmas Parade on December 11th at 6pm!! The theme is Crusin’ through Christmas: A Time to Remember. This year’s parade will also be in honor and remembrance of recent fallen lifetime PVFC members Troy Brooks, Bob Wahl, Kevin DeGroat and Robert Fluharty.
    • Voting is open for Denton’s Downtown Holiday Window Contest! Downtown Denton Businesses  have  decorated their windows, and the community can cast their vote for their favorite window on-line.  Voting is open through December 27th.  Vote online here.
    • Head to Ridgely to experience their Winterfest of Lights at Railroad Memorial Park. This magical light display is on view every evening through January 3rd starting at 5pm. Walk through the illuminated park and on the Rails to Trails and stop at the “Selfie Stations” along the way! On Fridays and Saturdays, view the Christmas Train Garden in the Gingerbread House and enjoy hot cocoa and popcorn for sale to benefit local organizations. Find out more here. 
    • Come and enjoy the magic of Christmas at the Whoville Village Holiday Park, located at 13781 Greensboro Road in Greensboro! Have your picture taken with Santa, meet the Grinch, warm up with hot chocolate and cookies, and enjoy the Whoville Village attractions! This park will run every Friday and Saturday evening from 5-9pm from December 3rd through 18th.
    • Bring your four-legged friend to the Ridgely Train Station at Railroad Memorial Park on December 10th from 6pm – 9pm for Paws & Claus and have your pet’s photo taken with Santa to benefit the Caroline County Humane Society.
    • Bring the whole family to the Federalsburg Christmas Parade on December 13th for a traditional small town Christmas parade down Main Street! After the parade, head to the Federalsburg Museum to visit with Santa Claus, view the displays and enjoy festive refreshments!!
    • Visit Clayton Farms in Denton to shop for holiday gifts, produce, locally-made specialty food items, and more! Santa will be visiting on Saturday, December 11th from 12pm – 3pm!
    • The Fiber Arts Center of the Eastern Shore (FACES) invites you to their latest exhibit – The 2018 AQSG Quilt Study: 200 Years of Solid Color Quilts. Solid colors simplify design and clarify pattern and needlework. They draw attention to regional and international styles and to changing tastes. Don’t miss this striking exhibit, on view through the end of the year. FACES is open Wednesday – Saturday from 12pm – 4pm. Find out more at FiberArtsCenter.com.
    • Take a winter walk through Adkins Arboretum, a 400-acre nature preserve and native garden in Caroline County!
    • Support the small businesses in your community by shopping local this holiday season! Our downtowns are full of wonderful shops where you can find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts.

Festive Fun in Caroline County: December 1st-7th 2021

Make your days merry and bright! Here are a few festive and fun ways to celebrate the holidays in Caroline County, Maryland this week!

