The results of Maryland’s 2015 legislative session include an increase in the General Fund appropriation for the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC). The increase brings MSAC’s total General Fund Appropriation for next fiscal year to a record $16.7m.

Through MSAC programs, these funds will continue to be invested in hundreds of arts organizations and programs that reach more than 7.5 million people that attend arts venues, events, classes and workshops annually.

"Art is a catalyst moving communities forward," said Mike Gill, Secretary of the Department of Business and Economic Development. "As evidenced by the positive influence of MSAC's programs, we are grateful to the Governor for his belief in the impact of the arts on our economy as well as our quality of life in Maryland."

Members of the Maryland State Arts Council wish to thank Maryland Citizens for the Arts and the many dedicated arts advocates for their efforts in securing funding that will sustain and grow our state’s dynamic and thriving arts scene.

During the April 20 annual meeting of the Arts & Entertainment (A&E) District Managers, Salisbury A&E District was presented with the Outstanding Achievement Award. MSAC recognized Salisbury A&E District's commitment to ongoing revitalization through partnerships, thriving arts centers, new businesses, and events that contributes to a vital community and growing economy.

Bill Pencek, Acting Assistant Secretary, Division of Tourism, Film, and the Arts presented the award to Lee F. Whaley and Constance Strott Co-Chairs of the Salisbury A&E District. "Salisbury's A&E District's renaissance is due to the exceptional work of district volunteers, stakeholders, and the city's support," said Pencek. "Congratulations on the great strides you have made in your community." Read more.

Pictured left to right: MSAC A&E District Program Director Pamela Dunne, Co-Chairs Salisbury A&E District, Constance Strott and Lee F. Whaley with Bill Pencek, Acting Assistant Secretary, Division of Tourism, Film, and the Arts.

The 5th Annual Maryland Traditions Folklife Festival, a one-day, free festival, celebrates the traditional arts, music, craft and food that epitomize Maryland’s distinct and dynamic cultural life.

Maryland's premier celebration of traditional arts returns on Saturday, June 13, 2015, 11am-7pm in and around the Creative Alliance, at the 3100 block of Eastern Ave., Baltimore.

Musical highlights include The Sherman Holmes Project with Brooks Long (Rhythm and Blues, Gospel and Soul) and Pablo Antonio y La Firma Tropical Extravaganza (Salsa, merengue, bachata, cumbia).

In addition, Urban Artistry presents a club dance battle, and attendees can enjoy a Crisfield Crab Picking Contest. Learn more.

MSAC’s Arts & Entertainment Program received the American Planning Association's National Planning Achievement Award for Economic Planning & Development in Seattle. Maryland is now home to 22 designated A&E Districts that contribute significantly to the state’s economy. The most recent study by the Regional Economic Studies Institute at Towson University's FY2014 Maryland Arts & Entertainment Districts Economic Impact Analysis showed that A&E Districts generate:

• 6,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs
• Nearly $571.4 million in total state GDP
• Approximately $38.5 million in total tax revenue impact. Read more.

Pictured left to right: APA Awards Jury chair W. Shedrick Coleman, MSAC Executive Director Theresa Colvin and MSAC Chair Carol Trawick with APA President William Anderson.

Governor Hogan recently appointed Julie Madden and Jack Rasmussen to the Maryland State Arts Council.

With a background in Decorative Arts and a commitment to arts advocacy, Julie Madden currently serves on the boards of the Maryland Commission on Artistic Property, Maryland Citizens for the Arts, and on the Baltimore Museum of Art’s Accessions Committee.

Jack Rasmussen is the Director and Curator of the American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center. He previously held Executive Director positions at di Rosa Preserve: Art & Nature, Maryland Art Place and Rockville Arts Place.

An Inside Look at Maryland's First Lady Yumi Hogan
The Capital-Gazette recently profiled First Lady Yumi Hogan. A reporter visited her classroom at the Maryland Institute of Art in Baltimore, spending time with Mrs. Hogan’s students, and then took a trip to Mrs. Hogan’s home studio in Annapolis. Read more.

A Homecoming for Toby Mendez
Artist Toby Mendez returned to his hometown with a visit to the Washington County Free Library on May 1. While there, he unveiled his bas-relief sculpture, "Our Journey Transports us through Time,” the largest piece of art he has ever created in his home county. Read more from The Herald-Mail.

Breaux Appointed NASAA CEO
The National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA) board of directors has appointed Pam Breaux as NASAA's chief executive officer. A native of Lafayette, LA, Breaux is completing her appointment as Assistant Secretary of the Office of Cultural Development at the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism (CRT). A former secretary of CRT and executive director of the Louisiana Division of the Arts, she will step into her new position on July 6, 2015.

Headquartered in Washington D.C., NASAA is a nonprofit, nonpartisan professional association serving the nation's state and jurisdictional arts councils. NASAA represents state arts agencies' individual and collective interests while advancing the arts as an essential public benefit.
Read more.

Foundation Board Purchases Avalon
Facing the prospect that third-party, private buyers could purchase the town-owned portion of the Avalon Theatre, the Avalon Foundation's Board decided to exercise a lease option and buy it themselves. Avalon Foundation Board of Trustees President Sue Bredekamp announced the move at the Easton Town Council meeting April 20. Read more from the Star Democrat.

High Five for Olney Theatre Center
Out of 17 nominations, Olney Theatre Center won five Helen Hayes Awards, tying with the Kennedy Center in number of awards received. The world premiere play, Colossal, was honored with four awards and actor Sam Ludwig was named Outstanding Lead Actor for his portrayal of J. Pierrepont Finch in How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying. Learn about more awardees.

Melding the traditions of vintage Rhythm & Blues and rock with the esthetics of classic singer/songwriters, Brooks Long brings old school into the 21st century in a style all his own. Whether by himself or with his backing band, the funky and righteous "Brooks Long and The Mad Dog No Good,” Brooks brings the kind of passion, energy, and humor rare in today's music scene.

Long, 29, will perform with The Sherman Holmes Project at the Maryland Traditions Folklife Festival, June 13 at the Creative Alliance at the Patterson, Baltimore.

Long first took guitar lessons at Bill's Music in Catonsville. Once before a lesson, he fooled around with a guitar he couldn't afford. A man heard him and asked Long to join his gospel band. Brooks' mother said she was driving him to either lessons or rehearsals, but not both. He chose the job, but the gospel group only lasted about three months. Since then he’s been teaching himself guitar through his favorite records ever since – for 15 years.

MSAC: What or who inspired you to become a musician?

Brooks Long: There are a few strong Sunday singers in my family; nobody played [instruments] growing up.
Read the full interview.

Despite not advancing on the "Voice", Pfau continues to work hard. He attributes his recent fame to his family, friends and the Myersville community. "That's the beautiful thing about being from a small town. People believe in you, and they encourage you because they really want these things to happen." Listen and watch here. (The Frederick News-Post)

Through May 10

Maryland Film Festival
Baltimore City

Through May 31

MD Federation of Art Spring Member Show
Annapolis

May 9

Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
Montgomery County

May 21

Del Fest
Cumberland

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