Kent County Arts and Entertainment Events- December 2023

Abstract works the 1960s to the present created by artists working in the mid-Atlantic region. Featuring 4 de Kooning lithographs, works borrowed from the collection of Academy Art Museum, and a selection of regional contemporary artists. Artists include: Willem de Kooning, Robert Motherwell, Paul Jenkins, Pat Steir, Richard Tuttle, Leon Berkowitz, Sam Gilliam, Paul Reed, Terry Parmelee, Anne Truitt, Natessa Amin, Adrienne Gaither, Heather Harvey, Claudia “Aziza” Gibson-Hunter, Andy Martinelli Clark, Brooke Rogers, Bill Schmidt, Hae Won Sohn.

Pottery Classes starting November 1, 2023 at Gallery 203.

November 3 - December 24, 2023
Inspired, creative gifts for everyone on your list. All items are one-of-a-kind, with styles ranging from folk to traditional to abstract to downright whimsical. All created by local artists and artisans. Our extended hours will make your holiday shopping convenient.

This year, we have TWO great locations to do your holiday shopping:
-RiverArts Main Gallery: 315 High Street, Suite 106
-RiverArts Gallery on High: 200B High Street

Directed by Hester Sachse

Many of us know Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel “Little Women.” It is the story of the March family, who live in a quiet Massachusetts town during the time of the Civil War. The March sisters face many challenges. A once wealthy family, their father has been called to the front, and the girls must adjust to a new way of life at home with their mother. As they transition from childhood to adulthood, they face many challenges with each other and in the world outside of their home. The work is an American classic for a reason - it captures the complexities of life and womanhood, simultaneously raising prominent issues often overlooked. Kate Hammil’s adaptation of “Little Women' brings the iconic 19th century story to a modern audience, focusing on current relevant issues while maintaining a conscious understanding of the March family as we know them. Hammil’s adaptation made its debut in 2019 at Cherry Lane Theater in New York City. Directed by Sarna Lapine, Hammil herself appeared in the production as Meg March. The Garfield Center's production opens Friday, December 1st and runs weekends through December 17th. Show times are 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 2pm on Sundays

The Washington College Department of Theatre and Dance presents Dancescape, directed by Professor Renee Gerardo.

The Museum and Community Partners are sharing a collection of exhibits created by Washington College students for use by Kent County museums. Exhibits include panels, virtual tours, audio clips, and other digital content. The five Museums included are:

Sumner Hall
The Waterman's Museum
The Worton Point Schoolhouse
Betterton Heritage Museum
Kent Museum

For his December First Friday program, pianist and impresario Joe Holt has produced an evening of seasonal music that pays tribute to jazz pianist/ composer Vince Guaraldi. Guaraldi scored it big in the 1960s with a hit record on AM radio. But no one could have predicted the next opportunity that came knocking on his door.

Join us for a glass of cheer!
Opening Reception
First Friday, December 1, 5-7 pm – High Street

Meredith & Marcy’s Book Party
Friday, December 15, 5-7 pm – High Street

Marcy Dunn Ramsey’s exhibition Distillations represents the work created over the summer and fall months and will be featured in the High Street gallery from December 1 - 30. Marcy’s cool blues and dancing reeds invite us to celebrate in the joys of winter.

At the Cross Street Gallery

First Friday Reception, December 1, 5-7 pm

New work by Gallery Artists and special guests. Give the gift of art!

STAR PAPER LANTERNS @ DICKENS
Date: Saturday, December 2, 2023
Time: 10am-4pm
Location: Dickens Heritage Village
211 High Street, Chestertown
Cost: $5 Suggested Donation
Registration Deadline: None! RSVP is appreciated but not required, drop in any time during the Festival!

Enjoy an afternoon of holiday shopping with Broken Spoke Winery, Crow Vineyard and Deep Blue at Kitty Knight. Purchase a Sip & Shop $16 shuttle ticket, and enjoy holiday shopping at Broken Spoke Winery, Crow Vineyard, and Deep Blue at Kitty Knight. Shuttles run 12-5 PM to each location. Park at the location of your choice, shop, and cross off those holiday lists!