    • Head to Ridgely to experience their Winterfest of Lights at Railroad Memorial Park. This magical light display is on view every evening now through January 3rd starting at 5pm. Walk through the illuminated park and on the Rails to Trails and stop at the “Selfie Stations” along the way! On Fridays and Saturdays, view the Christmas Train Garden in the Gingerbread House and enjoy hot cocoa and popcorn for sale to benefit local organizations. Find out more here. 
    • Get into the holiday spirit with marching bands, Santa and the best of the season at the Denton Holiday Parade & Lighting of the Green on December 2nd. Following the parade, watch the illumination of the Courthouse Green and enjoy a holiday musical performance. Find out more here. 
    • The Festival of Trees to benefit Compass in Caroline County returns this year for a weekend of holiday magic! The event will take place December 3rd – 5th at the Towers Family Historical Museum, 26299 Sennett Road, Denton, and proceeds will benefit hospice care, supportive care and grief support services in Caroline County. There will be a Preview Party on December 3rd from 6-9pm featuring heavy hor d’oeurves and cocktails, and tree viewing and bidding is open to the public December 4th & 5th. Preview Party tickets are $40/person.
    • Don’t miss Christkindlmarkt in downtown Denton this Friday, December 3rd from 5-9pm! This outdoor holiday market will feature locally-crafted gifts, Santa, carriage rides through downtown and more! Find out more here!
    • Come and enjoy the magic of Christmas at the Whoville Village Holiday Park, located at 13781 Greensboro Road in Greensboro! Have your picture taken with Santa, meet the Grinch, warm up with hot chocolate and cookies, and enjoy the Whoville Village attractions! This park will run every Friday and Saturday evening from 5-9pm from December 3rd through 18th.
    • The Caroline County Council of Arts is partnering with Craft Bakery & Cafe to offer a DIY Holiday Ornament class! Participants will make handmade gingerbread holiday ornaments.Bring the kids for their choice of one of the three festive shapes to decorate, plus some hot cocoa or warm local cider, and a fresh cookie. Hang the ornament on your tree or give it as a gift to a loved one to keep their space smelling merry & bright all month long. $10 per person. This event will be held at CRAFT Bakery & Cafe, 12 S 3rd St, Denton. Register online here.  There will also be a Gingerbread Holiday Ornament class at the Federalsburg Museum in partnership with the Federalsburg Historical Society on December 3rd from 4pm – 5:30pm before the town’s Tree Lighting. Spend the afternoon making ornaments then take a short walk up to the Triangle to enjoy holiday music, see Santa, have a few Christmas goodies and watch as the Federalsburg kicks off the holiday season. Free for children, $10 for participants ages 16+. Find out more here.
    • Head to Federalsburg to watch as the Christmas tree at the Triangle (West Central Avenue & Park Lane) is illuminated on December 3rd at 6pm! See Santa, listen to festive music and enjoy a few holiday goodies, For more information, follow the Town of Federalsburg’s Facebook page.
    • Celebrate the season at Outstanding Dreams Farm’s annual Holiday Open House on December 4th from 11am – 4pm. This event features farm tours, unique holiday gifts, a raffle, seasonal refreshments and more! Attendees will also have a chance to meet the growing herd of alpacas and learn about these wonderful animals. The farm is located at 24480 Pinetown Road in Preston. Find out more here. 
    • The Preston Historical Society invites you to their annual Christmas Open House at the museum, located at 167 Main Street in Preston on December 4th from 10am – 2pm.  Visit with Santa and enjoy the displays at this festive event. For more information call 410-943-1891 or visit PrestonHistoricalSociety.com.
    • Get into the holiday spirit at Ridgely’s Christmas Parade followed by a visit with Santa at the Ridgely Train Station on December 4th! The parade begins at Martin Sutton Park at 6:45 pm and ends at the Ridgely Train Station on West Railroad Avenue for pictures with Santa (bring your camera!) and refreshments.
    • Enjoy festive fun at the Sights & Sounds of Christmas at Camp Mardela December 4th from 5pm – 8pm! Enjoy live music, Christmas crafts, a raffle, Christmas characters, refreshments and more! Camp Mardella is located at 301 Deep Shore Road in Denton. Find out more here. 
    • The Fiber Arts Center of the Eastern Shore (FACES) invites you to their latest exhibit – The 2018 AQSG Quilt Study: 200 Years of Solid Color Quilts. Solid colors simplify design and clarify pattern and needlework. They draw attention to regional and international styles and to changing tastes. Don’t miss this striking exhibit, on view through the end of the year. FACES is open Wednesday – Saturday from 12pm – 4pm. Find out more at FiberArtsCenter.com.
    • Take a winter walk through Adkins Arboretum, a 400-acre nature preserve and native garden in Caroline County!
    • Support the small businesses in your community by shopping local this holiday season! Our downtowns are full of wonderful shops where you can find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts.

On Site, Photographs by Liz Donadio, on View at Adkins Arboretum

When photographer Liz Donadio proposed her idea for an artist’s residency at Adkins Arboretum in 2019, she had no idea that the COVID shutdown would allow her to spend the next year and a half exploring and photographing this 400-acre nature preserve. On Site, the resulting exhibit of digital and alternative photography, is on view through Dec. 23 in the Arboretum Visitor’s Center. There will be a reception to meet the artist on Sat., Nov. 13 from 3 to 5 p.m.

Supported by a Maryland State Arts Council Creativity Grant, Donadio made a visual study of the Arboretum’s landscapes, plants and behind-the-scenes details throughout the changing seasons. During that time, she proved herself to be something of an alchemist who deftly mingles many different photographic techniques. Interested in photography since high school, Donadio first learned traditional black-and-white and color photography and then, in college and graduate school, began expanding her range into digital techniques and alternative photography, including camera-less processes.

In August 2020, Donadio could be found outside the Adkins greenhouses peeling digital negatives away from photosensitive paper she had exposed to sunlight. The resulting vivid blue cyanotypes now spread across one long wall of the Arboretum’s gallery. Reproducing the pages of “Mrs. Lola Somers’ Plant Collection,’” a handmade book Donadio found in the Adkins library, there’s something magical about how these prints capture the fragile beauty of the native plants that Somers collected in Caroline County 60 to 100 years ago.

