ArtFest at Maryland Hall Returns

By Barry Scher

After scaling back last year, the popular Maryland Hall ArtFest returns Sunday, March 27 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with more planned activities than ever before. ArtFest is an annual family-oriented event featuring a wide variety of hands-on demonstration activities for children and adults, a musical performance by the USNA Band, and dance performances and art exhibitions. All ArtFest activities are free and open to the public. Maryland Hall is located at 801 Chase Street in Annapolis.

The 12th annual ArtFest events will take place both outside on the massive Maryland Hall lawn and inside the historic building. There will be self-guided outdoor activities including live painting by Artist in Residence Luis Bello and space to explore the Nature Sacred Labyrinth and Patrick Dougherty’s large scale nature installation, “The Old Home Place.”  Inside activities and exhibits include special exhibits in the art galleries, demonstrations and hands-on activities with Maryland Hall’s Teaching Artists. The demonstrations and mini-workshops will incorporate tap, ballet and jazz dance performances, painting, portrait drawing, glass fusing, pottery, woodturning, and drone photography. 

Children and adults are invited to join in on a community art project. Art lovers will also have a chance to purchase one-of-a-kind pieces at the popular Seconds Sales hosted by Maryland Hall students featuring pottery, woodworking pieces and fused glass.   

 “ArtFest is a day to open our doors and campus to the community so everyone can come experience what Maryland Hall has to offer as the region’s cultural core,” says Katie Redmiles Barron, director of communications. “Come out and create some art with us!”

The U.S. Naval Academy Band will close out the celebration with a 4 p.m. community concert featuring various music genres from chamber music to jazz. Registration is recommended for the concert to guarantee seating: marylandhall.org/usnaband.

Chevy’s Fresh Tex-Mex Food Truck and Always Ice Cream will be on hand and the Café’ at Maryland Hall will also provide food, beverages, and treats for purchase. All attendees are asked to please wear masks inside regardless of vaccination status. Free parking is available on site.