Kent County Arts and Entertainment Events- April 2023

All information on event image.

Each year students across the Washington College campus from all majors are invited to submit their artwork for inclusion in this professional juried exhibition. This year's juror is Washington College alum and RiverArts Education Coordinator, Kris Kelley.

Please join us in celebrating our vibrant culture of arts and creativity at Washington College!

GALLERY HOURS:
Tues, Thurs, Fri 1:30-5pm
Wed 4-7pm
Sat 12-3pm

Other times available by appointment only.

Directed by Prof. LaRonika Thomas |  A Playwrighting SCE by Sophia Rooks ‘23

Literature's first monster takes to the stage in a play adaption of the book, Grendel! This is a playwriting SCE that is about the antagonist of the classic book, Beowulf; in a prequel that gives insight into the character of Grendel. This adaptation will be focusing on the main character's own philosophies that constantly shift, and how nature and nurture can combat against each other. This SCE is also focused on themes of environmentalism, and how humans are constantly encroaching on other's environments.

The class will be held at the Clay Studio (and in the street nearby) from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm on Saturday April 1st.

This one-day workshop introduces the fundamentals of raku to students of any experience level. Students will learn the process of raku firing by glazing self-supplied bisque ware, learning how to load and unload a raku kiln, and experiencing smoked reduction. Students may participate in the process throughout, if they feel comfortable to do so! Come observe, learn, and participate as Brett will fire his kilns many times in a single day.

The 14th Annual Kent County Poetry Festival, a partnership with The Bookplate and The Rose O'Neill Literary House, will be on Saturday April 1, 2023. The Main Event is Saturday evening, April 1 at 7 pm at Norman James Theater, Washington College. and will feature Poet Patricia Spears Jones, in conversation with Maureen Corrigan from NPR's FreshAir.

Arkansas born and raised; resident of New York City for more than four decades, Patricia Spears Jones is the recipient of The Jackson Poetry Prize, one the most prestigious awards for American Poets via Poets & Writers, Inc. The $50,000 prize is among the most substantial given to an American poet and is designed to provide what all poets need: time and encouragement to write. She is the eleventh winner. In language that is simultaneously sensuous, wise-cracking, explicit, and rollicking, Spears Jones describes a world rich in beauty and longing, with pain tempered always by joy.

Spears Jones was named by Essence as one of its “40 Poets They Love” in 2010. She is author of the poetry collections: Painkiller and Femme du Monde from Tia Chucha Press and The Weather That Kills from Coffee House Press and five chapbooks including Living in the Love Economy. Her fourth collection, A Lucent Fire: New and Selected Poems is out from White Pine Press (White Pine Press Distinguished Poets series) which features her 2016 Pushcart Prize winning poem, “Etta James at the Audubon Ballroom.” She was a finalist for the William Carlos Williams Prize from the Poetry Society of America and the Paterson Prize from the Passaic County Community College. Her work is widely anthologized. In 2015 she received a Barbara Deming Memorial Fund award for her memoir in progress.

Collector’s Preview – Saturday, April 1, 10-5
April First Friday – Friday, April 7, 5-7pm

Featuring Kathryn O’Grady, Heidi Fowler, Zemma Mastin White, Blake Conroy, Katherine Cox, Grace Mitchell, Kenneth Schiano, Catherine Kernan, Jonathan Mort, Deborah Weiss, Nicole Fall, Carol Rowan and Eve Stockton.

Our RECYCL'ART Month-Long Program in honor of Earth Day will educate the community about making art from recycled materials, promote local ecological awareness and green practices! The Lead Artist for this program is Kayti Didriksen, an artist that works primarily with recycled and found materials. Her expertise and knowledge will assist our YOU in the conception and execution of your recycled art project. The program will culminate in an exhibition of the works in the RiverArts Gallery.

Learn the mindset, tips, and tricks to get started on your own recycled art project!

Happiness Hour is a time for grown-ups to explore their powers of creativity. Join us to try your hand at something new and leave a little happier than you arrived!

Featured Project: Origami Flowers

Learn how to fold several different styles of origami flowers and create a gorgeous bouquet.

All supplies will be provided. You are also welcome to bring unique materials to customize your creations. Space is limited and registration is required for this FREE program.

Practice your modge podge skills and create a one-of-a-kind picture frame!

All supplies provided. Space is limited.

Please register. Ages 5+

Our RECYCL'ART Month-Long Program in honor of Earth Day will educate the community about making art from recycled materials, promote local ecological awareness and green practices! The Lead Artist for this program is Kayti Didriksen, an artist that works primarily with recycled and found materials. Her expertise and knowledge will assist our YOU in the conception and execution of your recycled art project. The program will culminate in an exhibition of the works in the RiverArts Gallery.