Using another technique that, like cyanotype, dates from the 19th century, Donadio created lumen prints by arranging plant material on photosensitive silver gelatin paper. Created onsite, they seem abstract at first glance, but closer inspection reveals them to be delicate, almost ghostly images of leaves, curving stems and seeds layered like memories.

“I made these lumen prints at sites all around Adkins from spring to summer to fall to winter, so it was all the different lights and plants and space,” she said. “I really enjoyed being able to come back to the same places and see how they changed each time.”

Another wall of the gallery is filled with colorful digital prints—not only of the Arboretum’s trees, meadows and water, but also of its buildings, equipment, beehives and library. Intermingled with them are haunting portraits of volunteers and staff printed as pinkish purple anthotypes in which Donadio employed native pokeweed in a photosensitive emulsion.

“Everything was about being here,” she said. “I ended up creating a portrait of the place, not just of the foliage and plants but also of the people and the structures. It really struck me how much is behind the scenes.”

Although she is based in Baltimore and teaches photography at Northern Virginia Community College, Donadio’s work can also be found on this side of the Bay in a multilayered video installation at the Academy Art Museum created in collaboration with video and sound artist Shannon Collis. On view Jan. 11 to March 6 as part of Moveable Image: Video Art by Collis/Donadio, Shala Miller and Rachel Schmidt, this exhibit explores the spatial possibilities of video art, highlighting contemporary works that go beyond the conventional rectangular screen.

While the Collis/Donadio video installation focuses the bodily experience of reemerging from the pandemic into the architectural environments of the city and suburbs, Donadio’s work at Adkins grew from her experience of the restorative quality of its natural landscapes.

“The original idea was to have the exhibit in November 2020,” she explained. “Then COVID happened, and Adkins became even more like a sanctuary. It was like an escape from the stress of what was happening in the world to be amongst the quiet and nature and think about how no matter what’s going on in the world, things are still growing, the seasons are still changing. We can rely on that.”

On Site is part of Adkins Arboretum’s ongoing exhibition series of work on natural themes by regional artists. It is on view through Dec. 23 at the Arboretum Visitor’s Center located at 12610 Eveland Road near Tuckahoe State Park in Ridgely. Contact the Arboretum at 410–634–2847, ext. 0 or info@adkinsarboretum.org for gallery hours.

Caroline County Holiday Gift Guide

There’s something for everyone on your list in Caroline County! Our downtowns are full of shops and stores where you can find everything from holiday décor and clothing to toys and antiques. Below are a few unique and one-of-a-kind Caroline County gift ideas!

If you are a Caroline County business and have a gift you’d like to have featured, we’d love to include it! Please email info@visitcaroline.org.

  • Do you have someone on your list that loves bass fishing and being out on the water? Head to Big Bass USA, located at 10279 River Landing Road in Denton, where you’ll find bass fishing tackle, kayaks and accessories. Follow them on Facebook for more information on their holiday sales!
  • JZ Farms in Federalsburg is hosting a Winterfest celebration at their farm on Fridays and Saturdays from December 2nd – December 17th featuring fun for the whole family! Shop for holiday swag, wreaths, planters and more!
  • Give a one-of-a-kind, Maryland-inspired gift with a Savor Maryland Box! Savor Maryland was created by Shore Gourmet, a non-profit that promotes Maryland farmers and entrepreneurs to bring awareness to the great products they create in our beautiful state! From “Bee Maryland” to the “It’s a Shore Thang,” these boxes are packed with local flavor and can be ordered from the comfort of your home!
  • Shop for fragrant gifts made from lavender at Smokey Cat Lavender Farm’s online store. From relaxing neck wraps to rejuvenating eye pillows, they have just what you need for the lavender-lover on your list! Visit the online store at www.smokeycatlavender.com.
  • Clayton Farms, located at 24380 Shore Hwy in Denton, has transformed their greenhouse into a winter wonderland full of Christmas cheer! Shop for holiday gifts and festive decor Monday through Saturday from 9am – 6pm, and Sunday from 9am – 5pm.
  • Looking for a gift for those who love the great outdoors? How about a gift membership to Adkins Arboretum, a 400-acre preserve and public garden. Members receive unlimited free admission to the Arboretum, discounts on programs, trips, native plants, and gift shop purchases, and invitations to special events. Family memberships are $75/year. Learn more here.
  • Do you have adventure seekers on your list? Give the gift of a tandem skydive from Chesapeake Skydive! Enjoy breathtaking views of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coastline, followed by a freefall for nearly a minute where you’ll reach speeds up to 120 mph. After the parachute opens you will glide through the sky towards the earth for 5-7 minutes. Learn more here.
  • Brighten up someone’s table with a beautiful holiday-inspired floral arrangement! Contact your hometown florist to place your order!
  • Order a custom-made wreath from the Cawley Family Farm! Place your order online and then pick up your custom wreath at the farm, located at 24320 Willow Pond Road in Denton. Opening day this year is November 19th!  Order your wreath here.
  • Give a Blades Orchard CSA share for a gift that keeps on giving! Recipients will enjoy six months of fresh picked strawberries, cherries, blueberries, peaches, apples, melons, apricots, plums, blackberries, melons, ciders, butters and honey from this Preston orchard. You receive 8-10 pounds of locally-grown goodness twice a month. Find out more here.
  • Adopt an alpaca for a year from Outstanding Dreams Farm in Preston! This program makes the perfect gift for alpaca lovers of all ages! Adopted alpacas stay at Outstanding Dreams Farm, where they take care of all the work! Recipients receive a Certificate of Adoption, a 4×6 photo of your adopted alpaca, a voucher to come learn about your alpaca, a $20 gift certificate to their Farm Store, and birthday card from your alpaca. Learn more here.
  • Shop for artwork made by Caroline County artists and crafters at the Foundry, Caroline County’s community arts gallery.
  • The What’s New Shop, located at 224 Market Street in Denton, is a great stop for those looking for holiday gifts, Christmas cards, Christian books, seasonal home decor, jewelry and more!
  • Head to Not a Phase Clothing, located at 212 Market Street in Denton, to shop for stylish clothes for men, women and kids! The store offers all styles of Not A Phase clothing as well as a large assortment of sneakers.
  • Ball Greenhouses, located at 20981 Hog Island Road inPreston, is the perfect stop for beautiful winter plants, festive evergreen arrangements, poinsettia, wreaths and more! They reopen for their winter season on November 25th.
  • Deck your halls at Patti’s Petals Florist, Garden & Gifts in Denton! In addition to beautiful floral arrangements, they also offer home decor, gifts, Christmas ornaments, candles, stocking stuffers, Christmas Cactus and more!

