Along with its many other charms, Annapolis is home to a number of art galleries and craft stores. They’re perfect places to pick unique gifts or purchase items that you simply fall in love with.
For starters there is the Maryland Federation of the Arts (18 State Circle, Annapolis, 410-268-4566), which received the local newspaper’s—The Capital—Reader’s Choice 2010 Best Art Gallery. Since 1963, this non-profit membership organization has dedicated itself to supporting the needs and education of younger artists as well as more established ones.
The federation holds monthly shows—four of them reserved for its own members. Running through June 13 “Artful Photography,†a national open juried exhibition, shares space with works by members of the Potters Guild of Annapolis in the Circle Gallery. That will be followed by the members’ summer show from June 16 to July 11, and from July 15 through August 15, the gallery will host “Collage and Found Objects,†a national open juried exhibition.
Another popular spot is Annapolis Pottery (40 State Circle, Annapolis, 410-268-6153). Dating back to 1969, this is the only working pottery studio/store in the historic district. A way fun place to visit, visitors have the opportunity to watch the ceramicists at work and talk with them about their crafts. Owners Melanie and Patrick Murphy pride themselves in the work of local artisans, but they also represent award-winning craftsmen from all over the United States. Along with bowls and mugs, one can purchase unique items, such as ceramic birdhouses!
Pretty much all ceramic techniques—hand-built, slab, thrown—can be found here and there are a wide variety of styles from which to choose. Featured artists include Hank Goodman, Betty Hedman, and Donna Toohey, among others.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary on June 13, McBride Gallery (215 Main St., Annapolis, 410-267-7077) not only offers artwork, but one can also take advantage of its custom-framing department and its art restoration and art appraisal services. Visitors can visit on-line for a number of paintings: Categories include landscapes, the U.S. Naval Academy, sights in Annapolis, portraits, still lifes, flower arrangements and more.
A few of the many artists that are represented by McBride Gallery include Bill Schmidt, Julia Rogers, Chieh-Nie Cherng, and David and Line Tutwiler.
Running through June 30th is the gallery’s anniversary show. On June 12, there is a plein air landscape workshop at the Historic Sinking Spring Herb Farm and August 19th a watercolor demonstration and exhibit by Stewart White.
ARTFX (3 Church Circle, Annapolis, 410-990-4540) is pronounced “art F X.†And for those not in the know, F X is the Hollywood term for special effects. ARTFX represents more than 100 artists who work in a wide variety of media, including fused and blown class, jewelry, beeswax candles and vitreography, among others, and every first Sunday of the month ARTFX opens a new exhibit.
This is the place to stop for exquisite ceramic crab platters, crab dip bowls and crab soup bowls by Marcia Sheeter or the folk art paintings of Eastern Shore-raised Jimmy Reynolds. With a father who was both a painter and an architect, Jimmy had all the needed materials to begin painting at a young age.
John Horm’s nature photography includes stunning works of native flora and fauna, while Booker Morey is known for his etched leaves.
By Mary Medland
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