Explore elements of design with 2-D recycled materials in this hands-on workshop.

Necessary Trouble: Truthtelling and Changemaking in America, an art exhibit of Americans Who Tell the Truth portraits by Robert Shetterly begins with this film screening of Truth Tellers by Richard Kane.

"Truth Tellers is a new documentary film chronicling the lives of courageous Americans fighting for racial equity, climate justice and indigenous rights through the eyes of Robert Shetterly, a long time activist and artist. The film explores the intersection of these issues stressing the urgency of coming together to confront them."

A Performance SCE from Archer Bergman ‘23

Scott Robinson is a virtuosic, multi-instrument jazz musician who has played with Lionel Hampton, Paquito D’Rivera and Buck Clayton – on trumpet, alto clarinet, alto, tenor, and the formidable bass saxophone. He has performed at Carnegie Hall, The Village Vanguard, The Smithsonian Institution, and for U.S. presidents. Leonard Feather of Down Beat Magazine has praised his career accomplishments and recordings with 5-Star reviews.

Create fantastic florals while learning the basics of still-life watercolors!

Explore a garden of pictures to find reference images of your favorite spring flowers and bring them to life with watercolor techniques and your unique creativity.

Ages 13-17

Space is limited. Please register!

Pizza and Make a Thing is a program series for teens where we eat pizza and make a thing.

Create fantastic florals while learning the basics of still-life watercolors!

Explore a garden of pictures to find reference images of your favorite spring flowers and bring them to life with watercolor techniques and your unique creativity.

Ages 13-17

Space is limited. Please register!

Pizza and Make a Thing is a program series for teens where we eat pizza and make a thing.

Our RECYCL'ART Month-Long Program in honor of Earth Day will educate the community about making art from recycled materials, promote local ecological awareness and green practices! The Lead Artist for this program is Kayti Didriksen, an artist that works primarily with recycled and found materials. Her expertise and knowledge will assist our YOU in the conception and execution of your recycled art project. The program will culminate in an exhibition of the works in the RiverArts Gallery.

All your questions about recycling answered by experts! Learn more about how YOU can make a difference!

Cost: $75 per participant

Adults and teens welcome!

Make a cool turtle creation in the steampunk style. Steampunk art incorporates elements from both the mechanical Industrial revolution era and romantic Victorian designs. Your turtle can be decorated with all types of embellishments for a fun keepsake project. All supplies are included, although you are welcome to bring broken jewelry, watches, or other baubles to include.

Feel free to bring a drink of your choice & snacks to make the afternoon relaxing and fun!

Our RECYCL'ART Month-Long Program in honor of Earth Day will educate the community about making art from recycled materials, promote local ecological awareness and green practices! The Lead Artist for this program is Kayti Didriksen, an artist that works primarily with recycled and found materials. Her expertise and knowledge will assist our YOU in the conception and execution of your recycled art project. The program will culminate in an exhibition of the works in the RiverArts Gallery.

Explore elements of design with 3-D recycled materials in this hands-on workshop.

LOCATION: Casa Carmen Wines, 312 Cannon St, Chestertown, MD 21620

FEE: Must be 21 years of age with ID. $25 for Washington College students and RiverArts Members, $35 for all other registrants

Join RiverArts and Casa Carmen Wines for a night of crafting and wine! All supplies are included! Enjoy Casa's premium selection of wine and vermouth as you create your masterpiece in their bright and beautiful event space in Chestertown.

For more information about Casa Carmen Wines please visit: https://casacarmenwines.com/

Jeremy Burns is the Director of Music and organist at Epiphany Episcopal Church, Winchester, MA. Formerly, he served as associate organist at St. Thomas Fifth Avenue, NYC, and Church of the Advent, Boston, MA.

Directed by Nic Carter
More info coming soon!

The Washington College Concert Series presents Fanya Lin (piano). Described as a “striking interpreter” who gives a “committed and heartfelt performance” by Musical America and The New York Times, pianist Fanya Lin has captivated audiences worldwide with her charismatic and gripping performances.
For more information about Fanya Lin, please visit fanyalin.com.
To learn more, visit washcoll.edu/concert

CONTACT
concertseries@washcoll.edu

Individual tickets are $20 (adults) and $15 (non-WC College Students / Seniors 65 and over / WC Faculty and Staff). Youth 18 and under are free.