Fiber Arts Center of the Eastern Shore Presents 200 Years of Solid Color Quilts: 1800-2000

The Fiber Arts Center of the Eastern Shore, located at 7 N. 4th Street in Denton, invites you to their latest exhibit 200 Years of Solid Color Quilts: 1800 – 2000.

Solid Colors create a “wow” factor and strong graphics to inspire artists and quilters.  Solid colors simplify design and clarify pattern and needlework.  They draw attention to regional and international styles and to changing tastes.  Differences among quilts are more apparent, even while design links are revealed.

In 200 years colors have changed, but solid color quilts have always been with us.  They define the earliest whole-cloth quilts, classic 19th century appliqué quilts, work by 20th century quilt designers, political quilts, and today’s Modern Quilt movement.

Colors are imbued with meanings, signals, emotions, and feelings.

The American Quilt Study Group encourages sound research in quilt history and provides opportunities for sharing discoveries.  Founded in 1980, the group believes that quilts hold unique stories and essential history.

The AQSG Quilt Study challenges members to learn the history of an individual quilt by selecting one that addresses a specified design, style, or period.  Members then make a small quilt that replicates or interprets the original and share their discoveries.

The exhibit runs through the end of December, 2021.  The gallery is open Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from 12pm – 4pm. The exhibit is free of charge. For more information, please call 410-479-4296, email info@fiberartscenter.com, or visit FiberArtsCenter.com. 

Hit the Trails in Caroline County

Hit the trails in Caroline County! Below you’ll find links to trail maps for top spots to get outside and go for a hike! Please remember to practice social distancing while on the trails.

Adkins Arboretum
12610 Eveland Road, Ridgely, MD
410-634-2847 |  Website
Adkins Arboretum Trail Map
Adkins Arboretum is a 400-acre native garden and preserve dedicated to promoting the appreciation and conservation of the rich and diverse native plants of the Delmarva Peninsula. Miles of interpretive paths lead visitors through a diverse setting of woodlands, meadows, wetlands, streams, and display gardens.

Idylwild Wildlife Management Area
4404 Houston Branch Road, Federalsburg
410-376-3236  |  Website
Idylwild Wildlife Management Area Trail Map
Surrounding the headwaters of the Marshyhope Creek, Idylwild Wildlife Management Area consists of approximately 4,000 acres of diverse and unique recreational forest, including 27 miles of trails for bird watching, hiking, hunting, canoeing and kayaking. The trails are closed to motorized vehicles. Alongside of the Marshyhope Creek is Federalsburg’s four-mile long Greenway, which is paved for hiking and biking.
Please note: Hikers should be aware of open hunting seasons and visit accordingly. Trails are maintained but not actively marked. 

