2017 Talbot Street Banners Feature Aspects of St. Michaels Life ​ ​

Talbot Street in St. Michaels is once again sporting its annual finery – the colorful art banners of 2017!  Now in its eighth year, this event is a favorite with residents and visitors alike, compliments of the members of the St. Michaels Art League.

Artist members offer their talents with paintings designed to “Celebrate St. Michaels”.  Each year, the banners are produced through a collaboration of the St. Michaels Art League, Talbot County advocates, and local merchants. 

In addition to the installation of the banners, by Choptank Electric Cooperative, an exhibit of the original banner artwork hangs throughout the month of April at the St. Michaels branch of the Talbot County Free Library, 106 Fremont Street.  The Talbot County Free Library has been a partner of the St. Michaels Art League, lending space, throughout many years of advocacy. Another partner, the Talbot County Arts Council, continues to encourage the League’s community art endeavors with funding support.

As a reward for their efforts, contributing artists can gain a commercial opportunity.  Kevin Snelling, a local merchant, singles out banner artwork and produces posters of the winning images, which are offered for sale at Creative X-Pressions on South Talbot Street.  This year, he is again joined by Ms. Alice Marie Gravely, who will show posters at her gallery, A.M. Gravely, on SouthTalbot Street.  In addition, Michael Morgan has volunteered to fly banners at the St. Michaels Marina.  Other merchants are encouraged to participate as well.

Patrons will have an additional opportunity to purchase original banner paintings during the League’s Labor Day weekend art show on the grounds of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church on Talbot Street.  The outdoor banners made from these paintings can be purchased directly from the artists in December, when the banners are taken down from the street poles. 

St. Michaels Art League membership is open to artists and art enthusiasts.  Information on events, meetings, and membership can be found at www.smartleague.org.  Sincere appreciation is extended to the Talbot Arts Council, St. Michaels Branch of the Talbot County Free Library, Choptank Electric Cooperative, and local merchants for their continued support.

St. Michaels Art League Juried Exhibit & Art Hunt in July

The St. Michaels Art League’s Juried Exhibit at the A.M. Gravely Gallery in St. Michaels continues through the month of July. Over thirty artists submitted their work, which was judged for hanging in the show. The Art League thanks its Juror, Dr. Anke Van Wagenberg, Senior Curator at the Academy Art Museum in Easton, for her work in assembling an amazing show.

Dr. Van Wagenberg holds a Ph.D. in Art History for the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam. Prior to joining the Academy Art Museum staff, she has worked at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, taught art history for 12 years at Salisbury University, and has been a researcher at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore. Ms. Van Wagenberg is a recognized expert on baroque, renaissance and contemporary art. The Art League is most appreciative of her artistic assessment of the paintings which has resulted in a remarkable show.

St. Michaels Art League’s Juried Exhibit is at the A.M. Gravely Gallery, 408 South Talbot Street, St. Michaels through the end of July. Gallery hours are Friday through Sunday from 10am to 6pm and on Monday and Tuesday from 10am to 3pm.  Visit www.smartleague.org  for more information.

The St. Michaels Art League and Talbot County Arts Council are once again sponsoring the Art Hunt event during the entire month of July. Beautiful paintings by the League's talented local artists will be put in each of 15 St. Michaels participating stores for scavenger hunters to find for a free ice cream cone from Justine's.  For more information on this fun event, visit www.smartleague.org