Come to the Chestertown Arts & Entertainment District’s ART WALK. Dozens of artists and artisans will be selling works at galleries, storefronts, restaurants and around town. Live music will also be happening throughout town.
For information email hester@kentculture.org or call the Kent Cultural Alliance at 410-778-3700

John Jorgenson is recognized by many critics and fans as one of the greatest guitarists on the world stage today. Jorgenson first came to national attention as co-founder of successful country-rock act The Desert Rose Band, with Chris Hillman (formerly of the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers). During that time he won the Academy of Country Music’s “Guitarist of the Year” award for two consecutive years.

Our RECYCL'ART Month-Long Program in honor of Earth Day will educate the community about making art from recycled materials, promote local ecological awareness and green practices! The Lead Artist for this program is Kayti Didriksen, an artist that works primarily with recycled and found materials. Her expertise and knowledge will assist our YOU in the conception and execution of your recycled art project. The program will culminate in an exhibition of the works in the RiverArts Gallery.

Evaluate the next steps of your recycl'ART project in a community setting with Artist Kayti Didriksen.

The Kent County High School Art Honor Society & Visual Arts Programs are creating a "field of poppies" installation honoring those who have worn our nation's uniform. It will be proudly displayed from May 23 through Memorial Day on the lawn of 400 High Street.

We are calling on community members to assist making hundreds, if not thousands, of ceramic poppies! How can you help? By attending a Poppy Workshop! While you are there, consider donating to the project by Sponsoring a Poppy. This will help support this public project and future art projects at KCHS.

This program is part of the Hedgelawn Classical Series at The Mainstay, in honor of Judy Kohl

The trio of Vladimir Fridman (classical guitar), Bruno Nasta (violin), and Bob Abbott (bass) have the ability to move flawlessly through Classical, Klezmer, and Latin-American music with spirit, soul and true virtuosity. Their personal influences bring together three different musical worlds in a program that includes popular classics, Argentinean tango, Brazilian bossa nova, gypsy jazz in the style of Django Reinhardt style and more...

The class will be held at the Clay Studio from 6 - 8:30 pm on Tuesdays, running from April 18th through May 23rd. (6 weeks)

This course introduces basic pottery wheel techniques to beginning students with a focus on throwing bowl and cylinder forms. Students will be shown the step-by-step process of wedging, centering, throwing, trimming, and glazing clay into finished pieces. Class time and the encouraged Open Studio practice time will enable students to create at their own level and improve their skills with clay.

Included with instruction is twenty-five pounds of cone 6 clay.

The Washington College Music Department presents our Music Department Student Showcase.

The class will be held at the Clay Studio from 6 - 8:30 pm on Wednesdays, running from April 19th through May 24th. (6 weeks)

This 6 week course is intended to be a "next step" for returning beginners. Students will expand and refine their skillset through skills instruction and weekly project assignment. This class is a great opportunity for you to move beyond the basic techniques and deepen your experience with wheel-thrown clay.

Included with instruction is twenty-five pounds of cone 6 clay (Standard Brown 112) and six Open Studio tickets.

Our RECYCL'ART Month-Long Program in honor of Earth Day will educate the community about making art from recycled materials, promote local ecological awareness and green practices! The Lead Artist for this program is Kayti Didriksen, an artist that works primarily with recycled and found materials. Her expertise and knowledge will assist our YOU in the conception and execution of your recycled art project. The program will culminate in an exhibition of the works in the RiverArts Gallery.

Explore elements of design with 2-D recycled materials in this hands-on workshop.

The class will be held at the Clay Studio from 6 - 8:30 pm on Thursdays, running from April 20th through June 8th. (8 weeks)

Students will be introduced to basic wheel techniques and informational context while learning to create hand-made pottery. This is an extended version of the basic wheel throwing class with additional class time devoted to the artistic process. The encouraged Open Studio practice time will enable students to create at their own level and improve their skills with clay.

Included with instruction is twenty-five pounds of cone 6 clay and six Open Studio tickets.

Directed by Katie Peacock ‘19
A Set Design SCE from Rose Hull ‘23

"On the Verge" by Eric Overmyer follows the misadventures of three Victorian explorers through the vast reaches of time and space. Pro- feminist lighted comedy that explores the philosophy behind the movement of time.

"Paint the Town" is very popular with plein air artists from all over the mid-Atlantic region because of the natural beauty of our area, with its many waterways, scenic farms, historic buildings and wonderful gardens This is a great opportunity for artists to get out of their studios and paint outdoors while enjoying Maryland's beautiful Eastern Shore. It is also a great weekend to network with peers and catch the attention of the town's local residents, visitors, art enthusiasts and collectors.

See more info at: https://community.chestertownriverarts.org/exhibit/paint-the-town-april-2023

Nearly 65 years after the death of Billie Holiday, music lovers still feast on Lady Day’s tunes. Join us as we’re treated to local favorite Karen Somerville’s sultry voice as she pays tribute to some of Billie’s greatest songs, along with poetry and anecdotes about jazz’s First Lady. Karen’s Mainstay program also acknowledges other classic vocalists who have kept Holiday's music at the forefront, including Abbie Lincoln, Nina Simone, Norah Jones and Madeleine Peyroux.