The Music Department presents the Percussion and Steel Pan Ensembles. Percussion Ensemble directed by Eric Plewinski. Steel Band Ensemble directed by Dr. John Leupold.

Date: Monday, December 4, 2023
Time: 2-3pm
Location: Rock Hall Library
Cost: Free!
Registration Deadline: RSVP is appreciated but not required.

The Music Department presents the Washington College Rock Ensemble.

Date: Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Time: 6-7pm
Location: North County Library
Cost: Free!
Registration Deadline: Space is limited and registration is required for this FREE program.

Come for a night of holiday fun and crafting! Suggested projects and instruction will be provided along with a large supply of craft supplies- or make your very own creations! Fee includes up to 3 projects. Holiday music, snacks, and beverages will be provided, supplies are first come-first served.

Date: Thursday, December 7, 2023
Time: 5-7pm
Location: RiverArts @ 315 High Street
Cost: $20
Registration Deadline: Registration is appreciated but not required, drop in any time during the time frame!

WACappella, our a cappella group on campus, will be performing a selection of songs for their end of semester concert.

WACappella, our a cappella group on campus, will perform a selection of songs for their end of semester concert.

WACappella, our a cappella group on campus, will perform a selection of songs for their end of semester concert.

The Mainstay is delighted to present another musical celebration with the musical ensemble Harp and Soul’s seasonal visit, These perennial local favorites will offer a program they have titled “Harp and Soul: Songs of Hope and Peace.” The group consists of Meredith Hadaway (harp and concertina), Ben Bennington (guitar and vocals), Rebekah Hock (oboe), and Bob Ortiz (percussion and vocals). They will be joined by special guests, including singer/songwriter Pam Ortiz, pianist Joe Holt, and vocalist Sue Matthews.

Bring your friends and family to make gorgeous beaded snowflake ornaments perfect for your holiday tree, to hang in your window, or to give as gifts. Fee includes 1 glass of wine and all supplies.

Cost: $35 members, $40 non-members

Registration Deadline: Noon on Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Join us to create this fun and festival holiday portrait of a Hilander cow! Bring your friends, family, and snacks - all supplies provided, no painting experience necessary.

Date: Friday, December 15, 2023
Time: 6-8pm
Location: 315 High Street, Chestertown
Cost: $45
Registration Deadline: Noon on Wednesday, December 13, 2023

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

Enjoy the sounds of the season at our Holiday Concert featuring world-renowned vocalist, Sue Matthews, and acclaimed pianist, Stef Scaggiari! Doors will open at 6 PM for dining, limited menu. Dining reservations required.

While you are out for Artwalk, stop on by to create an adorable water-free holiday snowglobe inside a jar! All supplies provided including glues, figurines, snow, ribbon, and other fun crafting essentails.

Date: Saturday, December 16, 2023
Time: 1-3pm
Location: RiverArts Main Gallery
@ 315 High Street, Chestertown
Cost: $20
Registration Deadline: Registration is appreciated but not required, drop in any time during the time frame!

Come for a night of holiday fun and crafting! Suggested projects and instruction will be provided along with a large supply of craft supplies- or make your very own creations! Fee includes up to 3 projects. Holiday music, snacks, and beverages will be provided, supplies are first come-first served.

Date: Friday, December 22, 2023
Time: 5-7pm
Location: RiverArts @ 315 High Street
Cost: $20
Registration Deadline: Registration is appreciated but not required, drop in any time during the time frame!

Kids are welcome to come and for some holiday craft fun! Suggested projects and instruction will be provided along with a large supply of craft supplies- or make your very own creations!

Date: Friday, December 22, 2023
Time: 1-3pm
Location: KidSPOT @ 315 High Street
Cost: Free
Registration Deadline: Registration is appreciated but not required, drop in any time during the time frame!