WYE MILLS — The arts are for everyone as emphasized by the second annual Eastern Shore Art Festival April 13.
Aiming to inspire a new generation of artists and showcase the wonderment of creativity, the Chesapeake College Todd Performing Arts Center came alive with a full-day of local artistry and creativity during the Eastern Shore Arts Festival.
This year’s festival had a significant focus on art opportunities for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, according to Michael Bell, Queen Anne’s County Public Schools supervisor of instruction for visual and performing arts.
Highlighting the eclectic imaginations of students, the first Senior Show featured artwork of seniors from both Queen Anne’s and Kent Island high schools.
Director of Arts at Chesapeake College, Robert Thompson with Bell presented Chesapeake Choice Awards along with additional top three awards.
“It was amazing to be able to give seniors their kudos and be able to show student work. For many of them it was really their first opportunity to present and it provided a unique opportunity to a bigger audience,” Bell said.
Inside the theater, a dance studio showcase graced the stage with original performances featuring studios including the Community College of Baltimore County Dance Company, Mid Shore Dance Academy, Step 1 Dance 2 Academy and To The Pointe Dance Studio.
Also captivating audiences was the performance of the Gunston Choir.
The Chesapeake Film Festival presented short student films and provided the opportunities for inspiring film buffs to learn about what happens behind the scenes.
Welcoming masters and students alike, inspiring artists were encouraged to explore new techniques and create something new with workshops on storytelling, improv, arts and crafts, dance, theatre, music, and film.
“It is a great way to bring in new experiences,” Bell said.
Adrienne Kraus Latanishen, teaching artist with the Carole Cascio Fund, led a contemporary dance class teaching inspiring dancers of all levels to “take up space,” and not to be afraid. Latanishen seeks to continually create more opportunities for dancing on the Eastern Shore.
“Dancing really mixes the best of both worlds, the art and the physical,” she said.
The mission of the Carole Cascio Fund is to connect students of all ages with a love of dancing intertwined with mind and movement, Executive Director Peter Pucci said.
The Carole Cascio Fund was excited for the opportunity to partner with the college, Pucci said.
The dance showcase sponsored by the Carole Cascio Fund provided a wonderful opportunity for different dance companies to meet and experience new dances, he said.
With a diverse offering of art, the Eastern Shore Arts Festival continues to be a strong community effort between the local organizations, teachers, dance companies and programs and looks forward to returning again.
“It has been a great collaboration,” Thompson said.
Additional opportunities to see student artwork will be at the ArtScene QACHS on April 23 and ArtScene KIHS on April 25, showcasing student artists in kindergarten through 12th grade. Both shows are free and open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
More information about Chesapeake College Todd Performing Arts Center can be found at https://www.chesapeake.edu/TPAC.
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