Our RECYCL'ART Month-Long Program in honor of Earth Day will educate the community about making art from recycled materials, promote local ecological awareness and green practices! The Lead Artist for this program is Kayti Didriksen, an artist that works primarily with recycled and found materials. Her expertise and knowledge will assist YOU in the conception and execution of your recycled art project. The program will culminate in an exhibition of the works in the RiverArts Gallery.

Visit us at the Earth Day Celebration hosted by the Chestertown Environmental Committee.

The Kent County High School Art Honor Society & Visual Arts Programs are creating a "field of poppies" installation honoring those who have worn our nation's uniform. It will be proudly displayed from May 23 through Memorial Day on the lawn of 400 High Street.

We are calling on community members to assist making hundreds, if not thousands, of ceramic poppies! How can you help? By attending a Poppy Workshop! While you are there, consider donating to the project by Sponsoring a Poppy. This will help support this public project and future art projects at KCHS.

Chestertown RiverArts Paint the Town: April 20-23

See more info at: https://community.chestertownriverarts.org/exhibit/paint-the-town-april-2023

The Department of Music Presents Washington College's Chorus and Jazz Combo (Directors Ernest Green and Ken Schweitzer). Come out and support the Chorus and Jazz Combo as they perform a number of different selections.

Our RECYCL'ART Month-Long Program in honor of Earth Day will educate the community about making art from recycled materials, promote local ecological awareness and green practices! The Lead Artist for this program is Kayti Didriksen, an artist that works primarily with recycled and found materials. Her expertise and knowledge will assist YOU in the conception and execution of your recycled art project. The program will culminate in an exhibition of the works in the RiverArts Gallery.

Explore elements of design with 3-D recycled materials in this hands-on workshop.

Dates: Thursday, April 27th, May 4, May 11 @ 6pm

Location: This class will meet at the Arts Education Center 200B High Street in downtown Chestertown (next to the RiverArts Clay Studio & across from Evergrain Bakery).

Cost: $125 per participant, $35 Materials Fee

In this 3 week, introduction to watercolor, instructor Jim Mahla will demonstrate various techniques, including brush handling, discuss color values and the color wheel. Students will learn to paint a color landscape from a drawing provided by the instructor. Students are welcome to bring in a photograph of their own to paint.

The Department of Music presents The Musicians' Union Showcase. Please join the student club, The Musicians’ Union, for their Spring Showcase concert at 7:30 PM in Decker Theater. Students will present solo and ensemble performances they have been developing this semester during club meetings. We hope to see you there!

The Bumper Jacksons revel in playing the sounds of authentic American roots music, from New Orleans street corners to Appalachian hollers. Unafraid to scrap together sounds from forgotten 78 records, they pay respectful homage to the traditions of vintage American music while fashioning their own unique, playful style.Your first impression may come from the voices of jazz clarinet and horns and swingy rhythms, plus Billie Holliday and Duke Ellington classics. But this masterfully gives way to the other ingredients in their lineup: fiddles and guitars, bouncy banjo, and country pedal steels.

Cost: $55 per participant, $10 Materials Fee

In the manner of her own collage work, Sheryl will lead this textural colorful workshop using a variety of beautiful mulberry paper scraps. Participants will create their own designs layering torn and cut paper. Other materials such as threads and beads may be introduced. A fun way to jumpstart your creative juices. All levels are welcome. No experience necessary.

To learn more about Sheryl and her work, please visit her website: https://www.sherylsouthwick.com

Our RECYCL'ART Month-Long Program in honor of Earth Day will educate the community about making art from recycled materials, promote local ecological awareness and green practices! The Lead Artist for this program is Kayti Didriksen, an artist that works primarily with recycled and found materials. Her expertise and knowledge will assist our YOU in the conception and execution of your recycled art project. The program will culminate in an exhibition of the works in the RiverArts Gallery.

Evaluate the next steps of your recycl'ART project in a community setting with Artist Kayti Didriksen.

Our RECYCL'ART Month-Long Program in honor of Earth Day will educate the community about making art from recycled materials, promote local ecological awareness and green practices! The Lead Artist for this program is Kayti Didriksen, an artist that works primarily with recycled and found materials. Her expertise and knowledge will assist our YOU in the conception and execution of your recycled art project. The program will culminate in an exhibition of the works in the RiverArts Gallery.

All your questions about recycling answered by experts! Learn more about how YOU can make a difference!