The Somerset County Arts Council holds an annual art exhibit for our younger students each year, exhibiting their art for one month. I am a member of the council, and today I was visiting with Earlene Colburne, the executive director, and thought I would snap a few shots of the artwork and building.
I love to watch kids paint or work on art projects. There are no rules in "kid world" when it comes to art. And they are all talented in their own ways. Alas, as they grow older, the majority of them put down their crayons and brushes forever.
I wish art were not an elective course. There is no telling how many great artists the world has lost to other lines of work. People who retain their natural art skills as they age will always have their art, no matter where they are in life. Art is always something you can pull out of your back pocket and play with. It is therapeutic and good for the soul.
Thanks to the Somerset Arts Council for giving the children a place in the limelight.
Chairs from the old Crisfield theater.
This is Earlene, hard at work. After she got off the phone, I gave her a little Q&A:What is your pet peeve?
We always have something that needs to be done, so I guess my pet peeve is calling people to fix or do things, and not having them call back.
What is your favorite article of clothing?
Tee shirts in the summer and sweaters in the winter.
What is your favorite color?
Yellow.
What is your favorite piece of jewelry?
A diamond heart necklace my husband gave me a few years ago on Christmas.
Who is your favorite artist?
Claude Monet.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
The Outer Banks of North Carolina.
What is the one thing you could not live without?
Sugar.
I am with you on that last one, Earlene!
This is Katie, keeper of the artwork. Katie refused an interview.
This is Mama Girl. Her art was featured in the gallery a few months ago.
This is Earlene with my husband. My husband is a folk/outsider artist (his style is typical of the way a child would paint), and he exhibited his Vietnam War art at the gallery last November(in honor of Veteran's Day). My husband paints both Vietnam War paintings and serene paintings of life around our bay. Below are examples of each. My husband was a USMC door gunner in Nam, and received the Purple Heart. 
Thanks to everyone who helps keep the council going!
The Somerset County Arts Council has monthly exhibits that range from fine art to kiddie art. They also hold an annual Just Folks Festival on the Crisfield City dock every July 4. All are welcome and admission is Free! Free is good.
If you would like to exhibit or join the council call: 410.968.2787.
Mailing address is:
26430 Burton Avenue
Crisfield, Maryland 21817
"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." - Pablo Picasso
