On June 6th, more than 40 artists from across the region presented their work in Nature’s ARTcade, an art exhibition at Flag Ponds Nature Park. This year, the Arts Council of Calvert County is sponsoring an award to honor the best submission by a Calvert Artist.
Artist stare in amazement at the first prize winning sculpture “Baby Blue Sea Core” by Alison L. Sigethy. Sigethy’s artwork is valued at $4,000 and she described it as her “tribute to the beauty and mystery of marine life. I hand craft each component out of glass and call them Sea Cores because the shape is based on the core samples scientists take to monitor and study sea life. This particular piece is a celebration of life in the Chesapeake Bay.”
Most of the photographs were taken all throughout Maryland as artists found themselves inspired in areas such as Solomons Isand, Broomes Island, Lexington Park, Prince Frederick and Lusby. The common theme of nature’s beauty and environmental awareness connected the hearts of the viewers and the minds of the artists.
(From left to right) Curator Carmen Lee Nance Gambrill, Executive Director Anne Sunderman, Division Chief of Calvert Co. Natural Resources Karyn Molines.
Anne Sunderman declares, “Nature is an inspiration—from poets, to musicians, to artists. In my mind Flag Ponds is the most amazing and beautiful place along the Chesapeake and it is my pleasure to bring other people to the park. It has trails, ponds, and it is also a great education place! Nature’s ARTcade allows us to fulfill our mission of environmental awareness. It allows us to show the importance of preserving the environment while also encouraging people to express themselves through art. When you express yourself through art, you allow others to open their eyes and see your vision. This is a wonderful community event and we have a lot of local artists. We raise money, gather donations for a good cause, and have a great time!”
“Standing Tall after a Storm” by Fanny Cramer
Even artists from out of state like Fanny Cramer, helped capture our environment’s natural beauty, keeping the same goal of environmental awareness in mind. Cramer stated, “Living in Florida for many years I know the sky is always blue after a major storm. Looking for a family adventure I set out to explore Calvert Cliffs. Enduring mud and with water up to my knees, nature provided me this perfect picture. I believe art should speak to you, move you. A storm refreshes Life.”
“Save the Bay” by Rebecca Myers won Best in Show.****(see correction)
Rebecca said, “When I saw this exhibit I said this is where my work needs to be! I think my subject matter fits the area.”
People of all ages enjoyed themselves and proved art truly is for everyone. Visitors were pleased to buy artwork in all price ranges from $20 to as high as $7,500. Nature’s ARTcade will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 3pm until June 28th.
***Unfortunately Save the Bay did not win at this show. It won Best of show 2D at the JAM Gallery juried Anniversary Show in Malvern Pa last year. ****
Chanel Milan Underwood/ Calvert Beacon Intern