Lynch Preserve
Parking area at the end of Robin’s Creek Road, Preston
Lynch Preserve Trail Map
Eastern Shore Land Conservancy’s Lynch Preserve offers around 2 miles of hiking trails along the Choptank River and Robin’s Creek.

Martinak State Park
137 Deep Shore Road, Denton, MD
410-820-1668  |  Website
Martinak State Park Trail Map
Enjoy a peaceful hike at Martinak State Park. Located along the Choptank River and Watts Creek just south of historic Denton, Martinak State Park is the perfect place to stroll through forest trails or take in views of the river.

Tuckahoe State Park
13070 Crouse Mill Rd, Queen Anne, MD
410-820-1668  |  Website
Tuckahoe State Mark Trail Map*
Tuckahoe State Park has more than 20 miles of scenic trails perfect for hiking, biking and horseback riding. A 60-acre lake feeds the Tuckahoe Creek, which winds through the length of the park.
*The Little Florida Trail is currently closed. Printed trail maps are available for hikers at the Park Office. 

 

Photo: Family walking at Adkins by Kellen McClusky

The Dirty Grass Players to Headline Adkins Arboretum Beer Garden October 23

Local beer, food trucks, ice cream and music by The Dirty Grass Players are all on tap when Adkins Arboretum’s Beer Garden returns on Sat., Oct. 23.

A four-piece new-grass band from Baltimore, The Dirty Grass Players are known for having one toe-tapping foot in traditional bluegrass while pushing boundaries with their blazing musicianship. Their ability to transition seamlessly from down-home bluegrass to spirited improvisation makes each performance a singular experience. Add some Allman Brothers, Pink Floyd or a dash of southern rock, and you’ll quickly understand what they mean by “dirty grass.” The 2017 winners of the Charm City Bluegrass & Folk Festival Band Competition, the band recently released their second studio album, “Beneath the Woodpile.”

Bull & Goat Brewery and Ten Eyck Brewing Company will be pulling premium craft beer, complemented by fare from Blue Monkey Street Tacos and Chesapeake Celebrations food trucks and small-batch “cow-to-cup” ice cream from Nice Farms Creamery.

The Beer Garden runs from 2 to 4 p.m., but food trucks will begin serving at 1 p.m. Seating is limited; bringing chairs or a blanket is highly advised. Advance registration is required. Only 500 tickets will be sold. Admission is $20 for adults, $5 for children ages 3–18 and free for children ages 2 and under. Register online at adkinsarboretum.org or call 410-634-2847, ext. 0  or call 410-634-2847, ext. 0

Photo: 2019 Beer Garden at Adkins Arboretum by Mike Morgan.

Shore Shakespeare to Bring A Little Touch of Shakespeare to Adkins Arboretum

Have you ever wondered what William Shakespeare was thinking as he wrote The Taming of the Shrew or Richard III? Well, who better to introduce Shakespeare’s plays than the Bard himself? Join Shore Shakespeare for A Little Touch of Shakespeare, an exploration of some of the playwright’s most famous works, Sept. 18 and 19 at Adkins Arboretum.

In this original production, seven actors take on roles in eleven scenes from ten of Shakespeare’s most famous works, including Richard IIIMacbethThe Taming of the ShrewMuch Ado About NothingTwelfth Night and more. Narrated by Shakespeare himself, the show takes the audience behind the scenes to see what the Bard may have been thinking as he wrote some of the wittiest, most charming and, in some cases, darkest dialogue ever. The scenes themselves explore the Battle of the Sexes and revolve around the theme of love, all while showcasing Shakespeare’s incomparable wit, wisdom and poetry. In addition, the show features seven of Shakespeare’s sonnets, also dealing with issues of love, placed strategically throughout the scenes.

Performances are Sat., Sept. 18 and Sun., Sept. 19 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Arboretum Pavilion. Participants should bring a blanket or chair and are welcome to bring a picnic. Admission is $15 for adults, $5 for children ages 3–18 and free for children ages 2 and under and can be purchased in advance at adkinsarboretum.org or by calling 410-634-2847, ext. 0.

A Little Touch of Shakespeare was written by Shore Shakespeare Company co-founder Chris Rogers in 2012. Sadly, Chris passed away in June 2020. This production will serve as special recognition of his passion and legacy within the local theatre. Proceeds will benefit Shore Shakespeare and Adkins Arboretum.

Shore Shakespeare is a pan-community theatre group established to present the classic works of the theatrical repertoire and to encourage its audiences to support local community theatre all over the Shore.