Eight benches have been painted by local artists with shore images and will be placed on private and business properties around Historic Stevensville.
The Historic Stevensville Arts and Entertainment District was awarded a grant to paint and install public art benches as part of the Public Art Across Maryland program, a one-time initiative commemorating Maryland State Arts Council's 50th Anniversary of supporting public art and celebrating the arts in local communities.
The Historic Stevensville Arts & Entertainment District, in conjunction with the Maryland State Art Council, Chesapeake Charities and The Benchwarmers cordially invites the community to attend the Bench Project Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 2 p.m. June 23 at Rams Head Shore House in Stevensville. Light refreshments will be provided on a first come first serve basis. There will be a $15 admission fee collected from each guest to support future projects and programming of the A & E District.
A silent auction will be conducted during this event to raise funds for the Historic Stevensville Arts & Entertainment District. Another shore-themed bench will be offered for bidding during the silent auction.
Project benefactors include Rotary Club of Kent Island, American Legion Post 278, Elks Club No. 2576, Rosendale Realty, Boender Properties Inc., Long and Foster Realty of Kent Island, Chesapeake Environmental Lab, Inc. and Rams Head Shore House as well as the private property owners where these benches will reside.
"We are all very excited to showcase Historic Stevensville's first public art project," said QAC Tourism Coordinator Ashley Chenault. "The artists have been working very hard on the project and the entire board is excited to be bringing this asset to the community. The district is growing and glowing and we need more volunteers to help us continue with the great momentum we are building. I strongly encourage the community to join us in celebrating art, supporting small business and protecting the quaint community. If you know someone interested in volunteering to support the district, please have them call 410-604-2100 or email welcome@qac.org."